The world of display technology has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with the advent of 4K resolution and high refresh rates. As a result, the demand for high-quality display interfaces has increased significantly. Two of the most popular display interfaces available in the market today are DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1. Both of these interfaces have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task, especially for those who want to enjoy 4K resolution at 144Hz.
Understanding DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1
Before we dive into the comparison, it’s essential to understand the basics of both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1.
DisplayPort 1.4
DisplayPort 1.4 is a digital display interface standard that was released in 2016. It offers a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps, which is sufficient to support 4K resolution at 120Hz or 144Hz with a reduced color depth. DisplayPort 1.4 also supports Display Stream Compression (DSC), which allows for the compression of display data, reducing the required bandwidth.
HDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.1, on the other hand, is a more recent display interface standard that was released in 2017. It offers a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps, which is significantly higher than DisplayPort 1.4. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K resolution at 144Hz with a full color depth, making it an attractive option for those who want the best possible display quality.
Key Differences Between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1
Now that we have a basic understanding of both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, let’s take a look at the key differences between them.
Bandwidth
The most significant difference between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 is their bandwidth. HDMI 2.1 offers a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps, while DisplayPort 1.4 offers a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps. This means that HDMI 2.1 can support higher resolutions and refresh rates than DisplayPort 1.4.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
As mentioned earlier, HDMI 2.1 can support 4K resolution at 144Hz with a full color depth, while DisplayPort 1.4 can support 4K resolution at 120Hz or 144Hz with a reduced color depth. This makes HDMI 2.1 a better option for those who want the best possible display quality.
Compression
DisplayPort 1.4 supports Display Stream Compression (DSC), which allows for the compression of display data, reducing the required bandwidth. HDMI 2.1, on the other hand, does not support compression, which means that it requires a higher bandwidth to support the same resolutions and refresh rates.
Connectors
Another difference between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 is their connectors. DisplayPort 1.4 uses a smaller connector than HDMI 2.1, which makes it more convenient to use in tight spaces.
Which is Better for 4K 144Hz?
Now that we have discussed the key differences between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, let’s determine which one is better for 4K 144Hz.
HDMI 2.1: The Clear Winner
Based on our analysis, HDMI 2.1 is the clear winner when it comes to 4K 144Hz. Its higher bandwidth and support for full color depth make it the best option for those who want the best possible display quality.
Why HDMI 2.1 is Better
There are several reasons why HDMI 2.1 is better than DisplayPort 1.4 for 4K 144Hz:
- Higher Bandwidth: HDMI 2.1 offers a higher bandwidth than DisplayPort 1.4, which means that it can support higher resolutions and refresh rates.
- Full Color Depth: HDMI 2.1 supports full color depth, which means that it can display a wider range of colors than DisplayPort 1.4.
- No Compression: HDMI 2.1 does not require compression, which means that it can display images without any loss of quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HDMI 2.1 is the better option for 4K 144Hz. Its higher bandwidth, support for full color depth, and lack of compression make it the best choice for those who want the best possible display quality. While DisplayPort 1.4 is still a good option, it cannot match the performance of HDMI 2.1.
Future of Display Interfaces
As display technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see new display interfaces that offer even higher bandwidth and better performance. Some of the upcoming display interfaces include:
- DisplayPort 2.0: DisplayPort 2.0 is a new display interface standard that offers a maximum bandwidth of 80 Gbps. It is expected to be released in the near future and will support even higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI 2.1.
- HDMI 2.1a: HDMI 2.1a is an updated version of the HDMI 2.1 standard that offers improved performance and new features. It is expected to be released in the near future and will offer even better performance than HDMI 2.1.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the choice between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you want the best possible display quality and can afford it, HDMI 2.1 is the better option. However, if you are on a budget and want a good display interface that can still support 4K 144Hz, DisplayPort 1.4 is still a good option.
| Feature | DisplayPort 1.4 | HDMI 2.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 32.4 Gbps | 48 Gbps |
| Resolution and Refresh Rate | 4K at 120Hz or 144Hz with reduced color depth | 4K at 144Hz with full color depth |
| Compression | Supports Display Stream Compression (DSC) | Does not support compression |
| Connectors | Smaller connector | Larger connector |
Note: The information in this article is subject to change and may not be up-to-date. It’s always a good idea to check the latest information before making any purchasing decisions.
