The non-profit organization VESA develops various video standards. This organization develops monitor mounting systems, video quality standards, and even video connectors. One of its best-known standards is DisplayPort (learn more about the DisplayPort video connector ), which is currently at version 2.0 and was announced last June. Now they are announcing an update to this port.
The DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 connector implements different enhancements to the USB ecosystem. One of its features is that it allows USB Type-C connectors to have video output capability. Now they have expanded the compatibility by offering support for USB4, which is a variant of Thunderbolt 3. Since it is royalty-free, any manufacturer can integrate it into their systems.
[amazon box="B07JQKWX3C"]DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 with USB4 support
VESA's Alt Mode 2.0 is an update to DisplayPort 2.0 with several improvements to align it with the USB standard. VESA and the USB-IF ( which develops the USB standard ) have worked to improve connectivity and stability. This allows anyone to use a native DisplayPort or USB Type-C port for data or video.
USB4 is technically speaking a Thunderbolt 3 connector. It should be noted that a couple of years ago Intel released the Thunderbolt 3 standard, which can be used by anyone without paying royalties. The latest update of this port developed by Intel has the integration of DisplayPort 2.0 in USB4.
Through USB4 with USB Type-C interface we can connect monitors with resolution up to 16K @ 60Hz. This is possible thanks to the bandwidth, which is up to 77.4Gbps, being ideal for HDR, gaming or virtual reality. At the performance level, it is infinitely better than HDMI 2.1, which only supports 48Gbps of bandwidth.
The first monitors to hit the market with DisplayPort 2.0 won't arrive until the end of the year. On the integration of USB4, this will take much longer, since Intel at the moment we do not know if it contemplates it and AMD will not integrate it until 2022.