DESIGNING VIDEO DISTRIBUTION WITH THE DMX ProFusion M

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DESIGNING VIDEO DISTRIBUTION WITH THE DMX
ProFusion M5 platform
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Overview Video System Design

• Before beginning a video distribution design for
  the ProFusion M5, there are few things to
  consider when it comes to video distribution.
• The very easy and not too expensive.
• The very hard and very expensive.
• These conditions have been a constant
  undercurrent in our industry. Furthermore,
  technology is changing so rapidly that Engineers
  and Designers must constantly adapt to the
  relentless turnover in technology. Plasma and
  LCD displays are but one example.
• Another sweeping revision closely related to our
  industry is coming in Feb 2009. FCC rule changes
  will require all OTA broadcast TV programs to
  transition from the nearly 70 year old analog
  format to a digital format. This new format has
  been coined DTV. Confusion with the term HDTV
  will surely abound. This format change will
  impact the commercial industry to some extent.
  Residential consumers using OTA antennas will be
  most affected. Simply stated, understanding new
  technologies as DMX Engineers and Designers will
  allow us the edge and advantage over our
  competitors.
• In the past 5 to 7 years, a paradigm shift
  involving the technology employed in audio and
  visual systems has taken place. A/V equipment
  manufacturers are rapidly transitioning from the
  old school 100 analog systems to fully digital
  platforms. While this is of enormous benefit to
  a/v systems Designer and especially the Customer,
  it is not without its own set of needs and
  precautions.
• The ProFusion M5 is a computing device. All
  conventions associated with provision of clean
  and continuous a/c line power apply. The use of
  an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is highly
  recommended. At the very least, the ProFusion M5
  must be connected to a non switched a/c line
  supply with some type of rudimentary
  EMI/RFI/spike protection. The end user should be
  instructed to shut down the M5 by using the
  Standby button on the front panel.

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Overview Video System Design (Contd)
Spike and surge protection is also highly
recommended for transmission of a/v signals via
CAT5e. This is especially true where the cabling
is routed underground or in conjunction with
other structured cabling networks. Spike/surge
suppressors for LAN network cabling are an
excellent choice. Such devices are designed so as
not to interfere with the high speed transmission
of data. Consequently, they pose no adverse
affects to the comparatively slow speed of a/v
signals. It is important to note that the
operating voltages of a/v signals may be higher
than those of data. Careful consideration of the
clamping voltage of the protection device is a
must. One final note Foresight and a good
working knowledge of emerging technology will
help us understand how, where and when our
company and our customers will best benefit from
the latest and greatest technology. This document
seeks to give a basic understanding of different
distribution methods currently employed. It is
beyond the scope of this document to go into
detail of specific intricacies inherent with each
method. The reader is encouraged to pursue such
data independently.
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Rear Panel (from page 5 of the ProFusion M5 User
Guide) The rear panel of ProFusion M5 has a
variety of connections that are used to integrate
it with your existing Audio/Visual system and
Ethernet network.
Version 1.0
1. Power Cord Input The ProFusion M5 operates
on AC power. Note Never attempt to
operate the ProFusion M5 on DC power. 2. On/Off
Switch This switch should be left in the ON
position at all times. 3. Ethernet Port The
Ethernet port is used to connect the ProFusion
M5, via a CAT5 Ethernet cable, to your network
in order to receive
configuration, software and content updates via
the Internet. 4. Music Zone Audio Connector
(Green Jack) This connection is a 1/8 stereo
mini-plug jack used to connect your amplification
equipment to the ProFusion M5. 5. Video Zone
S-Video/Composite Port This port is used for
S-Video and Composite signals. Note When
connecting your ProFusion M5 to your display, or
other external video equipment, the provided
S-Video/Composite breakout adapter cable is
required if the video output type will be S-Video
or Composite (version 2.0 only). 6. VGA (D-Sub)
Port This port can be used to connect the
ProFusion M5 to a single display that is equipped
with a VGA input, such as a computer
monitor and certain LCD and plasma displays, or
to external video equipment that supports VGA or
RGBHV signals. 7. DVI (Digital Video Interface)
Port This port is designed for the highest
resolution video, including high definition
video. This video output type allows for a purely
digital video signal to be passed from the
ProFusion M5 to a display or other external video
equipment. This connection type is usually
found on digital-ready display devices such as
certain LCD and plasma displays. 8. (Optional)
Second Music Zone Audio Connector (Green Jack)
This connection is a 1/8 (stereo mini-plug)
jack used to connect your amplification equipment
to the ProFusion M5. This output will
provide a second zone of audio.
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• Distributing ProFusion M5 video content to a
  Single Display Device
• Determine our customers video content needs.
  (i.e. HD content or Std. Def. such as music
  videos or
• Stimuleye)
• Determine which display format and device will
  meet the customers requirements. (i.e. Plasma
  screens arent recommended for long hours of
  video games and cable TV, b/c the still graphics
  displays of video games and cable stations will
  burn in and be visible when not in use. LCDs
  have a slow refresh rate that makes fast action
  of sports/video games look choppy and/or delayed.
  Dont have either of the prior problems but take
  up more space, making them harder to mount on
  walls or hang.)
• Ensure the device can accept the desired format.
• Determine the length of the cable route from the
  ProFusion M5 to the display device.
• a. If the distance is lt or to 25, use a
  VGA cable as recommended.
• b. Avoid using VGA cables over 25,
  especially when lengths exceed 100ft.
• c. For long distance video runs, the
  use of video baluns and CAT5e is recommended.
• Always include at least a basic video wiring
  diagram for ease of installation.

