Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
World desk6 min

VESA Releases DisplayPort 1.4: Compression, HDR Metadata and 8K-Class Video

DisplayPort 1.4 enabled higher-resolution HDR modes mainly through DSC compression, FEC and metadata transport—not a raw bandwidth increase. Here are the real hardware, USB-C and cable requirements.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

VESA published DisplayPort 1.4 on March 1, 2016. Unlike a conventional bandwidth upgrade, it kept DisplayPort 1.3’s HBR3 link rate and made higher-resolution HDR modes practical through Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2, Forward Error Correction (FEC), and HDR metadata transport. VESA cited targets including 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz with HDR deep color, but those modes require compatible source hardware, display, cable and settings.

What VESA announced

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) released the DisplayPort 1.4 audio/video standard on March 1, 2016, as the successor to DisplayPort 1.3. The announcement is documented in VESA’s release at displayport.org.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

“DisplayPort” can mean three related but different things: the signaling protocol, a physical connector such as full-size or Mini DisplayPort, and DisplayPort Alternate Mode carried through a USB-C connector. A USB-C socket does not automatically provide DisplayPort output; the computer must implement the relevant Alternate Mode.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What changed in DisplayPort 1.4

Feature What it does Important qualification
DSC 1.2 Compresses the display stream before transmission VESA specified up to 3:1 compression and described it as visually lossless in member testing
Forward Error Correction Adds recovery information to correct certain transmission errors Improves transport reliability; it does not improve rendered-image quality
HDR metadata transport Carries HDR metadata in DisplayPort secondary data packets Includes CTA-861.3-related workflows and DP-to-HDMI 2.0a conversion use cases
Headline VESA modes 8Kp60 HDR deep color and 4Kp120 HDR deep color Targets depend on HBR3, DSC, color depth, timing and every component in the signal path
USB-C relevance Allows compressed DisplayPort video over USB-C Alternate Mode Video lanes may have to be shared with USB data

Did DisplayPort 1.4 increase bandwidth?

No. DP 1.4 retained HBR3, the highest link rate used by DP 1.3: 8.1 Gbit/s per lane, or 32.4 Gbit/s across four lanes before encoding and protocol overhead. VESA’s HBR3 explanation is available at vesa.org.

#1 Best Overall
IVANKY VESA Certified 8K DisplayPort Cable 1.4, 6.6ft DP Cable Supports HDR | Display Port Cable, 8K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz, 2K@240Hz, HBR3, 32.4Gbps, HDCP 2.2, FreeSync G-Sync, for Gaming Monitor, Graphics, PC
  • [VESA Certified DP to DP Cable 1.4] This 8K DisplayPort Cable 1.4(NOT HDMI) is officially certified by VESA Association; iVANKY 8K DP Cable supports high resolutions 8K(7680x4320)@60Hz, 5K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz, 2K@240Hz, 1080P@240Hz and Dynamic HDR and HDCP 2.2; Backwards compatible with DisplayPort 1.3/1.2/1.1, etc; It also works fully with FreeSync and G-Sync; NOT compatible with HDMI / Mini DP
  • [Enhanced Gaming Experience] The DisplayPort 1.4 Cable provides higher bandwidth, HBR3 supports 32.4 Gbps of bandwidth; High refresh rate and high resolution, Maximize the performance of your graphics card and monitor, to allow you to clearly perceive the movement of enemies; No motion blur, screen tearing or flickering; Dynamic HDR can optimize the game's dark picture and enhance the details, especially in FPS, 3A masterpieces and MOBA games
  • [Anti-Interference & Ultra Durability] Our Display Port cable 1.4, crafted from 30AWG tinned copper, offers more flexibility and a slimmer profile than 28AWG cables, and helps reduce signal loss; It features a Nylon Braided jacket that can withstand over 28,000+ bends, ensuring long-term reliability; The 24K Gold Plated connectors enhance durability and heat dissipation for stable signal transmission; The Latch-free design prevents damage to your equipment when disconnecting
  • [Wide Compatibility] This DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable 1.4+ can be directly connected from DisplayPort-equipped desktop/laptop to monitor; Compatible with Odyssey G7 G9 CHG90 CRG9, Ben Q, Dell, HP, Acer, iiyama, Alienware monitors and others; Supports DP, DP++, and DisplayPort++; Suitable for Graphics cards and monitors with Displayport ports; Do not use extensions or adapters, signal conversion will reduce the performance
  • [iVANKY's Customer Support] You'll receive 1 pack 8K DP Cable 6ft, along with our friendly support team ready to help within 24 hours; Each iVANKY cable undergoes meticulous testing to ensure it meets the highest quality standards; We also provide expert technical support to all our customers; Additionally, you can enjoy conditional customer support for up to 54 months

The practical improvement was efficiency. DSC reduces the payload that must cross the link, while FEC and improved metadata handling make demanding modes more workable. Therefore, “DP 1.4 adds bandwidth” is misleading; it adds capabilities that use the existing HBR3 link more effectively.

