Which displayport cable is better. Monitor connection. DVI vs HDMI - Which is Better for a Monitor? What is the difference between Display Port and HDMI

Assembling a PC yourself, you often come across a huge number of slots, connectors, wires, etc. Each of them has its own name, format and size. It's quite difficult to remember everything. Most of us are only familiar with audio and USB connectors. But DisplayPort - not everyone knows what it is and what it is used for. Let's talk about this further.

Cable

DisplayPort is a cable that is standard. Serves as a signal interface for digital monitors. It first became known in 2006, when it was officially certified by the Video Electronics Certification Association. Already in 2007, the world saw revision 1.1, version 1.2 became known in 2010, 1.3 was adopted 4 years later, and the last one appeared in 2016. This connector is considered the most suitable for use and a relatively modern interface.

Now it is used to connect audio and video equipment, although it is better known as a tool for connecting a monitor to a PC or home theater. He became so popular that he received a special logo and acquired a trademark.

Creature

Despite the fact that the DisplayPort connector itself became famous in 2006, devices began to support it only in 2008. It was then that PCs came out, on whose motherboards a slot for connecting this interface appeared. Until 2011, manufacturers were implementing a mini version of DisplayPort. It can often be found on Apple Macintosh devices. But the "apple" monitors have acquired a full-fledged modification.

MacBooks in all their variety came not only with DisplayPort, but also with a special adapter for it, which converted the outputs to DVI or VGA. Later, systems with HDMI and MiniDisplayPort began to appear. The latter option has now been transformed into Thunderbolt, which has backward compatibility, but in general has received improved characteristics and provides more options to the user.

Variations

Version 1.0 was introduced in 2006. She had test characteristics, so she did not stand out for anything special. The data was transmitted at a speed of 8.64 Gbps. The length was 2 meters.

The connector upgrade has resulted in improved DisplayPort connectivity thanks to fiber optic technologies. Now, over long distances, the speed was stable, and the transmission took place without loss of signal. The interface supported 40 bit HDCP.

The third update doubled the data transfer rate. Information moved at 17.28 Gbps. It became possible to adjust the resolution, color depth and frequency of the video signal. New color spaces were added, but retained with the previous standards.

The developers introduced the DisplayPort interface, which could be connected to portable devices. This version had Self-Refresh modes. It became possible to turn off the video card if the picture on the monitor remains static, saving it in the buffer. As the developers said, the technology allowed to conserve battery power and device lifespan.

In addition to revisions, there were also modifications. For example, DisplayPort ++ is dual for extended use. It has parallel output of HDMI / DVI signals. To synchronize, you need to buy a passive cable.

DisplayPort Alternate Mode is another modification that uses USB Type-C to transfer video data. At the same time, the data transfer rate is practically the same as a direct connection. Thanks to this option, it is really possible to install a 4K display.

Parameters

When everyone learned about DisplayPort, what it is and what it is for, they began to be interested in the parameters. So it became known that the interface works with one of the content protection technologies version 1.3 HDCP. The throughput doubled in relation to Power supply did not require high voltages and extraneous interference. If we consider the mini-version of DisplayPort, then you can see that its dimensions are 10 times smaller than that of the DVI standard.

A new interface has got a lot of additional features. Now, in addition to graphic content, it transmits audio signals. There is information about the maximum length of such a cable - about 1.5 meters. Later, it was decided to replace HDCP technology with DisplayPort Content Protection, which received encryption of a different bit depth - 128 bits.

Over time, the transfer of information became faster and increased to 21.6 Gbit / s, while the cable length could be 3 meters. The independent streams also worked correctly, and the auxiliary channel became several times faster and raised the speed from 1 to 720 Mbps.

The interface opened the opportunity for the user to use two displays at once, which would work with a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, or four displays with a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels. The frequency in both cases would not rise above 60 Hz. For owners of one screen, the possibilities have become more comfortable. There was an option to use a resolution of 3840x2400 pixels, but with 60 Hz, or if you wanted to achieve a higher frame rate, then the resolution was set to 2560x1600 pixels.

