Explaining Display Connectors: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, DVI, VGA & Thunderbolt

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings All! Some here are noting that I am wrong to state that DVI does not carry audio, but I believe they are mistaken. There is no audio in the DVI specification, and it is technically impossible to plug a DVI cable into a DVI socket on a PC at one end, and into a DVI socket on a monitor at the other end, and transmit any audio. Only a video signal will be carried. What can occur is that an adapter cable is used to connect a DVI and audio port at the PC end to a HDMI input on a monitor or TV -- meaning that the connection made to the monitor is via HDMI. :) Or, some graphics cards were made that did output audio from a DVI port, but not one that met the DVI specification. And again, the connection will not be DVI to DVI. It will be “DVI with audio” at one end, but HDMI at the other. Given that any display connector output can be connected to any monitor input with an appropriate adapter, neither of the above scenarious may reasonably be described as being a DVI connection. Call me old fashioned, but a "DVI connection" is one where DVI is used at both ends.

[@alanthornton3530]

You're correct DVI supports video only & doesn't output audio, one of the reasons for a good sound card, headphones or speakers :) 😉

[@joaojotta64]

Hi Chris. I can confirm that it is the case. My 3060 carries out audio from the DVI port with a DVI to HDMI cable. I was shocked when I found out but it does.

[@ExplainingComputers]

@CK Gaming Channel I'm afraid that Ethernet over HDMI is already a thing! :)

[@IconOfSin]

​@CK Gaming Channel have fun in SD

[@ExplainingComputers]

@@joaojotta64 I can imagine you exclaiming "but how is this working?!" :O

[@somakun1806]

I love how it's 2023 and his videos still feel like im living in 90's . Very unique style .....sir, keep up the good work

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings!

[@leonard30909]

​@@ExplainingComputers your content is amazing. It's helping me pass my a+

[@MostafaHossain-lq4xk]

​@@leonard30909 . How does 😮

[@rv6amark]

This is pure madness. As a young mechanical engineer starting my career back in 1970, I was told that we had to use "standard" fasteners to keep the number of different types of fasteners down to a reasonable number. My boss also said, "What I love about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from!" If he is watching from heaven, he is probably laughing loudly at this mass array of video standards. At least the USB working group attempted to keep some backward compatibility!

[@MyMy-tv7fd]

yes, the madness of proprietary patents and licences rules...OK

[@dogshome7110]

We use projectors at work on bog standard 1080P on 15M HDMI leads. After some trial and error, we get consistent results with Startech at about £60 each. Any other flavour of copper, fibre, active or passive leads has incompatibility either in power signalling, random frame loss or some other issue. Amazon "32K Ultra fast Terabit no noise super flexible platinum plated etc" costing >£100 being no better. This is because the standard changes and manufacturers interpret things differently. It's almost as buggy as Bluetooth used to be! HDBAseT is great, but the manufacturers ignore it and use dual ethernet as a non-standard 'standard' because splitting and combining video and keyboard and mouse cost s lot more than simply driving each over cat5 separately. USB isn't bulletproof. If you programme Arduino you will soon find out. All good fun 🙂

[@kote315]

Video signal transmission and equipment compatibility has always been insane. At least we have almost got rid of various video signal standards in different countries (PAL, SECAM, NTSC and exotic derivatives of them, such as PAL60 or MESECAM), as well as non-standard scan frequencies in computers.

[@LOTPOR0402]

Usb is not really backwards compatible as the connectors are all different

[@encycl07pedia-]

@@LOTPOR0402 Eh, that's not entirely true. The point is as long as you have the same head, it will fit into the same size socket and be usable. You can plug in a USB-A 3.0 head into a USB-A 1.0 port (WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!) and it should still work. A microUSB 2.0 head fits into a microUSB 3.0 port, too. The biggest hiccups would be power delivery and data rates.

[@LandNfan]

The lovely thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from.

[@notpoliticallycorrect1303]

I have around 40 years experience in the automotive electrics/electronics trade but my knowledge of home computers is what I would call 'intermediate. I have built a few pcs over the years but to me that doesnt really require any real detailed knowledge,much of it self explanatory,abundantly clear or prompted.'Always like most things,once you learn what the terminology refers to, it all becomes much clearer and certainly removes some of the mystery of the myriad of choices. This is the best source I have come across for clear,precise explanations,diagrams and charts as to what that terminology actually means. Satisfying you with enough to understand a components heirarchy, their functions,limits and efficacy,but not too much to fry your brain, a very good balance for the layman.👏

[@Aruneh]

Classic ExplainingComputers video, giving us the basic knowledge we all need!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, this is one of those "EC back to basics" videos. :)

[@frankjames1955]

basics for you, not everyone

[@Graham_Rule]

When you said that VGA is the oldest display connector in common use I started to reminisce about the Hercules Graphics Card and CGA based systems I used to have in rescued old computers. 30 years later and I'm in the same room watching KZbin in HD.

