There are plenty of video connectors you could use to connect your PC to your monitor or a TV.
In some cases, you may be limited by what connectors your devices share.
It may still be found on older computers and display equipment, including projectors.
Tip: The pixel measurement is the horizontal then vertical pixel count.
Refresh rate is how often a full image can be transmitted per second, measured in Hz.
The DVI-D and -I variants both offer a single- and dual-link version.
The single-link version supports resolutions of up to 19201200 at 60Hz.
The dual-link version adds six extra pins and increases the maximum resolution to 25601600 at 60Hz.
HDMI
HDMI is the primary connector for most devices as of 2020.
The most commonly supported HDMI versions are 1.4 and 2.0.
HDMI version 2.1 has been standardised but hasnt been included in most devices as of 2020.
While the compression algorithm will have minimal impact of graphical fidelity, chroma-subsampling is another matter.
This reduces the maximum number of colours that can be displayed which can lead to visible banding artifacts.
The ultra-high resolutions are only capable of running at 100Hz without chroma-subsampling or 30Hz without compression.
Tip: A visual artifact is a visible anomaly or error in the representation of an image.
HDMI includes support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) transmissions with version 2.0 and newer.
Enabling HDR will reduce the maximum supported framerate at a given resolution or require the use of chroma-subsampling.
Audio data can be transmitted through an HDMI cable at the same time as a video stream.
One feature missing from the HDMI connector that some users may miss is any form of a locking mechanism.
This makes it easier for an HDMI cable to fall or be pulled out by accident.
Unlike HDMI, the physical connector includes a locking mechanism.
Dual 8K monitors are supported up to 120Hz, with compression.
A single 10K or 16K monitor can be run at 60Hz, although 16K requires compression to be enabled.
None of these performance figures require chroma-subsampling to be enabled either, avoiding the subsequent reduction in image quality.
Which is best for you?
The primary choice between them should be based on what your hardware supports.