Comparison

When it becomes clear to everyone that this is DisplayPort, what it is used for, then another question arises, what is its difference with HDMI. The issue is common and controversial to some extent. Choosing which is better is also difficult, since there are really few differences.

Interestingly, HDMI itself has become very popular and hyped. It can be found on a TV, set-top box, player, audio or video receiver, consoles, camcorders, etc. Even smartphones with this interface have become famous lately. Computers and laptops are no exception to this list. Almost every multifunctional device has this connector without fail.

With such a variety, everyone began to forget about our DisplayPort hero. That, of course, many people know, but they also noticed that not all PCs have acquired this interface. However, both standards work with both video content and audio, sending a signal from one device to the screen. To understand this issue, you need to consider both options more closely.

Dimensions

So, the first discrepancy lies in the size. This, of course, is unlikely to help determine which is better: DisplayPort or HDMI, but for some it can be a key indicator. The hero of the review has 20 contacts and is presented in two sizes: main and reduced. As mentioned earlier, the latter option is designed for tablets. By the way, DisplayPort is often associated with Thunderbolt, which, although not officially a continuation and development of this interface, clearly has similarities with it. It supports mini interface functions and uses PCI Express technology.

HDMI has 19 pins and comes in three sizes: standard, mini and macro. Each got its own letter: A, C and D. There is also an E connector, but it is rare, since it was designed for cars. The technology by which this interface functions is the friction of contacts among themselves. If you firmly insert the cable into the connector, it will hold onto the jack. For better reliability, the manufacturer has installed a pair of mechanisms that block the pulling of the wire if you just pull it.

Cables

The cables for each connector are worth considering, since the situation here is ambiguous. Many questions arise regarding HDMI. There are four cables for this interface, which were studied back in 2010. They are not properly labeled, so it is extremely difficult to determine their capabilities. As a result, due to the fact that the wire does not have an exact purpose, its use is not regulated, and therefore problems, glitches, and so on are possible.

But DisplayPort has only one cable, it's easy to identify. It differs in universal parameters and capabilities. Provides all necessary system requirements. A DisplayPort adapter can be used to connect to a VGA display. There are also options for connecting DVI and HDMI.

Best

As mentioned earlier, determining which is better is difficult. But it should be noted that HDMI was immediately targeted at a consumer audience. Supported connection of TV, projector, player, etc. DisplayPort's development was not intended to replace HDMI. DP is needed as an end product for relaying to PC. It has become a kind of complement to HDMI.

Now the problem is different. The point is, manufacturers who are working on all-in-one devices and the like decide that HDMI replaces everything needed on the front panel. In fact, placing an additional DisplayPort will not be superfluous. It empowers the user and makes the job easier, especially for business.

If you have any connection problems, there is always an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter. This information is especially relevant for laptop owners. Since there is not much space, it is almost impossible to meet DP. But connecting multiple monitors is sometimes necessary for work. It makes sense to look at laptops that already have both interfaces.

Manufacturers often bundle video cards, TVs and monitors with several different connectors. Most often you can find HDMI and DVI. Of course, other connectors are also found, but not always both devices are equipped with them. For example, analog VGA is outdated and video card manufacturers no longer use it, which automatically removes the question of application. Consider the most common connectors and analyze which is better, DVI or HDMI.

DVI specifications

DVI connectors are among the most popular and commonly found. Despite the fact that it was developed a long time ago, the connector owes its popularity to the development of modern technologies. So, this kind of connector can boast of working with a high frame rate, unlike other inputs.

Before answering the question which is better - DVI or HDMI, let's consider what the first is. Note that there are several types of DVI. Each has its own characteristics, so they are not always compatible with each other. For this reason, you need to know exactly which DVI is used in your device.

