Cable Spies

So you just bought a new HDTV, gaming console, PC or flat-screen monitor and you noticed your new electronic device came with either an HDMI cable or DisplayPort cable connector. Now you ask yourself, “what exactly is HDMI and DisplayPort and which one is right for me?” HDMI was designed as an external connection for HDTVs to replace the aging component video and s-video connections and is used primarily with consumer electronics. On the other hand DisplayPort is the primary method for connecting flat-panel monitors to computer systems and is primarily used by IT professionals for PC’s, projectors and monitors.

DisplayPort was designed to be specifically used with flat-panel monitors and has a micro-packet architecture which uses less power that works more efficiently with network displays. HDMI on the other hand has a raster-scan architecture which was designed to first be used on CRT televisions. DisplayPort is also suppose to feature higher performance compared to HDMI with the ability to support 10.8 Gbps with a 6-foot cableand and can also support monitors with resolutions up to 2560×1600, HDMI cables at 6 feet are rated at 400 mbps. DisplayPort also features latching connectors which is vital for surveillance and other critical systems where keeping the cables connected at all times is an absolute must.

HDMI is no slouch when it comes to data transferring however, and it’s still the most popular way to connect your HD device to your flat-panel TV or monitor. For the average consumer who is looking for a high-quality way to connect their PC, videogame system or Blu-ray player to their monitors or TVs then HDMI cable is still the most popular and cost effective way to go. For those who want even greater performance or for those who work in the IT industry then DisplayPort cable is most likely already the norm.

-Ray

[Sources: direct2dell afterdawn ]