Download Monitor drivers for Windows, firmware, bios, tools, utilities.
-->Applies to: Configuration Manager (current branch)
Configuration Manager provides a driver catalog that you can use to manage the Windows device drivers in your Configuration Manager environment. Use the driver catalog to import device drivers into Configuration Manager, to group them in packages, and to distribute those packages to distribution points. Device drivers can be used when you install the full OS on the destination computer and when you use Windows PE in a boot image. Windows device drivers consist of a setup information (INF) file and any additional files that are required to support the device. When you deploy an OS, Configuration Manager obtains the hardware and platform information for the device from its INF file.
Driver categories
- Welcome to the Hannspree downloads center. Here you will find all available downloads for our current products and our end of line products. The downloads that are available here are also viewable on the product pages, by clicking on the downloads tab.
- Update the device driver. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager. Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you’d like to update. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Select Update Driver.
- On the Driver Details page, specify the following options: Hide drivers that are not in a storage or network class (for boot images): Use this setting to only display storage and network drivers. This option hides other drivers that aren't typically needed for boot images, such as a video driver or modem driver.
- Download drivers and user guides for your ViewSonic LCD, projector, LCD TV, digital signage display wireless display or digital photo frame. Drivers & Firmware.
When you import device drivers, you can assign the device drivers to a category. Device driver categories help group similarly used device drivers together in the driver catalog. For example, set all network adapter device drivers to a specific category. Then, when you create a task sequence that includes the Auto Apply Drivers step, specify a category of device drivers. Configuration Manager then scans the hardware and selects the applicable drivers from that category to stage on the system for Windows Setup to use.
Driver packages
Group similar device drivers in packages to help streamline OS deployments. For example, create a driver package for each computer manufacturer on your network. You can create a driver package when importing drivers into the driver catalog directly in the Driver Packages node. After you create a driver package, distribute it to distribution points. Then Configuration Manager client computers can install the drivers as required.
Consider the following points:
When you create a driver package, the source location of the package must point to an empty network share that's not used by another driver package. The SMS Provider must have Full control permissions to that location.
When you add device drivers to a driver package, Configuration Manager copies it to the package source location. You can add to a driver package only device drivers that you've imported and that are enabled in the driver catalog.
You can copy a subset of the device drivers from an existing driver package. First, create a new driver package. Then add the subset of device drivers to the new package, and then distribute the new package to a distribution point.
When you use task sequences to install drivers, create driver packages that contain less than 500 device drivers.
Create a driver package
Important
To create a driver package, you must have an empty network folder that's not used by another driver package. In most cases, create a new folder before you start this procedure.
In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Software Library workspace. Expand Operating Systems, and then select the Driver Packages node.
On the Home tab of the ribbon, in the Create group, select Create Driver Package.
Specify a descriptive Name for the driver package.
Enter an optional Comment for the driver package. Use this description to provide information about the contents or the purpose of the driver package.
In the Path box, specify an empty source folder for the driver package. Each driver package must use a unique folder. This path is required as a network location.
Important
The site server account must have Full control permissions to the specified source folder.
The new driver package doesn't contain any drivers. The next step adds drivers to the package.
If the Driver Packages node contains several packages, you can add folders to the node to separate the packages into logical groups.
Additional actions for driver packages
You can do additional actions to manage driver packages when you select one or more driver packages from the Driver Packages node.
Create prestage content file
Creates files that you can use to manually import content and its associated metadata. Use prestaged content when you have low network bandwidth between the site server and the distribution points where the driver package is stored.
Delete (driver package)
Removes the driver package from the Driver Packages node.
Distribute content
Distributes the driver package to distribution points, distribution point groups, and distribution point groups that are associated with collections.
Export (driver package)
Start the Export Driver Package Wizard to save associated drivers and content to a file. Use this process to move driver packages between hierarchies.
Import driver package
Start the Import Driver Package Wizard to create a driver package from a previously exported package.
Tip
Starting in version 2010, when you import an object in the Configuration Manager console, it now imports to the current folder. Previously, Configuration Manager always put imported objects in the root node.
