HDMI 2.1 vs DisplayPort 1.4: A Deep Technical Comparison

The demand for high-resolution, high-refresh-rate, and high-dynamic-range (HDR) content across gaming, content creation, and home entertainment has pushed display interfaces to their limits. As of today, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 (DP 1.4) represent two of the most advanced display standards available on consumer-grade and professional hardware. Understanding their technical distinctions is critical when building or upgrading a performance-sensitive setup.

While HDMI 2.1 dominates in consumer electronics, including gaming consoles, TVs, and AV receivers, DisplayPort 1.4 remains the preferred interface in workstation environments, multi-monitor setups, and enthusiast PC gaming. This article will explore HDMI vs DP from a purely technical and use-case-driven perspective, with a specific focus on HDMI 2.1 vs DP 1.4 and how they cater to different user segments.

1. Bandwidth and Data Encoding Efficiency

Theoretical Bandwidth

• HDMI 2.1 offers a total bandwidth of 48 Gbps, utilizing four TMDS data lanes.

• DisplayPort 1.4, with HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) signaling, delivers a total bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps across four lanes.

Effective Data Rate

Due to encoding overhead:

• HDMI 2.1 employs Fixed Rate Link (FRL) with 16b/18b encoding, which reduces its effective data throughput to approximately 42.6 Gbps.

• DisplayPort 1.4 uses 8b/10b encoding, yielding an effective throughput of 25.92 Gbps.

Result: In terms of pure data throughput, HDMI 2.1 significantly outperforms DP 1.4, a key factor in uncompressed high-resolution transmission.

2. Resolution, Refresh Rate, and Compression Technology

Native Support (Uncompressed)

Display Stream Compression (DSC)

Both standards use DSC 1.2a, which allows visually lossless compression at a 3:1 ratio. This is essential for delivering resolutions such as:

• 8K (7680×4320) at 60Hz, 10-bit, HDR

• 4K at up to 240Hz (in certain DisplayPort implementations)

However, DSC requires both GPU and display panel compatibility, and some professional workflows (e.g., medical imaging, color grading) prefer to avoid any compression.

3. Color Formats, HDR, and Bit Depth

Color Space Support

HDMI 2.1 has broader compatibility with consumer HDR formats like Dolby Vision, while DP 1.4 leans towards HDR10 use cases, which are more prevalent in PC monitors and professional displays.

4. Audio Support and Advanced AV Features

HDMI 2.1 supports eARC, enabling lossless audio passthrough for formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio—critical for high-fidelity home theaters.

DisplayPort 1.4 supports up to 8 channels of 24-bit, 192kHz PCM audio, but lacks eARC and advanced surround sound passthrough features.

5. Adaptive Sync, VRR, and Multi-Display Capability

Variable Refresh Rate Support

In terms of adaptive refresh rate performance, DisplayPort 1.4 is more robust on PC platforms due to long-standing G-Sync and FreeSync support.

Multi-Stream Transport (MST)

DisplayPort 1.4 supports MST, allowing a single port to drive multiple displays via daisy-chaining or DP hubs—crucial for:

• Video walls

• Workstation productivity setups

• Ultrawide + portrait mode combinations

HDMI 2.1 does not support MST or daisy-chaining natively.

Application-Based Recommendations

Gaming and eSports

• Console Gaming (e.g., PS5, Xbox Series X): HDMI 2.1 is mandatory for accessing 4K 120Hz gameplay.

• PC Gaming: DisplayPort 1.4 often performs better due to:

• Superior adaptive sync implementation

• Better driver support for high refresh rates on ultrawide monitors

Professional Workflows

• Video Editing & Color Grading: DP 1.4 preferred for:

• Higher bit depths

• Accurate color reproduction

• Compatibility with professional-grade monitors (e.g., Eizo, NEC)

Home Entertainment Systems

• HDMI 2.1 is unbeatable:

• Full  AV receiver integration

• Dolby Vision + Dolby Atmos support

• Single-cable simplicity for eARC-based audio setups

Key Takeaway

NPC Product Recommendation

To fully exploit the capabilities of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, choosing the right display hardware is essential. Below are three standout NPC products that showcase optimal compatibility with modern GPUs, next-gen consoles, and premium content platforms.

1. NPC-WF2433-K4

For: Competitive Gaming, eSports, High FPS PC Use

This 23.8" QHD monitor is designed with DisplayPort 1.4 and dual HDMI ports, making it ideal for both PC and console gamers. Thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it delivers the frame rate fidelity that FPS and MOBA gamers demand. It supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Adaptive, ensuring smooth gameplay across GPU ecosystems.

• DisplayPort vs HDMI Gaming Advantage: For PC gamers, the DP 1.4 port ensures access to full 240Hz at 1440p without compression.

• HDR10, 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, and IPS technology also make it a solid option for content creators or streamers.

Ideal for: High-FPS competitive gamers, DisplayPort-based gaming rigs, or dual-console setups.

2. NPC-Mx3208

For: Budget Gamers, Office Productivity with Gaming After Hours

The NPC-Mx3208 features a spacious 32-inch VA panel with 165Hz refresh rate, perfect for casual gaming and multitasking. Its HDMI and VGA inputs allow for broad device compatibility, while VESA mount support and ergonomic tilt make it well-suited for dual-monitor setups in home offices.

• While it lacks DisplayPort, its HDMI 165Hz capability (depending on GPU and driver support) makes it competitive for casual gamers.

• Eye protection features like Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free tech improve long session usability.

Ideal for: Hybrid work-play environments, budget-conscious gamers, or multi-monitor workstation users.

3. NPC miniLED 65M12-A

For: Home Theater, Streaming, and Console Gaming

A showcase of HDR brilliance and webOS intelligence, the 65M12-A offers Dolby HDR, Netflix and Prime Video support, and 4K UHD@60Hz HDMI Deep Color—perfect for next-gen console gamers and media enthusiasts. The >100% NTSC color gamut and peak brightness over 800 nits deliver cinema-level visual quality.

• Though limited to 60Hz, it excels as an HDMI 2.0+ entertainment hub, supporting Dolby Atmos passthrough via HDMI ARC and Bluetooth audio output.

• ThinQ AI and LG webOS 2.0 bring voice control, smart app access, and Apple AirPlay/HomeKit integration.

Ideal for: Streaming 4K HDR content, console gaming (PS5/Xbox Series X), or cinematic living room setups.

Pro Tip: Choosing Between HDMI 2.1 vs DP 1.4 for Your Setup

• If you're building a gaming PC with a high-refresh monitor, choose DisplayPort 1.4 for greater bandwidth efficiency and adaptive sync fidelity.

• If you're using a console or a home theater system, HDMI 2.1 or high-bandwidth HDMI 2.0 will unlock features like VRR, eARC, and 4K HDR passthrough.

Conclusion

Both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 represent cutting-edge display technologies, each optimized for different use cases. HDMI 2.1 excels in home entertainment and console gaming, offering broader support for HDR formats, eARC audio, and seamless compatibility with modern TVs and receivers. In contrast, DisplayPort 1.4 remains the go-to for high-refresh-rate PC gaming, multi-monitor setups, and color-critical professional work, thanks to its adaptive sync flexibility and MST support.