Differences between DisplayPort and HDMI
Contents
DisplayPort vs. HDMI[edit]
DisplayPort and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) are separate standards for transmitting digital video and audio from a source device to a display.[1] While both serve a similar function, they possess key differences in their features, typical applications, and the business models of their governing bodies. DisplayPort is managed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), a consortium of manufacturers.[2] HDMI is developed by the HDMI Forum and licensed by HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.[3]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | DisplayPort | HDMI |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)[2] | HDMI Forum / HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.[3] |
| Primary Market | Computer monitors and professional displays[4] | Televisions, game consoles, and consumer electronics[4] |
| Max. Bandwidth | 77.37 Gbit/s (DisplayPort 2.1)[5] | 48 Gbit/s (HDMI 2.1) |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Yes, via Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to daisy-chain displays from one port | No, typically requires one port per display[4] |
| Audio Return | No native equivalent | Yes, via Audio Return Channel (ARC) and eARC |
| Connector Security | Mechanical latch on full-size connector | Friction fit[4] |
| Licensing Model | Open standard, generally royalty-free for implementation | Annual fee and per-unit royalties required for manufacturers[3] |
Key Distinctions[edit]
Use Cases and Market Adoption[edit]
The distinct feature sets of DisplayPort and HDMI have led to their adoption in different markets. DisplayPort is frequently found on desktop computers, laptops, and high-performance monitors.[4] Its support for higher bandwidth and Multi-Stream Transport makes it suitable for multi-monitor and high-refresh-rate gaming setups.
HDMI is the standard interface for consumer electronics such as televisions, A/V receivers, Blu-ray players, and video game consoles.[4] Features like the Audio Return Channel (ARC) are designed for home theater environments, simplifying the connection between a TV and a sound system.
Technical Features[edit]
Multi-Stream Transport (MST) A feature exclusive to DisplayPort, MST allows a single port on a source device to send out multiple independent video signals. This enables users to connect multiple monitors in a "daisy-chain" sequence or through an MST hub, with each monitor displaying unique content. This capability is not present in the HDMI standard, which generally requires a separate port for each connected display.[4]
Audio Return Channel (ARC and eARC) HDMI includes the Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature, which allows a single HDMI connection to transmit video to a television and also send audio "upstream" from the TV back to an A/V receiver or soundbar. This eliminates the need for a separate audio cable. The newer Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) standard, part of the HDMI 2.1 specification, offers significantly higher bandwidth to support uncompressed, high-quality audio formats. DisplayPort does not have a comparable built-in audio return function.[4][1]
Licensing[edit]
The business models for the two standards differ. VESA offers DisplayPort as a royalty-free open standard, though membership in VESA is required to access the newest specifications. Manufacturers do not pay a per-device fee to include DisplayPort. In contrast, companies that manufacture products with HDMI must become licensed adopters, which involves paying an annual fee and a per-unit royalty for every device sold.[3]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "barco.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "symmetryelectronics.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 "displayninja.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ "cablematters.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
