Display question
Treat source/sink direction and active/passive conversion as evidence questions rather than assuming a reversible physical path.
The answer
Short answer Because the conversion inside works one way; use an adapter documented for your direction.
Because the physical connector pair does not make a conversion electrically or logically reversible. Direction, conversion class and source/sink roles have to match the represented adapter and devices.
Why the simple answer is not enough
Confirm which side is the source and which side is the display/input.
Check whether the represented adapter is active, passive or unspecified rather than assuming reversibility.
Verify the required source feature or conversion behavior on the exact products.
Your next step
They reorganize facts and uncertainty already represented in the atlas. Exact-device, cable, protocol, power, safety and performance requirements remain separate where the evidence says they are separate.
Evidence behind this page
25 linked sources · 29 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.
Page scope: Evidence attached to records and cable profiles referenced by this guide; not a sentence-by-sentence editorial approval.
Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2026-12-30. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.
HDMI Licensing Administrator · Standards-organization domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30
Within inspection window
Scoped support: A version number alone does not identify implemented features.
Not established / limitations:
Locator: FAQ about HDMI 2.1 supporting TMDS without FRL
VESA · Standards-organization domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Version labels do not require the maximum UHBR rate. Check documented device capabilities.
Not established / limitations:
Locator: DP 2.1b requirements; how to know device features; DisplayPort over USB-C
Apple · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Mini DisplayPort and early Thunderbolt share a connector shape, not identical functionality.
Not established / limitations:
Locator: Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt / Thunderbolt 2 sections
C2G / Legrand · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Narrow physical identifiers only, not historical speed or video capability descriptions.
Not established / limitations: The old DisplayPort technology/speed description on this page is not relied on.
Locator: HD15, HDMI, HDMI Mini, HDMI Micro, DVI-D and RCA sections
StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Scoped active DP-source to HDMI-display example.
Not established / limitations: Exact DP2HD4KS active converter example. Performance, cable length and broad marketing compatibility statements are not generalized. Inspection repairs access for the existing direction/conversion scope, not a hardware or independent review.
Locator: PDF pp. 1–2: DP-source to HDMI-display description; p. 3: Hardware table, visually inspected.
StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Scoped active HDMI-source to DisplayPort-display example.
Not established / limitations: Exact 128-HDMI-DISPLAYPORT example only. The attached USB lead is for converter power in the scoped description; no USB data path is inferred. Power and supported modes remain product-specific, without a universal compatibility verdict.
Locator: PDF p. 1: USB-A power lead; p. 2: explicit one-way HDMI-source to DisplayPort-display conversion and Hardware table, visually inspected.
StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Separate Type-C Mini and Type-D Micro HDMI forms.
Not established / limitations: The same manufacturer product is an example of three distinct HDMI forms. Product imagery is not a dimensioned drawing or pinout. Published zero width/height fields are unusable and were not adopted. No speed or device compatibility claim is added.
Locator: PDF p. 1: product description identifies Type A female, Mini Type C male and Micro Type D male; p. 1 product photograph inspected.
USB-IF · Standards-organization domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Historical first USB4 generation, up to 40 Gbit/s.
Not established / limitations: Not the ceiling of later USB4 revisions.
Locator: USB4 system performance overview
TE Connectivity · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-06 · due 2027-01-04
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Manufacturer example supporting the 19-position contact count for the standard/full-size HDMI connector form.
Not established / limitations: A manufacturer component example supports connector-form contact count only; it does not establish HDMI version, video mode, cable capability or universal fabrication dimensions.
Locator: Configuration features: Standard HDMI connector; 19 positions; receptacle
TE Connectivity · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-06 · due 2027-01-04
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Manufacturer example supporting the 20-position contact count for the standard DisplayPort connector form.
Not established / limitations: A manufacturer component example supports connector-form contact count only; it does not establish DisplayPort revision, link rate, lane use, MST, USB-C Alt Mode or universal fabrication dimensions.
Locator: Configuration features: DisplayPort receptacle; 20 positions
TE Connectivity · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-06 · due 2027-01-04
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Manufacturer example supporting the 20-position contact count for the Mini DisplayPort connector form.
Not established / limitations: The connector form alone does not establish DisplayPort revision or distinguish native Mini DisplayPort use from products that reused the same physical form for Thunderbolt 1/2.
Locator: Configuration features: Mini DisplayPort receptacle; 20 positions
Elgato · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-08 · due 2027-01-06
Within inspection window
Scoped support: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C host link; HDMI input and passthrough output.
Not established / limitations: Page displays September 3, 2024 update. Do not flatten abbreviated maximum capture/HDR bullets into an all-mode promise; use the detailed mode article. Not 4K Pro, 4K S or HD60 X.
