## **HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which is the Better Choice?**

As a seasoned professional in the field of audio-visual technology, I'm frequently asked about the differences between HDMI and DisplayPort. Both of these interfaces are capable of transmitting high-quality audio and video signals, but there are some key distinctions that may influence your choice between the two.

Interface Type

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and it is a proprietary digital interface developed by a consortium of consumer electronics manufacturers. DisplayPort, on the other hand, is an open digital interface standard developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). This difference in ownership structure means that HDMI devices are typically more expensive than DisplayPort devices, as manufacturers must pay licensing fees to use the HDMI technology.

Connector Type

HDMI connectors are typically flat and rectangular, with 19 pins arranged in two rows. DisplayPort connectors are also flat and rectangular, but they are slightly narrower than HDMI connectors and have 20 pins arranged in four rows.

Supported Resolutions and Refresh Rates

Both HDMI and DisplayPort can support high resolutions and refresh rates. However, DisplayPort has a slight edge in this area, as it can support resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 144Hz. HDMI 2.1 can support resolutions up to 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz.

Audio Support

Both HDMI and DisplayPort can transmit multi-channel audio, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. However, DisplayPort has the advantage of being able to transmit audio over a separate channel, which can reduce latency and improve audio quality.

Other Features

DisplayPort also supports a number of other features that HDMI does not, including:

* Adaptive Sync: This feature allows the display to synchronize its refresh rate with the graphics card, which can reduce screen tearing and improve the gaming experience.
* Multi-Stream Transport (MST): This feature allows multiple displays to be connected to a single DisplayPort output, which can be useful for creating video walls or other multi-monitor setups.
* VirtualLink: This feature allows a single USB-C cable to be used to connect a laptop to an external display, providing both video and power.

Conclusion

Both HDMI and DisplayPort are capable of transmitting high-quality audio and video signals. However, DisplayPort has a slight edge in terms of supported resolutions and refresh rates, audio support, and other features. If you are looking for the best possible audio-visual experience, DisplayPort is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or you do not need the most advanced features, HDMI is a good option.

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If you're looking to connect a computer to a monitor, there's no reason not to use DisplayPort. The cables are roughly the same price as HDMI. The video signal over DVI is basically the same as HDMI. The maximum resolution potential depends on the equipment, though.read more >>