DVI types

• DVI-A is perhaps the simplest and oldest option. The letter A here means that this connector is for analog signal only. In fact, this is an analogue of the outdated VGA.
• DVI-I single link. This option combines two signals at once, analog and digital. Which one will be used depends on the device and type of connection. Note that this option is fully compatible with VGA, although a small adapter is required.
• DVI-I dual link. It differs from the previous one in that it is capable of transmitting an analog signal and two digital signals at once. This allows you to increase the maximum allowed resolution.
• DVI-D single link. This variant has only one digital channel, which limits its capabilities. So, it is capable of transmitting only images with a resolution of up to FullHD, and the maximum frequency is only 60 Hertz. The login can be considered obsolete.
• DVI-D dual link. This is the most advanced and modern type of this connector. It has two digital channels at once, which allows you to work with a maximum resolution of 2K. The connector is perfectly compatible with monitors with a refresh rate of 144 Hertz. Supports 3D image. There is also support for Nvidia's G-sync feature, which gamers will especially appreciate.

Not all formats are compatible with each other, and this should be taken into account. The connector itself has a rather large size, which is why it is equipped with an additional mount. Note that the cable length is limited and usually does not exceed 10 meters.

HDMI specifications

Let's continue to analyze which is better, DVI or HDMI. The latter has a smaller size and 3 form factors. This is the standard connector for connecting monitors and TVs to a computer. But the other two, namely mini and micro, are much smaller and are used to connect mobile devices that do not have enough space to install a full-fledged HDMI.

There are several HDMI revisions and the connector itself is constantly evolving. In this, both types are similar. This complicates the answer to the question of which is better, DVI or HDMI.

The latest versions can support resolutions up to 10K, and the frame refresh rate is 60 Hertz. But with 3D images it works at a frequency of 120 Hertz.

It should be noted that an HDMI cable transmits audio in 8-channel mode, which eliminates the need for additional wires. This is especially useful for TVs with built-in speakers. Supports AMD FreeSync for gamers. Let's add that the maximum cable length is longer than that of DVI. Models up to 30 meters long are on sale.

How DVI and HDMI are similar

To decide which is best for a monitor, DVI or HDMI, let's look at their common features:

• Both connectors are fairly common.
• Both are modern and evolving.
• Capable of transmitting high quality digital signal in high definition.
• Supports the transmission of 3D images with a refresh rate of 120 Hertz.
• The signal quality does not differ.
• Thanks to the use of one digital data transmission technology, both connectors are compatible with each other, only an adapter is needed.

This list is for comparison HDMI with DVI-D dual link connector, as other versions are noticeably inferior and are not able to compete on equal terms.

Differences

The difference between the two connectors will help to answer the question of how best to connect a monitor, DVI or HDMI:

• HDMI version 1.4 allows you to transmit images at a maximum resolution of 10K, which DVI-D cannot boast, which is capable of transmitting images at 2K resolution.
• The refresh rate for HDMI is 60 Hertz. In other words, this is the number of frames that it can produce. But DVI-D is capable of supporting a much higher refresh rate.
• The HDMI connector is equipped with an audio channel to reduce the amount of wiring required when connecting a TV. And in version 1.4 Ethernet is still present. Thus, using just one cable, you will transfer the image, sound and connect the TV to the Internet.
• HDMI is necessarily equipped with HDCP. This is protection against illegal copying. It determines whether you can watch pirated movies on a licensed Blue-Ray player.
• The HDMI cable is much longer than the DVI cable.

Similarities are also reported for HDMI and DVI-D with two digital channels

Which connector is better, DVI or HDMI?

Both connectors have a lot in common. The merits make them desirable for connecting a monitor, TV or projector to a computer. And the differences are not flaws, but rather the features of a particular system. However, based on the latter, you can identify areas for which each connector is better suited.

Which is better, a monitor over DVI or HDMI? The answer will depend on which goals prevail for the user. The characteristics of the monitor are also taken into account.

So, if this is a regular model with FullHD resolution (the most common option), there will be no difference between the connectors. The situation is the same in the case when the monitor is capable of reproducing in 3D format. Even at 2K resolution, both connectors will show the same result.

