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Difference between HDMI and DisplayPort
There are two types of digital audio and video interfaces namely, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and DisplayPort that are used for connecting a source device and an output device. Both HDMI and DisplayPort are extensively being used in several modern devices such as computers, TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, etc.
In this article, we will discuss the important differences between HDMI and DisplayPort. But before discussing the differences, let us first discuss their basics.
What is HDMI?
HDMI is the abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI is also a digital interface developed for transmitting high quality video and audio signals from a source device like DVD player to a display device like a TV.
HDMI were developed by a group of companies (Hitachi, Philips, Panasonic, Sony, Silicon Image, Thomson, and Toshiba) in 2002. HDMI is a modern digital interface that supports both analog and digital signals. Therefore, it is capable of transmitting high-definition video signals, multichannel audio signals, control signals, Ethernet signals and many more through a single cable. It has a small rectangular shape connector with 19 pins.
HDMI has become a standard display interface for computers, laptops, TVs, gaming devices, etc. The compact versions like mini and micro-HDMI ports are also being used in portable electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, PDAs, etc. HDMI also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) video outputs.
Over a time period, several versions of HDMI have been developed, such as HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, etc. Therefore, HDMI is being widely used in several electronic devices like computers, TVs, and many other multimedia devices.
What is DisplayPort?
DisplayPort is a type of digital audio and video interface that is used for connecting a source device and a display device like monitor, TV, projector, etc.
DisplayPort is capable of transmitting high-quality video and audio signals from source to output device through a single cable. Another important point about DisplayPort is that it is better than HDMI in terms of performance, flexibility, and resolution support. It can support higher resolutions, such as 4k at 120 Hz or 8k at 60 Hz.
DisplayPort was developed in 2006 by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). Where, VESA is a large consortium of electronics manufacture, including Sony, Panasonic, Silicon Image, and Toshiba.
DisplayPort supports a wider color spectrum that provides more bright and vivid colors. Like HDMI, DisplayPort also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range). It can also be used for connecting multiple displays together in a linear series. Hence, DisplayPort is very useful when we require to display content on multiple display screens.
Another important advantage of DisplayPort is that it supports several different types of connectors like standard DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB-C connector with DisplayPort Alt Mode, etc. Therefore, it is compatible with a wider range of display devices.
Hence, DisplayPort is a high-performance and versatile digital audio and video interface that is used for connecting display devices to source devices like computer, Blue-Ray Disk players, etc.
Difference between HDMI and DisplayPort
The following table highlights all the major differences between HDMI and DisplayPort −
Parameter |
HDMI |
DisplayPort |
|---|---|---|
Basic |
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital audio and video interface developed for connecting source devices and display devices. |
DisplayPort is a digital video and audio interface that is developed for connecting display computer monitors and other display devices to transmit high-quality audio and video signals between them. |
Launch date |
HDMI was launched in 2002. |
DisplayPort was launched in 2006. |
Designer |
HDMI were developed by a group of companies (Hitachi, Philips, Panasonic, Sony, Silicon Image, Thomson, and Toshiba). |
DisplayPort was designed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association). |
Screen Resolution |
HDMI supports lower screen resolutions; it is typically limited to 4k at 60 Hz. |
DisplayPort supports higher resolutions, typically 4k at 120 Hz and 8k at 60 Hz. |
Price |
HDMI cables are relatively less expensive. |
DisplayPort cables are more expensive than HDMI. |
Versions |
HDMI’s current versions are HDMI 1.0, HDMI 1.1, HDMI 1.2, HDMI 1.2a, HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.0a, HDMI 2.0b, and HDMI 2.1. |
The current versions of DisplayPort are 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.4a, 2.0, and 2.1. |
Types |
There are five main types of HDMI cables namely, Standard HDMI, Type-B HDMI, Mini HDMI, Micro HDMI, and Type-E HDMI. |
There are two main types of DisplayPort cables namely, Standard DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort. |
MST Support |
HDMI does not support MST (Multi-Stream Transport). Thus, it cannot be used for daisy-chain multiple display devices together. |
DisplayPort supports MST (Multi-Stream Transport). Hence, it can be used for daisy chain multiple displays together. |
Audio support |
HDMI supports more audio formats like DTS:X, Dolby Atoms, etc. making it suitable for home theater setups. |
DisplayPort supports lesser audio formats than HDMI. |
Color spectrum |
HDMI supports only sRGB color spectrum. |
DisplayPort supports a wider color spectrum. It also supports the DCI-P3 color spectrum that is used in the film industry. |
Transmission distance |
HDMI can be used to transmit signals over shorter distances, typically up to 25 feet. |
DisplayPort can be used to transmit signals over longer distances, typically up to 50 feet. |
Maximum color depth |
HDMI has higher maximum color depth, typically up to 30 bits per pixel. |
DisplayPort supports relatively lower maximum color depth, up to 24 bits per pixel. |
Refresh rate |
HDMI supports a lower refresh rate that is limited to 120 Hz. |
DisplayPort supports higher refresh rates up to 240 Hz. |
Compatibility |
HDMI is compatible with various different types of devices. |
DisplayPort is compatible with limited number of devices, such as monitors, gaming consoles, etc. |
Pin configuration |
HDMI connectors have 19 pins. |
DisplayPort connectors have 20 pins. |
Bandwidth |
HDMI supports a lower bandwidth which limits it to support lower resolutions and refresh rates. |
DisplayPort supports a higher bandwidth. Hence, it can support higher resolutions and refresh rates. |
ARC Support |
HDMI supports ARC (Audio Return Channel). Hence, HDMI allows audio signals to be sent from TV set back to an audio device like a loudspeaker. |
DisplayPort does not support ARC (Audio Return Channel). |
Power delivery |
HDMI cannot supply power to connected devices. |
DisplayPort (USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode) can supply power to the connected devices. |
Applications |
HDMI is mainly used in HDTVs, gaming consoles, TV set-top boxes, monitors, projectors, etc. |
DisplayPort is widely used in computer monitors, laptops for external display connection, graphic cards, virtual reality headsets, etc. |
Conclusion
Both HDMI and DisplayPort are used to connect source devices and display devices for high-quality audio and video signal transmission. The most significant difference between them is in their application, i.e. HDMI is mainly used in consumer electronics like home theaters, PCs, laptops, etc., whereas, DisplayPort is primarily used in high-end computing devices like computer monitors, gaming consoles, VR headsets, etc.
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