[@dennisdevine9563]

aah, the Hercules Graphics Card and CGA adapters brought tears to my eyes

[@mattblatchley2061]

and I say this without a trace of sarcasm...You, sir, have a knack of being able to make the most mundane topics very interesting and entertaining!!! Well Done!

[@woahnelly42]

EC is simply the best source for computer news, history and education. Thank you Chris, I hope your work is immortalised on the internet forever!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Wow, thank you!

[@sbc_tinkerer]

Thank you once again for the clear explanation of the world of multiple computer "standards."

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

A welcome update for our beloved video connection cables. One of the many interests of this presentation is that it covers both old and new video interfaces; it's always good to remember that our old equipment can usually still serve us well despite their venerable age... A great way to fight the programmed obsolescence of some manufacturers and the "always new" fashion! Congratulations!

[@handcoded]

I've shared this video with a CompTIA A+ study group as this information is covered on the core 1 exam and is presented brilliantly.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. :)

[@ph11p3540]

I love my DisplayPort powered triple monitors (active HDMI to DisplayPort dongles) hooked up to my high end PC.

[@WindowsBetaCamp]

Nice seeing an update to your older video about display connectors. Kudos!

[@ExplainingComputers]

I am amazed the other video was from 2013! So maybe I'll do a third video in 2032 . . .

[@Colin_Ames]

Excellent video, as always. It brought back a memory of the time I went to a Best Buy store looking for a dual link DVI cable. I couldn’t find one on display, so I went to ask the “expert” at the Geek Squad desk. He told me that there was no such thing as dual link DVI!

[@ArniesTech]

Good times 🙏

[@malazan6004]

Omg I remember having to use a DL DVI cable for a gift 1440p dell or something maybe higher very early when 720 and 1080p was the main thing. It felt like it didn't stick around for long though. Actually looking it was 1600p

[@RemoWilliams1227]

Yeah the Dork Patrol has never been very good.

[@MegaKrustyman]

This was so packed with information, I must have skipped back or paused at least a dozen times while I dug out cables or looked up various products I've owned over the years. Thank you sir; this was both informative and a nice trip down memory lane!

[@TheAnkMan]

My new setup is a 2013 desktop running Linux. First I connected to HDMI, but the TV I use it only could do 1280x1024, and on a TTY all was messed up (suppose Linux couldn't tell the TV the resolution, so parts of the screen did not show). Used HDMI for the audio part. Later got a Bluetooth speaker (squeaker ;-) and switch to VGA. There I have 1920x1080 now. Also works on a TTY. Thanks to this episode I learned that HDMI is probably only an option if you not have rock old hardware (TV) I have. 🙂 Btw. I some months ago I was saying here that people might get a little bored because of the SBCs. Looking at the views indicates I am wrong. So keep those videos coming. 🙂

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this. I remember having a time of it getting Linux Mint to output 1280x1024 to DVI or VGA. :)

[@gigteevee6118]

This is such an important video, I’ve spent my life juggling video and cables professionally so an overview is quite relaxing to watch 😂

[@mikedonovan4768]

I'm looking to upgrade my motherboard soon and have been watching a load of videos only to realise that I only need the videos on this channel to explain everything ! This channel deserves all the subscribers - roll on 2 million ! 👍🙂

[@ran2wild370]

Thank you very much for systemizing this bunch of cables! Even for tech fans it sometimes difficult and concentrate on task of absorbing a wide range of knowledge 🙂

[@MaxGoof]

I never realized that DVI had that many different versions. I suppose I was just lucky that when I ordered a DVI cable that it was compatible with my computer and monitors. I still wish HDMI had some sort of locking mechanism. That's the main reason I still cling to DVI cables when I can. Thanks again for another informative, well-made video! I'm off to inspect my cables and ports now.

[@paulg3336]

I suspect the differences occur at the device socket and all DVI-DVI cables are straight through

[@ExplainingComputers]

Oh no, DVI-DVI cables come in all the different versions . .

[@KeinNiemand]

Just use Display Port if you can.

[@horseradishpower9947]

I see Chris is a visionary, displaying the need for such explanation videos for the masses. Leaving humour aside, can I please thank you for giving us this needed video. It can be rather confusing, particularly with things like USB C now carrying displays as well.

[@MM.]

