DisplayPort - a digital interface standard

DisplayPort is a digital interface standard whose primary use is to connect a computer with a display or a high definition television and is built into many computer chipsets produced today. It consists of uni-directional Main Link for transporting A/V streams, a half-duplex bi-directional AUX CH for plug-and-play, and Hot Plug Detect (HPD). It competes directly with HDMI, however, DisplayPort is an open standard with no royalties and it is expected to replace DVI and eventually analogue VGA.

DisplayPort v1.1 supports a maximum of 10.8 Gbps over a 2-meter cable; v1.2 supports up to 21.6 Gbps. DisplayPort v1.2 also enables you to daisychain up to four monitors with only a single output cable. It also offers the future promise of DisplayPort Hubs that would operate much like a USB hub.

Around the same size as a USB connector, DisplayPort uses the same number of connections as a single channel DVI connector, but firmly locks into position. A quick release button is positioned on the top of the connector allowing easy removal of the cable when required.

DisplayPort replaces the connections between the PC and any associated monitor, but it also does more than that. It can be used to replace the low voltage differential signalling (LVDS) that is common inside laptops, displays and TV's. This eases and simplifies the design of such devices.

All types of displays are supported by DisplayPort including legacy CRT monitors, TFT LCD panels, Plasma and LCD displays and by using DisplayPort adaptors, connection is possible directly to DVI, VGA and HDMI.

Physically the compact DisplayPort connector is fairly similar to HDMI in both size and appearance. It only has one angled corner as opposed to HDMI's two. It contains 20 pins for external connectors and 32 pins for iinternal connections.

DisplayPort supports cable lengths of up to 15 meters with maximum resolutions at cable lengths up to 3 meters. Bidirectional signaling enables DisplayPort to both send and receive data from an attached device. With the proper adapters, DisplayPort cable can carry DVI and HDMI signals, although this doesn’t work the other way around— DVI and HDMI cable can’t carry DisplayPort. Because DisplayPort can provide power to attached devices, DisplayPort to HDMI or DVI adapters don’t need a separate power supply.

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DisplayPort v1.2 - the most comprehensive and Innovative Display Interface.