What is the difference between Type-C, HDMI and DP video interfaces? Computer monitor connection cable how to choose?

Author:     Published in:2022/5/30 9:12:54    Hits:

With the rapid development of 4K/8K ultra hd display and 5G high-speed data transmission, video transmission cable plays an important role in connecting hosts, monitors and various computer peripherals. In this technological innovation process, video interface has undergone several iterations and upgrades in order to keep up with the pace of the digital era and achieve higher level of video transmission.

Nowadays, the main types of video interfaces are Type-C, HDMI, DP, DVI and VGA, so what are the differences between these video interfaces? Here we have a chat.

I. Differences between Type-C, HDMI, DP, DVI and VGA interfaces

1. Type-c interface

Type-c interface is A physical specification of USB interface. It is more convenient to plug and unplug than Type-A and Type-B interfaces. It also has strong compatibility and can support USB transmission protocol, PD fast charging protocol, DP display protocol and Thunderbolt protocol.

Note: pictures from the network, for reference only.

At present, Type-C interface is commonly used in mobile phones, tablets, thin and light devices, mini hosts and monitors, etc., for charging, data transmission and video transmission. For example, the Thunder 4 interface carried by Lenovo Small New Pro14 laptop adopts Type-C physical specifications and supports not only 40Gbps data transmission, but also 100W PD fast charge and 4K/8K transmission functions.

Note: pictures from the network, for reference only.

It should be noted that not all Type-c interfaces are full-function configurations. For example, type-C interfaces of some mobile phones only support power supply and USB2.0 data transmission, but cannot realize video transmission.

2. HDMI interface

HDMI interface, high-definition multimedia interface, transmission is digital signal, can simultaneously transmit video and audio signals, common in display, graphics cards and motherboards and other computer hardware, Switch, PS5 and XBOX and other game consoles, as well as TV, projector and player and other audio and video equipment.

Note: pictures from the network, for reference only.

The latest version is HDMI2.1 interface, bandwidth increased to 48Gbps, support 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz and other specifications of video output; Also supports high dynamic (HDR), variable refresh rate (VRR), fast frame transfer (QFT), fast media conversion (QMS), automatic low delay mode (ALLM) and other black technology, compatible with HDMI 2.0 and the following version.

Note: pictures from the network, for reference only.

3. DP interface

DP interface, also a high-definition digital display interface standard, uses digital signal transmission, can simultaneously carry audio and video data streams.

Note: pictures from the network, for reference only.

At present, the latest standard protocol version of this interface is DP2.0, the theoretical bandwidth is up to 80Gbps, 2.5 times of DP1.4, 1.6 times of HDMI 2.1, can single screen output 16K@60Hz(DSC), 10K@60Hz lossless, 4K@240Hz and other pictures, Even the dual screen 4K@144Hz is lossless.

However, the new generation of 4K 144Hz esports on the market is equipped with DP1.4 interface, and no consumer products supporting DP2.0 interface have been launched so far.

4. VGA port

VGA interface, a veteran of the video interface field, is commonly found in older monitors, projectors and televisions. It transmits analog signals and supports 640*480 to 2560*1600 resolution video transmission, but does not support audio transmission.

VGA video signals are easily interfered by other signals during transmission, resulting in distortion of the display. Therefore, VGA ports are recommended for 1920*1080P or lower resolution. HDMI ports are recommended for high resolution.

5. DVI interface

DVI interface has 3 types and 5 specifications: DVI-A (12+5), DVI-I (18+5/24+5), DVI-D (18+1/24+1). Among them, DVI-I (24+5), DVI-D (24+1) "dual channel" digital video interface has a larger bandwidth, support 2560x1600@60Hz, 1920x1080@120Hz resolution, better output than VGA interface.

However, with the rapid development of 4K/8K UHD technology, the maximum resolution supported by DVI interface is only 2560x1600, which is obviously unable to adapt to the development of the era of high resolution. Besides, the interface has a large volume and does not support audio signal transmission, so it is inevitable to be replaced by HDMI and DP interface.

Two, how to choose the host display video transmission cable?

Through the sharing of the last section, I believe that many partners have a certain understanding of how to buy a monitor connection line. If you are really not clear, it doesn't matter, here is a small actor to share a few tips for you, I hope to give you some reference.

1. Identify the interface: Select an appropriate video transmission cable based on the type of the video interface on the device. For example: 144HZ-165Hz esports game host and monitor, with DP1.4 transmission line can realize the game high frame freedom; Type-c interface This light external HDMI interface display, only need a Type-C to HDMI hd cable to achieve small screen to large screen.

2. Resolution/refresh rate: Due to the limitation of technical specifications, the transmission bandwidth, resolution and refresh rate of different types of video transmission cable are different, so it is recommended that you output specifications and actual usage requirements according to the device interface. For example: PS5 next-generation game host external 4K 144Hz esports display, using HDMI2.1 HD cable connection, can achieve 4K@120Hz game content output. However, if the USE of HDMI2.0 HD cable, only supports the maximum 4K resolution of 60Hz game content output.

3, wire conductor: the wire conductor of the video transmission cable is different, the transmission performance and the use of different occasions, such as the common HDMI video transmission cable on the market is mainly copper core, optical fiber two kinds.

Among them, copper HDMI cable to 4 pairs of copper core twisted pair wire conductor transmission electrical signals, in the range of 20 meters in the short distance scene with ease, but in the long distance transmission loss, easy to appear signal loss or resolution decline.

And fiber HDMI cable with four core fiber as conductor, communication capacity is large, and optical signal transmission is not subject to external electromagnetic interference, can do more than 100 meters of lossless signal transmission, adapt to ultra-high speed, ultra-long distance audio and video transmission requirements of the scene.

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