Display adaptors, also known as display connectors or video adapters, are hardware devices or cables used to connect different types of displays to a computer or other multimedia devices. They are essential for ensuring compatibility between various display interfaces, allowing users to connect monitors, projectors, or other output devices to image generators.

Using high-quality adaptors, all of the same brand and model, is crucial for getting a synchronized, tearing-free and NVIDIA Mosaic compatible output

The most common type of display adaptor for use in media server and simulation environment is the DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor. Let’s break down the role and purpose of this particular adaptor:

1. Compatibility between DisplayPort and HDMI:
   DisplayPort and HDMI are two distinct display interfaces commonly found on modern computers and display devices. DisplayPort is more prevalent in PC hardware, while HDMI is widely used in consumer electronics like TVs and projectors.
2. Signal Conversion:
   DisplayPort and HDMI use different signal formats, so a direct connection between the two ports without any conversion would not work. The DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor serves as a signal converter, translating the digital video and audio signals from the DisplayPort output to a format compatible with HDMI input.
3. Support for Audio and Video:
   DisplayPort to HDMI adaptors typically support both video and audio signals.
4. Resolution and Refresh Rate Support:
   Current DisplayPort and HDMI versions support high resolutions and refresh rates. The adaptor should be designed to handle the resolutions and refresh rates supported by your specific devices. Especially when using resolutions beyond “standard UHD resolutions” (greater than 3840 x 2160@60Hz), many off-the-shelf adaptors fail to handle such resolutions properly.
5. One-Way Direction:
   DisplayPort to HDMI adaptors are unidirectional, meaning they can only convert signals from DisplayPort output to HDMI input. They cannot be used in reverse to convert HDMI output to DisplayPort input.
6. Compatibiliy to NVIDI Mosaic:
   One of the most persistent issues when using NVIDIA Mosaic are when using improper display adaptors. Whenever NVIDIA Mosaic is to be used, you have to ensure using adaptors from the same brand and model. Mixing adaptor types leads to failure messages like “cannot apply Mosaic due to a firmware related issue”.
7. Quality of adaptors:
   Make sure that the adaptors are specified for the designated resolution and refresh rate and color depth. Especially resolutions beyond standard TV signals like 16:10 formats, refresh rates beyond 60Hz and resolutions beyond 3840 x 2160 often overstrain non-quality adaptors.

In summary, DisplayPort to HDMI adaptors serve the purpose of bridging the gap between the DisplayPort output of a computer or graphics card and the HDMI input of an external display. They provide signal conversion, audio-video support, and enable users to connect their devices to a broader range of displays with different interfaces.