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VGA(Video Graphics Array)
DVI(Digital Visual Interface)
HDMI(High Definition Multimedia Interface)
DP(DisplayPort)
USB(Universal Serial Bus)
Supported Resolutions: HDMI vs DP
Conclusion
Video connectors are commonly used in external devices such as TVs, projectors, monitors, and game consoles. With the rapid development of 4K and 8K ultra-high-definition video displays and high-speed data transmission networks, video connectors are constantly being updated and iterated. Different display devices support different types of video connectors. Understanding different types of video connectors will help you connect different devices faster.
VGA
VGA (Video Graphics Array) is also called D-Sub interface, an earlier video connector. It is a computer display standard using analog signals proposed by IBM in 1987. The VGA interface has 15 pins, divided into 3 rows, with 5 holes in each row. It is the most widely used interface type on graphics cards, and most graphics cards have this interface. It supports a maximum resolution of 2048*1536@60HZ, and the cable length should not exceed 15 meters. Otherwise, the transmission signal may be affected.
DVI
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) was established at the Intel Developer Forum in September 1998. DVI can transmit digital signals without digital-to-analog conversion, so the picture quality is very high. There are many specifications for DVI interfaces, the most common ones are DVI-D (18/24+1) and DVI-I (18/24+5) (can be converted to VGA). DVI-D can only transmit digital signals and can be used to connect graphics cards and flat-screen TVs. The maximum supported resolution is 2560*1600@60HZ, and the cable length should not exceed 7 meters.
HDMI
HDMI(High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a fully digital video and sound transmission interface that can transmit uncompressed audio and video signals. It is one of the most common and widely used video connectors, supporting high-resolution content such as 1080p, 2K, 4K, and even 8K.
There are four types of HDMI: Type A, Type B, Type C, and Type D. The most common one is HDMI Type A, which has 19 pins and measures 4.45mmx13.9mm. HDMI Type C, commonly known as Mini-HDMI, has 19 pins and is mainly used for DV and digital cameras, while Type D, commonly known as Micro HDMI, is mainly used for cameras and mobile phones.
Currently, the common HDMI versions are 1.4 and 2.0. HDMI1.4 supports up to 4K30Hz, while HDMI2.0 supports up to 4K60Hz. The latest HDMI 2.1 was released in 2017, with a bandwidth of 48Gbps, supporting 4K120Hz and 8K60Hz, HDR, and eARC functions, and can be optimized for scenes or frame rates. It can synchronize game frame rates and reduce screen tearing. HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible with HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4, etc.
DP
The full name is DisplayPort. It is the first digital transmission technology display port. Its standard is announced by the Video Electronics Standards Association VESA. It does not require certification or copyright fees. In May 2006, DP1.0 was released with a maximum transmission speed of 8.64Gbit/s. The DP 1.4 specification released in February 2016 has a maximum transmission speed of 32.4Gbps and began to support 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz HDR high-resolution
In 2019, the DisplayPort 2.0 was launched. The transmission bandwidth of DP 2.0 is as high as 80Gbps, which is 2.5 times that of the current DP1.4 and 1.6 times that of HDMI 2.1. It can output 16K 60Hz (DSC), 10K 60Hz lossless, 4K 240Hz, and other images on a single screen, and supports dual-screen 4K 144Hz lossless.
Unlike HDMI, which is mainly used for home entertainment, DP is mainly used to connect high-end PCs and monitors with strong graphics processing capabilities. It can also be transmitted to multiple monitors using a single cable through a daisy chain connection. Due to the support of USB-IF, DP Alt mode can be seamlessly connected with the USB4 standard, so the DP2.0 interface can exist in two forms: DP and USB Type-C.
USB
USB(Universal Serial Bus) has three physical interfaces: Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C. USB Type-C is widely used in mobile phones, tablets, laptops, mini hosts, and monitors because it allows for both forward and reverse plugging. This interface supports various protocols such as USB transmission protocol, DP fast charging protocol, DP Alt Mode, and Thunderbolt protocol. Although this interface was not originally intended for video transmission, it can act as a video port through DP Alt mode or HDMI Alt mode when using a full-featured USB data cable. This means you can use a USB Type-C cable for tasks like data transmission, device charging, and video output.
Supported Resolutions: HDMI vs DP
Both HDMI and DP have multiple versions and support different resolutions. The most mainstream on the market are HDMI1.4 or 2.0, DP1.2 or 1.4. The following is a table of resolutions for the two video connectors:
Conclusion
Different display devices have different video connectors. When we connect display devices, we need to understand the type of video connector for each device. When you just want to display the content of one device on another device, perhaps a video cable of the same type can meet your needs. In many cases, we may want to expand multiple screens. In such situations, we may require external devices such as docking stations to facilitate this. Acasis Docking Station offers various functions including USB C to HDMI, USB C to DisplayPort, Thunderbolt to DisplayPort, and more.
Additionally, Acasis Docking Station provides multiple interfaces including USB, RJ45, TF, SD card, audio, and SSD slot, etc. With its diverse functional interfaces, the Acasis Docking Station offers a comprehensive solution. It is a good tool for expanding the external interfaces of laptops, PCs, tablets, and mobile phones.