USB-C will be heavily driven by hybrid office arrangements without fixed desks where employees use notebooks. The ability to use a monitor as a dock with the display connection doubling as a charging lead is unbeatable. With DP and HDMI, a separate dock becomes necessary that increases the cost of a workstation and needlessly takes up additional desk space.

[@tpobrienjr]

Thank you for a quick overview of the dizzying array of display connectors.

[@JohnDavidSullivan]

Worth mentioning that despite the USB-C plug being symmetrical some devices only work with the plug the right way around. We found out the hard way as I work in a University as an AV Tech and we were testing a new Wacom graphics tablet, it would would only work if the USB-C was the right way around. Only found out by trial and error.

[@alexhudspeth1213]

Chris, your demeanor reminds me of that one kind and patient Boolean Geometry instructor from my Coast Guard tech school days. Thanks, as always, for a great video.

[@Akula114]

I'm not going to go into the plethora of connector types, pros and cons, whatever... I just wanted to say thanks for finally making this all clear(ish). Cheers!

[@jholloway77]

Display port alt mode is fantastic. Can hook up a unix laptop to a thinkpad docking station, get my computer charged and recieve from ethernet, while getting display on 3 external monitors. Great for work laptops!

[@ran2wild370]

A few months ago I encountered HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 incompatibilities :-)) When I bought a used motherboard and CPU and connected this //so called PC// with a cable from my very old android TV box, I had very spoilt picture on my FullHD TV and thought that the mobo or CPU were damaged. I connected them via VGA cable and everything worked well. So that was the first step of troubleshooting.

[@LawnMeower]

A few graphics cards like the GTX 260 supported audio via DVI. I used a DVI to HDMI cable with one and had audio as well

[@ExplainingComputers]

Indeed -- see pinned comment. As you describe, you are not carrying audio across a DVI to DVI connection! :)

[@Sunlight91]

I still use VGA for my server. 1080p is enough for this task. It's quite impressive for a computer standard to last 36 years.

[@ZetsubouMar]

I have a soft spot for VGA at 1080p, it doesn't look that clear but gives a warm analog image that I like.

[@tedoyle61]

Thanks for the explanation... I could never understand why I couldn't get certain video cables to work properly.... now I do. GREAT Video!

[@elbee2324]

Thank you for exploring another connector type video, to go along with the USB standards. It must have been a pain to research this one as well, but the information is important for those learning these things or trying to work out how to connect a new device to a random screen. I still wish, as I do with USB, that they could come up with some sort of system to identify which generation of video connection a cable uses at a glance, as if you try to use an older, outward identical HDMI cable, you may be able to use 8K, but you probably will not unless you specifically have checked what type of cable it is, and it's almost impossible to tell from a random box of cables with no outward markings. It's also terrible that dishonest sellers can claim their cables can do things that they cannot, like selling a Display Port 1.0 cable and claiming it can take all forms of monitors, when it cannot carry the data for a 4K screen. It they had consistent colourings or different outer shielding, it would make a consumer's life a lot easier. Ah well. Maybe some day. :-\ But thanks again for the hard work and excellent explanation put into this video. :-)

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this. :)

[@BobFrTube]

I appreciate these travels through history. Bring back memories of RS-232 at a blinding 110bps. It's a shame that the industry that flubbed IEEE-1934 is still at it and never got the memo that everything is fungible packets and copper is copper, so creating all these special-purpose cable no longer makes sense. DP over HDMI cables demonstrates this. Converging on USB is an intermediate step piggybacking on the more important role of USB-C as a power supply. At some point, we'll pull the slipknot, and all the special cables will get related as a generic network as with Ethernetnet and Wi-Fi.

[@arnislacis9064]

7:39 most video cards can carry HDMI signal through DVI connector with audio support too, because HDMI and DVI-D contains the same wires (except for CEC and Ethernet on DVI cable).

[@SISSYPUSS]

There are a lot of moving parts with video cables. Those charts tho, they are the best thanks for all your work! This was utter simplicity for a time, now it's complicated by versions. I had one of the Nvidia graphics cards that did DVI + audio, it played movies direct from the computer to the display up above with WMP. I left that setup running a playlist continuously for over a year just to have something playing on the TV in the room. It was a good stable system that just worked, was fairly low-cost too.

[@johncundiff7075]

Brilliant!!! This is the kind of teaching videos that I personally LOVE watching!! I watched every last second of this video!! Keep up the FINE WORK Mr. Barnatt!!

[@dominiquemoro7976]

Do do I !

