DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0?

Video Connector Adapters, Converters, and Cables DP-HDMI & MDP-HDMI
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For the DP-HDMI, it says “There are currently no DisplayPort to HDMI active adapters available that support HDMI 2.0 4K@60Hz operation.”

But for the USBC-HDMI, it says “enables an HDMI 2.0 output at resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz (4K/UHD) from systems which support “DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) via USB-C”.

What is the difference between “DisplayPort” and “DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) via USB-C” ? Can’t the chip used in the USB-C adapter be used in a DisplayPort adapter to do HDMI 4K@60Hz ? This might require the possibility of creating a DisplayPort (male) to USB-C (female) adapter that forces only alt mode signals on the USB-C side, otherwise an entire USB-C controller might be required. I think the VESA standard mentions a USB Type C to DisplayPort Adapter Cable which allows the DisplayPort side to be either a source or a sink.

Maybe the answer would explain why the TBT3-DP2X does 4K@60Hz but the TBT3-HDMI2X does 4K @ only 30Hz? Or is there a different reason?

BTW, those TBT3 devices are not listed in the RELATED PRODUCT / SERVICE list.

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Hi Joe,

Appreciate the post - you’re getting right at the heart of some of the key elements related to DisplayPort to HDMI conversion and where/why certain limitations and tradeoffs are introduced.

As you mention, the same type of chip can be used for DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C -> HDMI conversion as well as the more traditional DisplayPort to HDMI conversion provided by our DP-HDMI adapter. And as you suspected, the DP->HDMI conversion chips are also present in the Thunderbolt 3 HDMI adapters, which is indeed why the adapters are limited to 30Hz at 4K.

I’ve removed the FAQ item you mentioned regarding the lack of 4Kp60 adapters - this was correct when the DP-HDMI was launched, but over the last several months the necessary chips have finally become available.

Thanks!