Manage access accounts
Adds, modifies, or removes access accounts for the driver package.
For more information about package access accounts, see Accounts used in Configuration Manager.
Move (driver package)
Moves the driver package to another folder in the Driver Packages node.
Properties (driver package)
Opens the Properties window. Review and change the content and properties of the driver. For example, change the name and description of the driver, enable or disable it, and specify on which platforms it can run.
Driver packages have metadata fields for Manufacturer and Model. Use these fields to tag driver packages with information to assist in general housekeeping, or to identify old and duplicate drivers that you can delete. On the General tab, select an existing value, or enter a string to create a new entry.
In the Driver Packages node, these fields display in the list as the Driver Manufacturer and Driver Model columns. They can also be used as search criteria.
Starting in version 1906, use these attributes to pre-cache content on a client. For more information, see Configure pre-cache content.
Show members
View all the drivers in the selected driver package.
Update distribution points
Updates the driver package on all the distribution points where the site stores it. This action copies only the content that has changed after the last time it was distributed.
Device drivers
You can install drivers on destination computers without including them in the OS image that is deployed. Configuration Manager provides a driver catalog that contains references to all the drivers that you import into Configuration Manager. The driver catalog is located in the Software Library workspace and consists of two nodes: Drivers and Driver Packages. The Drivers node lists all the drivers that you've imported into the driver catalog.
Import device drivers into the driver catalog
Before you can use a driver when you deploy an OS, import it into the driver catalog. To better manage them, import only the drivers that you plan to install as part of your OS deployments. Store multiple versions of drivers in the catalog to provide an easy way to upgrade existing drivers when hardware device requirements change on your network.
As part of the import process for the device driver, Configuration Manager reads the following properties about the driver:
- Provider
- Class
- Version
- Signature
- Supported hardware
- Supported platform information
By default, the driver is named after the first hardware device that it supports. You can rename the device driver later. The supported platforms list is based on the information in the INF file of the driver. Because the accuracy of this information can vary, manually verify that the driver is supported after you import it into the catalog.
After you import device drivers into the catalog, add them to driver packages or boot image packages.
Important
You can't import device drivers directly into a subfolder of the Drivers node. To import a device driver into a subfolder, first import the device driver into the Drivers node, and then move the driver to the subfolder.
Process to import Windows device drivers into the driver catalog
In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Software Library workspace. Expand Operating Systems, and select the Drivers node.
On the Home tab of the ribbon, in the Create group, select Import Driver to start the Import New Driver Wizard.
On the Locate Driver page, specify the following options:
Import all drivers in the following network path (UNC): To import all the device drivers in a specific folder, specify its network path. For example:
servernamesharefolder.Note
If there are a lot of subfolders and a lot of driver INF files, this process can take time.
Import a specific driver: To import a specific driver from a folder, specify the network path to the Windows device driver INF file.
Specify the option for duplicate drivers: Select how you want Configuration Manager to manage driver categories when you import a duplicate device driver
- Import the driver and append a new category to the existing categories
- Import the driver and keep the existing categories
- Import the driver and overwrite the existing categories
- Do not import the driver
Important
When you import drivers, the site server must have Read permission to the folder, or the import fails.
On the Driver Details page, specify the following options:
Hide drivers that are not in a storage or network class (for boot images): Use this setting to only display storage and network drivers. This option hides other drivers that aren't typically needed for boot images, such as a video driver or modem driver.
Hide drivers that are not digitally signed: Microsoft recommends only using drivers that are digitally signed
In the list of drivers, select the drivers that you want to import into the driver catalog.
Enable these drivers and allow computers to install them: Select this setting to let computers install the device drivers. This option is enabled by default.
Important
If a device driver is causing a problem or you want to suspend the installation of a device driver, disable it during import. You can also disable drivers after you import them.
To assign the device drivers to an administrative category for filtering purposes, such as 'Desktops' or 'Notebooks', select Categories. Then choose an existing category, or create a new category. Use categories to control which device drivers are applied by the Auto Apply Drivers task sequence step.
