Choosing between two competing technical standards can be difficult. There isn't much information to help consumers compare the reasons HDMI cables are separate from the newer DisplayPort. What is the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort? You need to know the four main differences between HDMI and DisplayPort cables.

The Connector

The three main HDMI cables typically have 19 pins and come in five shapes. Type a HDMI cables are commonly used in laptops, televisions and projectors. The type b mini HDMI cable is available for some laptops and tablets. The d micro HDMI cable is also suitable for some laptops and tablets. The type b cable has 29 pins and is designed for double-chain applications, while the type e cable has a locking mechanism for use in the automotive industry.

The DisplayPort connector has 20 pins in two sizes. There is a standard size selection and a smaller selection similar to thunder. Most connectors have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnection. Note, however, that this feature is not officially required.

Bandwidth & resolution

The standard DisplayPort refresh rate is 60 Hz, while the most common HDMI refresh rate is half of 30 Hz. HDMI 2.0 hardware can support up to 18 GB of bandwidth per second. However, you should remember to look at the version Numbers and source code on your monitor, not to compare them.

The Audio features

Both the HDMI and DisplayPort connectors support eight digital audio channels of 24 bits and 192 kHz. The main difference between the two is that HDMI has an audio return channel, meaning that sound can be transmitted in both directions on the TV.

The HDMI and DisplayPort cables seem very different, but are still trying to get the same results. However, DisplayPort seems to be able to address the shortcomings of traditional cables while meeting the needs of the latest technological breakthroughs. By understanding the difference, you will be able to make smarter decisions about the smartest choices.