Reversible Type-C USB connector will now also transmit audio/video signals

By this point, you may have heard of the gloriously symmetrical “Type-C” USB that’s poised to eliminate the continual frustration caused by the standard A USB’s inability to fit. What if I were to tell you that the Type-C will now gain DisplayPort A/V function in addition to USB 3 data transfer? Meaning, a single cable will be able to deliver full audio/video on monitors with resolutions of 4K or greater while simultaneously leveraging 100 watts of power and USB 3.1 data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps. 

Why would anyone want to invest in a brand new set of cables? Easy; this set-up drastically reduces desk clutter by consolidating multiple cables onto a single unit. In some instances the set-up can eliminate big electric chargers all together; for example, linking a laptop to a monitor using a Type-C connector will grant full keyboard, mouse, and charging. Not to mention, that the standard is also compatible with existing DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA jacks once the appropriate adapter is used; fortunately, all adapters and converter cables will comply with the Type-C characteristics, including plug orientation and cable direction.

“The USB Type-C specification was developed to provide consumers with a robust connector for everything from mobile devices to PCs, and when combined with SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps and USB Power Delivery, it truly enables a single cable solution for the market,” said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF President and COO. “The USB-IF is also in the process of developing joint port identification guidelines. We’re working with VESA to ensure consumers can recognize when DisplayPort Alt Mode is supported on USB Type-C devices.”

VESA was able to implement the DisplayPort A/V function on account of the Alternate Mode functional extension characteristics of USB Type-C. The mode diverts some of the Type-C’s SuperSpeed lanes to deliver DisplayPort performance whereas other lanes are used for DisplayPort’s AUX channel and HPD (Hot Plug Detection) function. But more importantly, SuperSpeed USB data and DisplayPort data are structure in a similar packetized manner allowing the same electrical circuits to carry both signals.

Theoretically, the peripheral could eventually allow USB sockets to become a universal power source and replace the duplex socket in households.

Via VESA