HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort in comparison - these are the differences
Related Videos: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and DVI as Fast As Possible (March 2024).
For example, if you can connect your TV and computer either via HDMI, DVI or DisplayPort, you should know the differences in order to decide on the right cable. We show you the weaknesses and strengths of the connections.
Picture and sound - these are the differences between HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort
HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort route video and sound signals to the screen in various ways. Read the differences here.
- HDMI: The HDMI cable can transmit both the classic video signal PAL and high-definition images in HDTV. The sound can be transmitted not only the usual stereo sound with two channels (left and right), but also home theater sound with up to six channels (such as Dolby Digital).
- DVI: You can transmit the same video signals as via HDMI using a DVI cable. However, this standard only specializes in the image and does not transmit any sound.
- DVI is available in several variants, which are called differently. While both analog and digital signals can be transmitted with DVI-I, DVI-D is only available for digital signals.
- DisplayPort: Only digital data is transmitted via this cable. As with HDMI, the transmission of images and sound is therefore possible here.
- MultiStreamTransport technology also enables the transmission of several independent images. In this way, multiple monitors can be connected to one DisplayPort output.
The outstanding bandwidth enables a resolution of 8K with 60 fps.
Handling and size
- HDMI: The connection of an HDMI cable is roughly the same size as that of a USB cable. The fact that the cable transmits both image and sound saves you even more space with the already narrow connector.
- DVI: On the other hand, connecting a DVI cable takes up a lot more space. Especially when connecting to the television, space is usually limited. If you also need to transmit the sound, you also need an audio cable.
- DisplayPort: The connection of a DisplayPort cable is optically very similar to the HDMI connection and therefore has very similar dimensions.
copy protection
- HDMI: The HDCP (High Definition Digital Content Protection) copy protection is always included in HDMI cables. This is how DVDs and HDTV programs are to be protected from pirated copies.
- DVI: Especially older DVI cables do not contain this protective function. This is not an obstacle for normal screen transmission. However, televisions or DVD players for DVDs or HDTV programs refuse to transmit via DVI if the protection is not included.
- DisplayPort: As in HDMI cables, the copy protection is always included in the DisplayPort.
lifespan
- HDMI and DisplayPort: You don't usually have to worry about these cables. The contacts are extremely stable and normally cannot be damaged.
- DVI: Always be careful with DVI cables. The very thin contacts of the cables break off easily or are damaged if they are not inserted properly.
Conclusion: HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort in comparison
Basically, it can be said that HDMI was developed more for home cinema use to connect devices such as TVs and DVD players. DVI served more as an interface between graphics card and screen on computers. For some time now, DVI has been replaced by DisplayPort in this application.
- The DVI standard has largely died out due to the replacement with DisplayPort. Due to the excellent bandwidth of the DisplayPort protocol, it has been used almost exclusively in gaming graphics cards for some time.
- In addition, most flat-screen TVs hardly have any of the bulky DVI connections.
- So if you have a choice between all three connection options: DisplayPort offers the greatest advantages and is therefore always the first choice, HDMI is still the most widespread, especially in the home theater sector, and DVI is no longer relevant in comparison.