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Video Display Interfaces

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)​

HDMI is the standard for connecting TVs, monitors, and projectors.

  • Audio/Video: Carries both uncompressed video and compressed/uncompressed audio.
  • Versions:
    • HDMI 1.4: Max 4K (3840×2160) @ 30Hz.
    • HDMI 2.0: Max 4K @ 60Hz. Support for HDR.
    • HDMI 2.1: Max 8K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz. Dynamic HDR, VRR.

DisplayPort (DP)​

Designed primarily for computer monitors, offering higher bandwidth and daisy-chaining capabilities.

  • Audio/Video: Carries both.
  • Performance:
    • DP 1.2: 4K @ 60Hz. Supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining.
    • DP 1.4: 8K @ 60Hz (with DSC).
    • DP 2.0: Up to 16K @ 60Hz (with DSC).
  • Lanes: 1, 2, or 4 lanes. Effective data rate up to 77.37 Gbit/s (DP 2.0).

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)​

A legacy digital video interface.

  • DVI-D: Digital only.
  • DVI-I: Integrated (Digital + Analog).
  • DVI-A: Analog only.
  • Resolution:
    • Single Link: 1920 × 1200 @ 60 Hz (3.96 Gbit/s).
    • Dual Link: 2560 × 1600 @ 60 Hz (7.92 Gbit/s).
  • Audio: Generally no audio (though some non-standard implementations exist).
  • Wikipedia: DVI

VGA (Video Graphics Array)​

  • Signal: Analog.
  • Usage: Legacy. Capable of high resolutions but subject to signal degradation and interference. No audio.

Comparison Table​

FeatureHDMIDisplayPortDVIVGA
SignalDigitalDigitalDigital (DVI-D/I)Analog
AudioYesYesNo (mostly)No
Max Res (Typ)8K+8K+2560x16002048x1536
Hot PlugYesYesYesNo