Locator: Technical Specifications → Interface
Elgato · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-08 · due 2027-01-06
Within inspection window
Scoped support: One HDMI input, one HDMI output and one USB-C host output; signal direction and reduced capture on USB Gen 1.
Not established / limitations: Page displays June 1, 2026 update. Setup example is not certification of an arbitrary console, cable, host or mode. Selected inventory excludes analog line input.
Locator: Inputs and Outputs; Required Items
Elgato · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-08 · due 2027-01-06
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Passthrough/capture distinction, USB/codec/software conditions and no capture of DSC video.
Not established / limitations: Page displays May 21, 2026 update. No complete matrix copied, no fixed universal capture ceiling, no device firmware or software installation inspected.
Locator: Input/Passthrough versus Capture definitions; Detailed Capture Codec Specifications; DSC
Blackmagic Design · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-08 · due 2027-01-06
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Four HDMI Type A inputs, one HDMI program output, one USB-C interface; no Ultra HD video standards.
Not established / limitations: Exact ATEM Mini Pro ISO, not Pro, Extreme, G2 or sibling products on the combined website. Total outputs is not HDMI-output count. USB mode list alone does not establish simultaneous webcam and external recording.
Locator: Model-specific PDF pages 1–2: Connections, labeled panel diagram, Standards
HDMI Licensing Administrator · Standards-organization domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Feature-scoped active HDMI cable behavior. Not a universal prescription for all active converters.
Not established / limitations: Feature-scoped active HDMI cable behavior. Not a universal prescription for all active converters. Retrieval locators and observations retained; raw acquisition is recorded separately.
Locator: HDMI Cable Power requirements, direction paragraph and separate power connector
VESA · Standards-organization domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Cable classes and four-lane rates; verify an exact cable in the official database. Homepage retains older forthcoming wording; release timing is not inferred.
Not established / limitations: Cable classes and four-lane rates; verify an exact cable in the official database. Homepage retains older forthcoming wording; release timing is not inferred. Retrieval locators and observations retained; raw acquisition is recorded separately.
Locator: How will you use the performance of DisplayPort? DP80, DP80LL and DP40-to-DP54 statements
Apple · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Named Apple adapter and documented Mac/Thunderbolt cases only. No extension to arbitrary PCs, USB-C ports or later Thunderbolt generations.
Not established / limitations: Named Apple adapter and documented Mac/Thunderbolt cases only. No extension to arbitrary PCs, USB-C ports or later Thunderbolt generations. Retrieval locators and observations retained; raw acquisition is recorded separately.
Locator: Opening support scope and Video section
TE Connectivity · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-13 · due 2027-01-11
Within inspection window
Scoped support: 1747981-1 is linked by the sheet 1 table to the without-flange family view. Mouth, mounting features and PCB footprint are different views; no exact installed-device identity.
Not established / limitations: Not a hardware inspection, certification, pinout, dimensional mating check or blanket product-compatibility statement.
Locator: Rev H, 1 September 2022; sheet 1 variant table and sheet 6 without-flange form visually inspected.
TE Connectivity · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-13 · due 2027-01-11
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Four-row through-hole PCB termination is not four rows of mating-face contacts. The reversed-offset source orientation is not a universal up direction on devices.
Not established / limitations: Not a hardware inspection, certification, pinout, dimensional mating check or blanket product-compatibility statement.
Locator: Revision D1; all five sheets visually inspected. Sheet 3 explicitly shows 2129320-3; sheet 5 is the reference PCB layout, mounting-side view. No revision date asserted.
StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-13 · due 2027-01-11
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Exact DP2HD4KADAP example: DP source to HDMI display, DP++ requirement and stated 3840 x 2160 at 30 Hz. Not a family-wide ceiling or device guarantee.
Not established / limitations: No printed issue/revision date observed. Latest revision unconfirmed. Broad marketing language and conflicting cable-distance statements not promoted. Raw bytes not retained or hash-certified.
Locator: Product ID / Features / Hardware / Performance / System and Cable Requirements; all four rendered pages observed. Parsed text and page images have different table ordering.
VESA / DisplayPort · Standards-organization domain · inspected 2026-10-15 · due 2027-01-13
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Passive conversion to HDMI/DVI requires DP++ at source; not a statement that a particular device implements it
Not established / limitations: Source states a conditional adapter capability; not a blanket promise of resolution or interoperability.