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The illustrations below show distribution of
ProFusion M5 video content using HD or Std. Def
resolutions (4 display devices)

Application example Club Lounge Bar
Lounge Hotels Lobby Higher End Restaurants
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• Distributing ProFusion M5, DSS and Cable video
  content to a Single Display Device
• Determine the customers video content needs.
  (i.e. Profusion M5 HD content or Std. Def.
  content, HD DSS
• or HD Cable receivers, etc.)
• Determine which display format and devices will
  meet the customers requirements.
• Always provide a dedicated cable run per display
  device regardless of video format.
• Determine if all video sources need to be
  distributed at HD quality to all display devices.
• Determine whether a matrix switching device will
  be needed to distribute the video source.
• Determine whether a scaler (up converter) or scan
  converter (down converter) is necessary.
• Matching the native input resolution of the
  display devices is advisable whenever possible.
• Always use video distribution amplifier to
  split the video signal between video displays.
• (i.e. Kramer Electronics and TV One).

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The illustration below shows distribution of
ProFusion M5, DSS and Cable video content using
HD resolutions. (1 display)

Application example Doctors Office Waiting
Area Dental Office Waiting Area Bank lobby Office
Lobby Salon and Spa
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The illustration below shows distribution of
ProFusion M5, DSS and Cable video content using
HD resolution. (4 displays or more)

• VIDEO DISTRIBUTION PARTS LIST
• (1) KRAVP8X8 - KRAMER 8X8 VIDEO SWITCHER
• (4) KRATP41 - KRAMER CAT5 XMITTER (COMPONENT)
• (4) KRATP42 - KRAMER CAT5 RECEIVER (COMPONENT)
• (1) TVOPC1280HD TV ONE VIDEO SCALER

Application example Club Lounge Bar
Lounge Hotels Lobby Higher End Restaurants
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Distributing ProFusion M5, DSS and/or Cable video
content via Modulated RF All video contents
must be Std. definition only. All display devices
must be conventional CRT television or LCD panel
with RF input. All display devices must include
the following RF/TV input (75? type F
connector). All cabling must be RG-6 or better.
Proper cable handling and connector terminations
must be strictly observed. The display devices
may be daisy chained in groups by the desired
content. Be sure to account for signal loss on
long cable runs and through traps/splitters when
employing this method. Please note that this
design uses the lowest resolution format and
therefore is the least recommended video
distribution method. Use this format only when
absolutely necessary!!

