It can be difficult to decide which connection is best to use when it comes to DisplayPort vs HDMI as most monitors have a wide range of different inputs available, also your PC or laptop will use different outputs. In most cases, people tend to get away with any cable or connector to get their work done, but when it comes to having specific requirements, such as gaming, audio, or HD resolution. If you have all these requirements you’ll need to be more discerning while choosing the cable of your choice, whether it is Displayport or HDMI. Both seem to have similar functions on the surface which might make the user wonder the difference.
What are DisplayPort and HDMI?
These are among one of the most popular ports or cable types used to transfer digital video and audio between all sorts of devices. Now that we have these, it has become easy for TVs to connect with game consoles, any external displays to laptops, and even monitors to graphic cards, all thanks to these handy connectors. But when it comes to performance, which one is better? What is the function of DisplayPort and HDMI? What to choose when it comes to DisplayPort vs HDMI?
DisplayPort is primarily used in computers typically in IT environments. However, it is a popular connection but the cable or port itself can be used on PC if your main focus is on gaming. In addition to gaming, DisplayPort is also known for carrying audio signals only if the signals are provided by the source device. But the audio signal is not accessible if the display device does not provide an output to an external audio system. One of the benefits of choosing a DisplayPort over the HDMI is that the cable can transmit more signals at the same time which results in higher bandwidth. That is why it is used in IT environments, it helps to connect multiple monitors to your computer. Even if it is used for gaming, it is better to use this cable to connect to your PC. Devices that have a DisplayPort connection include, PCs, Macs, or some of the mobile devices. It has 20 pins and is available in two sizes like the HDMI. The two versions you can pick are- a full-size version and the other alternative is the mini version made by Apple known as Mini DisplayPort. Most devices like PCs and Macs have a standard size connection that allows the use of cables with standard size DisplayPort inputs and outputs.
On the other hand, HDMI cables are used in home entertainment and for home theater purposes. You have probably come across it on your television set, set up boxes, tablets, and laptops. This cable or connector is useful when you want to connect your TV with a home theatre set. Moreover, these HDMI cables can also be used for an internet connection. It is a connection of choice among people as it can carry both uncompressed videos and uncompressed audios. It is a one-cable solution that allows you to control numerous devices with one remote because of its functions such as HDMI-CEC.
For instance, if you ever connect a soundbar with your mobile device or television using HDMI-CEC compatible port, every function can be controlled by your mobile or a single remote which makes it easy to turn on or turn off the soundbar along with the connected device.
It is important to note that all the HDMI cables perform the same so you shouldn’t spend big bucks on different cables with varying speed ratings. Another downside of using an HDMI port is that it is compatible only with a single monitor at a time, which means it can only handle one video stream and one audio stream.
Both offer audio and video over a singular data cable or connector which makes them a versatile connection whether you are looking for your mobile devices, Television set, or monitor. However, it depends on your needs and requirements or any particular desire to opt for one over the other.