On the Add Driver to Packages page, choose whether to add the drivers to a package.
Select the driver packages that are used to distribute the device drivers.
If necessary, select New Package to create a new driver package. When you create a new driver package, provide a network share that's not in use by other driver packages.
If the package has already been distributed to distribution points, select Yes in the dialog box to update the boot images on distribution points. You can't use device drivers until they're distributed to distribution points. If you select No, run the Update Distribution Point action before using the boot image. If the driver package has never been distributed, you must use the Distribute Content action in the Driver Packages node.
On the Add Driver to Boot Images page, choose whether to add the device drivers to existing boot images.
Note
Add only storage and network drivers to the boot images.
Select Yes in the dialog box to update the boot images on distribution points. You can't use device drivers until they're distributed to distribution points. If you select No, run the Update Distribution Point action before using the boot image. If the driver package has never been distributed, you must use the Distribute Content action in the Driver Packages node.
Configuration Manager warns you if the architecture for one or more drivers doesn't match the architecture of the boot images that you selected. If they don't match, select OK. Go back to the Driver Details page, and clear the drivers that don't match the architecture of the selected boot image. For example, if you select an x64 and x86 boot image, all drivers must support both architectures. If you select an x64 boot image, all drivers must support the x64 architecture.
Note
- The architecture is based on the architecture reported in the INF from the manufacturer.
- If a driver reports it supports both architectures, then you can import it into either boot image.
Configuration Manager warns you if you add device drivers that aren't network or storage drivers to a boot image. In most cases, they aren't necessary for the boot image. Select Yes to add the drivers to the boot image, or No to go back and modify your driver selection.
Configuration Manager warns you if one or more of the selected drivers aren't properly digitally signed. Select Yes to continue, and select No to go back and make changes to your driver selection.
Complete the wizard.
Manage device drivers in a driver package
Use the following procedures to modify driver packages and boot images. To add or remove a driver, first locate it in the Drivers node. Then edit the packages or boot images with which the selected driver is associated.
In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Software Library workspace. Expand Operating Systems, and then select the Drivers node.
Select the device drivers that you want to add to a driver package.
On the Home tab of the ribbon, in the Driver group, select Edit, and then choose Driver Packages.
To add a device driver, select the check box of the driver packages to which you want to add the device drivers. To remove a device driver, clear the check box of the driver packages from which you want to remove the device driver.
If you're adding device drivers that are associated with driver packages, you can optionally create a new package. Select New Package, which opens the New Driver Package dialog box.
If the package has already been distributed to distribution points, select Yes in the dialog box to update the boot images on distribution points. You can't use device drivers until they're distributed to distribution points. If you select No, run the Update Distribution Point action before using the boot image. If the driver package has never been distributed, you must use the Distribute Content action in the Driver Packages node. Before the drivers are available, you must update the driver package on distribution points.
Select OK when finished.
Manage device drivers in a boot image
You can add to boot images Windows device drivers that have been imported into the catalog. Use the following guidelines when you add device drivers to a boot image:
Add only storage and network drivers to boot images. Other types of drivers aren't usually required in Windows PE. Drivers that aren't required unnecessarily increase the size of the boot image.
Add only device drivers for Windows 10 to a boot image. The required version of Windows PE is based on Windows 10.
Make sure that you use the correct device driver for the architecture of the boot image. Don't add an x86 device driver to an x64 boot image.
Process to modify the device drivers associated with a boot image
In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Software Library workspace. Expand Operating Systems, and then select the Drivers node.
Select the device drivers that you want to add to the driver package.
On the Home tab of the ribbon, in the Driver group, select Edit, and then choose Boot images.
To add a device driver, select the check box of the boot image to which you want to add the device drivers. To remove a device driver, clear the check box of the boot image from which you want to remove the device driver.
If you don't want to update the distribution points where the boot image is stored, clear the Update distribution points when finished check box. By default, the distribution points are updated when the boot image is updated.
Select Yes in the dialog box to update the boot images on distribution points. You can't use device drivers until they're distributed to distribution points. If you select No, run the Update Distribution Point action before using the boot image. If the driver package has never been distributed, you must use the Distribute Content action in the Driver Packages node.