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@LMacNeill]

Back in 2010 I bought a Dell U2711 monitor (27" IPS LCD panel, 2560x1440 @ 60 Hz). I still have it today and use it on a daily basis. It had *ALL* the ports available at the time. VGA, DVI-I Dual Link, HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, Composite, and Component. (When's the last time you've seen a device using a Component connection, eh?) It also had a 3.5mm audio output in case you were sending it audio via the HDMI or DP connectors, and needed to attach some speakers (or its optional "sound bar," which I also still have to this day). It was the first time I owned a monitor wherein its max resolution wouldn't work over a VGA cable. Luckily it came with a dual-link DVI cable, and my video card at the time had a dual-link DVI output. I'm quite surprised, honestly, that a 13-year-old monitor is still as relevant today as it was back in 2010. It is attached to both my Windows 10 PC and my M1 Mac Mini, using a DisplayPort-based KVM switch, with no issues whatsoever. The only issue I've ever had with it is that It has a small bug in its firmware which reports its max resolution via the HDMI port as 1920x1080 instead of 2560x1440. This only happens on the HDMI port. On a PC, you can manually "overclock" the video card's output to 2560x1440 @ 60Hz. (And, in fact, it'll do 72 Hz, just fine with no ghosting or other artifacts). However, on a Mac, I never could figure out how to force it to output a spec different from what the monitor tells it to output, so I was forced to use DisplayPort, or suffer with 1080p output. Since I wanted to be able to switch from PC to Mac using a single KVM, I was forced to buy a DisplayPort-based KVM.

[@leskaighin8903]

This was a lot more complicated than I thought it would be. Thanks for making it all clear

[@1pcfred]

I knew it was going to be confusing. That's why I watched the video. Now I still don't understand but at least I've some idea of just how much there is. It looked like every connector has about 4 versions?

[@ygstuff4898]

A great overview (and answered some questions I had about HDMI vs. DP). Now I'm waiting for a video on describing the "wireless video & audio" standards--sometimes my Smart TV permits a computer to connect, and other times not so much.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Another video topic, certainly! :)

[@matt4054yt]

The lack of standardisation for wireless AV is frustrating. It's more like a collection of walled gardens belonging to their proprietary ecosystems. Like the need for a Chromecast dongle for the Google/Android world, an Apple TV for iOS/macOS, and an Xbox for Windows. And Miracast seems more or less stuck in the past since it was not embraced by the industry. That is just sad.

[@ypat90]

Video would be one thing over wireless but even surround sound can fall prey to proprietary marketing as per a video by Linus from LTT on his brand-new home wireless sound system. Interesting to check out for anyone considering such a setup.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I appreciate the explanations. One issue I have here in the Philippines is new technologies and the higher quality products and adapters are slow to arrive here.

[@dameanvil]

02:00 🖥 Display connectors like VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and Thunderbolt offer various options for connecting computers to monitors. 05:17 🌐 VGA carries analog video signals and supports resolutions up to 2048x1536, but higher resolutions may appear fuzzy due to its analog nature. 09:53 📺 HDMI features different connector types (A to E), supports audio, HDCP, and even Ethernet, with constant upgrades for higher resolutions and frame rates. 13:26 ⚡ Thunderbolt supports power delivery, video, and audio transmission, with Thunderbolt 4 offering advanced features like support for up to one 8K 60Hz display or two 4K 60Hz displays.

[@antonyrodriguez5621]

A little of bit of order in my mind regarding this maddeningly complicated topic!

[@alanthornton3530]

What a mind boggling array of cables & standards, I've watched the video twice over just to make sure I understand, now I need a cuppa & a biscuit. A shame that HDMI plugs aren't fitted with a locking mechanism, I'd accidentally nudged the HDMI cable so at the next switch on I had a blank screen, a quick dive underneath the desk problem spotted & sorted!! Thanks Chris for an interesting Sunday afternoon video

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings Alan. I am now going to have a cuppa and biscuit too! :)

[@zetaconvex1987]

Interesting and comprehensive overview. My head was swimming by the end. It seems that for pro equipment there are just a few standards that last for decades, whereas for consumers it's an ever-morphing soup of options.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Nicely expressed.

[@BrewMiester]

Wish I had this video about 10 years ago when I was trying to figure out all the different DVI cables. One cable that is old and gone is the S-VIdeo. I had an old LinuxMCE setup and my old computers and TV's had this connector. It was a little round 7 pin connector. It was one step up from the old composite video which was the standard coaxial cable on most televisions.

[@kritpitako]

Due to the long VGA cable (over 10m) is cheaper than a DVI cable in same cable length. You can connect 2 DVI-only display device by using a VGA cable.

