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DisplayPort is a new digital display interface standard (approved May 2006,
current version 1.1 approved on April 2 2007) put forth by the Video Electronics
Standards Association (VESA). It defines a new license-free state-of-the-art
digital audio/video interconnect, intended to be used primarily between a
computer and its display monitor, or a computer and a home-theater system.
Overview
The DisplayPort connector supports 1 to 4 data pairs in a Main Link that also
carries audio and clock signals, each with a transfer rate of 1.62 or 2.7
gigabits per second (Gbit/s). The Video signal path supports 6 to 16 bit per
color channel. A bi-directional auxiliary channel runs at a constant 1 megabit
per second, and serves as Main Link management and device control using VESA
EDID and VESA MCCS standards. The Video signal is not compatible with DVI or
HDMI, but the specification will allow pass-through of these signals.
DisplayPort supports full bandwidth transmission over 3 meter (10 ft) cable, and
a maximum of 1080p resolution at 24bpp, 50/60 Hz over a 15 meter cable.
DisplayPort includes optional DPCP (DisplayPort Content Protection)
copy-protection from AMD, which uses 128-bit AES encryption, with modern
cryptography ciphers. It also features full authentication and session key
establishment (each encryption session is independent). There is an independent
revocation system. This portion of the standard is licensed separately. It also
adds support for verifying the proximity of the receiver and transmitter, a
technique intended to ensure users are not bypassing content protection system
to send data out to distant, unauthorized users.
DisplayPort is a competitor to the HDMI connector (with HDCP copy-protection),
the de facto digital connection for high-definition consumer electronics
devices. Another competitor is Unified Display Interface,[1] a low cost
compatible alternative to HDMI and DVI. However, the main supporter of UDI,
Intel, has stopped the development of the technology and now supports
DisplayPort.
Newly featured in version 1.1 is the support of HDCP content protection and
support for fiber optic cables as an alternative to copper, allowing a much
longer reach between source and display without image degradation.[2] Revision
2.0 is planned for later release.
Before being acquired by AMD, one of the supporters, ATI reported that they were
expecting DisplayPort products in early 2007. The AMD/ATI merger completed July
2006 might have postponed the availability of DisplayPort products somewhat, but
it seems as though AMD has decided to use DisplayPort as the standard port for
its Fusion processor platform, and upcoming mobile platforms after 2008 as AMD
announced that they will introduce their first DisplayPort products in late 2007
as a part of their forthcoming platforms for mainstream on December 15 2006.
On July 25, 2007, at AMD's Technology Analyst Day 2007, AMD renewed their
commitment to supporting DisplayPort.
Genesis Microchip also announced DisplayPort products to be available in
2007[3], as did Samsung[4]. A concept monitor by Dell implementing DisplayPort
was demonstrated early May 2007.[5]
Supporters
There are several companies stated to support DisplayPort: Luxtera, AMD, Intel,
Dell, Genesis Microchip, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Molex, NVIDIA, Philips,
Samsung, Analogix, and Tyco Electronics.
Compliance testing
VESA has selected four internationally-known organizations – Allion Test Lab,
Inc., Contech Research, ETC, and NTS for compliance testing with emerging
DisplayPort standard.
Technical specifications
* 10.2 Gbit/s forward link channel supports high resolution monitors, 2560×1600,
with single cable.†
* 8B/10B data transmission
* Open and extensible standard to help with broad adoption.
* Supports color depth of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 bits per component.
* Full bandwidth transmission for 3 meter cable.
* Reduced bandwidth transmission, 1080p, for 15 meter cable.
* DisplayPort connector assists in blind connection by just feeling.
* 128-bit AES DisplayPort Content Protection (DPCP) support, and support for
40-bit High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) from version 1.1
onwards.
* Supports internal and external connections so that one standard can be used by
computer makers reducing costs. http://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/vesa-displayport-standard-v1.0/displayportdvihdmicompared.gif
The specifications can be downloaded at vesa.org with free
[https://fs16.formsite.com/VESA/form608559305/secure_index.html registration].
† 70fps × 24bpp × 2560 × 1600 = 6.9 Gbit/s, not taking into account blanking
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