Display Interface Types Explained
🔌 Mainstream Display Interface Overview
Current Mainstream Interfaces
- HDMI: Most common, supports audio transmission
- DisplayPort (DP): High-end preferred, larger bandwidth
- USB-C: Emerging standard, supports single-cable connection
- DVI: Gradually phased out, video transmission only
- VGA: Basically obsolete, analog signal
📺 HDMI Interface Explained
HDMI Version Comparison
| Version | Max Bandwidth | Supported Resolution | Release Date | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | 10.2 Gbps | 4K@30Hz | 2009 | First 4K support |
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps | 4K@60Hz | 2013 | Mainstream 4K support |
| HDMI 2.1 | 48 Gbps | 8K@60Hz 4K@120Hz | 2017 | Next-gen standard |
HDMI Advantages
- ✅ High Popularity: Almost all devices support it
- ✅ Audio Transmission: Simultaneous video and audio transmission
- ✅ Backward Compatibility: New versions compatible with old ones
- ✅ Consumer Standard: Optimized for home entertainment
HDMI Limitations
- ❌ Bandwidth Limits: HDMI 2.0 limits 4K@144Hz
- ❌ Refresh Rate Support: High refresh rate support not as good as DP
- ❌ Professional Features: Lacks some professional features
Practical Usage Advice
- Gaming Console Connection: HDMI is standard
- 4K@60Hz: HDMI 2.0 sufficient
- 4K High Refresh: Requires HDMI 2.1
- 1080P/2K: Any version is sufficient
🖥️ DisplayPort Explained
DisplayPort Version Comparison
| Version | Max Bandwidth | Supported Resolution | Release Date | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP 1.2 | 21.6 Gbps | 4K@60Hz | 2010 | Multi-screen daisy chain |
| DP 1.4 | 32.4 Gbps | 4K@120Hz 8K@60Hz | 2016 | HDR support |
| DP 2.0 | 80 Gbps | 16K@60Hz 4K@240Hz | 2019 | Future standard |
DisplayPort Advantages
- ✅ High Bandwidth: Supports higher resolution and refresh rates
- ✅ Gaming Features: Better G-Sync/FreeSync support
- ✅ Multi-screen Support: Daisy chain connection for multiple displays
- ✅ Professional Features: More high-end features
DisplayPort Disadvantages
- ❌ Popularity: Not as widespread as HDMI
- ❌ Audio Support: Supports audio but not as comprehensive as HDMI
- ❌ Consumer Devices: Many devices don't have DP ports
Mini DisplayPort
- Application: Common in laptops
- Conversion Need: Usually requires conversion cable
- Performance: Same as standard DP
🔄 USB-C / Thunderbolt
USB-C Display Function
Technical Standard: USB-C Alt Mode (DisplayPort)
Supported Capabilities
- Video: Up to 4K@60Hz (depends on specific implementation)
- Audio: Supports digital audio transmission
- Power: Simultaneously charges devices (up to 100W)
- Data: Simultaneous data transmission
Main Advantages
- ✅ Single Cable Solution: Video + Audio + Charging + Data
- ✅ Portability: Especially suitable for laptop users
- ✅ Future Trend: More and more devices adopting it
- ✅ Bidirectional Charging: Can charge laptops
Usage Considerations
- Specification Differences: Not all USB-C supports video output
- Bandwidth Limits: Resolution and refresh rate limitations
- Compatibility: Need to confirm device support
📊 Interface Selection Guide
Choose by Usage Scenario
High Refresh Rate Gaming
First Choice: DisplayPort 1.4
- 2K@165Hz: ✅ DisplayPort, ❌ HDMI 2.0
- 4K@120Hz: ✅ DP 1.4, ✅ HDMI 2.1
4K Office/Entertainment
Recommendation: HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.2
- Both support 4K@60Hz
- HDMI more common on consumer devices
Laptop Extension
First Choice: USB-C (if supported)
- Single cable for all functions
- Alternative: Mini DP conversion
Multi-display Setup
First Choice: DisplayPort
- Supports daisy chain connection
- Reduces port usage
Choose by Resolution and Refresh Rate
| Resolution & Refresh Rate | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | DP 1.2 | DP 1.4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080P@144Hz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2K@144Hz | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 4K@60Hz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 4K@120Hz | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
🚫 Common Misconceptions
❌ "Expensive Cables Have Better Effects"
Reality:
- Digital signals don't have "sound quality" differences
- Just need to support bandwidth requirements
- Overly expensive cables are a waste of money
❌ "HDMI is Worse Than DP"
Reality:
- Same performance within supported range
- Choice depends on specific needs
- HDMI more practical in certain scenarios
❌ "Newer Interface is Always Better"
Reality:
- Sufficient is good, don't over-pursue
- New interfaces may have compatibility issues
- Consider existing device interface types
🛠️ Practical Purchase Advice
When Buying Displays
- Confirm GPU Interface: Check what interfaces your GPU has
- Match Resolution & Refresh Rate: Ensure interface supports target specs
- Consider Expandability: Future upgrade needs
- Prepare Conversion Cables: If interfaces don't match
Cable Selection
- Length: Sufficient is enough, too long may affect signal
- Certification: Choose products with certification marks
- Budget: No need for overly expensive, mid-range price is fine
Common Problem Solutions
- No Signal: Check cable and interface matching
- Wrong Resolution: Confirm interface bandwidth support
- Refresh Rate Limits: May be interface version issue
Next Section: Brightness & Contrast - Understanding display brightness related parameters
📋 Interface Selection Quick Reference Table
Common Configuration Recommendations
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1080P Gaming | HDMI 2.0 / DP 1.2 | Both sufficient |
| 2K Gaming | DP 1.4 | High refresh needs DP |
| 4K Office | HDMI 2.0 / DP 1.2 | 60Hz sufficient |
| 4K Gaming | DP 1.4 / HDMI 2.1 | High refresh needs new version |
| Laptop Extension | USB-C | Single cable connection |
| Multi-screen Office | DisplayPort | Supports daisy chain |