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

Computer display connector tutorial, detailing VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C alt modes, and Thunderbolt.

If you find this video useful, you may also like my recent episode on “Explaining USB”:

The Orange Pi 5 video I refer to is here:

Multiple sources were used to verify the information contained in this video, with notable websites and articles including:

Clint DeBoer “Understanding the Different HDMI Versions (1.0 to 2.0), Audioholics [very comprehensive indeed]:

BenQ Knowledge Centre Guide to HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1:

Eaton “DisplayPort Explained”:

VESA, DisplayPort UHBR Certification press release:

For additional ExplainingComputers videos and other content, you can become a channel member here:

More videos on computing and related topics can be found at:

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:43 VGA
02:17 DVI
05:20 HDMI
07:53 DisplayPort
10:52 USB-C
12:23 Thunderbolt
13:41 Wrap

#DisplayConnectors #HDMI #DisplayPort # USBC #Thunderbolt #explainingcomputers

[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.

[somakun]

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

[rvamark]

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!

[sbc_tinkerer]

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

[woahnelly]

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!

[Aruneh]

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

[LandNfan]

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

[notpoliticallycorrect]

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.👏

[horseradishpower]

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.

[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!

[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 YouTube in HD.

[mikedonovan]

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 ! 👍🙂

[frankjames]

Finally glad to see someones actually explaining this

[mattblatchley]

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!

[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!

[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!

[ranwild]

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 🙂

[WindowsBetaCamp]

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

[ygstuff]

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.

[PS_Tube]

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