The 24 pin USB-C connector is the key to understanding. Otherwise I’m not aware of any difference between these two DisplayPort types.īandwidth Tradeoffs – It’s All About The Lanes Regular DisplayPort connectors can’t do this, and require an active HDMI adapter with more built-in smarts. This is because DisplayPort video can be carried more efficiently on the USB-C connection than HDMI for the same resolution and refresh rate.ĭualMode DisplayPort++ connectors are able to function as HDMI connectors with a simple passive adapter (it does 3.3V to 5V level conversion). I strongly suspect most hubs with an HDMI port are actually implemented internally as a DisplayPort, with an integrated DisplayPort to HDMI converter. You’ll never find a USB-C hub that offers better video capabilities through its HDMI port than through its DisplayPort, but you will find hubs that offer better DisplayPort resolution and refresh rates. Lesson 1 is to focus on DisplayPort video connections, and forget about HDMI. October 2020 Update: see the notes at the end of this article about how DisplayPort 1.4 changes the landscape. If you’re hoping to connect a high-res external display to your USB-C equipped computer, read on. This is the guide to high-resolution video over USB-C that I wish I’d had. Prices range from $20 to over $300 for what look like very similar features. There are mentions of alt mode and dual mode and more. Some are advertised as “not for gaming use”. Supported resolutions and refresh rates vary widely. USB-C hubs with external monitor support are also common, but understanding their capabilities and limitations can be extremely confusing.
USB-C converters to DisplayPort or HDMI are common and inexpensive. USB-C offers exciting new capabilities, including external monitors connected through the USB port.
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