Configuration Manager warns you if the architecture for one or more drivers doesn't match the architecture of the boot images that you selected. If they don't match, select OK. Go back to the Driver Details page and clear the drivers that don't match the architecture of the selected boot image. For example, if you select an x64 and x86 boot image, all drivers must support both architectures. If you select an x64 boot image, all drivers must support the x64 architecture.
Note
- The architecture is based on the architecture reported in the INF from the manufacturer.
- If a driver reports it supports both architectures then you can import it into either boot image.
Configuration Manager warns you if you add device drivers that aren't network or storage drivers to a boot image. In most cases, they aren't necessary for the boot image. Select Yes to add the drivers to the boot image or No to go back and modify your driver selection.
Configuration Manager warns you if one or more of the selected drivers aren't properly digitally signed. Select Yes to continue or select No to go back and make changes to your driver selection.
Additional actions for device drivers
You can do additional actions to manage drivers when you select them in the Drivers node.
Categorize
Clears, manages, or sets an administrative category for the selected drivers.
Delete (driver)
Removes the driver from the Drivers node and also removes the driver from the associated distribution points.
Disable
Prohibits the driver from being installed. This action temporarily disables the driver. The task sequence can't install a disabled driver when you deploy an OS.
Note
This action only prevents drivers from installing using the Auto Apply Driver task sequence step.
Enable
Lets Configuration Manager client computers and task sequences install the device driver when you deploy the OS.
Move (driver)
Moves the device driver to another folder in the Drivers node.
Properties (driver)
Opens the Properties dialog box. Review and change the properties of the driver. For example, change its name and description, enable or disable it, and specify which platforms it can run on.
Use task sequences to install drivers
Use task sequences to automate how the OS is deployed. Each step in the task sequence can do a specific action, such as installing a driver. You can use the following two task sequence steps to install device drivers when you deploy an OS:
Auto Apply Drivers: This step lets you automatically match and install device drivers as part of an operating system deployment. You can configure the task sequence step to install only the best matched driver for each detected hardware device. Alternatively, specify that the step installs all compatible drivers for each detected hardware device, and then let Windows Setup choose the best driver. You can also specify a driver category to limit the drivers that are available for this step.
Apply Driver Package: This step lets you make all device drivers in a specific driver package available for Windows Setup. In the specified driver packages, Windows Setup searches for the device drivers that are required. When you create stand-alone media, you must use this step to install device drivers.
When you use these task sequence steps, you can also specify how the drivers are installed on the computer where you deploy the OS. For more information, see Manage task sequences to automate tasks.
Driver reports
You can use several reports in the Driver Management reports category to determine general information about the device drivers in the driver catalog. For more information about reports, see Introduction to reporting.
Next steps
- Monitor Basics in Plain English
A close look at the video input interfaces used in LCD monitors. With the emergence of a new generation of interfaces, growing numbers of LCD monitors feature multiple and different interfaces. Image quality and ease of use are likely to depend on how well the user knows and uses the unique characteristics of each interface when connecting the appropriate devices.
Note: Below is the translation from the Japanese of the 'IT Media LCD Display Course II, Part 2,' published on December 16, 2008. Copyright 2011 ITmedia Inc. Information about Mini DisplayPort was added to the English translation.
LCD monitors feature a wide range of video input interfaces
Driven by demand for higher-resolution monitor environments and the proliferation of high-definition devices, the types of video input interfaces ('interfaces' hereinafter) found in LCD monitors continue to proliferate. More than likely, significant numbers of users encountering LCD monitors incorporating multiple input systems have wondered what to connect to which terminal. In this article, we'll discuss, one by one, the main interfaces used today. But first, let's give an overview of the types of interfaces available.
| Input terminals of the FlexScan EV3237 monitor |
The interfaces for LCD monitors designed for use with PCs can be grouped into two categories: analog interfaces, carryovers from the days of CRT monitors, and the digital interfaces developed more recently. An analog interface involves the additional steps of conversion of digital signals within the PC to analog signals for output and the conversion of these analog signals back into digital form by the LCD monitor receiving the signal. This series of actions can degrade image quality. (Image quality also depends on the quality of the route used in converting from analog to digital.) A digital interface offers superior image quality, since it transmits digital signals without conversion or modification.