For what tasks should you choose each of the connectors?

DVI-D will show its best when used on professional equipment and gaming monitors, especially if their refresh rate is above 60 Hertz. For example, 144 Hertz gaming models must be run via the DVI-D dual link. Only he will allow you to get all the benefits of such a high frequency. Don't forget about G-sync, which is invaluable for gamers.

Which cable is better, HDMI or DVI, for a multimedia system? And here HDMI wins. It supports a maximum resolution of 10K, which the second connector cannot boast of. Capable of transmitting 8-channel audio, eliminating the need for additional wires. And newer versions even have Ethernet. This versatility, and the fact that the cable can be significantly longer than DVI, makes it ideal for multimedia systems.

Also note that it is HDMI that is suitable for mobile gadgets. The presence of two additional form factors allows you to work even with phones. Of course, there is a smaller version of DVI for compact laptops from Apple, but this is rather an exception.

HDMI is the most popular interface for transferring digital video data from a computer to a monitor or TV. It is built into almost every modern laptop and computer, TV, monitor and even some mobile devices. But it has a less famous competitor - DisplayPort, which, according to the developers, is capable of displaying a better picture on connected interfaces. Let's consider how these standards differ and which one is better.

• Compatible with other connectors;
• Price-quality ratio;
• Sound support. If it is not there, then for normal operation you will have to additionally purchase a headset;
• The prevalence of one or another type of connector. The more common ports are easier to repair, replace, or cable to fit.

Users who work professionally with a computer need to pay attention to these points:

• The number of threads that the connector supports. How many monitors can be connected to the computer directly depends on this parameter;
• The maximum possible length of cables and the quality of transmission over it;
• The maximum supported resolution of the transmitted content.

HDIMI connector types

HDMI has 19 pins for image transmission and is available in four different form factors:

DisplayPort connector types

Unlike the HDMI connector, DisplayPort has one more pin - only 20 pins. However, the number of types and varieties of connectors is less, but the available variations are more adaptable to various digital equipment, in contrast to the competitor. These types of connectors are available today:

Unlike HDMI ports, DisplayPort has a dedicated blocking element. Despite the fact that the DisplayPort developers did not indicate the clause on setting the blocking as mandatory in the certification for their product, many manufacturers still equip the port with such. However, only a few manufacturers install a dummy plug on Mini DisplayPort (most often, installing this mechanism on such a small connector is impractical).

HDMI cables

The last major update to the cables for this connector was received at the end of 2010, due to which some problems with the playback of audio and video files were fixed. The stores no longer sell old-style cables, but HDMI ports are the most common in the world, some users may have a few outdated cables that are almost indistinguishable from new ones, which can create a number of additional difficulties.

These types of cables for HDMI connectors are currently in use:

All cables have a special function - ARC, which allows you to transmit sound along with video. In modern models of HDMI cables, there is support for full ARC technology, so that audio and video can be transmitted over one cable, without the need to connect additional headsets.

However, this technology is not so implemented in older cables. You can watch the video and hear the sound at the same time, but its quality will not always be the best (especially when connecting a computer / laptop to a TV). To fix this problem, you will have to connect a special audio adapter.

Most of the cables are made of copper, but they do not exceed 20 meters in length. In order to transmit information over longer distances, these cable subtypes are used:

• CAT 5/6 - used to transmit information over a distance of 50 meters. The difference in versions (5 or 6) does not play a special role in the quality and distance of data transmission;
• Coaxial - allows data transmission over a distance of 90 meters;
• Fiber optic - needed for data transmission over a distance of 100 meters or more.

DisplayPort Cables

There is only 1 type of cable, which currently has version 1.2. DisplayPort cable capabilities are slightly higher than HDMI. For example, a DP cable is capable of transmitting video with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels without any problems, while not losing the quality of playback - it remains ideal (at least 60 Hz), and also supports the transmission of 3D video. However, it may have problems with sound transmission. there is no built-in ARC, and these DisplayPort cables are not capable of supporting internet solutions. If you need to simultaneously transmit video and audio content through one cable, then it is better to choose HDMI, because for DP, you will have to additionally purchase a special sound headset.