[@paullandry6573]

Ouch! My head hurts now. Great job explaining all the different formats at work about 3 years ago I decided to go with displayport for simplicity sake. I will point my boss to this video to explain why. 😂

[@kk0dj]

An absolute watershed of knowledge. Thank you Chris for unmasking the world of display connectors and all the associated information. Brilliant!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for your kind feedback. :)

[@FARLANDER762]

One thing old VGA still does best is long distance. You can run a wicked long VGA cable without any in-line amplifiers. Digital formats, not so much.

[@joeg3950]

A few years ago, I needed three types of monitor cables due to work-dictated hardware. I take these into considerations when buying hardware now. Thank you for the video!

[@1pcfred]

Whenever I buy something I always make sure I get the right cables for it because I know just how diverse the landscape is. So the odds of me having what's right are non-existent. Really a lot of these connectors look alike so how do you even know what version they support by just looking at them? Are they labeled what they are?

[@jensschroder8214]

DVI and HDMI double link are practically dead. Instead, the data rates are being cranked up. Graphics cards use the same signals on DVI and HDMI. Some also enable audio via DVI according to the HDMI standard. Original Displayport and mini Displayport use practically the same signals as HDMI. So passive adapters are possible.

[@ExplainingComputers]

I stated very clearly in the video that HDMI B (dual link) has never been used in any products. For audio and DVI, see my pinned comment -- the DVI standard does not carry audio. As noted in the video, DisplayPort and HDMI use totally different packet standards and voltages -- so passive adapters are absolutely NOT possible -- you can only use a passive adapter with DP++

[@CommodoreFan64]

As someone who does a lot of computer hardware salvage, I'm glad VGA is still around on a lot of newer displays for easy hookup, and testing of older systems. Far as DVI yeah that one was a total mess with all the different connectors, and cable standards coming around so quickly, and I'm glad the industry has moved away from it. HDMI, and Display port are a GOD send for decluttering cable mess carrying both video, and audio, just know that if you need to connect display port to HDMI don't cheap out on the adapter, and always make sure to get a quality one like Warrky that fully supports 4K 60Hz, and a good HDMI 2.0 cable that also supports 4K 60Hz, or frustration will part of your day, and more so when hooking up to a 4K display like a TV, that might only support a set number of resolutions compared to a PC monitor. Far as USB C/ThunderBolt for everything that would be great if manufacturers would stop making devices with USB C ports that are really only USB 2.0 for charge/data(excluding headphones, and things like that), and not supporting any other benefits of USBC/ThunderBolt like for example my Nokia G50 Android phone, and Nokia T20 Android tablet both fairly new USB C devices, but stuck at USB 2.0 for data, and only the bare minimum of fast charing, with no other USB C benefits. 🤦‍♂️ As always Chris thanks for another great Sunday morning video. 😀👍

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this. And VGA will be to the fore in next week's video . . .

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@ExplainingComputers Anytime 😀

[@hob991]

How interesting, (and up to your usual high standard) 👍 some comments, First this explains how my (cheap) video card via an adapter can show my desktop (not quite obsolete) on my monitor and also allow me to see said pc on a 55 inch tv at the same time (via an HDMI port naturally) Notes, I am a tad over 70 years old with cataracts that are forming in very old eyes so at the outset hd tv looked better then normal tv. but now things like 4 K just seem to waste storage space on a hard drive and will youtube ever give that much space to a video I wonder? I never had a mac in all my 23 years in computers also never seen a thunderbolt socket are the 2 exclusively linked? Also never heard of an HDMI port that can carry an internet link. Fascinating stuff thank you.

[@ahmad-murery]

Oh man, time goes by so fast, I still remember hooking up my machine to my B/W TV using RF cable. The future may hold more madness. Suggestion: I wish you could put these comparison tables somewhere on your website so they can be easily referenced when needed. Thanks Chris

[@ExplainingComputers]

You are absolutely right -- the tables should be on the website. I have a note to do a major update to the EC website to incorporate a lot of new video and related content. I will take you comment as a reminder to make this happen! :)

[@ahmad-murery]

@@ExplainingComputers Much appreciated :)

[@PCman50]

The Commodore Vic-20 looked great at it's 22 character per line resolution. Tune your TV to channel 2 and turn on the computer. 4k RAM was the bomb.

[@ahmad-murery]

@@PCman50 That was the golden age of computing when creating a little BASIC program would make you happy the whole day and maybe excited for a week or so, I never had a Commodore but an MSX1 and I got it when it was outdated (1994), anyway it gave me a huge push towards programming.

[@ExplainingComputers]

@@PCman50 So true. Those were the days! You may appreciate next week's video, where we return to such resolutions with a modern take on old BASIC computing . . .

