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DisplayPort 2.0 – Bigger, Stronger, Faster: A Two-Minute Tech Read

Ian Bryant | Jul 22, 2019

On June 26, VESA, the international, non-profit standard association representing a global network of more than 280 hardware, software, computer, display, and component manufacturers released the newest revision of the nearly-forgotten DisplayPort standard. Version 2.0 is not only a giant leap from the last version 1.4a (set back in 2016) but it is a huge step forward in cabling technologies, surpassing the max data rate HDMI 2.1 can handle at a whopping 77.37Gbps.

This is perfect timing for new standards with higher data rates, since 6K and 8K displays are starting to be released. Japan’s national broadcasting organization, NHK, has announced plans to broadcast the 2020 Summer Olympics in 8K and has already begun to broadcast 8K content to its viewers. Gaming platforms are continuing to push manufacturers for higher resolutions and faster refresh rates. The home entertainment market is reporting the average display size is now 65” and customers are frequently asking about 4K/8K and HDR. The projected timeframe to see DP 2.0 on devices is late 2020 and we believe consumers will be ready with open arms — and open wallets.
 
There is an added feature new to the DisplayPort technology called “Panel Replay” that will help with power and thermal performance in smaller devices like all-in-one PCs and laptops. This feature will enable the video processor to update only the portion of the display that has changed from one frame update to the next, resulting in significant power savings.
 
The traditional DisplayPort connector will be supported as well as the USB-C connector and Intel’s new Thunderbolt 3 technology, giving flexibility to the new 2.0 standard. 


The big question on everyone’s mind is what exactly can one do with 77Gbps? Here are some examples of display configurations with the new DisplayPort 2.0:


Single display resolutions:
One 16K (15360x8460) display @60Hz and 30 bpp 4:4:4 HDR (with DSC)
One 10K (10240x4320) display @60Hz and 24 bpp 4:4:4 (no compression)
One 8K   (7680x4320) display @60Hz and 30 bpp 4:4:4 (no compression)
 
Dual display resolutions:
Two 8K (7680x4320) displays @120Hz and 30 bpp 4:4:4 HDR (with DSC)
Two 4K (3840x2160) displays @144Hz and 24 bpp 4:4:4 (no compression)
 
Triple display resolutions:
Three 10K (10240x4320) displays @60Hz and 30 bpp 4:4:4 HDR (with DSC)
Three 4K (3840x2160) displays @90Hz and 30 bpp 4:4:4 HDR (no compression)
 
Keeping in mind that there currently is no technology to distribute some of these resolutions throughout a home, installations will be direct source-to display situations at first. But rest assured that manufacturers in the custom market are hard at work getting ready for 2020.

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NOTE: This Emerging Trends piece is brought to you by CEDIA’s Technology Advisory Council and Technology Application & Innovation department.