These cables are able to work with appropriate adapters not only with DisplayPort connectors, but also HDMI, VGA, DVI. For example, HDMI cables can only work with DVI without any problems, so DP wins over its competitor in compatibility with other connectors.

DisplayPort has the following cable types:

• Passive. With its help, you can transmit an image as 3840 × 216 pixels, but in order for everything to work at maximum frequencies (60 Hz is ideal), you need the cable length to be no more than 2 meters. Cables with lengths ranging from 2 to 15 meters are capable of playing only 1080p video without loss in frame rate or 2560 × 1600 with negligible loss in frame rate (approximately 45 Hz out of 60);
• Active. It is capable of transmitting video images of 2560 × 1600 pixels at a distance of up to 22 meters without loss of playback quality. There is a modification made of fiber optic. In the case of the latter, the transmission distance without loss of quality increases to 100 or more meters.

Also, DisplayPort cables only have a standard length for home use, which cannot exceed 15 meters. Modifications by the type of fiber optic wires, etc. DP does not, so if you need to transfer data over a cable over distances of more than 15 meters, you will either have to buy special extension cords or use competitor technologies. However, DisplayPort cables benefit from compatibility with other connectors and the quality of rendering visual content.

Tracks for audio and video content

At this point, HDMI-connectors also lose, because they do not support multi-threading for video and audio content, therefore, information can be output to only one monitor. For the average user, this may be enough, but for professional gamers, video editors, graphic and 3D designers, it may not be enough.

DisplayPort has a clear advantage in this matter, because image output in Ultra HD is possible on two monitors at once. If you need to connect 4 or more monitors, then you will have to lower the resolution of all to Full or just HD. Also, the sound will be separately output for each of the monitors.

If you work professionally with graphics, video, 3D objects, games or statistics, then pay attention to computers / laptops with DisplayPort. Better yet, buy a device with two connectors at once - DP and HDMI. If you are an ordinary user who does not require something "extra" from a computer, then you can stop at a model with an HDMI port (such devices are usually cheaper).

It's hard to dispute the superiority of HDMI over other video / audio interfaces (at least in terms of popularity). It is embedded almost everywhere: monitors, personal computers, laptops, tablets, game consoles and televisions, newfangled cameras. It would seem that there is no direct alternative. Well, or almost not, because there is DisplayPort or just DP - a competitive interface that everyone is trying to enter the pedestal, but it is not so easy to overcome the popularity of high definition multimedia interface.

Display Port is increasingly being integrated into various electronics, popularizing it and giving people the right to choose. So, the creators of DP claim that it can produce an image, superior in quality picture from HDMI. In order to find out what is better for an ordinary user to use in everyday life, you need to make a comparison.

HDMI and DisplayPort - a bit of history

Eminent brands worked on the creation of HDMI back in 2002. These include such giants from the world of electronics as:

• Sony;
• Toshiba;
• Panasonic;
• Silicon Image;
• Philips.

It was in 2002 that the world of electronics first learned about the popularity of high definition multimedia interface, but it became popular over time, replacing VGA. By the way, now the technology in question is fully supported by the brand of the same name - HDMI Licensing - a subsidiary of Silicon Image.

The development of Display Port is a merit of VESA. The Video Electronics Standards Association is the common name for many big name brands working on common projects. It includes such giants as:

• ZIPS Corporation.

VESA owns the rights to DP and is still supporting it today. DisplayPort also was intended to supplant from the world of electronics obsolete at that time (2006) interfaces - VGA, DVI. By the way, so far even HDMI and DP cannot completely replace these oldies.

HDMI

HDMI is the most popular way to carry audio and video signals. It has been used in almost all electronics for over a decade. Allows you to transfer video / audio data to one target device at high speed, high quality.

