Unified Display Interface
The Problem
In the days of analog, VGA and S-VGA were the only interfaces required for computer displays. In the last several years, the PC and Consumer Electronics (CE) industries have developed a cornucopia of standards designed to support every type of digital signal that has been developed. Manufacturers have worked very hard to address every type of connection affecting the use of their monitors, TVs, video cards, computers, laptops, etc. This was costly to the manufacturers and consumers alike, and with each new digital standard, rendered another expensive piece of electronic equipment obsolete.
The Solution
Today, we have the opportunity to introduce a new industry specification to replace the aging VGA standard, one that is more robust that LVDS, maintains interoperability with HDMI, improves upon DVI and includes HDCP. The new proposed industry-wide specification is known as the Unified Display Interface.
UDI provides an ‘integration-friendly' unifying set of interface specifications for desktop, notebook, CE source and display products, both external and embedded.
Who Wins?
PC and monitor manufacturers will appreciate the easy integration that would be possible with both discrete and integrated graphics controllers. OEMs will be able to produce computer platforms and all-digital LCD monitors that cost less to make, are easier to use and have higher bandwidth. In short, almost any company with a product that is switching to digital signaling would to be helped by this technology.
If your company may be affected by the move from VGA to digital standards, consider joining the UDI SIG. We welcome your input as we create and support the next generation of display interface standards.