Connectivity

DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a high-bandwidth digital display interface developed by VESA, supporting resolutions up to 16K and refresh rates up to 240Hz with DisplayPort 2.1. Common on computers and professional equipment, DisplayPort offers daisy-chaining capability and higher bandwidth than HDMI, making it valuable for driving high-resolution LED walls from media servers and workstations.

DisplayPort for LED Display Applications

DisplayPort serves as the high-performance display interface for professional computing and media server applications, offering capabilities that exceed HDMI in specific technical areas.

DisplayPort Version Comparison

| Version | Bandwidth | Max Resolution | Key Features | |---------|-----------|---------------|--------------| | DP 1.2 | 21.6 Gbps | 4K60 | MST daisy-chain | | DP 1.4 | 32.4 Gbps | 8K30 / 4K120 | HDR, DSC compression | | DP 2.0 | 77.4 Gbps | 16K60 / 8K60 | Enhanced bandwidth | | DP 2.1 | 77.4 Gbps | 16K60 | Improved cable specs |

Advantages Over HDMI

Higher Bandwidth: DisplayPort 2.0+ exceeds HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates.

Daisy-Chaining: Multi-Stream Transport (MST) allows one DisplayPort output to drive multiple displays in sequence.

Locking Connector: Optional latching mechanism prevents accidental disconnection.

Royalty-Free: No licensing fees, unlike HDMI, encouraging adoption in professional equipment.

Common DisplayPort Sources

Media Servers: Disguise, Resolume, Watchout systems often feature DisplayPort outputs

Workstations: Professional graphics cards offer multiple DisplayPort outputs

Production Computers: High-end laptops and desktops for content creation

Graphics Cards: NVIDIA Quadro and AMD Radeon Pro series

LED Processor Considerations

Not all LED processors include DisplayPort inputs:

  • **Brompton Tessera**: DisplayPort inputs on select models
  • **NovaStar**: Some models support DisplayPort
  • **Many processors**: HDMI/SDI only, requiring conversion

When DisplayPort input is unavailable, use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter or external converter.

Cable Considerations

Standard Cables: Limited to 3 meters for full DP 2.0 bandwidth

Certified Cables: VESA-certified cables extend reliable runs

Active Optical: Fiber-based DisplayPort cables for long runs (up to 100m)

Hybrid Cables: Copper for data, fiber for distance

Mini DisplayPort and USB-C

Mini DisplayPort: Compact version common on laptops, electrically identical

USB-C Alt Mode: Modern laptops output DisplayPort over USB-C connector

Thunderbolt: Thunderbolt 3/4 ports carry DisplayPort signal natively

Best Practices

  • Use VESA-certified cables for reliability
  • Verify processor DisplayPort support before specifying
  • Have DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters available as backup
  • For distances over 15m, use active optical cables or convert to SDI

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use DisplayPort instead of HDMI?

DisplayPort is preferred when you need higher bandwidth (8K60 or high-refresh 4K), daisy-chain multiple displays from one output, or connect professional workstations. For simple consumer device connections, HDMI is usually more compatible.

Can I convert DisplayPort to HDMI?

Yes, DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters are common and inexpensive for passive conversion. Active adapters support higher resolutions. Note that HDMI-to-DisplayPort is more complex and requires active adapters due to signaling differences.

What is the maximum cable length for DisplayPort?

Standard DisplayPort cables reliably work up to 3 meters for full bandwidth. Certified cables can reach 15 meters at reduced bandwidth. For longer runs, use active optical DisplayPort cables or convert to SDI/fiber.

Related Terms

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LED Processor

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An LED processor is the video processing device that receives input signals (HDMI, SDI, DisplayPort)...

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