
HDMI and DisplayPort have been in an even battle for the best video interface solution for quite some time now. These standards transform as the technologies evolve. The battle is fiercer, with the latest DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 bringing more capabilities. Find out which is the winning interface.
What is DisplayPort 1.4 and its features?
DisplayPort 1.4 is a superior generation of the DisplayPort technologies standard set by VESA. It expands upon the features of DisplayPort 1.3, with substantial growths in bandwidth, resolution, and multimedia characteristics beneficial for today’s gaming, professional displays, and multimedia industry.
Key Features of DisplayPort 1.4:
- Improved Bandwidth: While DisplayPort 1.4 has been tuned to operate at a rate that can go to 32.4 Gbps, the version supports maximum resolution and refresh rates than previous versions.
- Higher Resolutions and Refresh Rates: The technology is capable of 8K (7680 x 4320) resolution at 60Hz and 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution at 120Hz full-color depth. This capability guarantees fine, clear and stable graphics ideal for gaming and official business use.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support: The standard supports HDR, increases color range, contrast and brightness, enhancing videos and game experience.
- Display Stream Compression (DSC): As a very lossy compression method, DSC makes good utilization of available bandwidth necessary for increased resolution and refresh rates.
- Forward Error Correction (FEC): For image stability over long cables, FEC operates to correct errors in the transmitted data, minimizing signal loss.
- Multi-Stream Transport (MST): This feature allows the display to be connected in series with other displays recommended for use with multiple monitors since they eliminate cables..
What is HDMI 2.1 and its features?
HDMI 2.1 is HDMI Forum’s latest upgrade. It brings new features to support the new generation of gaming consoles, advanced TVs and home theater systems. You get more bandwidth than before, better video and sound capabilities, and optimized for the latest gadgets.
Key Features of HDMI 2.1:
- Increased Bandwidth: HDMI 2.1 carries a signaling rate of as much as 48Gbps and supports resolutions of up to 10K and uncompressed 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. It also makes the operation smoother and ensures a sharper view – a critical feature of any handset.
- Dynamic HDR: The standard also backs dynamic HDR formats that are able to change the level of brightness, contrast and color for each scene or frame, enhancing the visuals.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Originally targeted at gaming, HGI’s VRR cuts screen tearing and input latency to enhance gaming quality and framerates.
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC): This feature enables you to get only the best sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for that best sound.
- Quick Media Switching (QMS): QMS also abolishes the problem of the delay time when changing the video modes, which is good news for users.
- Quick Frame Transport (QFT): This is important for gaming and virtual reality applications because it minimizes latency or delay.
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Immediately switches into the lowest latency available to fit game or real-time AV without severe packet loss.
- Compatibility and Future-Proofing: HDMI 2.1 works with HDMI 1.x, 2.0, and 2.0b and supports modern technologies, including 4K streaming and the new generation consoles.
These characteristics make HDMI 2.1 an innovative interface for high-dynamic video and audio solutions and appeal to gamers, home theatre enthusiasts, and professional users.
Comparison of Bandwidth and Resolution Support
And now, let’s compare DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 with attention to their bandwidths and supported resolutions. The bandwidth of DisplayPort 1.4 is 32.4 Gbps, and HDMI 2.1 is 48 Gbps.
DisplayPort uses Display Stream Compression (DSC) to deliver 4K at 120Hz as well as 8K at 60Hz. The current HDMI solution, HDMI 2.1, HDMI has explicit support for 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz without compression, which is critical for content with no compression, like media players and gaming.
4K and 8K performances of both standards are quite reasonable. However, DisplayPort is rather popular in PC configurations because of its better compatibility with high refresh rates of monitors and multiple display connections.
HDMI 2.1 is better at multi-media applications with its great compatibility of Dynamic HDR formats, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, for improving the picture quality of TVs and home theaters. Moreover, there is eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) in HDMI 2.1 that fuels better audio signaling along with video.
Summary Table: Comparison of Bandwidth and Resolution Support
Feature | DisplayPort 1.4 | HDMI 2.1 |
Maximum Bandwidth | 32.4 Gbps | 48 Gbps |
Resolution and Refresh Rate | 4K at 120Hz (with DSC), 8K at 60Hz (compressed) | 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz (native) |
Compression | Requires Display Stream Compression (DSC) | No compression needed for supported formats |
HDR Support | Requires Display Stream Compression (DSC) | Dynamic HDR (HDR10+, Dolby Vision) |
Audio Features | Standard audio | Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) |
Best Applications | PC setups, multi-monitor configurations | Home theaters, consoles, multimedia displays |