LCD-monitor interfaces also can be grouped by differences in the devices connected. Major categories here are inputs from PCs and inputs from audio-video (AV) devices. PC input generally involves one of the following five interface types: D-Sub for analog connections; DVI-D for digital connections; DVI-I, which is compatible with both analog and digital connections; and HDMI and DisplayPort, representing the new generation of interfaces for digital connections. Other more recent adapters input and output PC RGB signals and LCD monitors using USB as a video input interface.
The main AV input interfaces are composite video, S-Video, component video, D1 – 5, and HDMI. All of these other than the new HDMI standard use analog connections. As with PC input, a digital HDMI connection generally provides better image quality for AV input than the various analog connection interfaces.
It's worth noting that while HDMI was designed for use with AV input and output, the standard also supports PC input and output. LCD monitors incorporating HDMI ports include some that support PC input officially and others that—whether or not they can display PC input—do not support PC input officially.
D-Sub and DVI: standard interfaces for PC use
D-Sub and DVI are the current standard interfaces in PC environments.
Known officially as D-Sub miniature, D-Sub is not exclusive to display use. It's also used for serial-port, parallel-port, SCSI, and other connectors, with the number of connector pins depending on the purpose of use. However, these connector standards are rarely if ever found in PCs now for general-purpose personal use, most such applications having migrated to USB.
When used as a monitor interface, a D-Sub port is also known as a VGA port, an analog connection standard that's been around for some time. The connector is a DE-15 connector with 15 pins in three rows, often referred to as a 'mini-D-Sub 15-pin' or 'D-Sub 15-pin' connector. (Some connectors omit unused pins.) D-Sub is currently the most widely used monitor interface, compatible with very large numbers of PCs and LCD monitors.
| A D-Sub female connector (photo at left) installed on the monitor side and a D-Sub male connector (center photo) on the cable side. A D-Sub cable features a screw on each end of the connector that can be turned by hand to prevent unintended disconnection (photo at right). |
The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) standard uses one of three types of connectors: DVI-D for digital connection; DVI-A for analog connection; and DVI-I, compatible with both digital and analog connections. The DVI-A connector for analog use is not in general use and can be disregarded when choosing monitor products.
Keep in mind that there are two types of mainstream DVI-D digital connections: single link and dual link. For a single-link DVI-D connection, the maximum resolution that can be displayed is 1920 × 1200 pixels (WUXGA). Higher resolutions (such as 2560 × 1600 pixels) require a dual-link DVI-D connection providing double the bandwidth of a single-link DVI-D (7.4 Gb/second or higher). To use a dual-link DVI-D connection, the DVI-D input on the LCD monitor side, the DVI-D output on the PC side, and the DVI-D cable must all be compatible with the dual-link DVI-D standard.
DVI-I, the other DVI standard, can be used with both digital and analog connections, depending on the monitor cable used. Since a DVI-I analog signal is compatible with the D-Sub standard, an analog connection can be formed by using a monitor cable with a D-Sub connector on one end and a DVI-I connector on the other. Depending on the cable and the connectors on the PC side and on the LCD-monitor side, it may also be possible to use an adapter for connecting a DVI-I connector with a D-Sub connector.
| A DVI-D female connector installed on the monitor side (photo at left) and a DVI-D single-link (18-pin) male connector installed on the cable (center photo). As with D-Sub cables, a DVI-D cable can be secured into place by turning the screws on either end of the connector (photo at right). | |
| Pin layouts identify the DVI connector type. At left is a DVI-D dual-link (24-pin) connector; at right is a DVI-A (17-pin) connector. | |
| At left is a DVI-I single-link (23-pin) connector; at right is a DVI-I dual-link (29-pin) connector. | |
Monitor cables with DVI-I connectors on both ends were available at one time. These are rare today, since this configuration made it difficult to determine whether the connection was digital or analog and generated frequent connection issues. Having DVI-I connectors on both the PC side and the LCD monitor side can lead to confusion. In such cases, the ideal configuration is a digital connection made with a DVI-D cable.
