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The '''Mini DisplayPort''' ('''MiniDP''' or '''mDP''') is a miniaturized version of the [[DisplayPort]] [[audio-visual]] digital interface.
The '''Mini DisplayPort''' ('''MiniDP''' or '''mDP''') is a miniaturized version of the [[DisplayPort]] [[audio-visual]] digital interface. The functionality and signals are identical. [[Apple, Inc.|Apple]] announced the Mini DisplayPort in October 2008. As of November 17, 2013, Apple fit the port to the [[Apple Cinema Display#LED Cinema Display|LED Cinema Display]] and all new Macintosh computers: [[MacBook]], [[MacBook Pro]], [[MacBook Air]], [[iMac]], [[Mac Mini]], [[Mac Pro]], and [[Xserve]].<ref>{{cite news |title=New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook Design |publisher=Apple.com |url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/10/14macbook.html |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2014}} The Mini DisplayPort is also fitted to some PC notebooks from various manufacturers including Asus, Microsoft, Lenovo, Toshiba, HP, and Dell. It is also fitted to some recent motherboards.


Unlike its [[Mini-DVI]] and [[Micro-DVI]] predecessors, the Mini DisplayPort is capable of driving display devices with resolutions up to 2560×1600 ([[WQXGA#WQXGA_.281600p.29|WQXGA]]) in its DisplayPort 1.1a implementation, and 4096x2160 ([[4K resolution|4K]]) in its DisplayPort 1.2 implementation. With an adapter, the Mini DisplayPort can drive display devices with [[VGA]], [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]], or [[HDMI]] interfaces.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple Store |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570?mco=MTkzODk0NQ |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple Store |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571 |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter |publisher=Apple Store |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572?mco=MTkzODk0Nw |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref>
Announced by [[Apple, Inc.|Apple]] in October 2008, the Mini DisplayPort. As of 2013, all new Apple Macintosh computers had the port, as did the [[Apple Cinema Display#LED Cinema Display|LED Cinema Display]].<ref>{{cite news |title=New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook Design |publisher=Apple.com |url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/10/14macbook.html |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2014}} The Mini DisplayPort is also fitted to some PC motherboards, and some PC notebooks from Asus, Microsoft, Lenovo, Toshiba, HP, Dell, and other manufacturers.
Unlike its [[Mini-DVI]] and [[Micro-DVI]] predecessors, the Mini DisplayPort can drive display devices with resolutions up to 2560×1600 ([[WQXGA#WQXGA_.281600p.29|WQXGA]]) in its DisplayPort 1.1a implementation, and 4096x2160 ([[4K resolution|4K]]) in its DisplayPort 1.2 implementation. With an adapter, the Mini DisplayPort can drive display devices with [[VGA]], [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]], or [[HDMI]] interfaces.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple Store |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570?mco=MTkzODk0NQ |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple Store |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571 |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter |publisher=Apple Store |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572?mco=MTkzODk0Nw |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref>


Apple offers a free license for the Mini DisplayPort<ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort Connector Licensing &amp; Trademark Agreements |publisher=Apple Developer Connection |url=http://developer.apple.com/softwarelicensing/agreements/minidisplayport.html |date=2008-11-27 |accessdate=2008-11-27}}</ref> but they reserve the right to cancel the license should the licensee "commence an action for patent infringement against Apple".<ref>{{cite news |title=Apple Mini DisplayPort Connector Implementation License Checklist |publisher=Apple |url=http://developer.apple.com/softwarelicensing/agreements/pdf/MiniDisplayPortImpLicense.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref>
Apple offers a free license for the Mini DisplayPort<ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort Connector Licensing &amp; Trademark Agreements |publisher=Apple Developer Connection |url=http://developer.apple.com/softwarelicensing/agreements/minidisplayport.html |date=2008-11-27 |accessdate=2008-11-27}}</ref> but they reserve the right to cancel the license should the licensee "commence an action for patent infringement against Apple".<ref>{{cite news |title=Apple Mini DisplayPort Connector Implementation License Checklist |publisher=Apple |url=http://developer.apple.com/softwarelicensing/agreements/pdf/MiniDisplayPortImpLicense.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref>


