Comparison of DisplayPort and HDMI: advantages of ports for connecting audio and video devices

SSPDaily has prepared a comparison of DisplayPort and HDMI. Find out about the best options for connecting audio and video devices.

Video signal resolution

As for the maximum video signal resolution, DisplayPort supports 4K resolution at 60 Hz. HDMI is limited to 4K resolution at 30 Hz. Therefore, DisplayPort is better suited for high-resolution displays and gaming systems that require stunning and smooth graphics.

Audio support and compatibility

HDMI transmits audio and video signals over a single cable, making it easy to connect devices such as TVs and multimedia systems. However, DisplayPort delivers high quality audio thanks to the High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3) standard. It is important to note that when connecting a DisplayPort device to an HDMI device, the signal must be converted using an adapter.

Support for multiple monitors

DisplayPort has an advantage when connecting multiple monitors. Because of its daisy-chain capability, it allows you to connect multiple monitors in a row using a single DisplayPort port on a video source.

HDMI, on the other hand, does not support daisy-chaining and requires a separate cable for each monitor. This makes DisplayPort a more efficient option for multi-monitor configurations in terms of space utilization and cable management.

Gaming capabilities

For gamers, factors such as refresh rates and adaptive synchronization technologies play a crucial role. DisplayPort supports higher refresh rates, which allows for smoother, more immersive gaming at higher frame rates.

Additionally, technologies such as FreeSync and G-Sync are more commonly supported in DisplayPort, further enhancing the gaming experience by reducing screen tearing. While HDMI also supports adaptive synchronization technologies, there may be limitations to their implementation on older versions of HDMI.

Compatibility with legacy devices

When considering compatibility with legacy devices, HDMI is favored due to its ubiquity. HDMI ports are commonly found on a variety of devices, including older ones, making it easy to connect TVs and projectors. However, DisplayPort, which is most commonly found on newer devices, may require the use of adapters or converters to connect to older devices that only have HDMI ports.