Let's talk about DisplayPort 1.2: what you need to know
As technology continues to advance, the display interface options become more and more diverse. Among them, DisplayPort 1.2, as a high-performance digital video interface, is gaining popularity due to its excellent performance and wide compatibility. This article will take a detailed look at the main features, benefits and application scenarios of DisplayPort 1.2.

What is DisplayPort 1.2?
DisplayPort 1.2 is part of the DisplayPort standard and is primarily used for transmitting video and audio, supporting a bandwidth of up to 17.28Gbps and capable of transmitting signals at 4K resolution (3840*2160@60Hz). It supports multiple monitors connected via the Multi-Stream Transport (MST) feature, provides rich color display with 10-bit color depth, and can transmit up to 8-channel audio signals. In addition, DisplayPort 1.2 also supports USB data transmission and is compatible with previous versions, making it usable between new and old devices.
This standard is widely used in high-end monitors, graphics cards and other video equipment, and is suitable for scenarios that require high quality image and sound output, such as gaming, professional graphic design and video editing.
Using DisplayPort 1.2
DisplayPort 1.2 has proven to offer many benefits in a variety of applications due to its higher bandwidth and flexibility.
- Multi-monitor setup: Supports connecting multiple monitors through a single interface (e.g. for multi-screen display and video conferencing), making it suitable for users who need to extend their workspace, such as designers or financial analysts.
- High-resolution gaming: Supports 4K resolution and high refresh rate, satisfying your needs for image quality and smoothness, enhancing your gaming experience.
- Design: Provides accurate color display and high-definition images for professional fields such as video editing, graphic design, and animation production.
- Home Theater: Supports multi-channel audio output, suitable for building a high-quality home theater system to enhance your audio-visual experience.
- Virtual Reality: Provides high-bandwidth transmission for a more immersive experience when using virtual reality devices, suitable for applications such as gaming and simulation training.
In summary, DisplayPort 1.2 has become the top choice for many professionals and consumers due to its superior technology for high performance displays.

Factors to consider when purchasing a DisplayPort 1.2:
- Bandwidth: Make sure your devices and applications can take advantage of DisplayPort 1.2's 28Gbps bandwidth, especially if you need to stream 4K video or higher.
- Number of monitors: If you need to use multiple monitors, make sure that your device supports the Multi-Stream Transport (MST) feature for connecting multiple monitors through a single interface.
- Color depth: Consider your work needs. 10-bit color depth provides richer colors and is suitable for fields such as graphic design and video editing.
- Audio output: If you want high quality audio output, make sure your device supports up to 8 channels of audio transmission.
- Compatibility: Make sure your monitor, graphics card, and other devices support DisplayPort 1.2 and are compatible with earlier versions.
- Data transmission: If you need USB data transmission through DisplayPort, please check the support of related devices.
Comparison of DisplayPort 1.2, DisplayPort 1.4, DisplayPort 2.0 and DisplayPort 2.1
Overall, DisplayPort 1.2 is suitable for 4K users, 1.4 introduces support for 8K and HDR, and 2.0 and 2.1 further improve bandwidth and multi-monitor support, making it suitable for high-performance users. Depending on the usage scenario, choosing the appropriate DisplayPort version will give you the best results.

function | DisplayPort 1.2 | DisplayPort 1.4 | DisplayPort 2.0 | DisplayPort 2.1 |
Bandwidth | 17.28Gbps | 32.4Gbps | 80 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
resolution | 4K (3840*2160@60Hz) | 8K ( 7680*4320@60Hz ) DSC required |
8K 2-screen display / 4K 4-screen display | 8K 2-screen display / 4K 4-screen display |
Color depth | 10-bit | 10 -bit (HDR support) | 12-bit | 12-bit |
audio | Multi-Channel Audio | Multi-Channel Audio | High Quality Audio | High Quality Audio |
Compatibility | Backward compatible | Backward compatible | Backward compatible | Backward compatible |
others | Introducing DSC | Improved multi-display support | Optimized connection stability |
Is DP1.2 better than HDMI?
HDMI is well known in the TV field, while DisplayPort has a significant position in the monitor field, especially in gaming. Both have their own merits. DisplayPort 1.2 has obvious advantages over HDMI, such as up to 17.28Gbps bandwidth suitable for 4K@60Hz, and support for connecting multiple displays with the Multi-Stream Transport (MST) feature. In addition, DP1.2 supports higher color depth (10-bit), which is ideal for professional applications and is compatible with previous versions. HDMI is popular for home entertainment and offers excellent Audio Return Channel (ARC) and CEC capabilities, but the choice between them should be based on your needs.
summary
All things considered, DisplayPort 1.2 is expected to have a wide range of applications in daily life. With significantly improved bandwidth, resolution, and refresh rate, it is ideal for connecting high-resolution and high-refresh-rate displays. It is especially suitable for connecting 4K or 8K monitors to get clearer images, connecting high-refresh-rate monitors to meet gaming and video editing needs, and connecting HDR monitors to make images more realistic. DisplayPort 1.2 can bring you a better visual experience and more flexibility.
DisplayPort 1.2 FAQ
Q1.What are the main differences between DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI?
DisplayPort 1.2 offers higher bandwidth (17.28Gbps) and supports multi-monitor connections and higher color depth, making it more suitable for professional applications and gaming, whereas HDMI is more commonly used for home entertainment and has features such as Audio Return Channel (ARC).
Q2.What devices can be connected to DisplayPort 1.2?
A2. DisplayPort 1.2 can connect to a variety of devices, including high-resolution monitors, gaming monitors, graphics boards, and DisplayPort-enabled laptops and desktops.
Q3. Can I connect multiple monitors at the same time?
A3. Yes, DisplayPort 1.2 supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which allows a single DisplayPort to connect and drive multiple displays simultaneously.
Q4. Does DisplayPort 1.2 support 4K resolution?
A4. Yes, DisplayPort 1.2 supports 4K resolution (3840*2160@60Hz), which is ideal for applications that require higher resolution.
Q5. Is DisplayPort 1.2 backwards compatible?
A5. Yes, DisplayPort 1.2 is backwards compatible with previous versions, allowing the connection of newer and older devices.
Q6. How can I ensure the best display effect?
A6. Make sure to use a high-quality DisplayPort cable and set the required resolution and refresh rate.
Q7. Does DisplayPort 1.2 support audio transmission?
A7. Yes, DisplayPort 1.2 supports multi-channel audio transmission and is suitable for connecting devices that require audio output.
Q8.What should I do if my monitor doesn't have a DisplayPort interface?
A8. You can use an adapter to convert DisplayPort to other interfaces such as HDMI, DVI, VGA, etc. Just pay attention to the adapter's compatibility and supported resolutions.
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