Gaming Performance: DisplayPort 1.4 vs. HDMI 2.1
The HDMI 2.1 has the upper hand when it comes to overall flexibility because it supports ultra-high refresh rates and means for eliminating tearing: FreeSync and G-Sync. However, for some reason, DisplayPort 1.4 is more popular among PC gamers as it can manage higher frame rates with 1440p and 4K resolution.
Its implementation of VRR technologies normally provides wider coverage of refresh rates than HDMI, which is helpful for gamers employing top-performing GPUs such as the NVIDIA RTX series. Another feature of DisplayPort is the Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which allows several monitors to be connected to a given port, which is beneficial for gaming.
When combined together with suitable hardware, we noted that both standards offer similar input lag and responsiveness. A higher bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 is better for future proof of new high-resolution, high-refresh-rate displays.
Summary Table: Gaming Performance
Feature | DisplayPort 1.4 | HDMI 2.1 |
Refresh Rate | 4K at 120Hz, 1440p at higher rates | 4K at 120Hz, supports even higher rates |
VRR Technologies | FreeSync, G-Sync | FreeSync, G-Sync, VRR |
Multi-Monitor Support | Supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) | Limited multi-monitor support |
Input Lag | Comparable with appropriate hardware | Comparable with appropriate hardware |
Compatibility | Primarily PC-focused, supports graphics cards | Widely compatible with consoles and TVs |
Best Use Case | PC gaming, high-performance competitive setups | Console gaming, multimedia, future-proof tech |
Professional Use Cases and Application Scenarios
When it comes to professional environments, choosing the right interface—DisplayPort or HDMI—is crucial for performance, reliability, and flexibility. Both standards have unique features tailored to specific workflows.
Video Editing
- DisplayPort:
For professionals who work with multiple monitors carrying graphics and videos, DisplayPort is the way to go. Having MST compatibility, you can link many displays with a single cable, preventing cable mess.
The high bandwidth of DisplayPort makes it possible to play back true high-definition and accurate color video required in video editing. Additional HDR support also simplifies the editing of content to be displayed on HDR-compatible devices.
- HDMI:
Although HDMI 2.1 has high resolution and refresh rates, it does not contain MST and can not be so useful for multi-display editing. That said, its eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) works wonders for editors who deal with high quality sound tracks.
CAD and 3D Design
- DisplayPort:
DisplayPort is preferable for CAD professionals. It allows displaying videos with high rates of frame refreshing as well as ultra-high quality of image, which is very important for displaying complicated three-dimensional images and graphic models. This compatibility with professional grade monitors yields better colour calibration and deeper bit depths. - HDMI:
HDMI is used less frequently in CAD but can be used for single-monitor work if cost is an issue as opposed to use of all the monitors in one station.
Multi-Monitor Setups
- DisplayPort:
DisplayPort is prevalent in multi-display arrangements because of MST. It can transmit up to four monitors of 1080p. For two monitors, it can go up to 4K through a single cable. This is a great invention for every financial trader, software developer, and engineer. - HDMI:
HDMI, for the most part, supports only a single monitor per port of the connection. For multiple monitors, extra hardware like splitters is needed and as result, it is complex to get multiple monitors working.

Best Use Cases
Here are some real-world scenarios where DisplayPort and HDMI excel:
Professional Editing
- Best Interface: DisplayPort
For multi-monitor sophisticated video editors and designers, DisplayPort is unbeatable when it comes to connections and quality resolution.
Home Theaters
- Best Interface: HDMI 2.1
HDMI’s eARC and compatibility with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision make HDMI the perfect choice for a home theater system.
Office Setups
- Best Interface: DisplayPort
DisplayPort works great in productivity-oriented configurations with several monitors as it provides a clean and sharp image.
Conclusion
Both DisplayPort and HDMI are good and can be used interchangeably but the decision depends on the user. There’s no question that DisplayPort is remarkable when it comes to multi-monitor support and business use, whereas HDMI is perfect for gaming and home theater.

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