Everyone is probably familiar with the Type-C interface, which became known early on due to its adoption by LeEco and Huawei smartphones, sometimes referred to as the “LeEco port” or “Huawei port.” Nowadays, the vast majority of Android smartphones and tablets use the Type-C interface. Last year, Apple also switched the entire iPhone 15 series to the Type-C interface.
The Type-C interface is generally used for charging, data transfer, and video transmission. As a reversible blind mating interface, the versatility of Type-C is quite outstanding.
Speaking of interfaces, HDMI and DP are the most commonly used interfaces in the television and monitor sectors, respectively. The HDMI interface has been around for over 20 years, while the DP interface has been around for nearly 18 years. That said, both HDMI and DP are types of interfaces that do not support reversible blind mating, requiring users to check the orientation when connecting.
This brings us to the question: given that Type-C supports reversible blind mating and meets the needs for video transmission, can it perfectly “replace” HDMI and DP interfaces?
01
Overview of the Type-C Interface
Type-C is not a type of interface but specifically refers to a physical interface form. Similar interfaces include USB-A, USB-B, Micro-USB, Mini USB, and others. The functionality of an interface is not determined by its physical form, but by the protocol it uses.
There are various types of protocols, covering data transmission, video transmission, charging protocols, and more. If a Type-C interface adopts the PD (Power Delivery) charging protocol, it becomes a charging interface; if it adopts the DP (DisplayPort) video protocol, it becomes a video interface.
02
Can the Type-C Interface Replace HDMI and DP?
Technically, it is entirely feasible for Type-C to replace HDMI and DP. Observant individuals might have noticed that many modern laptops have eliminated the HDMI video interface, retaining only USB-A and Type-C interfaces.
The reason is that the USB interface can function not only for data transfer but also as a charging and video interface, fully capable of replacing HDMI, DP, and DC power interfaces, providing video transmission and charging capabilities. Furthermore, in terms of size, USB interfaces are more compact compared to HDMI and DP interfaces, which helps reduce the thickness of laptop bodies, meeting both manufacturers’ and consumers’ demands for slimmer devices.
Regarding display devices, there are examples where USB interfaces have replaced traditional video interfaces. Take this Dell monitor, for example. It is equipped with a Type-C interface that supports video input, meaning that with a C-to-C data cable, devices like computers, smartphones, or tablets with Type-C interfaces can be directly connected to the monitor to project the screen.
03
Type-C Becoming Mainstream is Not Easy
However, for the Type-C interface to fully replace HDMI and DP as the mainstream video interface is no easy feat.
Firstly, the HDMI and DP interfaces are backed by two major organizations—HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc., which created the HDMI interface and protocol, and VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association), the creator of the DP interface and protocol.
The founding members of the HDMI organization are primarily giants in the television industry, while VESA is supported by multiple monitor manufacturers. This also explains why TVs commonly use HDMI interfaces, and monitors use DP interfaces. The creators of the Type-C interface are USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum), which includes members like HP, Intel, and Microsoft, primarily computer manufacturers.
From a business perspective, HDMI and DP have already established a very mature ecosystem of hardware and software. Manufacturers and related enterprises involved with HDMI and DP interfaces benefit economically, which determines that the Type-C interface cannot replace HDMI and DP in the short term.
On the other hand, having been around for over 15 years, users have developed a certain dependence on and habit of using HDMI and DP interfaces. The usability and reliability of these interfaces make users inclined to continue using them rather than seeking new alternatives.
Technologically speaking, although the Type-C interface is prominent for its reversible connection, it does not have much advantage in video transmission. Currently, the HDMI 2.1 interface can support 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz; the latest DP 2.1 interface can even support 16K at 60Hz.
With the Type-C interface, even using the latest Thunderbolt 4 protocol, it supports up to 8K at 60Hz, which is roughly on par with HDMI and DP. The lack of a clear performance advantage is also a significant reason why manufacturers are hesitant to use it to replace traditional video interfaces.
04
In Conclusion
Overall, it is entirely feasible from a technical standpoint for the Type-C interface to replace HDMI and DP interfaces. However, considering the usage habits users have already developed, and the interests of manufacturers, it will take some time for Type-C to completely replace HDMI and DP interfaces.
What is the video interface you most commonly use now? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
TypeC has started to deviate. If there is no significant improvement in material technology, the cables will end up being thicker than the ports. Currently, the weight of the phone cannot handle a 24-pin cable. To make the cables more flexible, many devices have started to reduce the number of cable cores and even modify the port definitions. Honestly, I would rather use cables that look different than have TypeC cables that look the same but function differently. If we use the full size, not to mention the price, the stiffness could even be used as a weapon. The 5A current is already the limit for TypeC cables. To achieve 240W, the voltage must be increased, and 48V is already quite excessive. No device dares to use 240W for a prolonged output.
Netizen’s view
Disclaimer: This article is created by the original author. The content of the article represents their personal opinions. Our reposting is for sharing and discussion purposes only and does not imply our endorsement or agreement. If you have any objections, please contact us through the provided channels.