The illustration above is for basic RF
distribution using modulators and RF distribution
amplifier. Application example Bars Restaurants
Health and Fitness
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• Distributing ProFusion M5, DSS and Cable video
  content using Std. Def to a single and/or
  multiple display devices
• All Video content must be Standard Def only.
• Display devices may be Plasma, LCD and/or Analog
  television.
• Determine whether the use of a matrix switcher is
  necessary to distribute the video source.
• (A matrix switcher has several inputs which can
  be directed by the user, in any combination, to
  several outputs)
• Always use a video distribution amplifier to
  split the video signal between video displays.
  (i.e. Kramer Electronics and TV One).
• Determine the length of the cable route from
  ProFusion M5 to the display device.
• If the distance is less than 100, use
  manufactured/pre-terminated cables as
  recommended. (i.e. Kramer Electronics and TV
  One).
• Avoid using s-video format and cabling methods on
  long distance runs.
• For long distance video runs, the use of video
  baluns and CAT5e is recommended.
• Always include at least a basic video wiring
  diagram for ease of installation.
• The illustration below shows distribution of
  ProFusion M5 video content using Std. Def to 4
  display devices

ILLUSTRATION E
Application example Restaurants Bars Health and
Fitness Dental Office
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The illustration below shows distribution of
ProFusion M5, DSS and Cable video content using
Std. Def. to 4 display devices ILLUSTRATION
F

Application example Restaurants Bars Health and
Fitness
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Digital Signal History and Terminology VGA
(Video Graphics Array) 1987 Display hardware
introduced by IBM for PS2 line of computers.
Also often refers to the 15 pin D sub connector,
an analog computer display standard, or the
640x480 resolution standard. HD-SI (High
Definition Serial Digital Interface) 1995
related standard to SDI, but with higher rates of
data transmission, for professional video
broadcast and production facilities. USB
(Universal Serial Bus) 1995 Intended to
eliminate different mouse and keyboard
connectors, and offer a standard for computer
interface that doesnt require rebooting to plug
or unplug device. DFP (Digital Flat Panel)
1998 20 pin connector for flat panel displays,
maximum resolution of 1280x1024. Superseded by
DVI b/c of low max resolution. DVI (Digital
Visual Interface) v1.0 1999 Designed for
carrying uncompressed digital video data to a
display. It is partially compatible with HDMI
standard in digital mode (DVI-D). Doesnt carry
audio. DVI-I supports both digital and analogue
signals (the one with the grounding cross), DVI-D
only supports digital signal (no cross).
Supports HDCP. Single link versions (akin to
unbalanced) have no pins in the center of the
connector, Dual link has pins in the center. M5
has a DVI-I dual link connector on it. HDMI
(High Definition Multimedia Interface) 2007
Designed for consumer digital video and audio,
supports HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content
Protection), designed as simple plug and
play. Display Port 2007 designed as a
replacement for DVI and VGA, but without the
consumer requirements of HDMI (handshaking
transmissions, if not set up properly between
devices will cause timing out and non-recognition
errors no signal). High resolution support is
a standard feature of Display Port, not optional
like HDMI. Carries both audio and video signal.
Connector can be secured in place with screws,
like VGA connections HDMI connections dont
have this option and are notorious for slipping
out of position under stress from the wire or
angle of connector.(from vibration or
tension) Computer outputs vs. screens Original
digital signal from computer converted to
analogue for screens. Currently digital screens
are being produced, but computers are still
outputting analogue signal. DVI (and Display
Port) eliminate all of the digital/analogue and
analogue/digital conversions, which result in
loss of signal quality. Length of cable runs
All of the formats listed above are intended for
consumer use (except for SDI, and HD-SDI) and
runs of more than 15 feet arent suggested (there
are minor exceptions and details, but on the
whole they are all similar to unbalanced audio
lines for ease of interference and loss of
signal). For many commercial install
applications, it will be necessary to convert the
signal to be sent over CAT5 or CAT6 cable.

