Addressing Video Issues at the Source: Cable Quality, Compatibility, and Standards Compliance
In response to ongoing customer feedback and evolving display technology requirements, ConnectPRO will begin including VESA certified DisplayPort 2.1 cables with its line of DisplayPort KVM switches when the customer selects cables kit to go with the DisplayPort KVM switch. This decision reflects a strategic commitment to delivering the best possible video performance, reliability, and long-term compatibility for professional users in demanding environments.
Why the Change Matters
For years, IT professionals, video engineers, gamers, and workers have faced a recurring set of video problems when using KVM switches—such as flickering displays, signal dropouts, black screens at high resolutions, and intermittent artifacts. While it’s often easy to assume the issue is with the KVM hardware itself, ConnectPRO’s technical investigations and extensive customer support data clearly show that most of these video problems originate from the cables used, not the KVM switches.
Three Key Cable-Related Problem Areas
1. Cable Quality
Not all DisplayPort cables are manufactured to the same standards of quality and signal integrity. Lower-grade components, inferior shielding, poor connectors, and substandard wiring can all degrade the video signal, especially as resolutions and refresh rates increase. These defects become even more evident in a KVM environment where signals must pass through multiple connectors and active switching electronics.
2. Cable Compatibility
DisplayPort’s high-bandwidth features—such as 4K or 5k at high refresh rates, HDR, and adaptive sync technologies—require consistent electrical performance. Many third-party cables claim to support these features but fail to reliably do so across many devices and configurations. As a result, users experience instability when switching between systems or when pushing display performance to the limit.
3. Lack of Proper Standards Compliance
Perhaps the most critical issue is that many cables on the market don’t truly meet the DisplayPort standards established by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association). Even if a cable is marketed as “DisplayPort 2.1 compatible,” if it isn’t officially certified under VESA’s rigorous testing process, there’s no guarantee it will handle the full bandwidth and signaling requirements of the specification. This leads to real-world problems like dropped frames, video flickering, and signal loss—issues that are particularly disruptive in professional and mission-critical settings.
What VESA Certification Means
VESA certification goes beyond marketing claims; it’s a structured validation that a cable meets the electrical, mechanical, and performance requirements defined in the DisplayPort 2.1 specification. A VESA-certified cable has passed tests for:
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Bandwidth support and signal integrity
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Connector fit and durability
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Compatibility with multiple display modes
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Robust performance at higher resolutions and refresh rates
By using VESA-certified DisplayPort cables, ConnectPRO ensures that every component in the video signal chain is engineered and verified to deliver the performance customers expect.
Why ConnectPRO Is Taking This Step
After years of supporting customers through setup challenges and technical troubleshooting, ConnectPRO identified a consistent pattern: the root cause of the majority of video issues while using ConnectPRO DisplayPort KVM switches was cable-related. These issues occur even when the KVM hardware itself is functioning correctly.
Rather than placing the burden of cable selection on the end user—often resulting in mismatched and underperforming components—ConnectPRO has made the decision to standardize on VESA-certified DisplayPort 2.1 cables across all current DisplayPort KVM switches.
This change delivers immediate benefits:
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Reliable Video Performance: Users can trust the cables will handle high resolutions, fast refresh rates, and advanced display features without compromise.
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Reduced Support Overhead: By eliminating a major source of performance problems, customers spend less time troubleshooting and more time working.
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Future-Ready Installations: VESA-certified DisplayPort 2.1 cables support the latest display technologies and are ready for tomorrow’s advancements in visual computing.
Real-World Impact for Users
Whether in a creative studio, control room, enterprise data center, or home professional setup, consistent video performance is essential. By including VESA-certified DisplayPort 2.1 cables with every DisplayPort KVM switch, ConnectPRO is ensuring that:
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Users get maximum video performance
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High-resolution displays function without flicker or dropout
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KVM setups are plug-and-play with minimal compatibility surprises
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System integrators and IT teams have predictable, repeatable success
Conclusion
ConnectPRO’s decision to bundle VESA-certified DisplayPort 2.1 cables with its DisplayPort KVM switches represents a thoughtful response to real technical challenges faced by users worldwide. By addressing the often-overlooked—but critical—role of cable quality, compatibility, and standards compliance, ConnectPRO is enhancing the reliability, performance, and satisfaction of its customers.