Monitor Connections

HDMI or DisplayPort for a monitor: Distinguish HDMI specification ceilings from devices

    DeskConnection Lab Editorial Team

HDMI or DisplayPort for a monitor

Choose a monitor connection by the video mode supported at both ends. HDMI and DisplayPort names alone do not settle resolution, refresh rate or adapter compatibility. Check the computer's output and the screen's input together, then choose the simplest supported cable path.

Newer specifications need matching hardware

The HDMI licensing organization's overview describes HDMI 2.2 with bandwidth up to 96Gbps and an Ultra96 cable category for supported applications. It also distinguishes the earlier Ultra High Speed HDMI cable category, associated with configurations up to 48Gbps. These are capabilities of specified combinations, not automatic upgrades for older ports.

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Choose for the actual monitor mode

A laptop, graphics output, cable and display must all support the desired video format. The newest specification's resolution and refresh-rate examples should therefore be checked against the equipment being connected. For a practical monitor purchase, identify the supported mode on each end first; buying a higher-rated cable cannot create a display feature that the source or monitor lacks.

The HDMI licensing organization's overview describes HDMI 2.2 with bandwidth up to 96Gbps and an Ultra96 cable category for supported applications. Choose a monitor connection by the video mode supported at both ends.