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DVI single link (no pins in center of
connector) was designed as a desktop application,
5 meters max., but can be extended with
higher quality cable (such as silver instead of
copper) as long as bandwidth requirements are
still being met at the end of the run. This
still is too short for most commercial
installs. DVI can be dual link, which has
double the of wires and runs twisted pairs.
The runs can be much longer than single link runs
of 5 meters, but this can be extremely expensive
wire b/c it is not constructed of only copper.
For budget minded clients (most of DMXs), long
runs of DVI dual link wont be an option for them
even if they insist on having a high resolution
digital only signal. HDMI is currently only
available as single link (19 pins, type A), a
type B connector for dual link is currently under
development and will have 29 pins. Display
Port connection recommended max. length of run is
50 ft. Integration, analogue vs. digital A
properly set up analogue signal can look just as
good as a digital signal, but will take quiet a
bit more time to properly set up. An all digital
system will list only the mode options it
senses between equipment, while with analogue
gear you often need to manually choose the
correct settings and/or resolution (often with
quite a bit of trial and error). Systems
containing both analogue and digital gear often
require conversion and/or matrix switching to
integrate all parts correctly. High-bandwidth
Digital Content Protection (HDCP) technologies
protect high-value digital motion pictures,
television programs and audio against
unauthorized interception and copying between a
digital set top box or digital video recorder and
a digital TV or PC. HDCP is a specification
developed by Intel Corporation to protect digital
entertainment across the DVI/HDMI/Display Port
interface. Feb 17th 2009 Digital TV transition
begins Only affects full power broadcast
stations in (twelve) major markets, cable
carriers have another 3 years before they are
required to switch from analogue. The
conversion wont have much impact on DMX video
installations currently existing or on installs
in the immediate future, because the video
source(s) are usually M5, DVD, or
Cable. HDMI With the exception of a few
legacy CRTs and VCRs, just about every CE
component in a clients home these days is likely
to be a digital device. So why would anyone opt
for an analog connection? Digital-to-analog and
analog-to-digital conversions are inherently
lossy, and can never match the output quality of
a 100 digital system. As well, analog
connections compress the video signal. Only a
digital connection can fulfill the promise for
the best possible video and audio
quality. Access to Content HDCP is the
entertainment industrys choice for content
protection, and its only supported by digital
interconnects, specifically HDMI and DVI. With
any other connection type, viewing premium
content like HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc movies in
their full resolution will become increasingly
difficult.

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Ease of Use Since HDMI carries both video and
audio, it replaces a whole tangle of legacy
cables, making for a clean, elegant, efficient
installation. But thats not all. Since its a
two-way connection, it enables new levels of
system intelligence. Connected devices can read
each others EDID data and auto-configure for
optimal performance, or may even control each
others actions via the CEC channel, enabling
one-touch command of multiple components in a
system. HDMI has always supported 1080p
resolution, starting from version 1.0 in 2002.
However, as with many functions that HDMI enables
(such as DVD-Audio and SACD), it is up to the
manufacturer to choose whether to implement 1080p
in the device. Some TV and device manufacturers
have chosen not to implement 1080p in their
products because 1080p content has not been
widely available, and because changing the
internal electronics of the device to support
1080p would increase cost. Viewing 1080p
resolution requires at minimum that the HDTV have
a display supporting the 1080p pixel resolution.
Today, many HDTVs use display technologies (such
as PDP, LCD, and microdisplay screens) designed
for 720p pixel resolution. In the past, some
1080p HDTVs supported only 720p or 1080i on the
HDMI input, then perform video processing to
up-convert the 720p/1080i signal to 1080p. This
is now changing, as 1080p content is becoming
increasingly available, and HDTVs fully
supporting 1080p in the display and HDMI
electronics became more popular in the market in
early 2006. True 1080p HDTVs are currently
offered in the market by a variety of TV
manufacturers. What you need to Know about
HDMI Cables The HDMI specification does not
limit cables to any particular length, but
instead sets performance criteria based on
maintaining adequate signal strength. Therefore,
cable length is not determined by the HDMI
specification, but by the design and
manufacturing quality of the cable. Two Types
of Cables There are now two categories of
performance testing for cables "Standard" and
"High-Speed." Standard cables (referred to as
Category 1 cables in the HDMI specification) are
those tested to perform at speeds of 75 MHz,
which is the equivalent of an uncompressed 1080i
signal. High Speed cables (referred to as
Category 2 cables in the HDMI specification), are
those tested to perform at speeds of 340Mhz,
which is the highest bandwidth currently
available over an HDMI cable and can successfully
handle 1080p signals including those at increased
color depths (e.g. greater than eight bits per
color) and/or increased refresh rates (e.g.
120Hz). High Speed cables are also able to
accommodate higher resolution displays, such as
those at the latest 1440p and WQXGA resolutions
(e.g. cinema monitors with a resolution of 2560 x
1600). For whole-house installations and other
long-run configurations, there are many options
available for extending the signal over greater
distances (See Running Long Cable
Lengths). Sourcing HDMI cables Manufacturing
quality can make a big difference in a cable that
can withstand the demands of a home installation,
so its always a good idea to buy from a
reliable, trusted source. Bargain cables are not
always a bargain, especially when pulling through
walls and sending signals over distance. Pullin
g HDMI Cable Remember how much data is running
through that cable and treat it with a light
touch. Tolerances are tight, so be careful -
dont yank HDMI cables or twist connectors. For
in-wall installations, pull-through socks are
available that will protect the connector as the
cable is pulled through the wall or conduit. This
is a particularly good idea if you are installing
an active cable, where the connectors are larger
and more sensitive because of their embedded
electronics.

