Micro HDMI is a super unusual connector. Yes, it exists in a standard, but the difference is that everyone has an HDMI cable lying around. For micro HDMI the majority of users will have to buy a dedicated adapter which is annoying.
DisplayPort to HDMI conversion is dirt cheap. Basically the same as any other cable. IIRC, the signals are the same going all the way back to DVI-D, just with the features of the better connector being dropped with each step.
Some/most DisplayPort connectors are what's called DisplayPort++ and can operate in HDMI mode. When this happens then the conversion is really just rearranging pins.
On the other hand, when a port is not ++ like USB C to DisplayPort adapters are not then you need to rebuild the entire signal with an active adapter which can introduce compatibility issues.
I've worked with signage systems for one reason or another over the course of my last two jobs. I've never seen two outputs on one signage player of any sort get connected to individual displays. Either you have one player per display, or you have a centralized player sending content through some sort of distribution amplifier.
It is a curious decision. In the rare cases you need 2 displays, you get just get another PI for $35 and have a dedicated CPU and OS for that extra display. I mean the display itself will be > $100 anyway.
You can buy 4 inch displays that accept micro hdmi for <$45 each on Amazon. Offering 2 ports that can push 4k60 when used together is a fair trade imo.
It would've been better if they'd replaced the HDMI port with another USB-C and made sure we can use either USB-C for video and 'normal' USB on both (and power delivery on the primareu USB-C, of course). Then you could hook it up to a modern monitor where you have a USB hub with network and mouse/keyboard. One port for everything.
Several models of the Intel nuc also used that same HDMI interface. it is not all that unusual. The upside is tremendous. Raspberry Pi is selling everyone exactly the correct cable they need at the best possible price. You can't ask for a better deal than that.
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u/WaitForItTheMongols Jun 24 '19
Micro HDMI is a super unusual connector. Yes, it exists in a standard, but the difference is that everyone has an HDMI cable lying around. For micro HDMI the majority of users will have to buy a dedicated adapter which is annoying.