In mission critical environments like control rooms, selecting the right monitor cable is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and reliability. While HDMI is the most widespread connector in consumer electronics, DisplayPort offers several key advantages that make it the preferred choice for control room setups. Let's explore why DisplayPort is the go-to cable for 911 dispatch centers and other control room environments.
Superior Bandwidth and Resolution Support
One of DisplayPort's biggest strengths is its impressive bandwidth capabilities. DisplayPort 2.1 boasts a maximum bandwidth of 80 Gbps, significantly outpacing HDMI 2.1's 42 Gbps limit. This extra bandwidth allows DisplayPort to support higher resolutions and refresh rates. Openning up the potential for even greater resolutions and frame rates, ensuring crisp and smooth visuals for critical monitoring tasks.
Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for Efficient Multi-Monitor Setups
DisplayPort's Multi-Stream Transport (MST) feature is a game-changer for control rooms that require multiple displays. With MST, you can daisy-chain several monitors using a single DisplayPort output on your computer or docking station. Each monitor in the chain can display unique content and function independently, as if connected to its own separate output. This is invaluable for control room operators who need extensive screen real estate for complex workflows and multitasking. MST simplifies cable management and reduces the number of graphics outputs required, streamlining multi-monitor configurations. This article goes into more depth about MST.
Secure Cable Connection with Latches
In a mission critical environment, a loose cable can lead to disastrous consequences. DisplayPort cables come equipped with latches that securely lock the connector in place, mitigating the risk of accidental disconnections. This added layer of security ensures that your control room monitors remain connected and operational, even in high-traffic areas or during equipment adjustments.
Below is an example of how the DisplayPort latches ensure cables stay in place, increasing resiliency in the control room.
Longer Cable Runs for Flexible Placement
Cable length is another area where DisplayPort outshines HDMI. Passive DisplayPort cables can run up to 5 meters before signal attenuation becomes a problem, compared to HDMI 2.1's limit of around 3 meters. This extra length allows for greater flexibility in monitor placement, accommodating larger control rooms or situations where the computer needs to be located further away from the displays.
In control consoles with height adjustable worksurfaces, DisplayPort cables are better suited for the constant up and down motion of the desks, as illustrated in the video below.
Are planning a new control room with height adjustable control consoles? Read more about the recommended lenght for DisplayPort here.
Future-Proofing with DisplayPort cables
Looking ahead, DisplayPort 2.1 takes performance to even greater heights. With a maximum bandwidth of up to 77.37 Gbps, it supports resolutions up to 10K at 60Hz without compression. This future-proofs your control room setup, ensuring compatibility with the latest display technologies and providing ample headroom for the increasing demands of mission critical applications, like NG911. For a detailed overview and progress updates, refer to the NG911 Roadmap.
Recapping, here are the benefits of implementing DisplayPort cables into your control room setup:
Superior bandwidth and resolution.
MST (Multi-Stream Transport) capabilities.
Secure latching.
Longer cable runs without losing image quality.
Open source ensures better compatibility.
At Sustema we have more than 30 years of experience in designing and building control room furniture. We can help you build a control room setup that adapts to your specific needs and requirements, like how many monitors you need, whether or not you want height adjustable worksurfaces, storage for CPU, etc. Contact our team to get started.
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