Connecting a computer to a monitor is meant to be an easy thing. However, there are a lot of people who stress over the best way to do so. Computer displays have significantly evolved over the last few decades. From HD displays, 4K, and now 8K UHD, it seems the options are endless.
There are two common options for connecting your display to the computer. You can either use the DisplayPort or go for HDMI. Each of these options is unique and different. HDMI connections can be perfect for certain situations while DisplayPort connections will be good for others.
On the Road
People who travel a lot for business may find themselves in a situation where they have to hook up their computers to different monitors in different locations. HDMI will be perfect in this. Make sure your laptop has a built-in full-size HDMI dongle too for extra convenience.
Gaming
Display connections for gaming can vary a lot. There’s really no right answer in this. Some people use HDMI while others use the DisplayPort. It’s all about what works for you. For example, if you have a computer that already has a DP connector and a matching graphics card, you should definitely use it. This allows you to configure the display to the highest possible performance settings. In addition to this, try to also upgrade your graphics card for a better experience. Higher HDMI connectivity standards can also be good for gaming. However, they are only available in the latest high-end monitors in the market.
Color Work
In case you are doing color critical work with your computer, the best option to go for is DP 1.4. This is because it can deliver excellent bandwidth. High bandwidth requires less color compression, especially at 4K and it allows you to produce high-quality images.
Multiple Monitors
Multiple monitor connections are very common. This is where one PC is connected to two or more displays. In such a situation, you’d probably need as many connection points as possible. There’s no specific recommendation here. If you can use both at the same time, go for it.
There are also a number of specifications that would demand certain connections. For example, if you are using 8K UHD or HDR displays, you will have no choice but to connect with DP 1.4. The type of monitor matters too. For instance, a lot of monitors in the market right now don’t have DP 1.4 capabilities. This feature is only found in the higher end models. On the other hand, a significant majority of computers will have HDMI. As a result, a lot of people in conferences and other events will often connect through HDMI simply because it’s the only option they have.
Deciding between HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity shouldn’t be hard. The most important thing is to find what works for your computer and the monitors at your disposal.