[@ArniesTech]

Awesome Chris, we should never forget the 101 of computer basics. Love your calm and informative narration! Absolute role model for me! 🙏💪

[@ffieditor]

After going to Rolex 24 at Daytona Saturday, getting up at 9am was out, but I had a great time. This was all fantasia information and expelling load of need display info I did not know and need to know!! Great Job!! Chris!! I'm not going back for today ending run, my legs can't take it.

[@ccroy2001]

I have a Microsoft Surface Dock 2 which only has usb video out no dedicated HDMI or Display Port. So I bought a usb to HDMI cable and had so many issues getting the display to work when I plugged my Surface into the dock. As I was about to order a different USB to HDMI cable I remembered that when I bought the monitor I had a Macbook that used Thunderbolt to Display Port. So I ordered a usb to DisplayPort cable and all my problems with the dock were solved! It's a MS Dock problem as HDMI works fine directly plugged into the usb port on the Surface laptop. My point is if you are having issues with a setup maybe try a different port as most monitors have more than one standard.

[@ExplainingComputers]

A good point. There are always "possibilities". :)

[@trevormiddleton]

There was also - briefly, and confusingly - the Apple Display Connector (ADC), which was used on Apple monitors, and Macs with video connectors, between 2000 and 2005. Based on DVI-I, and resembling a DVI-I connector with 35 pins and rounded ends, ADC was Apple’s attempt at unifying video, USB, and power into a single connector. I had a 2002 Mirrored Drive Door Power Mac G4 tower which had 1 x DVI-I connector and 1 x ADC connector, and would support 2 monitors.

[@dfs-comedy]

I'm always impressed by the bandwidth these standards support. Even 4K@60Hz with 8 bits/color component requires a bandwidth of: 3840 x 2160 x 60 x 3 x 8 = ~12Gb/s and that doesn't include audio or other data. 8K at 120Hz and 48 bits/pixel would be 191 Gb/s!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Nice calculations. We do indeed take significant bandwidth for granted these days,

[@d.barnette2687]

The calculations would be much nicer if you used appropriate units next to each number. Then we could check to make sure the units at the end are indeed Gb/s.

[@dfs-comedy]

@@d.barnette2687 pixels/frame x frames/s x bits/pixel = bits/s if you want to do a dimensional analysis.

[@SweBeach2023]

I'm actually rather unimpressed. DVI-DL was released back in 1999, and the standards we use today doesn't support much higher bandwidth than this. Had resolutions increased in speed at just a small fraction of the rest of the components 8K@240Hz would have a common resolution these days. We for almost two decades saw no improvement in resolution. 1024x768 and 1280x1024 were two common resolutions back in 1995. It wasn't until ~2010 we started to move towards 1080p. A resolution we may still consider the standard for most devices sold today, from smartphones to monitors and laptops.

[@dfs-comedy]

@@SweBeach2023 go ahead and design consumer-priced hardware that can support a data rate of 191 Gb/s. That is a very impressive achievement. Resolutions higher than 1080p don't make much sense on smartphones. The pixels would be so tiny you'd need to scale everything up to make it legible.

[@winna101ify]

Very helpful explanation of the capabilities of the HDMI and Display port and Thunderbolt. Helpful to make choice for new Laptop PC.

[@dosgos]

Fantastic summary of video connectors. This will be useful for all households.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks.

[@andrewsmactips]

As Bruce Forsyth used to say: And that’s ALL there is to it!

[@ExplainingComputers]

That so takes me back.

[@ssendijjapeter7707]

Thanx so much for the explanation, I don't know the major advantages over each cable.

[@ptzzz]

Saw this on my feed when it came out but had to hold back watching as I was about to fall asleep. But I knew this video will be solid and great so I left a like before even watching it. And I'm happy to say it is! Similar to another comment I made on another video of yours before, I think this video should be part of some sort of IT101 course lectures, as with all of your Explaining series videos. It is very well explained, presented, and the graphics and macro camera work that come with it very much aids to the presentation and explanation of the connectors. I've learned about most of them except USB C and Thunderbolt display from other videos and reading online, but this video showing them all is a vey well rounded approach to introducing them.

[@arnislacis9064]

DVI-A and DVI-I carry VGA analog signal, so the analog resolution is determined by vide card manufacturer. For example NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series graphics cards can carry analog signal through DVI-I at max resolution up to to 2048x1536 85Hz (wich is max VGA spec) and digital up to 2560x1600 60Hz (DVI-D dual link).

[@CyborgZeta]

I've never used DVI. I used VGA with PC monitors up until 2020, mainly because I didn't know any better. To its credit though, VGA "just works". I've never had issues with VGA cables, while I've had the occasional issue with HDMI and DP cables.