What is the main difference between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1?
DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 are both high-speed digital interfaces used for connecting devices such as computers, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players to displays. The main difference between the two is the bandwidth they offer. DisplayPort 1.4 has a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps, while HDMI 2.1 has a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps.
This difference in bandwidth affects the resolution and refresh rate that each interface can support. DisplayPort 1.4 can support up to 5K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, while HDMI 2.1 can support up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 144Hz. This makes HDMI 2.1 a better choice for applications that require high resolutions and refresh rates.
Which interface is better for gaming, DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1?
For gaming, HDMI 2.1 is generally considered the better choice. This is because it offers higher bandwidth and can support higher resolutions and refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 can support up to 4K at 144Hz, which is ideal for fast-paced games that require high frame rates. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), which can help to reduce screen tearing and input lag.
DisplayPort 1.4, on the other hand, can only support up to 4K at 120Hz, which may not be enough for some gamers. However, it’s worth noting that DisplayPort 1.4 is still a high-quality interface that can provide excellent gaming performance. Ultimately, the choice between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the gamer.
Can I use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable with an HDMI 2.1 device?
No, you cannot use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable with an HDMI 2.1 device. DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 are two different interfaces that require different types of cables. DisplayPort 1.4 cables are designed to work with DisplayPort 1.4 devices, while HDMI 2.1 cables are designed to work with HDMI 2.1 devices.
If you try to use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable with an HDMI 2.1 device, it will not work. You will need to use an HDMI 2.1 cable to connect your device to a display. It’s also worth noting that you may need to use an adapter or converter to connect a DisplayPort 1.4 device to an HDMI 2.1 display.
Is DisplayPort 1.4 compatible with 4K 144Hz?
No, DisplayPort 1.4 is not compatible with 4K 144Hz. DisplayPort 1.4 has a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps, which is not enough to support 4K at 144Hz. To achieve 4K at 144Hz, you need an interface with higher bandwidth, such as HDMI 2.1.
If you want to run 4K at 144Hz, you will need to use an HDMI 2.1 cable and a device that supports HDMI 2.1. DisplayPort 1.4 can only support up to 4K at 120Hz, which may not be enough for some applications.
Can I use an HDMI 2.1 cable with a DisplayPort 1.4 device?
No, you cannot use an HDMI 2.1 cable with a DisplayPort 1.4 device. DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 are two different interfaces that require different types of cables. HDMI 2.1 cables are designed to work with HDMI 2.1 devices, while DisplayPort 1.4 cables are designed to work with DisplayPort 1.4 devices.
If you try to use an HDMI 2.1 cable with a DisplayPort 1.4 device, it will not work. You will need to use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable to connect your device to a display. It’s also worth noting that you may need to use an adapter or converter to connect an HDMI 2.1 device to a DisplayPort 1.4 display.
Which interface is more widely supported, DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 is more widely supported than DisplayPort 1.4. HDMI 2.1 is a more common interface that is found on a wide range of devices, including TVs, monitors, and gaming consoles. DisplayPort 1.4, on the other hand, is more commonly found on computer hardware, such as graphics cards and motherboards.
This means that if you’re looking to connect a device to a TV or monitor, HDMI 2.1 is likely to be the better choice. However, if you’re looking to connect a device to a computer monitor, DisplayPort 1.4 may be a better option.
Is DisplayPort 1.4 obsolete?
No, DisplayPort 1.4 is not obsolete. While HDMI 2.1 offers higher bandwidth and can support higher resolutions and refresh rates, DisplayPort 1.4 is still a high-quality interface that can provide excellent performance. DisplayPort 1.4 is still widely used in computer hardware and is supported by many devices.
In fact, DisplayPort 1.4 is still a good choice for many applications, such as gaming at 4K at 120Hz or general computer use. However, if you need to run at higher resolutions or refresh rates, HDMI 2.1 may be a better option.