SCT Introduces Innovative Device That Merges HDMI and USB Connections
In the realm of audio-visual (AV) and information technology (IT) devices, the format war between HDMI over USB-C (HDMI Alt Mode) and USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) has taken an unexpected turn. Rather than one format dominating the other, a coexistence and convergence is emerging.
HDMI Alt Mode, standardized in July 2025, allows HDMI signals to be delivered natively over USB-C without the need for adapters. This bridge between the vast installed base of HDMI displays and the USB-C form factor used in mobile devices, tablets, and some PCs is a significant step forward. HDMI Alt Mode supports up to HDMI 1.4b features such as 4K resolution, surround sound, ARC, and HDCP [1].
On the other hand, DP Alt Mode, which enables USB-C ports to transmit DisplayPort video signals, is a well-established and mature technology. It supports higher resolutions and bandwidths in line with DisplayPort standards, including features like MST (multi-stream transport) for multiple displays, variable refresh rate (VRR), and very high frame rates [2][3][4]. DP Alt Mode is favoured in PC and gaming environments due to its better performance and flexibility.
Modern devices often provide both HDMI and DP Alt Modes. While HDMI Alt Mode adoption is growing, it is still limited compared to DP Alt Mode, which has been supported for years. For instance, premium monitors like the Corsair XENEON EDGE support USB-C DP Alt Mode with 20 Gbps cables, while GPUs with native USB-C video-out ports are rare due to the dwindling VR market and discrete GPUs dropping USB-C video support recently [3].
When comparing video performance, DisplayPort (especially DP 2.1) generally offers higher bandwidth (up to 80 Gbps) and supports higher resolution and refresh rates (up to 16K@60Hz) compared to HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps, 8K@60Hz). DisplayPort also tends to provide lower latency and better support for multi-monitor setups, beneficial for gaming and professional applications [2][5].
HDMI remains dominant for home theater, TVs, and consumer electronics, due to its advanced audio support (eARC, Dolby Atmos) and its massive installed base. In contrast, DisplayPort and DP Alt Mode focus more on PC, workstation, and gaming markets where higher bandwidth and features like MST and VRR matter more [1][2][5].
In summary, the format war is less about replacing one with the other and more about fitting different use cases and ecosystems. HDMI Alt Mode expands HDMI’s reach into USB-C devices, while DP Alt Mode remains the high-performance standard for USB-C video output in IT and gaming.
To bridge the gap between legacy AV systems and modern USB-C devices, the USB-AMV adapter has emerged as a solution. This compact signal converter merges HDMI video and USB into a single USB-C connection, supporting full-bandwidth AV signal transfer with uncompressed video and audio. It is beneficial for interfacing with AV devices using existing HDMI and USB sources, and it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Sound Control Technologies has recently released a USB-AMV adapter, helping close the gap between modern laptops and AV endpoints. This adapter is designed as a compact, plug-and-play solution, requiring no programming or external power, making it ideal for BYOD and BYOM environments. It is also useful for AV and IT teams facing challenges in connecting legacy systems to new USB-C devices.
In conclusion, the coexistence and convergence of HDMI Alt Mode and USB-C with DP Alt Mode in AV and IT devices is a testament to the evolving nature of technology. As both formats cater to different needs and ecosystems, the USB-AMV adapter serves as a bridge, ensuring compatibility and convenience for users and teams alike.
- In the fusion of audio-visual and information technology devices, the emerging coexistence between HDMI Alt Mode and USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode is not only bridging the gap between various devices but also showcasing the intersection of data-and-cloud-computing technology and gadgets.
- The USB-AMV adapter, a signal converter merging HDMI video and USB into a single USB-C connection, underscores the significance of technology advancements that enable coexistence and convergence, particularly in the realm of audio-visual and information technology devices.
