The new DisplayPort specification enables 16K video transmission via USB-C

DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 is a new standard by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) that allows USB 4 to provide everything that is included in the DisplayPort 2.0 standard as well as USB data transfer.

According to TheVerge , that means supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 with an 8K display at 60 Hz with HDR, 4K at 144 Hz with HDR or even 16K (15,360 x 8,460) at 60 Hz when compressed. This is a big step forward for USB-C to become a true video transfer connector.

Currently, USB 4 specifications are already able to transmit DisplayPort data, but the new standard will take advantage of USB-C's high-speed data pins to unlock additional bandwidth for video. USB 4 is bidirectional, meaning it can carry up to 40 Gbps of data in both directions. But videos don't need to go both ways when users only really need data to stream from a laptop to the screen. Alt Mode 2.0 means all of that bandwidth can be used to send only one-way video, where users get maximum raw bandwidth up to 80 Gbps.

Alt Mode 2.0 also has other advantages. For example, users don't need a USB 4 controller at either end of the cable when the DisplayPort cable is still able to work at the end.

VESA says it expects the first DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 devices to start shipping next year. However, as always with USB, users will have to pay attention to certificates and small printouts of devices and cables to ensure they support all the new features.