Display Interfaces Explained

Video Input Interfaces (Source → Controller)

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

HDMI is widely used for consumer and commercial sources, but is also common in professional systems where compatibility and ease of integration matter.

Key characteristics:

• Designed for consumer and commercial video sources

• Supports audio, HDCP encryption, and CEC

• Bandwidth depends on version (HDMI 1.4 → 4K30; HDMI 2.x → 4K60 and above)

• TMDS signaling, moderate cable lengths

When HDMI is used:

• Applications requiring broad compatibility with PCs, media players, and embedded systems

• Signage, kiosks, broadcast monitoring, general-purpose video display

Integration notes:

• Cable quality and length strongly affect signal integrity

• HDCP and EDID must be considered when integrating with protected content sources

DisplayPort (DP)

DisplayPort provides higher bandwidth and more robust signaling than HDMI, making it better suited for 4K, 8K, and multi-lane professional applications.

Key characteristics:

• Packet-based protocol designed for high performance

• Supports multiple lanes for increased bandwidth

• Allows daisy-chaining through Multi-Stream Transport (MST)

• Excellent signal integrity for higher resolutions

When DisplayPort is used:

• High-resolution 4K/8K systems

• Professional graphics workstations

• Control rooms, medical imaging, simulation, defense

Integration notes:

• More tolerant of long cable runs than HDMI

• Panel-side integration still requires conversion to eDP, LVDS, or V-by-One via a controller

Panel Interface Technologies (Controller → LCD Panel)

eDP (Embedded DisplayPort)

eDP is a panel interface, not a video input. It is optimized for internal display connections and increasingly common in newer industrial panels.

Key characteristics:

• High bandwidth with reduced wiring relative to LVDS

• Lower power consumption

• Supports features such as Panel Self Refresh

• Strong roadmap longevity

When eDP is used:

• Newer industrial and commercial LCD panels

• Applications needing compact signal routing and lower EMI

Integration notes:

• Selection of lane count and link rate is critical

• Requires careful attention to cable length and integrity

• Controller must match the panel’s exact timing and link configuration

LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling)

LVDS has been the dominant panel interface for industrial displays for many years.

Key characteristics:

• Mature, well-understood technology

• Robust in noisy environments

• Supports many existing industrial and medical panels

• Limited bandwidth compared to eDP and V-by-One

When LVDS is used:

• Legacy or long-lifecycle industrial and medical panels

• Applications where EMI resilience is critical

• Systems requiring predictable behavior over many years

Integration notes:

• Cable length and impedance must be tightly controlled

• Timing configuration is essential for flicker-free operation

V-by-One (Vx1)

V-by-One is a high-speed serial interface designed to deliver large bandwidth over a small number of differential pairs.

Key characteristics:

• Very high data rates per lane

• Highly scalable to 4K, 8K, and above

• Reduced cable bulk compared to LVDS

• Excellent noise immunity

When V-by-One is used:

• Large-format displays

• High-resolution industrial signage

• Broadcast, control, and visualization systems

Integration notes:

• Requires strict clocking and timing management

• Cable design and EMC control have meaningful impact

• Ideal for pairing with Digital View’s high-end 4K/8K controller families

How Digital View Controller Boards Support These Interfaces

Digital View controllers sit at the center of the display architecture, managing the complete signal chain:

Video input → signal processing → panel interface → backlight control

Each controller family supports a specific combination of input formats, processing features, and panel interface technologies.

• Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, SDI, and selected analog legacy formats
• Panel outputs: LVDS, eDP, or V-by-One, depending on the model
• Processing: Scaling, gamma adjustment, dithering, color management, and low-latency paths
• Configuration: Firmware profiles for panel-specific timing, EDID management, and operating parameters

This clear separation between video inputs and panel drive interfaces provides OEMs with:

• Flexibility to upgrade or change video sources without redesigning the display hardware

• A straightforward path to adopt new LCD panels, even when interface technologies evolve

• Long-term product stability, supporting extended lifecycles and predictable field performance

Choosing the Right Interfaces for Your Display Application

In display system design, interface choices happen at two different layers:

1. Video input interface (source → controller) — the designer chooses this.

2. Panel interface (controller → LCD panel) — the panel dictates this.

The system designer does not choose LVDS, eDP, or V-by-One independently; that decision is made when selecting the LCD panel.

Digital View controllers then ensure compatibility between the chosen panel and the chosen input source.

1. Selecting the Video Input Interface (Source → Controller)

Use HDMI when:

• Source compatibility is the priority

• The system uses PCs, media players, SBCs, or commercial devices

• The application involves signage, kiosks, or general-purpose video streams

Use DisplayPort when:

• You require 4K/8K performance or high bandwidth

• You need robust transmission or longer cable runs

• The application is mission-critical: medical, defense, control rooms, simulation

Use SDI when:

• You need long-distance cable runs

• You operate in broadcast, surveillance, or rugged environments

(Input interfaces end here — the user does not choose LVDS/eDP/V-by-One at this stage.)

2. Panel Interface (Controller → LCD Panel)

Generally determined by the choice of panel. The following shows some common characteristics - in any case, Digital View has models for each of these.

LVDS:

• The panel is a legacy or long-lifecycle industrial/medical display

• You need predictable, stable performance in EMI-challenging environments

eDP:

• Working with newer, power-efficient industrial or commercial panels

• You want fewer conductors and improved EMI performance

V-by-One:

• Driving large-format or high-resolution displays (4K, 8K)

• High bandwidth and reduced cable bulk are required

Integration Considerations

• Cable impedance, shielding, and length dramatically affect signal integrity

• EMI/EMC requirements vary by industry—particularly medical, defense, marine, and industrial automation

• Timing and clock configuration must match panel specifications exactly

• Backlight control, power sequencing, and firmware all contribute to long-term system reliability

Our engineering team supports OEMs with panel validation, configuration guidance, and technical documentation.