The cable has improved over the years to become what we see and use today. During this time, several managed to appear, namely 4 cable variationsas well as 3 types of connectors.

The advantage of this interface is the ability to transmit high-definition and quality video, while doing it instantly, without delays. The same goes for sound. The port is relatively inexpensive, so almost every manufacturer nowadays integrates it into their electronics.

For comfortable use of old VGA and DVI with relatively new HDMI, displayport to hdmi adapters were invented in both directions.

DisplayPort

The Display Port cable makes the transmission of high quality picture and sound to the target device a snap. Supports all modern technologies from leading manufacturers of computer video graphics - AMD and NVidia.

Has the ability to work simultaneously with several devices reception, to transmit a high-resolution image to them, which its competitor cannot. Invented in 2006, it is a direct competitor to the well-known HDMI, as it is very similar, but not identical in parameters. So, DP supports NVidia G-Sync, but its rival does not.

What is the difference between Display Port and HDMI

“I connected what I have” - this is what the majority of users will think. More experienced users know that ports actually have differences in which to choose them. Thus, Display Port is practically not used in portable devices, tablets, smartphones. Whereas Micro-HDMI is popular. But full-fledged ports compete, and quite actively. Let's take a look at their main differences.

Connectors

Let's move on to the features of each of the connectors. High definition multimedia interface has 19 pins and can be presented in several variations:

1. Standard - Standart (category A);
2. Mini - Mini (C);
3. Micro - Micro (D).

An ordinary user probably had the experience of meeting only with the usual, standard HDMI connector. This is not surprising, because each variation has its own purpose. None of them has a lock by default and it is still quite rare to find a non-standard connector.

So, standard port HDMI is usually used to display high quality images on a screen. Any kind is used for high definition video transmission, starting from Full HD. Mini and micro are embedded in car media systems, phones, cameras, video cards, in general, where you need to save space. Its purpose is to interface with external devices, storage devices.

It is believed that smaller connectors transmit the worst signal, but this is not the case - the size does not affect the signal quality in any way.

The differences between one interface and the second begin already in the number of contacts: if the direct competitor has 19, then the Display Port has 20 of them. In addition, the port in question has only two variations: standard and mini (displayport). The latter can rarely be found anywhere (for example, a tablet from Microsoft - Surface Pro). Display The port is usually equipped with a lock, although the interface is securely attached without it. This is how the DP connector looks on the video card:

Outwardly, you can confuse the connectors only without having dealt with them before, as well as the cables, which we will talk about later. In the picture below, DisplayPort is on the left and HDMI on the right.

Cable

High definition multimedia interface has acquired 5 cable variations for all the time:

1. Standard (Standart)- for home use, ideal for streaming video to a TV. Used (often included) with tuners, DVD players, PCs. Able to work with HD and Full HD. 75 MHz frequency with 2.25 Gbps bandwidth
2. Standard with internet - in the matter of transferring images and sound to the target display, it is completely identical to the previous variation. Distinguished by the ability to provide a two-way high-speed Internet connection up to 100 Mbps.
3. High speedHDMI cable (High-speed) - a solution for those who need to transfer images in quality from HD to 4K to a TV, monitor. It is able to work with most video formats (for example, 3D). Used with home theaters and Blu-ray players. Unfortunately, the frame refresh rate is only 24 / sec. 600 MHz frequency and 18 Gbps speed.
4. High-speed with internet - the same as the previous one, only with a two-way high-speed internet connection up to 100 Mbps.
5. Car- everything should be clear from the title. Designed for extreme use and stress that can be generated by engine operation.

Besides this, similar technology is subdivided by specification. The version number is assigned in ascending order - 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and so on up to 2.1. When it comes to expanding functionality, letters are used, for example, 1.4a. Currently 2.0 (a / b) is considered relevant. Soon the 2.1 standard will appear, which will be able to provide speeds up to 48 Gb / s, with a frequency of 1200 MHz.

