The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has announced the arrival of the DisplayPort 2.1b UHBR20 specification, along with the launch of the new DP80LL (Low Loss) active cable, designed in collaboration with NVIDIA. This advancement promises to overcome the length limitations of previous cables and provide significant improvements in bandwidthBandwidth is the maximum transfer capacity…, flexibility, and performance.
New Features of DisplayPort 2.1b
DisplayPort 2.1b retains the essence of the previous standard but includes significant enhancements aimed at meeting current and future user needs:
- Ultra-fast bandwidth: Supports up to 80 Gbps through UHBR20 link rates, doubling the capacity of DisplayPort 2.0. This allows for ultra-high resolutions such as 8K at 120 Hz and extremely high refresh rates like 4K at 600 Hz.
- Multi-display support: Thanks to Multi-Stream Transport (MST) technology, a single cable can connect multiple displays with different resolutions.
- Universal connection: Compatible with USB-C (Alt Mode), Thunderbolt, and USB4, expanding its application in laptops, tablets, and desktop systems.
- Graphics optimization: Enhances connections with GPUs, especially NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50, providing smooth visual experiences and improved HDR.
DP80LL Active Cable: Tripling the Length
One of the most significant advancements is the introduction of the DP80LL active cable, designed to exceed the 1-meter limitation of current passive cables. This new cable offers:
- Up to 3 meters in length without quality loss, ideal for desktop and workstation setups.
- Full compatibility with UHBR20, ensuring optimal performance at maximum resolutions and refresh rates.
- VESA certification: Guarantees reliable connections between GPUs and monitors.
James Choate, VESA compliance program director, stated:
“With the DP80LL active cables, users are no longer limited to a short connection. This provides greater flexibility and options for setting up gaming or work environments without compromising performance.”
Collaboration with NVIDIA
The development of DisplayPort 2.1b and the DP80LL cable was carried out in close collaboration with NVIDIA. According to Justin Walker, GeForce product management director at NVIDIA:
“With 80 Gbps of UHBR20, users will enjoy stunning HDR imagery, ultra-high resolutions, and smooth gameplay. The DP80LL ensures that connections between GPUs and monitors are reliable, maximizing performance.”
Advantages of the DisplayPort Standard
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| More bandwidth | Up to 80 Gbps for high-resolution and refresh rate content. |
| Longer length | Active cables up to 3 meters with full UHBR20 support. |
| Superior resolutions | Up to 8K at 120 Hz or 4K at 600 Hz. |
| Multiple connection | Ability to power multiple displays with a single cable. |
| Global compatibility | Support for HDMI, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and USB4. |
Market Impact
DisplayPort 2.1b and the DP80LL cable represent a significant advancement for users of monitors, workstations, and entertainment systems. With more flexible connectivity, high performance, and the ability to support advanced applications like AR/VR, the new standard promises to revolutionize gaming and productivity setups.
DisplayPort 2.1b and the DP80LL active cables are expected to be available in Spring 2025, consolidating DisplayPort as the leading standard in audiovisual connectivity.