Samsung launches first Displayport monitor

Samsung is claiming a world first today by unveiling the first LCD monitor sporting the new DisplayPort video interface.

The new 30in LCD panel features DisplayPort, which is the next generation of video interface that will most likely replace DVI, LVDS and eventually, VGA. Sanctioned by VESA (the Video Electronics Standards Association), DisplayPort offers twice the bandwidth of DVI and, like the rival HDMI cables used on consumer electronics devices, it can also carry audio on the same cable.

The connector, which looks similar to a USB connector, is also a lot smaller than both DVI and VGA connectors, making it much more useful for mobile use.

The DisplayPort interface on the 30-inch LCD transmits graphics data at a total data rate of 10.8Gbps, which enables a 2560 x 1600 resolution without any colour smear. A similar monitor today would require two DVI ports.

Working with Genesis Microchip, Samsung developed the panel using a new four-lane, 2.7Gbps/lane interface chip. The interface technology processes 2560 x 1600 pixels of graphics data at up to 10 bits of colour depth or 1.07 billion colours. This performance would usually require at least three DVI or four LVDS interface chips, Samsung claimed.

“We are pleased to be the first LCD manufacturer in the world to create a panel with a DisplayPort interface,” said Brian Berkeley, vice president, Samsung LCD Business. “We have received many inquiries from computer integrators interested in DisplayPort-based LCD panels, which prompted an acceleration of our R&D for this first DisplayPort LCD panel.”

The new panel boasts 300nits brightness and uses Samsung’s Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (S-PVA) liquid crystal technology for a 180° viewing angle. It is due to launch in Q2 next year but no pricing details were released.