VESA adds anti-piracy tech to DisplayPort

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has posted DisplayPort version 1.1, almost a year after the digital monitor connection standard was first published.

DisplayPort is pitched as the successor to not only DVI external monitor connections but also LVDS, used to hook up notebook panels. Heck, it'll even replace VGA, VESA said in a tone suggesting the analogue standard will be around for some time yet.

DisplayPort 1.1 adds support for the HDCP 1.3 anti-duplication system, essential for allowing protected content on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD media to be carried at full resolution to a DisplayPort-connected screen. The new spec also adds low-power and low-voltage modes

DisplayPort is an alternative to the HDMI screen connection standard being promoted by the consumer electronics industy. The crucial difference is support for audio information: HDMI hosts sound as standard, for DisplayPort 1.1 it's optional. VESA sees DisplayPort as the standard for business-oriented systems, while HDMI will be the natual choice of monitor port for computers aimed at consumers.