==Compatibility==
==Compatibility==
Apple replaced the DVI port from the [[MacBook]], [[MacBook Air]] and [[MacBook Pro]] with the Mini DisplayPort. Its use as the video connector for the 24-inch Cinema Display may complicate compatibility:
The Video Electronics Standards Association ([[VESA]]) says, "DisplayPort assures that you get the best experience from your LCD, it simplifies display design and connections, enables interoperability with existing display interfaces and provides a technology foundation to deliver new and exciting display capabilities."<ref>{{cite web |title=we believe in a better way |publisher=displayport.org |url=http://www.displayport.org/ |accessdate=2009-02-09}}</ref>

However, the removal of the DVI port from the [[MacBook]], [[MacBook Air]] and [[MacBook Pro]] in favor of Mini DisplayPort, and the use of Mini DisplayPort as the video connector for the new 24-inch Cinema Display, may complicate compatibility:


* Mini DisplayPort's [[HDCP]] extension disables playback of certain [[Digital Rights Management|DRM]]-encrypted content on any display not designed for it. This includes some content from the [[iTunes Store]]<ref name="arshdcp1">{{cite news |title=Apple brings HDCP to a new aluminum MacBook near you |publisher=Ars Technica |url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/11/apple-brings-hdcp-to-a-new-aluminum-macbook-near-you.ars |author=David Chartier |date=November 17, 2008}}</ref> which has no such restrictions if played on a Mac without Mini DisplayPort.<ref name="macnn1">{{cite news |title=Apple Mini DisplayPort DRM sparks controversy |url=http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/11/26/displayport.drm.conflict/ |date=November 26, 2008}}</ref><ref name="macworld1">{{cite news |title=EFF: Apple DisplayPort DRM will lead to more piracy |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/137148/2008/11/hdcp.html |date=November 26, 2008}}</ref>
* Mini DisplayPort's [[HDCP]] extension disables playback of certain [[Digital Rights Management|DRM]]-encrypted content on any display not designed for it. This includes some content from the [[iTunes Store]]<ref name="arshdcp1">{{cite news |title=Apple brings HDCP to a new aluminum MacBook near you |publisher=Ars Technica |url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/11/apple-brings-hdcp-to-a-new-aluminum-macbook-near-you.ars |author=David Chartier |date=November 17, 2008}}</ref> which has no such restrictions if played on a Mac without Mini DisplayPort.<ref name="macnn1">{{cite news |title=Apple Mini DisplayPort DRM sparks controversy |url=http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/11/26/displayport.drm.conflict/ |date=November 26, 2008}}</ref><ref name="macworld1">{{cite news |title=EFF: Apple DisplayPort DRM will lead to more piracy |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/137148/2008/11/hdcp.html |date=November 26, 2008}}</ref>


* Apple's Dual-Link DVI or VGA adapters are relatively large and expensive compared to past adapters, and customers have reported issues with the new adapters, such as being unable to connect to an external display. Monitors connected to a Mini DisplayPort via these adaptors may have resolution issues or not "wake up" from sleep.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571 |accessdate=2008-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570 |accessdate=2009-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter |publisher=Apple |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572 |accessdate=2009-02-18}}</ref>
* Apple's Dual-Link DVI or VGA adapters are relatively large and expensive compared to past adapters, and customers have reported problems with them, such as being unable to connect to an external display. Monitors connected to a Mini DisplayPort via these adaptors may have resolution problems or not "wake up" from sleep.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571 |accessdate=2008-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter |publisher=Apple |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570 |accessdate=2009-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter |publisher=Apple |url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572 |accessdate=2009-02-18}}</ref>


