Different connections for displays and projectors

In this article, you will learn how to recognise the most common display connections, such as USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, and DVI.

There are various connections to link a computer, laptop, docking station, or other device to a monitor or television screen.

Below you will find the most common connections and how to recognise them.

Important: the same connection can support different functions. Especially with USB-C, the presence of the port does not automatically mean that a video signal can be transmitted.

USB-C with video support

USB-C is currently a very commonly used connection on laptops, docking stations, smartphones, and other devices.

However, the USB-C connector itself does not indicate which functions are available. Depending on the device, a USB-C port may support data only, but can also support charging, DisplayPort video, or Thunderbolt.

For a display: the USB-C port must support video transmission, for example via DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt.

When DisplayPort over USB-C is supported, some devices show a DisplayPort logo next to the port:

The absence of such a logo does not necessarily mean that video is not supported. If in doubt, consult the device specifications.

Recognition:
USB-C has a small, oval, and symmetrical connector. The plug can be inserted in both directions.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a digital connection commonly found on business computers, docking stations, and monitors. The connection can transmit both video and audio.

A classic DisplayPort connector looks like a rectangular port with one corner cut at an angle.

HDMI

HDMI is a widely used digital connection for monitors, televisions, projectors, and other audiovisual equipment.

Both video and audio can be transmitted via a single HDMI cable.

Recognition: a standard HDMI port is wider than USB-C and has a characteristic, slightly trapezoidal opening.

Mini DisplayPort

Mini DisplayPort is a smaller version of DisplayPort and was mainly found on older laptops, including several older Apple Macs and some Windows laptops.

On modern devices, Mini DisplayPort has largely been replaced by USB-C, Thunderbolt, and the standard DisplayPort connection.

VGA

VGA is an older analogue video connection. This connection is nowadays mainly found on older computers, screens, and projectors.

VGA transmits only an analogue video signal. Audio must be transmitted via a separate connection.

Recognition: VGA has 15 small pin contacts in three rows and usually two screw fasteners on the sides. The connector is often blue but can also have another colour.

Because VGA works analogously, damage to the cable or connector can cause image problems such as discolouration, interference, or a blurry image.

DVI

DVI is also an older connection and was mainly used on desktop computers and monitors before HDMI and DisplayPort became common.

There are different DVI variants. The most well-known are:

DVI-D: intended for digital video signals.
DVI-I: depending on the version, can support both digital and analogue signals.

Note: not every DVI cable or DVI adapter fits every DVI port. Always check which type of DVI connection is present.

Which connection should you use?

When multiple connections are available, it is preferable to use a modern digital connection:

USB-C / Thunderbolt with video support
DisplayPort
HDMI
Mini DisplayPort
DVI
VGA

Which connection is ultimately most suitable also depends on the resolution, refresh rate, and connections of the screen and the device.

Unsure which cable or adapter you need?

Check which connection is available on both your computer and your screen. Keep in mind with USB-C that not every USB-C port supports a video signal.

Tip: if in doubt, send a clear photo of the connection on your computer and that of the screen to your IT administrator. This way, it can quickly be determined which cable or adapter you need.

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