[@rager1969]

Very cool video. I remember the first time I saw HDMI at CES 2003. There was a monitor with this small cable connected playing video and audio. I was amazed how clean the set up was - one small cable and a power plug. I disconnected that cable and the picture and sound disappeared, proving that it was the source. I plugged the HDMI back in but the video and audio didn't come back and I panicked. Maybe it would've come up again if I waited long enough, but I quickly walked away.

[@martinwilkinson2344]

Wow that's more than I ever wanted to know about video connectors. I can see why it took so long to make. With such chaos will we ever converge on a small number of usable standards?

[@seanbunce95]

I recently decommissioned a stack of D-Link DGS-3100 switches that used HDMI cables for it's stacking capability, pretty cool!

[@lindaoffenbach]

Thank you, this thorough elaborated explanation certainly is very helpful for clearing up quite the jumble...

[@brianwood5220]

I bet you were glad when this one was a wrap. There are so many connectors our there. Have you ever thought of the power adapters supplied for a multi voltage wall-wart. WOW it's staggering too. Thanks for sharing Chris your content is always very much appreciated.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings Brian. :)

[@SISSYPUSS]

The audio signal for DVI + HDMI is "supposedly" interlaced, not broken out to 'dedicated' pins.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Very interesting. I like the quote marks. :)

[@francis400]

This is very timely Chris. I discovered that the video card I am using (a disused one of my brothers) had only one HDMI and 3 DP sockets but my new monitor does not have DP input!

[@KB-ld7jw]

Thanks for the video. I've been using them for decades but never understood whats "under the hood". You do amazing work and I surely appreciate it.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. :)

[@PS_Tube]

These educational informative videos are always a treat to watch. Thanks a lot for making these ones, Chris B. 👍

[@ExplainingComputers]

Glad you like them!

[@TheFahre]

The flashback when I had to get DisplayPort cable so that Variable Refresh Rate works on my monitor.

[@SkyFly19853]

That brings back those times when I learned them for my Comptia A+ certification... 😏

[@bobh5261]

lots of work and great job detailing all this. excellent teacher

[@ExplainingComputers]

Many thanks!

[@Tony-Stockport]

EC videos always worth a watch for learning and entertainment purposes. These videos are to me what Soaps are to the masses. I would love to hear your take on the move from expensive dedicated monitors to cheap tv's. My £300 Samsung 4K panel replaced my two 1080p monitors and gave me double the real estate.

[@RobB_VK6ES]

My earliest computers used TV modulator connection later CGA, EGA, VGA DVI-D, HDMI,and currently DP so I have used basically all PC video interfaces over the years. IMHO HDMI was a low point in PC video. How long did we see no improvement in video performance because manufacturers used cheap 1080p TV IC's? I had a windows XP laptop long before HDMI with DVI-D and a native display that had a higher resolution than 90 % of today's laptops boasting 1080p, and as we know the requirements for a computer display are very different to TV displays. With high bandwidth transmission signal integrity is a major hurdle to overcome so it is a mystery to me why we have not yet seen optical fibre connections on mainstream computers. It is a mature technology and It ought to be easily scalable and offer versatility of devices it might support like video/audio, data and peripheral connection. One cable to rule them all so to speak.

[@XY_Dude]

finally! a resource that adaquate and "simply" discusses all these interfaces. I'm pretty computer savvy, but am not skilled in the art of these. Thanks (please pass the advil)!

[@Bluejohn]

I learn something new every time i watch your videos. Excellent as always

[@stompsalot]

thank you so much for this; you always have such an amazingly-boiled-down way of explaining quite-complex subjects that, while interested in, I personally find challenging to keep straight in my head, and usually give up when trying to compile this information for myself just to make sense of things for myself, and video signal was one I really was at my wit's end this past year, so again, thank you 😃 I really enjoyed your USB-standard video for similar reasons!

[@ddp1863]

Nice explanation video, I enjoyed watching it, I can see it going the way USB C in future,

[@technoWZ5598]

Great video! Keep up the good work! Out of all the display connectors, I like HDMI most, as it carries both audio and video through it, and it is the standard display connector on most PC's, laptops, and monitors. Many display adaptors, switches, and splitters use HDMI by default.

[@alexwild4350]

Ha! I think your displaying your age. Sadly I've so much VGA stuff kicking around because that was the standard when I was in IT. Only the other day needing to interface to a Rasp Pi that I did not have a HDMI cable for, I thought "Oh yes I've got a spare KVM in the garage...I'll use that" only to remember its got VGA video connectors and PS2 mouse and keyboard ports, not even USB. One day you'll find yourself in the same situation but littered with HDMI cables that no one uses any more. It is only a matter of time.