In order not to confuse all of the above, pay attention to the tag near one of the "plugs". It should say what type of cable you have. HDMI has no maximum length and no fixed material.

With the Display Port cable, everything is much simpler - it is one. It works with the transmission of images in high resolution (up to 4K), and most importantly, it has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, that is, 60 frames / second. Works with all popular 3D formats. The specifications are used in the same way as the competitor. However, DisplayPort, currently the 1.4 specification, has a bandwidth of 32.4 Gb / s.

He also has disadvantages. So this is inability to transmit the Internet through the cable. Another disadvantage is the simplified principle of working with sound without using ARC technology, as is done in HDMI cables.

Bandwidth and video streams

DP bandwidth is 32.4 Gbps, while HDMI has 18 Gbps. It is worth noting that in 2018-2019 the HDMI speed is expected to increase to 48 Gb / s and 72.8 Gb / s for DisplayPort. In addition, HDMI is only able to work with two monitors, while Display Port supports up to 4. Moreover, the image resolution on them will be at least HD or even Full HD. It should be noted that this is an undoubted "plus" for people working with graphics.

DisplayPort or HDMI - which is better

The answer depends on the needs of the user. Ideally, the device should have two connectors - both Display Port and High definition multimedia interface. However, there are several criteria from which to start.

Gamers be sure to switch to Display Port. The same applies to people working with 3D graphics, objects, video editing. They definitely need support for multiple screens (or will need it in the near future). But the average PC user has nothing to switch to DP.

To connect the monitor to a computer, special connectors are used that are soldered into the motherboard or located on the video card, and special cables suitable for these connectors. One of the most popular types of ports today for outputting digital information to a computer monitor is DVI. But it is losing ground to HDMI, which is the most popular solution today.

DVI connectors are beginning to become outdated, so if you decide to build a computer from scratch, it is better to look for a motherboard and video board that have more modern connectors for outputting digital information. Owners of old monitors or those who do not want to spend money, it is better to choose models with DVI or where it is present. Since HDMI is the most common port, it is advisable to choose video cards and motherboards where it is available.

HDIMI connector types

The HDMI design has 19 pins, the number of which does not change depending on the type of connector. The quality of work can change from it, but the types of the interface themselves differ only in size and technique in which they are used. Here are the characteristics of all available types:

Types of connectors for DVI

For DVI, the number of pins depends on the type of connector and varies from 17 to 29 pins, and the quality of the output signal differs greatly depending on the types. Currently, the following types of DVI connectors are used:

HDMI also has several types of connectors, which are classified by size and transmission quality, but they all work only with LCD displays and are capable of providing higher signal and image quality than their DVI counterparts. Working only with digital monitors can be considered both a plus and a minus. For example, for owners of outdated monitors, this will be a disadvantage.

Distinctive features

Despite the fact that both cables use the same technology, they have noticeable differences between themselves:

There are also major differences in cable performance. HDMI has several types of them, each of which is made of a certain material and is capable of transmitting a signal over long distances (for example, a fiber optic version transmits a signal over more than 100 meters without problems). Consumer-grade copper HDMI cables boast up to 20 meters in length and 60Hz transmission in Ultra HD resolution.

DVI cables are not very diverse. On the shelves, you can find only consumer cables that are made of copper. Their length does not exceed 10 meters, but this length is quite enough for home use. The transmission quality practically does not depend on the cable length (more on the screen resolution and the number of connected monitors). The lowest possible refresh rate for DVI is 22 Hz, which is not enough for comfortable video viewing (not to mention games). The maximum frequency is 165 Hz. For comfortable work, a person needs 60 Hz, which this connector provides without problems under normal load.

If you choose between DVI and HDMI, then it is better to stop at the latter, since this standard is more modern and perfectly adapted for new computers and monitors. For those who have old monitors and / or computers, it is advisable to pay attention to DVI. It is best to purchase an option where both of these connectors are mounted. If you need to work with multiple monitors, then better pay attention to DisplayPort.