Three examples of a new generation of digital interfaces
As the latest digital interfaces, the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort have attracted considerable attention. All standards offer the capacity to transfer both audio and video signals digitally using a single cable; all offer easy cable attachment and removal.
The shapes of HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort connectors resemble that of a USB series-A connector (on the side of the USB host, such as a PC). The connectors lack screws, allowing the cables to be readily inserted and removed. (The disadvantage: This makes it easier to dislodge a cable connection if a hand or foot catches on the cable.)
| At left is an HDMI (type A) female connector; in the middle is a DisplayPort female connector; at right is a Mini DisplayPort female connector. The HDMI connector has 19 pins. The DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort connectors have 20 pins and an asymmetrical (left to right) connector. (The HDMI standard also defines a 29-pin type-B connector compatible with resolutions exceeding 1080p.) |
The HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort standards also are compatible with the High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection System (HDCP). A technology intended to protect copyright on digital content, HDCP allows authorization of both output and input devices before video is displayed.
Another feature is that HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort video signals can be converted back and forth with the DVI-D standard, a PC digital interface. Using the appropriate conversion adapter or cable, we can output video from a DVI-D, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort connector and input to any of these options. Currently, however, this implementation appears to be imperfect: In certain cases, input and output devices are not completely compatible (i.e., video does not display).
While HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort each can transmit both audio and video using a single cable, DVI-D can transmit only video and requires separate input/output ports and cables for audio. For this reason, when converting between the DVI-D and HDMI, DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort standards, only video can be transmitted over a single cable. (Some products can transmit audio from the DVI side via a conversion adapter.)
Let's look at a more detailed look at HDMI and DisplayPort technologies.
HDMI, a new standard in digital interfaces compatible with high-definition video
Now a standard interface for devices (primarily televisions and recorders), HDMI was established in December 2002 by Sony, Toshiba, Thomson Multimedia, Panasonic (formerly Matsushita), Hitachi, and Philips, led by Silicon Image. HDMI video signals are based on the DVI-D standard, a digital RGB interface used in PCs, to which audio transmission and digital rights management (DRM) functions were added. HDMI was intended mainly for use as a digital video and audio interface for home electronics and AV equipment.
| An HDMI (type-A) female connector (photo at left) and male connector (center photo). The compact HDMI cable is easily connected and disconnected, just like a USB cable (photo at right). HDMI cables come in two types: Standard (category 1), denoting those that have passed 74.25 MHz in transmission-speed tests, and High Speed (category 2), denoting those certified for 340 MHz. A High Speed cable is recommended when using high-definition signals such as 1440p. |
In discussions about HDMI, the subject of functional differences between versions of the HDMI standard is unavoidable. The table below summarizes the major differences. There are significant differences in functions implemented between HDMI versions through version 1.2a and HDMI versions 1.3 and above.
Since HDMI versions are backward compatible, we can still input and output video and audio if the output side is compatible with version 1.3 or above and the input side with version 1.2a or below. However, if the output device uses functions implemented in version 1.3 or higher, these functions will be canceled on input devices that comply with version 1.2a or earlier.
Incidentally, while HDMI 1.3 incorporates standards such as the wide color-gamut standard xvYCC and Deep Color, which can handle color data at greater than 24 bits, these specifications are elective. A version number such as 1.3 is merely the number of the applicable technical specifications; manufacturers can choose what functions to include, depending on the specific product. For this reason, even a product advertised as HDMI 1.3a compliant may not feature all of the functions supported by HDMI 1.3a.
| Click to enlarge |
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DisplayPort, the newest interface and a competitor for HDMI as a successor to DVI
Formally approved in May 2006, the DisplayPort standard is a new standard released in May 2005 by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) of the United States, an industry organization that establishes standards for PC-related interfaces. As a video interface promoted by VESA, a constituency composed mainly of PC and monitor makers, it is designed to succeed the DVI and D-Sub standards as a PC interface. However, there's no reason it can't also be used in AV equipment.
