It really is hard to stay current with High Definition, and technology in general. No matter how long you wait to buy the newer, more advanced models; something better comes out a few months later. Always! Guaranteed! I think this next piece of news is going to be somewhat frustrating for a lot of people. Just when you thought you were "current" with 1080p and HDMI, we learn that over the next couple years DVI and VGA (the two types of cables you use to connector to your computer monitor) will be phased out and replaced by a new standard connector called Displayport version 1.1 (no doubt will change in version as time goes on). The standard comes from the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), who every major manufacturer and many small ones are a member of. What's the relevance? Well VESA's approval of this new standard means that every company from A-Z will likely be adopting this standard in the near future.



Two years ago, dvi was the primary HD connector of choice. One of my early hdtvs, the Sony KF-42WE610 had a DVI port, and it was "future proof." At the time, that is! No more than two years later, just after PC's and hdtv's standardized dvi, HDMI has replaced it in the home theatre environment. High Definition has come a long way in defining itself, but its not done yet. The good news is that unlike two years ago, it is now safe to buy. Purchasing an hdvt that doesn't have a Displayport 1.1 won't really be an issue for a while and quite honestly, unless hooking your PC up to your tv is an absolute must, it may not be that necessary in the future. I would speculate this will be more of a deal for PC users in the future than it will be for home theatre enthusiasts, as HDMI is now solidly grounded and vested in HD components.

It will also take the next two years to phase this standard into products and to slowly phase DVI and VGA out. The 2007 Q3 models of hdtv's will introduce new features such as HDMI 1.3, deep color, and higher response times/refresh rates. By 2009, who knows where we'll be? If manufacturers dare replace HDMI with Displayport 1.1, then all your home theatre components will need an overhaul. However, I highly doubt this will be the case. If anything, I would see Displayport being the connector of choice for PC's, and perhaps being an additional connector at the back of your hdtv as an option to interface with the PC/laptop. But without further ado, I'll finish with the rundown on Displayport 1.1: