VESA has introduced a new certification program for source, display and cables that support the higher data link rates in DisplayPort 2.0. Cables can certify as DP80 or DP40, referring to the bandwidth.

DP80 and DP40 cables
DisplayPort 2.0 supports up to 80 Gbps bandwidth for uncompressed 8K 60Hz HDR, 4K 240Hz HDR, two 4K 120Hz HDR or four 4K 60Hz HDR displays through a single cable.

- "The ultra high bit rates supported with the DisplayPort 2.0 specification bring a whole new level of display performance and experience to the consumer," said James Choate, compliance program manager for VESA. "By establishing the UHBR Certification Program, we hope to speed adoption of higher-performance video and display products across the ecosystem."

For that kind of bandwidth you need special cables and that is why VESA is also introducing a cable certification program, much like the HDMI cable certification program.

 Also read: HDMI Forum debuts mandatory certification of cables for HDMI 2.1

- "VESA certified DP40 cables must support up to the UHBR10 link rate (10 Gigabits per second or Gbps) defined by DisplayPort 2.0, and support the full four-lane operation, providing a maximum throughput of 40 Gbps. VESA certified DP80 cables must support up to the UHBR20 link rate (20 Gbps) defined by DisplayPort 2.0, with four lanes, providing a maximum throughput of 80 Gbps. VESA certified DP80 cables will also support the UHBR13.5 link rate (13.5 Gbps), which is also defined by DisplayPort 2.0," VESA explained.

 Look for these certification logos for DP80 and DP40 DisplayPort 2.0 cables

Companies currently offering DP40 and DP80 certified cables include Accell, BizLink, and Wizen. DP40 and DP80 cables are available in both full-size and Mini DisplayPort configurations, and are fully backwards compatible.

USB Type-C to DisplayPort cables that are certified to meet the UHBR speed requirements in DisplayPort 2.0 will also soon become available.

The first video sources and displays are also undergoing testing to comply with the UHBR bandwidth in DisplayPort 2.0, the organization said, meaning that the first DisplayPort 2.0 products should arrive soon.