DisplayPort: Because what we really needed was another connector
by Richard Lawler 
posted May 3rd 2006 at 5:12PM
Ok fess up, who requested another digital
interface for video and audio content? Since UDI, HDMI & DVI weren't
complicated enough, VESA has come out with their own digital connector to replace VGA, DisplayPort. They originally announced it a year ago, but it is now ready to go, the only question is does
anyone care?This article from Digitimes breaks down the challenges DisplayPort faces and what (few) benefits it offers. Unlike DVI/HDMI/UDI, it isn't backwards compatible with anything. If you replace your PC, DVD player TV or monitor with a DisplayPort device you'll have to replace anything connected to it. It also has it's own content protection scheme, much like HDCP, but once again not compatible.
We don't really see this standard taking off with no backwards compatibility (however this release from Dell/HP/Lenovo indicates it is "possible" to have legacy compatibility with DVI 1.0) and both high definition DVD formats using a different copy protection format. With its only apparent advantage being a lack of licensing fees, is there a space for DisplayPort?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
EdwardA @ May 3rd 2006 6:30PM
A lack of licensing fees is a big deal in emerging or state run markets. While I don't imagine seeing it popping up in the US anytime soon, this is the kind of thing that will take off in Asia, like VCD.
So, a better question, when will we see a consistent standard? My HDMI is already out of date, but I'm not jumping at the chance to get UDI equipment.