Locator: Get Connected, footnote below How It Works illustration
Plugable Technologies · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-15 · due 2027-01-13
Within inspection window
Scoped support: General manufacturer explanation of cable directionality and active converter categories, not product-specific endorsement
Not established / limitations: The named categories and examples are explanations, not compliance tests of other manufacturers, specific devices or every cable.
Locator: What typically works and what does not; DP source to HDMI / HDMI source to DP rows; last update 20 Aug 2026
StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-21 · due 2027-01-19
Within inspection window
Scoped support: DP2HDMI2 is explicitly passive and requires DP++ at the video source. The claim is narrowed to the cited passive-adapter class.
Not established / limitations: Named product and source direction only; no reverse conversion, universal resolution/audio promise, hardware test or adapter recommendation. All4pages read as text; only pages1and2 visually inspected. VESA's31January2013 dual-mode release announcement was also read as context, not as current universal performance evidence.
Locator: Page1 passive adapter/DP++ requirement paragraph; page2 Special Notes/Requirements; page3 Hardware Active or Passive Adapter.
Molex · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-22 · due 2027-01-20
Within inspection window
Scoped support: Exact 472720001 specification row only.
Not established / limitations: Exact suffix0001 only. Same chart suffix0029 lists0.50mm while0001/0024 list1.00mm. Manufacturer discrepancy is retained, not resolved into a universal pitch or an unstated within-row/projection convention. Product detail page says Limited Information Available; chart fields retained without measured/toleranced drawing.
Locator: Full Export Spreadsheet table, exact 472720001 row: Web Description, Gender, Circuits Loaded, Number of Rows, Pitch - Mating Interface and separate Pitch - Termination Interface columns. Full official chart read; no PDF drawing pixels acquired.
The familiar full-size HDMI connector is Type-A; Mini and Micro HDMI use different physical forms.
Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only
Source links: S018 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
HDMI version labeling alone does not identify every optional feature implemented by a product.
Claim scope: Narrowly stated supporting distinction; not an end-to-end device guarantee
Source links: S012 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
TE's cited Standard HDMI receptacle is a 19-position connector example, supporting a 19-contact engineering count for the full-size HDMI form without implying HDMI version or video capability.
Claim scope: Connector-form contact count supported by one manufacturer example; protocol/version capability explicitly excluded.
Source links: S365 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
Elgato 4K X has one HDMI input for an unencrypted video source and one HDMI passthrough output to a display; captured video reaches a computer through a separate USB-C connection.
Claim scope: 4K X only; input/output direction must not be exchanged and the selected profile is not a full connector inventory.
Source links: S450 · S451 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
Elgato separates supported 4K X HDMI passthrough signals from capture formats. Its detailed guidance says DSC video cannot be captured even when a passthrough image is visible.
Claim scope: DSC limitation and mode-selection boundary, not a diagnosis of every black capture frame or a universal HDMI limit.
Source links: S452 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
The ATEM Mini Pro ISO specifies four HDMI Type A inputs and one HDMI program output; the separately listed total of two outputs is not a count of HDMI output sockets.
Claim scope: Exact Pro ISO Connections table and labeled panel diagram; not a sibling model’s connection count.
Source links: S453 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
The ATEM Mini Pro ISO Standards table lists no Ultra HD video standards. Its description of finishing in Ultra HD via relinked media does not establish an Ultra HD HDMI input or output mode.
Claim scope: Pro ISO live video-interface standards versus post-production description; no new conversion or capture capability inferred.
Source links: S453 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
HDMI Cable Power requires support from both the active cable and the HDMI source. HDMI LA specifies source/sink direction for active cables and a separate power connector for sources without Cable Power support.
Claim scope: HDMI Cable Power feature scope; follow the exact cable’s instructions. Not monitor power or a universal converter-power rule.
Source links: S518 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
TE drawing C-1747981 H maps 1747981-1 to a without-flange HDMI board-receptacle form and presents its mating face separately from the reference PCB layout.
Claim scope: V146: Named drawing family and suffix table only. The drawing does not establish an installed port’s input/output role or HDMI feature set.
Source links: S606 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
DisplayPort provides a video interface with product-specific features and link rates.
Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only
Source links: S015 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
TE's cited standard DisplayPort receptacle is a 20-position connector example, supporting a 20-contact engineering count while leaving DisplayPort revision, lane rate and device features unresolved.
Claim scope: Connector-form contact count supported by one manufacturer example; protocol/version capability explicitly excluded.
Source links: S368 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
VESA describes DP80 for four-lane UHBR20 operation and says original DP40-certified cables are validated for the DP54 performance rating.
Claim scope: Cable-class observations; device lane/rate support and exact certification remain separate.
Source links: S520 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
VESA identifies DP++ support on the DisplayPort source as a prerequisite for passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI or DisplayPort-to-DVI signal adaptation. A DisplayPort-shaped output alone is not evidence that its source provides dual-mode signaling.
Claim scope: VESA Get Connected conversion footnote; source role / DP++ only; no specific display mode
Source links: S644 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
Molex specifies 472720001 as a DisplayPort receptacle, 20 loaded circuits and 2 row(s), with mating-interface pitch 1.00mm.
Claim scope: Exact Molex 472720001, female right-angle DisplayPort receptacle; manufacturer mating-interface/row fields only, not a universal family value.
Source links: S976 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
Mini DisplayPort shares its connector shape with Thunderbolt 1 and 2, but their functions are not identical.
Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only
Source links: S016 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
TE's cited Mini DisplayPort receptacle is a 20-position connector example; the same physical form can appear in contexts whose protocol capability must be established from the exact device rather than shape alone.
Claim scope: Mini DisplayPort connector-form contact count only; DisplayPort revision and Thunderbolt capability are not inferred.
Source links: S369 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter supports the documented Thunderbolt display path but excludes DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort displays such as Apple LED Cinema Display, despite similar connector shape.
Claim scope: Named Apple adapter and specified Thunderbolt Mac path only; not a statement about all Mini DisplayPort adapters.
Source links: S521 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
TE drawing C-2129320 D1 shows 2129320-3 as a reversed-offset Mini DisplayPort receptacle with four-row through-hole board termination; the mounting-side PCB layout is distinct from the mating face.
Claim scope: V146: Four-row refers to board termination, not four rows inside the opening. Source orientation only; no Thunderbolt capability or universal device up direction.
Source links: S609 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
An active DisplayPort-to-HDMI converter translates a DisplayPort source for an HDMI display; direction is product-specific.
Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only
Source links: S035 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
The DP2HD4KS manufacturer sheet identifies an active DisplayPort-input to HDMI-output adapter and lists both DP++ and non-DP++ sources in its host-compatibility scope.
Claim scope: DP2HD4KS only; supported direction and source class, not approval of any particular host or display.
Source links: S035 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
DP2HD4KS is specified for 3840 x 2160 at 30 Hz; its performance table lists no HDR support.
Claim scope: Exact DP2HD4KS model, not all active adapters. The broad claim that all 4K DP-to-HDMI conversion requires an active adapter is not adopted.
Source links: S035 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
The cited passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter class requires a DisplayPort dual-mode (DP++) source; the DP2HDMI2 manufacturer document states that requirement.
Claim scope: Manufacturer-documented passive DP++ adapter class; not every adapter, reverse conversion, universal resolution, audio support or device compatibility.
Source links: S846 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
DP2HD4KADAP is listed as passive, with a DisplayPort input and HDMI output; its source must support DP++ HDMI/DVI pass-through.
Claim scope: Exact DP2HD4KADAP; an unknown source feature remains unknown, not a compatibility result.
Source links: S634 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
The passive DP2HD4KADAP sheet lists 3840 x 2160 at 30 Hz and no HDR support.
Claim scope: Exact-model counterexample to a universal active-for-4K rule. No claim that all passive adapters or all DP++ sources support this mode.
Source links: S634 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
VESA limits passive DisplayPort to HDMI or DVI adapter operation to DisplayPort source devices with DP++ capability; equipment documentation must establish that feature.
Claim scope: General passive adapter prerequisite, not approval for any adapter part or video mode
Source links: S644 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
An HDMI-source to DisplayPort-display path needs a converter designed for that direction; example products use active conversion and auxiliary USB power.
Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only
Source links: S036 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
128-HDMI-DISPLAYPORT is explicitly one-way from an HDMI source to a DisplayPort display. Its attached USB-A lead is described for power, and the power table specifies 5 V DC.
Claim scope: Exact 128-HDMI-DISPLAYPORT. USB connector-type metadata does not establish a USB video-data transport; no generic power demand or charging function inferred.
Source links: S036 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
128-HDMI-DISPLAYPORT lists 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz; its notes require both source and display to support that resolution and refresh rate.
Claim scope: Exact-model stated mode, not independent measured performance, unrestricted HDR/color-mode support or a guarantee for a chain of converters.
Source links: S036 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
Plugable distinguishes one-way DisplayPort-source to HDMI-display cables from active HDMI-source to DisplayPort-display converters; a typical DP-to-HDMI cable is not a reversible HDMI-to-DP solution.
Claim scope: General converter direction classification; no exact-model compatibility verdict
Source links: S645 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)
Recorded evidence only. An inspection date, publisher label, source link or generated packet is not independent technical review, hardware testing, fabrication approval or a compatibility verdict.
