Getting Started > Installing DEX > Microsoft Windows and 4K Monitors

Microsoft Windows has long supported 4K resolution, and this is certainly true as of the latest versions of Windows as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.

To utilize 4K resolution on a monitor, you need:

•A 4K Monitor: This is a monitor that supports a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is considered Ultra High Definition (UHD). Some monitors even support 4096 x 2160 pixels, which is the standard for 4K in digital cinema.

•A Graphics Card that Supports 4K: Your computer's graphics card needs to be able to output at a 4K resolution. As 4K has become more standard, this is a common feature on most modern graphics cards. Make sure to verify that your graphics card can support this resolution.

•Appropriate Cables: You'll need an HDMI (version 1.4 or higher), Display Port (version 1.2 or higher), or USB-C cable that supports 4K resolution. The specific cable will depend on what ports are available on your monitor and graphics card.

•4K Content: Having a 4K monitor won't do you much good if you don't have content that is rendered in 4K. This includes games, videos, photos, etc.

•Software Support: Your operating system and software should support 4K as well. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the latest versions of Windows do support 4K.

Setting your Windows PC to use 4K resolution is usually as simple as going into your display settings (right-click on the desktop, then select "Display settings") and then choosing the 4K resolution from the drop-down menu.

However, be aware that not all software and websites are optimized for 4K, and may appear small or blurry on a high-resolution display. Some apps or websites might not scale properly, leading to smaller text or images. Windows does offer some built-in tools for scaling up the size of text and other items on the screen to compensate for the increased resolution. You can adjust these settings in the same "Display settings" menu.

Moreover, running your PC at a higher resolution can demand more from your computer's graphics card, which might result in increased heat or noise from your computer's fans. This isn't usually a problem with modern hardware, but it's something to keep in mind.

HDMI Cables

An HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is a type of digital connection used to transmit high-quality video and audio signals. These cables are widely used in home theater systems, gaming consoles, and many other consumer electronics because they can handle high-definition (HD) video and multichannel audio over a single cable.

Here are a few more details about HDMI cables:

•Quality: HDMI cables are designed to handle video resolutions of 1080p and beyond, including advanced display technologies such as 4K and 3D.

•Audio: They can transmit multi-channel audio data, supporting all standard and high-definition consumer electronics video formats and up to 8 channels of digital audio.

•Variants: As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, HDMI cables come in different versions, like HDMI 1.4, 2.0, 2.1 etc., each with increased capabilities. HDMI 2.1, for example, supports up to 10K resolution and dynamic HDR.

•CEC feature: HDMI also includes a feature called CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) that allows the user to command and control up to 15 CEC-enabled devices.

•ARC and eARC: HDMI cables also have features called ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) which simplify the process of sending audio from a television to a home theater system or sound-bar.

•Ethernet: Some HDMI cables have an Ethernet channel that enables high-speed, bi-directional communication. This means devices connected by the HDMI cable can share an internet connection.

It's also important to note that the HDMI interface is backward compatible with the single-link Digital Visual Interface (DVI) used on many older devices, so with the right adapter, you can still use an HDMI cable with a device that only has a DVI output.

Display-Port Cables

Display-Port is a digital display interface primarily used to connect a video source (like a computer or gaming console) to a display device, such as a computer monitor or a television. Like HDMI, Display-Port can also carry audio, USB, and other forms of data.

Here are some key aspects of Display-Port cables:

•Resolution and Refresh Rates: As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, Display-Port 1.4 can support resolutions up to 8K (7680 × 4320) at 60Hz, or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 240Hz, making it a suitable option for high-resolution displays and demanding games.

•Multi-Stream Transport (MST): This feature of Display-Port allows you to use multiple monitors through a single Display-Port connection by "daisy-chaining" them together, a feature not generally supported by HDMI.

•Adaptive Sync: Display-Port supports adaptive sync technology (like AMD's FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-Sync), which matches the display refresh rate to the frame rate of the graphics card. This reduces issues like screen tearing in games.

•Different Connectors: Display-Port connectors come in two sizes, standard (often just called Display-Port) and Display-Port Mini (or Mini Display-Port). The Mini Display-Port was commonly used on older devices but has largely been replaced by USB-C or Thunderbolt.

•Backward Compatibility: Display-Port is backward compatible with VGA, DVI, and HDMI, but you'll need the appropriate adapter.

It's also important to note that while HDMI and Display-Port may look similar at first glance, they were developed by different industry consortium for slightly different market segments (consumer electronics vs. personal computer), and they differ in terms of sound and video specifications, supported technologies, and physical connectors.

USB-C Video Cables

USB-C, also known as USB Type-C, is a type of USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector that's reversible, meaning you can plug it in either way. USB-C cables and ports are becoming increasingly common on various types of devices, including laptops, smart phones, and tablets.

Apart from data transfer and charging, USB-C can also support video output if the device supports a protocol called USB-C Alt Mode. This feature re-purposes some of the wires in a USB-C 3.1 cable for direct device-to-host transmission of alternate data protocols. The four high-speed lanes, coupled with supporting power and data code, enable this cable to carry significantly more data.

Here are some key aspects of USB-C video cables:

•Display-Port Over USB-C: This is a version of Alt Mode. If a device supports Display-Port Alt Mode, a USB-C to Display-Port cable (or a USB-C to USB-C cable if both devices have USB-C ports) can carry a Display-Port signal.

•HDMI Over USB-C: Similarly, HDMI Alt Mode for USB-C allows HDMI-enabled source devices to utilize a USB-C cable to directly connect to HDMI-enabled displays.

•Thunderbolt 3 and 4: Some USB-C ports also support Thunderbolt 3 or 4, which are standards that allow for very high data transfer rates and video output capabilities. A single Thunderbolt 3 port and cable can transmit Display-Port and HDMI video signals, data for external storage drives, and power for device charging.

•Power Delivery: USB-C also supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD), a fast charging standard that can deliver up to 100W of power. This means you could potentially use the same USB-C cable to charge your laptop, output video to a monitor, and transfer files to an external drive.

•Dongles and Adapters: Since USB-C is compatible with so many different protocols, you can use dongles and adapters to connect to a wide variety of devices. For instance, if your laptop has a USB-C port but your monitor has an HDMI port, you can use a USB-C to HDMI dongle to connect the two.

Please note that not all USB-C ports, cables, or devices support all these features. The exact capabilities can vary depending on the specific device and how its manufacturer has chosen to implement the USB-C standard. Always check your device's specifications to see what is supported.