| DisplayPort female (photo at left) and male (center photo) connectors. Although a DisplayPort cable resembles an HDMI cable, it has two hooks at the top of the connector to make it harder to disconnect accidentally (photo at right). |
With a maximum transmission speed of 10.8 Gbps, compatibility with resolutions of up to 2560 × 2048 pixels or higher, color depth of 48 bits (16 bits per RGB color), and a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz (120 fps), its basic video interface specs are close to those of HDMI. However, unlike HDMI, which transmits data for RGB video signals and clock signals separately, it sends all video and audio to the destination device through a serial connection, split into micro-packets called transfer units.
Since DisplayPort is a serial interface like PCI Express that generates a clock from the data instead of using external clock signals, data transmission speeds and functionality are easily improved. In addition, since DisplayPort employs a configuration wherein the LCD monitor is operated directly, it makes it possible to reduce the numbers of components. Another benefit is its ability to transmit signals over distances of up to 15 meters.
Drivers Mea Monitors Vs
In the DisplayPort standard, the output side is defined as the source device and the input side as the sync device. Under this configuration, the source and sync devices communicate with each other, making it possible to automatically adjust transmission to the optimal resolution, color depth, and refresh rate. Audio and video data can be transmitted through a combination of single, double, or quadruple channels called lanes, and two data rates (1.62 Gbps and 2.7 Gbps). The minimum configuration is a single lane at 1.62 Gbps; the maximum is four lanes at 2.7 Gbps each for a total of 10.8 Gbps.
The audio formats supported and other attributes are important elements of sync devices. For audio, compatibility with 16-bit linear PCM (32/44.1/48 kHz) is required. Other formats are optional. Still, the standard is compatible with formats up to high-definition audio such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD. For color information, compatibility with RGB, YCbCr (4:2:2), and YCbCr (4:4:4) is a requirement.
| Eizo's 31.1-inch wide-screen LCD monitor ColorEdge CG3184-K, with built-in DisplayPorts |
| Column: Licensing fees: One more difference between HDMI and DisplayPort |
One major difference apparent when we compare HDMI and DisplayPort is the presence or absence of licensing fees. Implementing HDMI in a product requires manufacturers to pay a licensing fee of $10,000/year, while HDCP implementation requires a separate licensing fee of $15,000/year. These licensing fees entail significant costs for manufacturers. When product pricing reflects these costs, they can impact ordinary users to a greater or lesser degree. A more familiar example is the HDMI cable, which is also subject to a licensing fee, making it more expensive than other AV cables. (Note that the licensing fee is not the sole cause of higher prices; quality requirements and other factors also drive up prices.) DisplayPort requires no licensing fees other than that for HDCP, making it more attractive and easier for manufacturers to adopt. Progress in mass production will likely lead to price advantages for ordinary users as well. Still, HDMI is clearly the current mainstream digital interface for products like AV equipment and videogame consoles. DisplayPort, even if standardized under the leadership of PC makers, is unlikely to take its place. With growing support for DisplayPort among vendors of graphics chips for use in PC environments and growing numbers of compatible products, including the MacBook, use of DisplayPort is projected to expand. |
D-Terminal and component video, analog video interfaces compatible with high-definition video
Let's discuss video input interfaces, starting with the D-Terminal and component video standards. The video signals themselves are identical for both of these. The video signal is composed of the following three signal types: the Y brightness/synchronization signal; the Pb (Cb) signal for the difference between blue and Y; and the Pr (Cr) signal carrying the difference between red and Y. Altogether, these are referred to as a component video signal. A characteristic of this technology is its ability to input and output high-quality analog video signals by omitting the process of video-signal separation and combination.
| Component video inputs video signals using three cables |
Drivers Mea Monitors Wireless
A component video port has separate connectors for each of the three video-signal types: A green connector for the Y signal, a blue connector for the Pb (Cb) signal, and a red connector for the Pr (Cr) signal. In most cases, the compatible video formats are 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i, with connectors labeled Y, Cb, and Cr compatible with 480i video and connectors labeled Y, Pb, and Pr with higher-quality video formats.