* While the DisplayPort specification is capable of supporting digital audio, the older 2009 line of MacBooks and MacBook Pros are unable to provide an audio signal through the Mini DisplayPort, and only do so over USB, Firewire, or the audio line out port instead (the April 2010 line of MacBook Pro, and late-2009 iMac and later, however, supports this<ref name="Chris Foresman"/>). This can present a problem to users who intend to connect their computers to HDTVs using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. To work around this issue, some third-party manufacturers have created dual or triple headed adapters that get power for the adapter from a USB port, video from the Mini DisplayPort, and audio from either the USB port or the optical out port. Either option terminates with a single female HDMI connector, thus allowing both video and audio to be channeled over the one HDMI cable.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort no longer a hassle with cables and adapters |publisher=Ars Technica |url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/07/mini-displayport-no-longer-a-hassle-with-cables-and-adapters.ars |author=Chris Foresman |date=July 22, 2009}}</ref>
* While the DisplayPort specification can support digital audio, the older 2009 line of MacBooks and MacBook Pros cannot provide an audio signal through the Mini DisplayPort, and only do so over USB, Firewire, or the audio line out port. (The April 2010 line of MacBook Pro, and late-2009 iMac and later do support this<ref name="Chris Foresman"/>). This can be a problem for users who want to connect their computers to HDTVs using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. To work around this issue, some third-party manufacturers have created dual or triple-headed adapters that get power for the adapter from a USB port, video from the Mini DisplayPort, and audio from either the USB port or the optical-out port. Either option terminates with a single female HDMI connector, thus allowing both video and audio to be channeled over the single HDMI cable.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mini DisplayPort no longer a hassle with cables and adapters |publisher=Ars Technica |url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/07/mini-displayport-no-longer-a-hassle-with-cables-and-adapters.ars |author=Chris Foresman |date=July 22, 2009}}</ref>


== Adoption ==
== Adoption ==
* In early 2009, [[VESA]] announced that Mini DisplayPort would be included in the upcoming DisplayPort 1.2 specification.<ref>{{cite news |title=DisplayPort specification to add Apple's mini connector |publisher=MacWorld |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/138201/2009/01/displayport12.html |date=2009-01-14 |accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Apple's mini connector set to be part of DisplayPort standard |publisher=AppleInsider|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/01/13/apples_mini_connector_set_to_be_part_of_displayport_standard.html |date=2009-01-13 |accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref>
* In early 2009, [[VESA]] announced that Mini DisplayPort would be included in the upcoming DisplayPort 1.2 specification.<ref>{{cite news |title=DisplayPort specification to add Apple's mini connector |publisher=MacWorld |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/138201/2009/01/displayport12.html |date=2009-01-14 |accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Apple's mini connector set to be part of DisplayPort standard |publisher=AppleInsider|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/01/13/apples_mini_connector_set_to_be_part_of_displayport_standard.html |date=2009-01-13 |accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref>


* In the fourth quarter of 2009, VESA officially announced that the Mini DisplayPort has been adopted. All devices using the Mini DisplayPort must comply with the 1.1a standard.<ref>{{cite news |title=Apple's mini connector set to be part of DisplayPort standard |publisher=AppleInsider |url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/11/10/apples_mini_displayport_officially_adopted_by_vesa.html |date=2009-10-13 |accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref>
* In the fourth quarter of 2009, VESA announced that the Mini DisplayPort had been adopted. All devices using the Mini DisplayPort must comply with the 1.1a standard.<ref>{{cite news |title=Apple's mini connector set to be part of DisplayPort standard |publisher=AppleInsider |url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/11/10/apples_mini_displayport_officially_adopted_by_vesa.html |date=2009-10-13 |accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref>


*On 7 January 2010, Toshiba introduced Satellite Pro S500, Tecra M11, A11 and S11 notebooks featuring Mini DisplayPort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://laptops.toshiba.com/pressrelease/464486?fromPage=editorials|title=Toshiba Introduces New Satellite, Tecra and Qosmio Laptops Equipped With 2010 Intel Core Processors|date=7 January 2010|accessdate=30 April 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323002231/http://laptops.toshiba.com/pressrelease/464486?fromPage=editorials|archivedate=23 March 2010}}</ref><ref>http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/M11</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/A11 |title=Toshiba Tecra A11 Laptop Computers |publisher=Laptops.toshiba.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/S11 |title=Toshiba: Leading Innovation |publisher=Laptops.toshiba.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref>
*On 7 January 2010, Toshiba introduced Satellite Pro S500, Tecra M11, A11 and S11 notebooks featuring Mini DisplayPort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://laptops.toshiba.com/pressrelease/464486?fromPage=editorials|title=Toshiba Introduces New Satellite, Tecra and Qosmio Laptops Equipped With 2010 Intel Core Processors|date=7 January 2010|accessdate=30 April 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323002231/http://laptops.toshiba.com/pressrelease/464486?fromPage=editorials|archivedate=23 March 2010}}</ref><ref>http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/M11</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/A11 |title=Toshiba Tecra A11 Laptop Computers |publisher=Laptops.toshiba.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/S11 |title=Toshiba: Leading Innovation |publisher=Laptops.toshiba.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref>