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HDMI Connector Types The HDMI specification
defines three connector types, but only two are
in common use. Most products rely on the Standard
(Type A) connector, but many newer portable
devices such as HD videocams and digital still
cameras are incorporating the Mini Connector
(Type C). Standard to Mini adapters are widely
available. Keeping Connectors Seated You may
occasionally experience difficulty keeping an
HDMI connector seated. It could be a wall-mounted
flat-panel with vertically-oriented connectors
that want to fall out, or a projector with the
connectors inside the outer case, or a badly
designed overmolding that makes it difficult to
get a flush fit. As well, overly heavy cables can
put undue strain on the connector. The HDMI
licensing authority is actively evaluating
solutions for a locking connector, but in the
meantime, fixes are available. There are swivel
adapters that fit between the port and the cable,
allowing you to adjust the angle of the
connection as needed in both the "x" and "y"
directions, and fix it in that position. Another
option is the port saver, a short HDMI dongle
with male and female connectors that can be used
in much the same way. Running Long Cable
Lengths There are many HDMI Adopters working on
HDMI solutions that extend a cables effective
distance from the typical 10 meter range to much
longer lengths. These companies manufacture a
variety of solutions that include active cables
(active electronics built into cables that boost
and extend the cables signal), repeaters,
amplifiers as well as CAT5/6 and fiber solutions.
Like all HDMI-enabled components, cables must be
tested to meet the Compliance Test Standards set
by the HDMI Licensing, LLC. Cables must
successfully pass a signal of a certain strength
(Standard cable must deliver a signal of 17 MHz
High Speed must deliver a signal of 340 MHz) to
pass compliance. The HDMI specification does
not dictate cable length requirements. Different
cables can successfully send HDMI signals various
distances, depending on the quality of the design
and construction. As well, HDMI compliance
testing assumes worst case scenarios testing
with components that have minimally performing
HDMI electronics. That is why you may see cables
in the market that claim to successfully pass an
HDMI signal at very long lengths. This may be
true using certain quality CE components on each
end, but may not work in every case. It is best
to test entire systems before installing. Activ
e Cables Boosters Using active electronics to
boost and clean up the signal can effectively
double the range of a standard twisted-copper
HDMI cable. Cable runs of up to 30 meters are the
norm for this type of solution, which may be
deployed as either a standalone signal management
device, i.e., a repeater or booster box, or
incorporated into the manufacture of the cable
itself. Boxes are available in many
configurations, usually incorporating both
booster and equalization functions, and may also
serve as repeaters or switchers. Active cables,
on the other hand, embed the signal-enhancement
electronics in the cable itself, with chips
embedded in the connector housings. They are
unidirectional, using different modules at the
transmit and receive ends of the cable. All the
technologies in this category require external
power. Beware products that draw power from the
5V power line. Although these may work in
certain applications, different components draw
varying amount of power from that line to
communicate with each other. A cable that draws
power from the HDMI cable may fail when
components and the active components in the cable
or external booster are all drawing from the same
source. .