How Display Stream Compression makes high-resolution modes possible

DSC reduces the amount of video data sent over the cable and reconstructs the stream at the display. VESA’s DSC overview is at vesa.org. For DP 1.4, VESA cited up to 3:1 compression and called the result visually lossless based on testing by VESA members.

Rank #2
Sale
Capshi 8K 4K DisplayPort Cable 1.4, VESA Certified DP Cord 6.6ft
  • VESA Certified DP Cable 1.4: This 8K Displayport 1.4 Cable is officially certified by VESA Association; It supports 8K@60Hz, 5K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 2K@240Hz and HDCP 2.2/1.4. Display port 1.4 cable is more flexible and slimmer than 30AWG tinned copper, can directly be connected from DisplayPort equipped desktop/laptop to monitor
  • Ultimate Gaming Experience: High refresh rates of 4K@144Hz and 2K@165Hz enable crystal-clear enemy tracking with zero frame drops. Dynamic HDR optimizes dark scenes and enhances visual details, delivering tactical advantages in FPS games and immersion in AAA masterpieces
  • Wide Compatibility: The DisplayPort cable is compatible with all graphics cards and monitors equipped with DisplayPort ports. It works seamlessly with gaming monitors such as BenQ, Alienware, ASUS ROG, LG Ultragear, Acer Nitro, GIGABYTE, and more. It also supports popular graphics cards, including the RTX 5090/5080/5070Ti/4090/4080/4070Ti/3090/3080 Ti, AMD 7900XTX/7900 XT, and others. Please avoid using extensions or adapters, as signal conversion may reduce performance.
  • Advanced Technology: The cable delivers enhanced 32.4 Gbps bandwidth via HBR3, featuring multiple shielding layers and 24K gold-plated connectors. Supports Display Stream Compression 1.2 (DSC), FEC error correction, 32-channel audio, plug & play functionality, and Mirror/Extended Modes
  • Multi-functional Support: The 8K DisplayPort cable supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and transmits HD audio and video from computer to display, ideal for video streaming and gaming. It is also backward compatible with DP 1.3/1.2/1.1

Visually lossless is not mathematically lossless. It means the reconstructed picture is intended to appear indistinguishable, or effectively so, under normal viewing. Pixel-exact workflows, unusual test patterns, capture equipment, signal analyzers and long chains of docks or adapters may warrant stricter testing.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

DSC is also different from chroma subsampling, reduced bit depth, lower refresh rate or lower resolution. DSC compresses the display stream; 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 discard some color-resolution information, while reduced bit depth lowers per-channel precision. Those are separate trade-offs.

Rank #3
Amazon Basics DisplayPort 1.4 Cable, 32.4Gbps High-Speed, 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, Dynamic HDR and 3D, Gold-Plated Plugs, HBR3 Compatible, 6 Foot, Black
  • IN THE BOX: 6-foot 8K DisplayPort to DisplayPort 1.4 cable
  • CONVENIENT: Connects the latest computers and monitors for expanded workspace and multi-monitor configurations
  • VIDEO RESOLUTION: Up to 8K (7680x4320) plus 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160 @ 60Hz); Dynamic HDR and 3D
  • AUDIO: Crystal clear audio pass-through for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1 or 2 channel sound; up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency
  • SUPPORTS: High bandwidth HBR3, 32.4 Gbps bandwidth, DSC 1.2 display stream compression, FEC forward error correction, and 32 audio channels

What 8K and 4K claims actually mean

VESA’s 2016 release cited 8Kp60 HDR deep color and 4Kp120 HDR deep color. In this context, 8K commonly means 7680×4320; “4K” may refer to 3840×2160 or 4096×2160 timings. HDR deep color also carries more data than 8-bit SDR.

