Buzz
A complete guide to modern and legacy video connection methods
As the technology behind computer monitors and televisions has advanced, so have the ways in which we connect to them. Old video cables were limited to transmitting low-resolution analog signals, while today's cables offer the ability to deliver high-resolution, low-latency video and audio through a single connection. This shift has led to a variety of monitor connection options, each offering distinct features. This article by Mytour explores the different methods of connecting to a monitor or TV.
Overview of Monitor Connection Types
HDMI is the most widely used connection method, capable of transmitting high-quality 4K video and audio through a single cable. DisplayPort is another common connection used on computers, supporting higher resolutions and enabling multiple monitor setups. Additionally, USB 3.1 and later versions are also compatible for connecting to monitors.
Instructions
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
HDMI is the most widely used connection for monitors. HDMI cables are commonly found on both high-definition televisions and computer monitors. They are capable of transmitting HD and 4K video with high frame rates, along with multi-channel surround sound audio through a single cable.
- The standard HDMI port has a 1.4 cm (0.55 in) thin rectangular shape with the bottom corners cut. Smaller versions like HDMI-mini and HDMI-micro are also available, appearing similar but smaller. Using HDMI is straightforward, simply plug one end into your device and the other into your monitor or TV.
- HDMI has evolved over time, resulting in various versions. Always check the packaging when buying an HDMI cable to know its version and capabilities. All HDMI versions are backward compatible with earlier versions.
- HDMI 1.0 and 1.2 support standard HD 1080p (1900 x 1080) at 60 Hz or 60 frames per second, along with 8-channel surround sound audio.
- HDMI 1.4 was the first to support 4K (3840 × 2160) video at 30 frames per second and introduced Audio Return Channel (ARC), enabling control of your audio equipment via the TV remote. It also supports 3D video, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD.
- HDMI 2.0 supports 4K video at 60 frames per second and introduced High Dynamic Range (HDR) color support. It can handle up to 32 channels of audio.
- HDMI 2.1 supports 4K video at 120 frames per second, or 8K at 60 frames per second. It also supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for superior surround sound quality.
DisplayPort
DisplayPort is the preferred connection standard for professional computer monitors. Like HDMI, DisplayPort is a digital format capable of delivering high-resolution video and audio over a single cable. While HDMI is used for both televisions and computer monitors, DisplayPort is typically reserved for computer monitors. It offers higher bandwidth than HDMI, enabling support for greater resolutions and faster frame rates.
- The standard DisplayPort connector has a 1.6 cm (0.63 in) rectangular shape with the bottom-right corner cut. Mini-DisplayPorts are also available and resemble Thunderbolt 1 ports.
- DisplayPort cables can be used to daisy-chain multiple monitors, allowing you to connect 2 to 4 monitors depending on the DisplayPort version you're using.
- As with HDMI, DisplayPort has seen numerous updates, leading to multiple versions with varying capabilities. Be sure to check the packaging of your cable to see what version it supports and its capabilities.
- DisplayPort 1.0 supports HD 1080p video at 144 frames per second or 4K video at 30 frames per second, but it only supports one monitor.
- DisplayPort 1.2 supports 4K video at 60 frames per second and also supports variable refresh rates, G-Sync, and FreeSync. It can support 2 monitors at 2560 x 1600 at 60 frames per second or up to 4 monitors at 1920 x 1200 at 60 frames per second.
- DisplayPort 1.4 can handle 8K video at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 frames per second. It also introduces High Dynamic Range (HDR) color support and can handle 2 monitors at 8K 60 Hz.
- DisplayPort 2.0 can handle up to 16K video at 60 frames per second with HDR or 8K at 120 frames per second with HDR. It can support up to 3 monitors at 4K 90 frames per second or 2 monitors at 4K 144 frames per second.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
USB is one of the most flexible connection standards. Chances are you're already familiar with USB cables, which are used to connect various devices and accessories to your computer, as well as charge and power them. However, USB can also serve as a monitor connection.
- USB 3.1 can transmit HD 1080p video through USB-A, USB-Mini, or USB-C connections.
- USB 4 supports 4K video via USB-C and also supports DisplayPort 2.0 alt mode, meaning a USB 4.0 cable can double as a DisplayPort cable.
DVI is an older digital video connection format. It is mostly found in older computers but may still be seen in use here and there.
- DVI cables feature a male connector with 24 pins and a small flat prong (sometimes with an additional four pins around the prong). The port itself has 24 holes, along with a slot for the prong and two screw holes to secure the connection.
- Single-link DVI cables can deliver digital resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second.
- Dual-link DVI cables can provide 2048 x 1536 resolution at 60 frames per second.
- DVI-D cables only carry digital video signals, while DVI-I cables support both digital and analog signals.
- Unlike HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB, DVI cables do not carry audio, so a separate audio connection is required.
VGA is a legacy analog video connection for computer monitors. Introduced in 1987 by IBM, VGA provides analog video to monitors and is mostly used with older CRT monitors.
- VGA cables feature a male port with 15 pins, and the female port has 15 corresponding holes. Like DVI cables, they include two screws to secure the connection.
- Over time, VGA went through several versions that improved resolution and graphics performance.
- Originally, VGA supported a resolution of 640 x 480 with 4-bit graphics (16 colors).
- Super VGA (SVGA) raised the resolution to 800 x 600 and added support for 8-bit graphics (256 colors).
- Extended Graphics Array (XGA) expanded resolution to 1024 x 768.
- Some high-end monitors still support the Graphics Array format at higher resolutions. Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA) supports 1920x1200 resolution, while Wide Quad Extended Graphics Array (WQUXGA) can handle 3840x2400 resolution.
- Like DVI, VGA and other graphics array formats do not transmit audio, requiring a separate audio connection.
Component Cables
Component cables provide high-definition analog video. These cables were used for connecting devices to the first HDTVs. Component cables support HD analog video up to 1080p and stereo audio.
- Component cables are composed of five color-coded cables: green, red, and blue for the color channels, and red and white for the left and right audio channels.
Composite Cables
Composite cables are the go-to option for standard-definition video. These cables have been in use since the 1950s and are most commonly seen with older analog televisions. Composite cables can only carry analog signals at standard definition and typically require separate cables for audio.
- Composite cables usually consist of three color-coded cables bundled together: a yellow cable for video and red and white cables for the left and right audio channels.
- Unlike S-video cables, which separate color and brightness signals, composite cables combine both signals into a single channel, leading to lower image quality.
Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables are used for transmitting high-frequency signals over long distances. These cables have been a staple for cable companies for many years, and can also be used to transmit audio and video signals to televisions. Coaxial cables are extremely versatile.
- Older televisions often come with a coaxial input.
- The coaxial connector typically features a single pin and a threaded metal connector that screws over the port.
- Coaxial cables are capable of carrying both analog and digital signals, as well as video and audio.
- High-quality coaxial cables, such as RG-6, can handle 4K video, although they're rarely directly connected to a 4K monitor.
