The next generation of the USB cable is not only reversible; it will also incorporate DisplayPort, which means that you can connect monitors and TVs with 4K and maybe even 5K resolution.
The next USB is also a display cable
What if you could do everything with just one cable? That is VESA’s vision and with the next USB standard they will incorporate DisplayPort into cables and connectors, allowing you to connect monitors and TVs, too.
The new USB standard is referred to as USB 3.1 (Type-C is the new reversible cable), and out of the four lanes inside DisplayPort can use either one, two or four lanes, depending on the resolution and frame rate, and at the same time the USB cable will be able to transfer data and power (up to 100W).
USB will be able to drive 4K Ultra HD TVs and monitors and some reports says that it will even support 5K monitor from Dell and possibly Apple.
This sounds a lot like the Thunderbolt standard, but it appears that VESA has even grander plans for USB, and given the widespread adoption of USB in consumer electronics this could happen. Another great thing about USB Type-C is that the cable is reversible – just plug it in any way you want.
Could USB 3.1 be the first cable to combine everything into one cable? Maybe, but we are also still waiting for Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 standard.
- Source: VESA