*[[AMD]] released a special variant of its Radeon HD 5870 graphics card - called the Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition, which features 2GB GDDR5 memory, higher clock speeds than the original card, and six Mini DisplayPort outputs with a maximum resolution of 5760 × 2160 pixels (a 3×2 grid of [[1080p]] displays).
*[[AMD]] released a special variant of its Radeon HD 5870 graphics card called the Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition, which features 2GB GDDR5 memory, higher clock speeds than the original card, and six Mini DisplayPort outputs with a maximum resolution of 5760 × 2160 pixels (a 3×2 grid of [[1080p]] displays).


*On 13 April 2010, [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] added support for audio out using Mini DisplayPort in their MacBook Pro product line. This added feature allows users to easily connect their Macbook Pros to their HDTVs using a cable adapting Mini DisplayPort to HDMI with full audio and video functionality.<ref name="Chris Foresman">{{cite news|title=New MacBook Pros support audio over Mini DisplayPort|publisher=Ars Technica|url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/04/new-macbook-pros-support-audio-over-mini-displayport.ars|author=Chris Foresman|date=April 13, 2010|accessdate=April 13, 2010}}</ref>
*On 13 April 2010, [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] added support for audio out using Mini DisplayPort in their MacBook Pro product line. This allows users to easily connect their Macbook Pros to their HDTVs using a cable adapting Mini DisplayPort to HDMI with full audio and video functionality.<ref name="Chris Foresman">{{cite news|title=New MacBook Pros support audio over Mini DisplayPort|publisher=Ars Technica|url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/04/new-macbook-pros-support-audio-over-mini-displayport.ars|author=Chris Foresman|date=April 13, 2010|accessdate=April 13, 2010}}</ref>


*On 5 May 2010, [[HP]] announced Envy 14 and Envy 17 notebooks with Mini DisplayPort.<ref>{{cite news |title=HP Envy 14 and 17 officially official, Envy 13 slowly waves goodbye |publisher=Engadget |url=http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/hp-envy-14-and-17-officially-official-envy-13-slowly-waves-good/ |date=2010-05-05 |accessdate=2010-05-06}}</ref>
*On 5 May 2010, [[HP]] announced Envy 14 and Envy 17 notebooks with Mini DisplayPort.<ref>{{cite news |title=HP Envy 14 and 17 officially official, Envy 13 slowly waves goodbye |publisher=Engadget |url=http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/hp-envy-14-and-17-officially-official-envy-13-slowly-waves-good/ |date=2010-05-05 |accessdate=2010-05-06}}</ref>
Line 95: Line 95:
*On 20 October 2010, [[Dell]] announced XPS 14, 15, and 17 notebooks with Mini DisplayPort.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dell XPS Series Revamped |publisher=infosync |url=http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/laptops/dell-xps-series/11479.html |date=2010-10-22 |accessdate=2010-12-05|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110927221225/http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/laptops/dell-xps-series/11479.html|archivedate=2011-09-27}}</ref>
*On 20 October 2010, [[Dell]] announced XPS 14, 15, and 17 notebooks with Mini DisplayPort.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dell XPS Series Revamped |publisher=infosync |url=http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/laptops/dell-xps-series/11479.html |date=2010-10-22 |accessdate=2010-12-05|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110927221225/http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/laptops/dell-xps-series/11479.html|archivedate=2011-09-27}}</ref>


*On 24 February 2011, Apple and Intel announced [[Thunderbolt (interface)|Thunderbolt]], a successor to Mini DisplayPort which adds support for [[PCI Express]] data connections while maintaining backwards compatibility with Mini DisplayPort based peripherals.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/blog/2011/02/24/thunderbolt-technology-the-fastest-data-connection-to-your-pc-just-arrived|title=Thunderbolt Technology: The Fastest Data Connection to Your PC Just Arrived|publisher=Intel|date=Feb 24, 2011|accessdate=2011-02-24}}</ref>
*On 24 February 2011, Apple and Intel announced [[Thunderbolt (interface)|Thunderbolt]], a successor to Mini DisplayPort which adds support for [[PCI Express]] data connections while maintaining backwards compatibility with Mini DisplayPort-based peripherals.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/blog/2011/02/24/thunderbolt-technology-the-fastest-data-connection-to-your-pc-just-arrived|title=Thunderbolt Technology: The Fastest Data Connection to Your PC Just Arrived|publisher=Intel|date=Feb 24, 2011|accessdate=2011-02-24}}</ref>