These are target configurations, not guarantees for every product labeled DisplayPort 1.4. They generally require HBR3 and DSC, along with a source, display, cable and any adapter or dock that all support the selected resolution, refresh rate, color depth and chroma format. The current VESA FAQ gives examples of DP 1.4a carrying 8K/60 at 24-bit color with low 2:1 compression or 30-bit color with low 2.5:1 compression; that later FAQ context should not be confused with the exact wording of the 2016 launch release: displayport.org/faq.

Rank #4
Sale
Cable Matters [VESA Certified] 32.4Gbps DisplayPort 1.4 Cable, 6ft | 8K@60Hz / 4K@240Hz, DisplayPort Cable 1.4, FreeSync, G-SYNC, HDR, for Gaming Monitor PC RTX/RX GPUs
  • DisplayPort cable 1.4 feature support for high-bandwidth HBR3, 32.4 Gbps bandwidth, DSC 1.2 display stream compression, FEC forward error correction, and 32 audio channels; The DP to DP cable is the pefect companion for Nvidia RTX 3070 / RTX 3080 / RTX 3090 and AMD Radeon RX 6800 / 6900 graphic cards.00 / 6900 graphic cards.
  • Video resolution support up to 8K (7680x4320) including 5K (5120x2880 @ 60Hz), 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160 @ 60Hz) and 1080P (Full HD) with the premium Display cable; The Display Port to Display Port cable supports flawless audio pass-thru for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1 or 2 channels
  • Gaming monitor companion DisplayPort cables connect your GTX video graphics card to a 165Hz gaming monitor; The 4K DisplayPort cable utilizes all the features of your graphics card and monitors such as the ROG Swift PG279Q / PG348Q 34 / PG258Q gaming display, Samsung LC49HG90DMNXZA, Samsung C27HG70, Predator XB271HU, Dell Ultra HD 4K P2715Q, BenQ Zowie and MSI Full HD Non-Glare
  • MST multi-stream technology support for a multi-monitor configuration with the Display Port 1.4 cable; Backwards compatible with DisplayPort 1.2 cable and USB C to DisplayPort adapter for laptops with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3
  • Superior construction of the DisplayPort 144Hz capable cable combines gold-plated connectors, bare copper conductors, and foil & braid shielding to provide both superior cable performance and reliable connectivity; Display Port cables connector with a latch provides a secure connection with a release button that must be depressed before unplugging

HDR transport is not the same as HDR display capability

DP 1.4 added HDR metadata transport through secondary data packets, including support for the CTA-861.3 HDR metadata standard. The packet design was intended to accommodate evolving HDR formats and to support DP-to-HDMI 2.0a protocol conversion.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Transporting metadata does not create HDR content or guarantee an HDR picture. The GPU, driver, operating system, cable, adapter or dock, monitor firmware, monitor input and content must all support the required end-to-end path. A system can successfully display the requested resolution while HDR remains disabled or falls back to a different bit depth or refresh rate.

Best Value
Amazon Basics DisplayPort 1.4 Cable, 32.4Gbps HBR3 High-Speed, 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, Ultra HD, Dynamic HDR and 3D, Gold-Plated Plugs, 3 Foot, Black
  • IN THE BOX: 3-foot 8K DisplayPort to DisplayPort 1.4 cable
  • CONVENIENT: Connects the latest computers and monitors for expanded workspace and multi-monitor configurations
  • VIDEO RESOLUTION: Up to 8K (7680x4320 @ 60Hz) plus 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160 @ 120Hz); Dynamic HDR and 3D
  • AUDIO: Crystal clear audio pass-through for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1 or 2 channel sound; up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency
  • SUPPORTS: High bandwidth HBR3, 32.4 Gbps bandwidth, DSC 1.2 display stream compression, FEC forward error correction, and 32 audio channels
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why USB-C mattered

DisplayPort Alternate Mode lets USB-C carry DisplayPort audio/video alongside USB data and power; VESA describes the ecosystem at vesa.org. USB-C high-speed lanes can be allocated entirely to video or divided between video and USB 3.x data.

  • Four video lanes provide the most display capacity but leave fewer high-speed lanes for USB data.
  • Two-lane video configurations preserve more USB capability but are more constrained and may rely on DSC for high-resolution or high-refresh output.
  • A laptop’s USB-C port may be wired to an integrated GPU rather than a discrete GPU.
  • Docks can add MST, conversion, monitor-count, HDCP and DSC limitations.