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HDMI over Cat 5/6 Runs of up to 50 meters
can be achieved by sending the HDMI signal over a
run of Cat 5/6 networking cable, using special
adapters designed for this purpose. As with the
active cable solutions discussed above, they
incorporate booster and equalization electronics
at each end of the path, and require external
power. Because of its tighter manufacturing
tolerances, Cat 6 cable is generally preferred
over Cat 5 in these applications. HDMI over
Fiber The longest HDMI cable runs seen to date
have been achieved using fiber-optic cable, which
is far less susceptible to attenuation and
interference than copper. Electrically it is
similar to an active cable or Cat 5/6 solution,
the principal difference being the higher-quality
optical cabling between the transmit and receive
connectors. HDMI over fiber is a highly robust
solution, effective in cable runs up to 100
meters or more.

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There are nineteen pins in an HDMI connector, as
seen in the following illustration
Pins 1 through 9 carry the three TMDS data
channels (Transition Minimized Differential
Signaling the technology that allows DVI and
HDMI to send high-speed digital data), three pins
per channel. TMDS data includes both video and
audio information, and each channel has three
separate lines for values, - values, and a
ground or data shield. Pins 10 through 12 carry
data for the TMDS clock channel, which helps keep
the signals in synchronization. As with the TMDS
data channels, there are separate lines for
values, - values, and a data shield. Pin 13 is
carries the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)
channel, used for sending command and control
data between connected devices. Pin 14 is
reserved for future use. Pins 15 and 16 are
dedicated to the DDC (Display Data Channel), used
for communicating EDID (Extended Display
Identification Channel) information between
devices. Pin 17 is a data shield for the CEC
and DDC channels. Pin 18 carries a low-voltage
(5V) power supply. Pin 19 is the Hot Plug
Detect, dedicated to monitoring power up/down and
plug/unplug events. VGA Cable and
DisplayPort Video Graphics Array (VGA) cables
where designed in 1987 to serve as the interface
between PCs and Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors.
Consequently, the VGA interface is analog and
does not support the viewing performance and,
protected high definition content features needed
for the latest digital displays. VGA is becoming
increasingly difficult to implement in the latest
silicon technology used in PC chipsets. The
DisplayPort interface supports higher resolution,
color depth, and refresh rate performance than
VGA through a slimmer cable and a much smaller
connector, and is designed for the latest
graphics and display technologies.

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Size comparison of DVI, VGA, and Display
Port cables. Display Port connector is around
30mm. As a truly digital interface, Display
Port enables you to get the full experience from
your monitor. Display Port features an
innovative, micro-packet architecture and
includes a bi-directional auxiliary channel for
two way communications between a PC and a
display. This modern architecture enables
exciting display capabilities and is designed to
enable maximum display performance. The first
version of Display Port provides over twice the
capacity of single-channel DVI over the same
number of wires through a much smaller and easier
to use connector. Display Port v1.1a delivers
10.8Gbps of bandwidth as a standard feature over
a USB sized connector. In addition to greater
resolution, Display Port also supports greater
color depths and higher refresh rates. Color
depth and refresh rate are becoming increasingly
important in delivering stunning image quality
with the latest display technologies for enjoying
3D games, high definition content, and
professional applications. The companies behind
Display Port believe an open standard represents
the better way. A free and open standard enables
complete interoperability meaning you can
connect to any display or projector from a single
connector. Future extensions of Display Port in
2008 will provide enhancements such as
multi-monitor support and a simple adaptor that
enables a single cable connection to a
multifunction monitor that includes a USB hub.
Display Ports micro packet architecture improves
display connectivity and usage options that
improve the viewing experience. Display Port
was originally intended to provide a common
replacement for LVDS, DVI and VGA, but while
Display Port has a rich A/V feature set, it is
expected to complement, not replace,
HDMI. HDMI was designed as an HDTV interface,
not a general-purpose internal and external
display interface for IT equipment. Many of
Display Ports unique benefits, such as direct
drive monitor design and single cable
multi-function monitor connectivity are not
available with HDMI. High resolution support and
high performance are standard features of Display
Port, whereas these are optional premium features
of HDMI. Business and enterprise customers may
not want to implement all of the consumer
electronics features that are required in HDMI
products Display Port is designed to meet the
future needs of the PC industry while preserving
compatibility with HDMI.