*On 17 May 2011, [[Lenovo]] announced the ThinkPad X1 notebook with Mini DisplayPort.
*On 17 May 2011, [[Lenovo]] announced the ThinkPad X1 notebook with Mini DisplayPort.
Line 107: Line 107:
*On 9 February 2013, [[Microsoft]] released the [[Windows Surface|Surface Tablet]], Surface Pro, equipped with Windows 8 Pro and Mini DisplayPort.
*On 9 February 2013, [[Microsoft]] released the [[Windows Surface|Surface Tablet]], Surface Pro, equipped with Windows 8 Pro and Mini DisplayPort.


*In June 2013, [[Intel]] shipped the third generation [[Intel NUC]] with both Mini HDMI and Mini DisplayPort. (The i3 and i5 models, not the Celeron or Atom models)
*In June 2013, [[Intel]] shipped the third-generation [[Intel NUC]] with both Mini HDMI and Mini DisplayPort. (The i3 and i5 models, not the Celeron or Atom models)


*On 25 July 2013, [[Dell]] announced the Precision M3800 mobile workstation with Mini DisplayPort.
*On 25 July 2013, [[Dell]] announced the Precision M3800 mobile workstation with Mini DisplayPort.

Revision as of 03:38, 15 April 2015

Mini DisplayPort
Mini DisplayPort on a MacBook Pro
Type Digital and analog (via DAC) computer video connector
Production history
Designer Apple Inc.
Designed October 2008
Manufacturer Apple Inc.
Produced 2008–present
Superseded Micro-DVI, Mini-DVI, DVI
General specifications
Width 7.4 mm male (8.3 mm female)[1]
Height 4.5 mm male (5.4 mm female)
Hot pluggable Yes
External Yes
Video signal Same as DisplayPort
Pins 20
Pinout
Pin 1 GND Ground
Pin 2 Hot Plug Detect Hot Plug Detect
Pin 3 ML_Lane 0 (p) Lane 0 (positive)
Pin 4 CONFIG1 CONFIG1
Pin 5 ML_Lane 0 (n) Lane 0 (negative)
Pin 6 CONFIG2 CONFIG2
Pin 7 GND Ground
Pin 8 GND Ground
Pin 9 ML_Lane 1 (p) Lane 1 (positive)
Pin 10 ML_Lane 3 (p) Lane 3 (positive)
Pin 11 ML_Lane 1 (n) Lane 1 (negative)
Pin 12 ML_Lane 3 (n) Lane 3 (negative)
Pin 13 GND Ground
Pin 14 GND Ground
Pin 15 ML_Lane 2 (p) Lane 2 (positive)
Pin 16 AUX_CH (p) Auxiliary Channel (positive)
Pin 17 ML_Lane 2 (n) Lane 2 (negative)
Pin 18 AUX_CH (n) Auxiliary Channel (negative)
Pin 19 GND Ground
Pin 20 DP_PWR Power for connector
This is the pinout for the source-side connector; the sink-side connector pinout will have lanes 0–3 reversed in order, i.e. lane 3 will be on pin 3 and 5 while lane 0 will be on pin 10 and 12.

The Mini DisplayPort (MiniDP or mDP) is a miniaturized version of the DisplayPort audio-visual digital interface.

Announced by Apple in October 2008, the Mini DisplayPort. As of 2013, all new Apple Macintosh computers had the port, as did the LED Cinema Display.[2][failed verification] The Mini DisplayPort is also fitted to some PC motherboards, and some PC notebooks from Asus, Microsoft, Lenovo, Toshiba, HP, Dell, and other manufacturers.