VESA later noted that USB-C could support 4K/60 in some two-lane configurations and that compression could enable 4K HDR or 8K/30 in constrained designs: vesa.org.

What DP 1.4 did not guarantee

  • Every DP 1.4 port does not necessarily implement DSC, HBR3, HDR, 10-bit output or every combination of resolution and refresh rate.
  • A USB-C connector is not proof of DisplayPort Alternate Mode or four-lane video.
  • A cable marketed as “8K” or “DP 1.4” cannot upgrade an incompatible GPU or monitor.
  • Compression is not active in every connection; devices negotiate features they both support.
  • HDR still depends on operating-system settings, drivers, firmware, content and protected-content support.
  • Backward compatibility means negotiated fallback, not preservation of every newer feature.

Check the complete signal path before buying

Source device

  • Confirm the exact GPU or integrated-graphics output specification, HBR3 support and DSC support.
  • Check the maximum HDR resolution, refresh rate and bit depth, and whether output is native DP, Mini DisplayPort, USB-C Alt Mode or an adapter.

Display

  • Verify the input’s actual bandwidth, DSC support and maximum resolution/refresh combination.
  • Check whether HDR and 10-bit operation work on every input or only a specific connector.
  • Install required monitor firmware and follow the vendor’s cable recommendations.

Cable

  • Prefer a short cable tested or certified for the required DisplayPort rate, especially for HBR3, high-refresh 4K or 8K.
  • Use a direct DP-to-DP connection where practical. Long passive cables, unbranded products and adapter chains are more sensitive to signal-integrity problems.
  • Certification helps assess cable quality, but cannot make an unsupported source/display mode work.

Dock or adapter

  • Confirm lane allocation, simultaneous USB 3.x operation, DSC support at every stage, MST behavior, monitor count and HDCP support.
  • Check whether an adapter is active or passive and whether it supports the required conversion direction.

Troubleshooting common failures

Black screen or intermittent signal

  1. Connect the source directly to the display, bypassing the dock or adapter.
  2. Try a short, certified cable rated for the required link speed.
  3. Lower refresh rate or color depth temporarily; if the signal returns, the original mode exceeded a component’s capability.
  4. Update GPU drivers and monitor firmware, then verify the selected input.

Resolution works but HDR does not

  • Enable HDR in the operating system and in the monitor’s on-screen menu.
  • Confirm that the adapter or dock carries HDR metadata and that the GPU driver supports the mode.
  • Check whether the display falls back to 8-bit, a lower refresh rate or a different chroma format.

USB-C delivers less than expected

  • Verify DisplayPort Alternate Mode rather than assuming the connector provides video.
  • Check whether two or four high-speed lanes are assigned to video and whether USB 3.x is active.
  • Confirm that the port is connected to the GPU capable of the desired output.

DP 1.4 in the standards timeline

Date Milestone
September 2014 DisplayPort 1.3 released
March 1, 2016 DisplayPort 1.4 published
2017 VESA began certification activity for HBR3 source and display products: vesa.org
2019 DisplayPort 2.0 published, with up to three times DP 1.4a’s data-bandwidth performance: vesa.org

DP 1.4 was later revised, including DP 1.4a, while DP 2.0 introduced the next major bandwidth generation. DSC, FEC and HDR metadata transport remain important concepts when evaluating later DisplayPort products.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Cable options when the system already supports DP 1.4

If a compatible system fails at high-refresh 4K or HDR, replacing the cable with a short, certified DP 1.4 cable is a sensible first check. Vendor pages observed in August 2026 listed these examples; prices and availability can change:

Product Use case Observed vendor price
StarTech DP14MM2M, 2 m VESA-certified direct DP-to-DP cable $19.46 USD
Dell-listed AD340631, 2 m Lower-cost direct connection; manufacturer listed as Bull Creek Technologies $14.99 USD
StarTech DP14MM3M, 3 m Longer installation $27.66 USD
StarTech DP14MM5M, 5 m Long installation; more signal-integrity sensitivity $46.11 USD
StarTech DP14MDPMM2MB Mini DisplayPort source to DisplayPort monitor $29.71 USD

The Bottom Line

DisplayPort 1.4’s defining achievement was not a faster raw link than DP 1.3. By adding DSC, FEC and HDR metadata transport to HBR3, it made demanding modes such as 8K/60 HDR and 4K/120 HDR possible when the entire source-to-display chain supports them.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.