While component video ports offer higher quality and greater benefits than most other types of analog video input, they also entail inconveniences, including more troublesome connections (since they use three connectors) and greater space requirements on devices equipped with such ports. Additionally, they are incapable of transmitting control signals. In Japan, the D-Terminal standard, formulated by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA, known at the time as the Electronic Industry Association of Japan, or EIAJ), which features its own improvements on these points, has entered widespread use.
A D-Terminal connector combines the three types of component video signals into a single cable and is easier to connect. It also embeds a control signal to identify scanning lines, scanning method, and aspect ratio. (In passing, it's called a D-Terminal only because its connector is shaped like the letter 'D'; the 'D' does not mean 'digital.' Signals flowing through the D-Terminal and the connecting cable are analog.) The table below gives the types of D-Terminals (D1 – 5) and corresponding video formats. While many products feature D5 terminals, which are compatible with 1080p video, this is not specified in the official JEITA standard.
| D-Terminal female (photo at left) and male (center photo) connectors. Each connector end of a D-Terminal cable features a hook to prevent accidental disconnection (photo at right). The connector has 14 pins. |
| Click to enlarge |
Comparisons of picture quality between component video and D-Terminal standards show that component video, with its three separate connectors, offers higher picture quality, due to structural characteristics of the cable and connector. Many believe this difference becomes even more marked with longer cables.
S-Video and composite video, standard-definition analog video interfaces
Let's consider S-Video and composite video ports. Video consists of a brightness signal and a color signal, combined to create a composite video signal. A composite video port transmits the composite video signal as is; an S-Video port transmits the composite signal separated into a brightness signal and a color signal. Since less processing is needed to combine and separate the brightness and color signals, an S-Video port provides higher picture quality than a composite video port.
| On an RCA connector with three single pins in a row, the yellow pin is the composite female connector (photo at left). Most composite cables assume the form of a single cable that splits into three connectors, with the yellow connector used for video and the red and white for stereo audio (center photo). An S-Video female connector (photo at right), which has four pins. |
Additionally, there are two types of S-Video ports: S1, which can identify video with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9; and S2, which can identify 'letterbox' video with black bands above and below, to display 16:9 aspect-ratio video on 4:3 aspect-ratio monitors. A display device receiving video with a 16:9 aspect ratio or letterbox video performs the appropriate scaling to display the correct aspect ratio.
S-Video and composite ports are capable of handling video up to standard-definition NTSC (480i). They are likely to be phased out gradually in the future, except for applications requiring the connection of older video equipment such as VHS video decks or DV cameras.
Analog video interfaces, including D-Terminal and component video, can be summarized as follows, in descending order of general perception of picture quality: component video, D-Terminal, S-Video, and composite video.
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Some products even use USB as a video input/output interface
Let's conclude by returning to the subject of PC environments. Some recent products use USB ports for PC display output. While USB was not originally intended as a display interface, demand has emerged for an easier way (easier than using a D-Sub cable) to set up multi-monitor environments, particularly for laptops and low-priced netbooks.
Most such products are adapters, which connect to the PC using USB and feature DVI-D or DVI-I connectors on the output side. These are then connected to LCD monitors. After the user installs a device driver, the PC recognizes the adapter as a monitor adapter. Users can create a multi-monitor environment in Windows by activating the secondary monitor connected to the adapter in Display Properties. In terms of display performance, these adapters are not well suited to uses that require high-speed response; they are associated with slight delays in reflecting mouse or keyboard operations.
A small number of LCD monitors on the market use USB as a video input interface, making it possible to output and display a PC screen through a USB connection between the PC and the LCD display. These, too, are ideal for laptops and netbooks, since they allow users to use laptops connected to large-screen LCD monitors at their office desks or at home, then use the laptops for mobile use when out and about simply by unplugging a single USB cable.