Summary
Highlights
HDMI is a common connector for connecting computers to screens, sending both audio and video digitally. It has a maximum range of about 20 meters before signal degradation. It's a 19-pin Type A connector, easily identifiable by its rectangular shape with indented bottom corners.
DisplayPort is another video format that sends both audio and video in a packetized form, similar to Ethernet. It is compatible with HDMI and DVI through passive adapters. It comes in full-sized and mini versions, and features locking tabs that require a button press for removal, preventing accidental disconnection.
DVI is an older interface with a single connector type but multiple connection variations such as DVI-A, DVI-D (single and dual link), and DVI-I. DVI only transmits video signals, unlike HDMI and DisplayPort, and can be digital (DVI-D), analog (DVI-A, compatible with VGA), or integrated (DVI-I, supporting both). It's crucial to match the DVI connector type on the computer and cable for proper functionality.
VGA is a legacy video standard using a DB-15 (or DE-15) connector, which is D-shaped and typically blue. It exclusively sends analog video signals and does not carry audio. Due to its analog nature, signal degradation occurs beyond five meters of cable length.
USB-C is a versatile connector that can carry various signals, including power, serial data, and different video signals like Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Mobile High-definition Link (MHL). This allows a single USB-C port to transmit different types of signals depending on the cable and device connected.