What is USB-C and HDMI?
USB-C, also known as USB Type-C, is a type of USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector that was introduced in 2014. Within all the different types of USB cables and ports, it's known for its small size and ability to be plugged in any orientation, unlike its predecessors which required a specific direction for insertion. The USB-C connector is highly versatile as it can deliver both high power and high data transfer rates. This makes it an ideal choice for use with a range of devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), on the other hand, is a proprietary audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed video data and compressed/uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI-compliant source device (like display controller) to a compatible PC monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital audio device. Introduced in the market in 2002, HDMI is a popular interface used in a range of devices including televisions, laptops, and game consoles. It allows users to connect different devices together, enabling the transmission of high-quality, high-definition audio and video.
Differences between USB-C and HDMI
There are significant differences between USB-C and HDMI in many aspects. These differences are mainly reflected in data transmission speed, interface design, functional diversity and application scenarios.
1. Data transmission speed
HDMI: The data transmission speed of the HDMI interface is affected by its version. Currently, the HDMI 2.0 standard supports a maximum data transmission speed of 18 Gbps, which is sufficient to meet the transmission needs of high-definition video and audio. However, as display technology continues to evolve, the need for higher bandwidth also increases.
USB-C: The data transfer speed of the USB-C interface is even better. By supporting protocols such as USB 3.1 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3, the USB-C interface can reach data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. This speed far exceeds HDMI 2.0, providing users with a smoother video and audio transmission experience.
2. Interface design
HDMI: The HDMI interface adopts a one-way plug-in design, that is, it can only be plugged forward, and the physical interface is relatively large. This design may cause some inconvenience when wiring, especially in environments with limited space.
USB-C: The USB-C interface adopts a unified inverted plug-in design, realizing the convenience of forward and reverse plug-in. At the same time, the shape of its physical interface is smaller, which not only saves space, but also improves the portability and aesthetics of the device. In addition, the USB-C interface also supports the unification of multiple functions, such as data transmission, charging, video output, etc., which greatly simplifies the interface design of the device.
3. Functional Diversity
HDMI: The HDMI interface is mainly used to transmit high-definition video and audio signals, and is an ideal choice for connecting display devices such as TVs and projectors. However, its functions are relatively simple and are mainly limited to the field of audio and video transmission.
USB-C: The functions of the USB-C interface are richer and more diverse. In addition to supporting high-speed data transmission, it can also be used for charging (including fast charging and reverse charging), video output (through protocols such as DisplayPort), and connecting various external devices (such as hard drives, monitors, etc.). This versatility has made the USB-C interface widely used in modern electronic devices.
4. Application scenarios
HDMI: HDMI interface is widely used in the connection between audio and video equipment such as TVs, projectors, game consoles, and Blu-ray players. It provides users with a high-quality audio and video transmission experience and is an indispensable part of home entertainment and commercial displays.
USB-C: The USB-C interface is widely used in various electronic devices because of its versatility and convenience. From smartphones and tablets to laptops, monitors, etc., the USB-C interface has become one of the important standards for connecting modern electronic devices. It not only simplifies the interface design of the device, but also improves the compatibility and overall performance of the device.
Which is better? USB-C or HDMI?
USB-C and HDMI are two different types of ports with their own advantages and disadvantages. USB-C is a newer, more versatile port that can carry power, data, and video signals, while HDMI is an older port dedicated mainly to carrying high-definition video and audio signals. USB-C offers several advantages over HDMI, such as faster transfer of data speeds (up to 40 Gbps for USB-C compared to 18 Gbps for HDMI 2.0), the ability to charge devices while transferring data, and a reversible connector for easier plugging.
On the other hand, HDMI provides a more stable connection for watching movies and TV shows due to its dedicated purpose for high-definition video and audio. Overall, for most applications today that require transferring video and data, USB-C is the better choice due to its versatility, faster speeds, and convenience. However, for applications that require a dedicated, stable video connection, HDMI still reigns supreme due to its widespread compatibility.