[@technoWZ5598]

@@alexwild4350 VGA and DVI will probably be gone before that! XD I don't see HDMI dissapearing anytime soon

[@CodexSan]

@@alexwild4350 omg I still have two monitors using VGA. I had to go out of my way to buy a x370 am4 board that still had VGA in it. I got one by a Chinese brand. The thing is, I think it's like some sort of internal conversor, cause my Linux lists that port being a Displayport. (but it does capture the name of my monitor, and the correct supported refresh rates of it) It's absolutely wild to think that not a single modern board has a VGA connector. Something that, back in 2011 I would Deem impossible.

[@goldenpanda7004]

@@CodexSan there's Intel 12th gen 6XX boards with VGA and DVI connectors on them, wdym?

[@CodexSan]

@@goldenpanda7004 but I use AMD. VGA on AMD seems like long gone. You can search through the whole array of motherboards, from last and current gen, from after x370, not a single one has VGA. This one I have is a Colorful X370M.

[@icf6770]

clicked liked even before watching the video. and that's saying something good

[@ExplainingComputers]

It is indeed. :)

[@freddylq67]

Very good explanation, thanks Chris! 👍

[@ExplainingComputers]

My pleasure!

[@norbydroid3430]

For me all these different cables and options is totally confusing along with all the many different options for usb. With my vision all these different resolutions are all the same where I cannot tell a difference between the lower andhigher resolutions. On my systems I still use the old vga connections and have no issues. Many thanks for this video explainint these cable and their uses and explinations. Thubs up.

[@AllensTrains]

The first audio device I had was a wind-up gramaphone! Oh how times have changed. It is good that old codgers like you and I are keeping up with it all! Thanks for uploading.

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@chriholt]

Wow, thank you for that Chris! I was always confused by the various DVI permutations in particular.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings Chris.

[@EcoHamletsUK]

The good old days of just VGA were so much simpler! On my desk I have a Raspberry Pi 400 with micro HDMI to VGA female cable and a VGA cable to one monitor, and micro HDMI to standard HDMI adaptor with HDMI to DVI cable to a second monitor. I also have an old (new to me as I bought it last week!) desktop PC with a nice simple VGA to VGA cable. While everyone else is buying fancy new monitors with HDMI and stuff, there's a good supply of very cheap, and free, VGA/DVI monitors readily available, and I'm collecting them!

[@ETT64]

Sadly the computer, software, and IT industries no longer believe in the KISS principal. I am sticking with my multiple computer with USB/VGA-KVM as long as possible.

[@thewatcher5271]

I'll Tell You What's Wrong With Your Videos Man, They're Too Short! Sunday Morning Just Wouldn't Be The Same Without Your Tutelage. Remember Back In The '90's When We Briefly Called it SVGA? Have A Good Week!

[@gamagama69]

dvi can carry hdcp over it as well as long as it isnt running in vga mode. this depends on device support ofc very old devices may not support this

[@Onyxmoon]

The real beef I have with display connectors these days is the flimsiness of them. So easy for the connector to get knocked and damaged to both connector and port, even if knocked insignificantly. I also wish they would start to use naming conventions that describe their ability. 2.0/2.1 means nothing to the average consumer. Good video, Chris. I learnt something I was unaware of regarding some incompatibilities.

[@1pcfred]

I like the big old connectors with the screws on them. Sure they're a pain to install but once they're on they're on. You could pick an old PC up by the video cable. You'll break the connector off the board but it'd support it.

[@olepigeon]

5:20 - Apple also offered a proprietary DVI connector called Apple Display Connector (ADC.) It was standard DVI that also provided USB signals and power delivery, allowing for an all-in-one cable design to provide both power and USB connectivity to an external display. It was first implemented in 2000 with the PowerMac G4 and the G4 Cube, and remained in use until 2005. The connector and cable included a robust hinge allowing it to maintain a 90 degree bend so it could lay flush with the surface when used on a G4 Cube. Passive ADC to DVI adapters were provided for connecting standard DVI displays to an ADC port, but going the other direction was more problematic. Apple and 3rd parties also offered a bulky DVI to ADC adapter that looked similar to a modern Apple laptop charger. It included a power supply and USB ports to provide the requisite power delivery and USB connectivity expected from an ADC display.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Very interesting.

[@arch1107]

tbh, i will not miss the day i wont see another vga cable hdmi might not be perfect but is just better

[@qdmc12]

I didn't realize Display Port carried audio as well. Neat!

[@MaxPower-11]

Good review. The only thing missing is tunneled DP over USB4 which will eventually become more and more common.