DisplayPort was designed to provide a high performance and superior digital interface outpacing any other digital connector. Orginally designed to replace aging standards such as DVI and VGA connections, DisplayPort pushes the standard to new heights in display quality and consumer electronic devices. DisplayPort 1.2 was originally developed in 2009 and offered higher bandwidths providing superior resolutions and refresh rates. DisplayPort 1.4 standard was released in March of 2016. DisplayPort has been a fan favorite for power users, and gamers alike for some time. Its has carried out better performance than any other standard for multiple years. It has not been until recently that the latest HDMI 2.1 versions are able to compete at the level DisplayPort.

DisplayPort 1.2 supports 4K monitor resolutions, has a refresh rate of 60Hz and an effective bandwidth of 17.28 Gbps occupying 4 data lanes. DP 1.2 brought in the second generation of HBR2, while it also introduced Multi-Stream Transport Syetm ( More on MST Here). Thunderbolt, Mini DisplayPort and USB-C connections are all compatible with DisplayPort. Adaptive and passive adapters are also compatible with the DP 1.2 while also showing noptable improvements in audio and video sync scenarios.

DisplayPort 1.4 was released in 2016 and introduced a swath of major upgrades coming off of the disappointing lackluster DP 1.3 release. DisplayPort 1.4 supports both 4K and 8K monitor resolutions with the ability for refresh rates to hit 120 Hz and 60 Hz depending on the resolution chosen. The bandwidth for expanded to reach 25.92 Gbps into four data lanes. HBR3 (Bit Rate Class 3) was included in DP 1.4. Display Port 1.4 has Display Stream Compression (DSC) which allows for a 4K resolution to be displayed at 240 Hz.

DisplayPort 2.0 was launched in 2019. DP 2.0 has added quite the substantial amount of features to this new standard. With DisplayPort 2.0 supporting 8K @ 60 Hz monitor resolutions. 10K @ 60Hz & 16K @ 60 Hz monitor resolutions is also supported for the true bleeding edge enthusiasts The effective bandwidth was juiced up to 77.4 Gbps and also has the latest Ultra High Bit Rate (UHBR). Adaptive sync is an optional feature also available with DisplayPort 2.0.

DisplayPort Alt-Mode would be incorporating the DP 2.0 standard data lanes within the USB-C connector. USB-C DP Alt-Mode would be able to support three 4K monitors at 144 Hz using DSC. The DP Alt-Mode will become more prevalent in future products as the size and compatibility of devices moves towards USB-C.