Mini DisplayPort
 Mini DisplayPort on an Apple MacBook | |||
| Type | Digital and analog computer video connector | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Production history | |||
| Designer | Apple Inc. | ||
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. | ||
| Superseded | Micro-DVI, Mini-DVI, DVI | ||
| General specifications | |||
| Hot pluggable | yes | ||
| External | yes | ||
| Video signal | 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 (postive) | |
| 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 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 is a miniaturized version of the DisplayPort used by Apple, first publicly announced on October 14, 2008. It is used in revisions of the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro notebooks and also the 24-inch Apple Cinema Display.[1]
Unlike its Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI predecessors, Mini DisplayPort is capable of driving resolutions up to 2560x1600, commonly used with 30-inch displays. With a suitable adapter, Mini DisplayPort may be used to drive displays with a VGA or DVI interface.[2][3][4]
On November 27, 2008, Apple announced that it would license the Mini DisplayPort connector with no fee.[5] Apple reserves the right to void the license if the licensee does "commence an action for patent infringement against Apple", in which case the "Implementation License and the rights granted hereunder will terminate immediately and automatically, without notice from Apple" and you must "immediately cease any further exercise of the license rights".[6]
On January 13, 2009, VESA announced that Mini DisplayPort would be included in the upcoming DisplayPort 1.2 specification.[7][8]
Compatibility
 |
VESA has stated, "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."[9]
Apple's decision to remove the DVI port from the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in favor of Mini DisplayPort, and to offer Mini DisplayPort as the only video connector for the new 24 inch Cinema Display, however has raised current compatibility concerns. This has a number of implications:
- The previous MacBook Pro shipped with a built-in Dual-Link DVI port, and a DVI-I to VGA adapter cable. Buyers of the new MacBook Pro who want to connect to DVI or VGA displays now need to purchase separate adapters.
- The Mini DisplayPort specification includes HDCP copy protection, allowing Apple (or any manufacturer) to enable the viewing of DRM-enabled content on HDCP compliant external displays at full resolution. (All displays with HDMI or DisplayPort are compliant) This might enable the use of built-in Blu-ray disc players in conjunction with external HD displays.
- Apple's Dual-Link DVI adapter is relatively large and expensive compared to past adapters, and many customers report that the adapter simply does not work, rendering the new MacBook and MacBook Pro incompatible with Apple's 30" Cinema Display.[10] It also requires power to be supplied via a USB cable.
- For now it is not possible to connect displays with a normal-size DisplayPort connector to one of the new MacBooks, as Apple does not offer a Mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter, and using DVI as an intermediate would limit the maximum resolution.
- Current Mini DisplayPort adaptors do not support audio, as DVI and VGA does not support audio (although the port itself does)[citation needed].
Presently no direct adapters for component video, S-Video, composite video, or DisplayPort are available.
Other manufacturers now offer low cost Mini DisplayPort to HDMI, DVI, and VGA adapters.
See also
References
- ^ "New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook Design". Apple.com. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
- ^ "Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter". Apple Store. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
- ^ "Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter". Apple Store. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
- ^ "Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter". Apple Store. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
- ^ "Mini DisplayPort Connector Licensing & Trademark Agreements". Apple Developer Connection. 2008-11-27. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
- ^ "Apple Mini DisplayPort Connector Implementation License Checklist" (PDF). Apple. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
- ^ "DisplayPort specification to add Apple's mini connector". MacWorld. 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
- ^ "Apple's mini connector set to be part of DisplayPort standard". AppleInsider. 2009-01-13. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
- ^ "we believe in a better way". displayport.org. Retrieved 2009-2-9.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter". Apple. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
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