DP (DisplayPort) and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) are two common video interface standards, developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) and HDMI Alliance respectively. They can both transmit high-definition video and audio signals, but there are some technical and functional differences. Therefore, in some occasions, we may need to use DP to HDMI cable to connect different devices, such as laptops and monitors, or game consoles and TVs.
DP to HDMI cables are of two types: active and passive. What are their principles and differences? How to choose a DP to HDMI cable that suits you?
The principle of active DP to HDMI cable is: put a conversion chip in the DP end, actively convert the DP signal into an HDMI signal, and then output it through the HDMI end. The advantage of active DP to HDMI cable is high compatibility, can support higher resolution and refresh rate, such as 3840x2160 60Hz, and can also support more audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos. The disadvantage of active DP to HDMI cable is that the price is higher than that of non-active DP conversion cable.
The principle of the passive DP to HDMI cable is to directly transmit signals between the DP end and the HDMI end without any chip or power supply. This type of DP to HDMI cable utilizes the dual-mode function of the DP interface, that is, it can output DP signals or compatible DVI or HDMI signals. The advantages of the passive DP to HDMI cable are low price, small size, and no need for additional power supply. The disadvantages of the passive DP to HDMI cable are low compatibility, only supporting lower resolutions and refresh rates, such as 1920x1080p 60Hz, and not supporting some advanced audio formats.
So, in actual applications, how should we choose active or passive DP to HDMI cables? This mainly depends on the devices we want to connect and the needs. Here are some reference suggestions:
01. If the devices we want to connect all support the DP interface and only need to transmit video signals, then we can directly use ordinary DP cables to connect.
02. If the devices we want to connect all support the HDMI interface and only need to transmit video signals, then we can directly use ordinary HDMI cables to connect.
03. If one of the devices we want to connect supports DP interface and the other supports HDMI interface, and only needs to transmit video signals, and the resolution and refresh rate do not exceed 1920x1080p 60Hz, then we can use a passive DP to HDMI cable.
04. If one of the devices we want to connect supports DP interface and the other supports HDMI interface, and needs to transmit video and audio signals, and the resolution and refresh rate do not exceed 1920x1080p 60Hz, and the audio format is not too complicated, then we can also use a passive DP to HDMI cable.
05. If one of the devices we want to connect supports DP interface and the other supports HDMI interface, and needs to transmit video and audio signals, and the resolution and refresh rate need to reach 3840x2160 60Hz or the audio format is more complicated, then we need to use an active DP to HDMI cable.
There are also some differences between active and passive DP to HDMI cables in application areas and application solutions. Here are some typical examples:
01. If we want to connect a laptop (supporting DP interface) to a monitor (supporting HDMI interface), and we only need to watch some office documents or web pages, and do not need high-definition picture quality or stereo sound effects, then we can use a passive DP to HDMI cable.
02. If we want to connect a laptop (supporting DP interface) to a monitor (supporting HDMI interface), and want to enjoy 4K resolution or HDR effects, and listen to some high-fidelity music or film and television works, then we need to use an active DP to HDMI cable.
03. If we want to connect a game console (supporting DP interface) to a TV (supporting HDMI interface), and want to play some high-definition or high-frame rate games, and experience some immersive sound effects or surround sound effects, then we also need to use an active DP to HDMI cable.
