DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a new digital interface standard whose primary use is to connect a computer with a display. 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 is expected to replace DVI and eventually analogue VGA.

Although much smaller than a DVI connector, the initial revision of DisplayPort v1.1a doubles the capability of a single channel DVI and can deliver up to 10.8Gbps of data.

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.

Display Port cables can be used up to a maximum of 15m (supporting video up to 1080p at 24bpp, 50/60 Hz). At 3m, cables will support a maximum of 10.8 Gbit/s data rate, video resolutions of 2560 x 1600 and 8-channel uncompressed audio.