You may be wondering why this connection is important, or how best to do it? Either way, we’ve got you covered. HDMI and DisplayPort are each used for multiple different cases in electronics to achieve high-fidelity image quality, while also being able to handle a range of resolutions or refresh rates. It makes sense you’d want to connect them.
We’ll go through the connectivity question and cover some more of the basics below, so you have all the tools and knowledge you need. As it’s useful to know the difference between the two things, we’ll start there.
What Is HDMI?
HDMI is an abbreviation of ‘High Definition Multimedia Interface’, and it refers to an interface that is used for transferring HD data from one device and transferring it over to another.
This is how (mainly) TVs are able to access HD sound and visuals and is done through the use of just one simple HDMI cable.
What Is DisplayPort?
DisplayPort is quite similar to HDMI, in that it is a digital interface that is used to transfer high-definitiontop audio and video from one device to another.
What Is The Difference Between HDMI And DisplayPort?
The major difference between both HDMI and DisplayPort is their intended use cases, and there are some speed considerations too. HDMI cables are generally intended for use with consumer electronics such as televisions and video game consoles.
They can be used to connect large televisions to consoles that output HD imagery and sound, so that the full quality of such games can be shown off best.
HDMI cables are known for delivering high-fidelity images and audio which is perfect when playing console games, or watching HD movies. However, what sets DisplayPorts apart are those speed considerations at the highest refresh rates – how quickly a monitor can create new images in order to better sell the sense of motion. The higher the refresh rate, the better the frame rate.
DisplayPort helps to optimize the refresh rate of many computer monitors, which makes them useful for modern gaming, and so you’ll see DisplayPort connectors on the latest graphics cards for optimal support beyond 4K.
HDMI 2.1 can reliably run 4K resolutions at 60Hz, as can the DP 2.0 standard. However, beyond 4K, things change. While HDMI 2.1 can support 8K at 60Hz, DisplayPort can support 8K at a 120Hz refresh rate, or 16K at 60Hz.
So if you’re looking for a DisplayPort to HDMI converter to make use of an HDMI display, you’ll need to be aware that HDMI has these limits, even if they’re unlikely to be met in most cases. DisplayPort is certainly more future-facing.
What Should You Look For In A HDMI To DisplayPort connector?
If you’re looking to grab yourself a converter cable or connector, then there are a few things you will want to look out for.
One of the first things you should look for is the quality of the converter. You will want to make sure that you purchase one that is of high quality, so checking reviews on, say, Amazon is certainly a must before parting with your money.
Higher quality HDMI to DisplayPort devices should last longer, as the connections within the wires will not degrade as quickly, so you may get much more use out of them.
If you are looking for a cable, you will want to make sure that you grab one of a decent length. If you are planning on hooking up two devices, then you will need to ensure that there is enough cable to extend between the two.
To Conclude
Connecting HDMI to DisplayPort is a useful trick to connect an HDMI-compatible device to a DisplayPort-compatible device, being that you can hook up a PC to a television, or a newer graphics using DP card to an older monitor which uses HDMI.
Whenever the number of connections that can be made is increased there are more options. So you can create impressive home entertainment setups, as well as make the most of the fidelity that DisplayPort and HDMI can both offer. Just be aware that HDMI is okay for now in most cases, while DisplayPort has the speed for the future.