Unlike its Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI predecessors, the Mini DisplayPort can drive display devices with resolutions up to 2560×1600 (WQXGA) in its DisplayPort 1.1a implementation, and 4096x2160 (4K) in its DisplayPort 1.2 implementation. With an adapter, the Mini DisplayPort can drive display devices with VGA, DVI, or HDMI interfaces.[3][4][5]

Apple offers a free license for the Mini DisplayPort[6] but they reserve the right to cancel the license should the licensee "commence an action for patent infringement against Apple".[7]

Compatibility

Apple replaced the DVI port from the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with the Mini DisplayPort. Its use as the video connector for the 24-inch Cinema Display may complicate compatibility:

  • Mini DisplayPort's HDCP extension disables playback of certain DRM-encrypted content on any display not designed for it. This includes some content from the iTunes Store[8] which has no such restrictions if played on a Mac without Mini DisplayPort.[9][10]
  • Apple's Dual-Link DVI or VGA adapters are relatively large and expensive compared to past adapters, and customers have reported problems with them, such as being unable to connect to an external display. Monitors connected to a Mini DisplayPort via these adaptors may have resolution problems or not "wake up" from sleep.[11][12][13]
  • While the DisplayPort specification can support digital audio, the older 2009 line of MacBooks and MacBook Pros cannot provide an audio signal through the Mini DisplayPort, and only do so over USB, Firewire, or the audio line out port. (The April 2010 line of MacBook Pro, and late-2009 iMac and later do support this[14]). This can be a problem for users who want to connect their computers to HDTVs using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. To work around this issue, some third-party manufacturers have created dual or triple-headed adapters that get power for the adapter from a USB port, video from the Mini DisplayPort, and audio from either the USB port or the optical-out port. Either option terminates with a single female HDMI connector, thus allowing both video and audio to be channeled over the single HDMI cable.[15]

Adoption

  • In early 2009, VESA announced that Mini DisplayPort would be included in the upcoming DisplayPort 1.2 specification.[16][17]
  • In the fourth quarter of 2009, VESA announced that the Mini DisplayPort had been adopted. All devices using the Mini DisplayPort must comply with the 1.1a standard.[18]
  • On 7 January 2010, Toshiba introduced Satellite Pro S500, Tecra M11, A11 and S11 notebooks featuring Mini DisplayPort.[19][20][21][22]
  • AMD released a special variant of its Radeon HD 5870 graphics card called the Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition, which features 2GB GDDR5 memory, higher clock speeds than the original card, and six Mini DisplayPort outputs with a maximum resolution of 5760 × 2160 pixels (a 3×2 grid of 1080p displays).
  • On 13 April 2010, Apple added support for audio out using Mini DisplayPort in their MacBook Pro product line. This allows users to easily connect their Macbook Pros to their HDTVs using a cable adapting Mini DisplayPort to HDMI with full audio and video functionality.[14]
  • On 5 May 2010, HP announced Envy 14 and Envy 17 notebooks with Mini DisplayPort.[23]
  • On 20 October 2010, Dell announced XPS 14, 15, and 17 notebooks with Mini DisplayPort.[24]
  • On 24 February 2011, Apple and Intel announced Thunderbolt, a successor to Mini DisplayPort which adds support for PCI Express data connections while maintaining backwards compatibility with Mini DisplayPort-based peripherals.[25]
  • On 17 May 2011, Lenovo announced the ThinkPad X1 notebook with Mini DisplayPort.
  • In May 2011, Dell released the XPS 15z notebook with Mini DisplayPort.
  • On 15 May 2012, Lenovo announced the ThinkPad notebooks X1 Carbon, Helix, X230, L430, L530, T430s, T430, T530, W530 with Mini DisplayPort.
  • In 2012, Intel shipped the second generation Intel NUC of which the top model with an i5 had a Mini DisplayPort and the top i3 model had Thunderbolt through a Mini DisplayPort.
  • On 9 February 2013, Microsoft released the Surface Tablet, Surface Pro, equipped with Windows 8 Pro and Mini DisplayPort.
  • In June 2013, Intel shipped the third-generation Intel NUC with both Mini HDMI and Mini DisplayPort. (The i3 and i5 models, not the Celeron or Atom models)
  • On 25 July 2013, Dell announced the Precision M3800 mobile workstation with Mini DisplayPort.
  • On 8 August 2013, Dell announced the Latitude E7240 and E7440 business notebooks with Mini DisplayPort.
  • On 9 September 2013, Lenovo announced the ThinkPad X240s, L440, L540, T440, T440s, T440p, T540p and W540 with Mini DisplayPort.

See also

Mini DisplayPort connector.

References

  1. ^ Apple Mini DisplayPort Connector Dimensions, Apple Inc., 2008
  2. ^ "New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook Design". Apple.com. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
  3. ^ "Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter". Apple Store. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
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