DisplayPort Logo Usage FAQ

During the May 2011 PlugTest, VESA announced a policy change regarding the use of the DisplayPort icons and certified logo.

These logo policy changes are designed to provide assurance to the global consumer base that products marked with the DisplayPort and DisplayPort ++ logos have been tested, and will perform as advertised.

Download these presentations for more information:

VESA and New Logo Policies Nov. 2011

DP Logo Self-Test Nov. 2011

Beginning in May 2012, the DisplayPort logo policy will undergo the following changes:

•The DisplayPort Certified logo will be discontinued, and no longer issued.

•The DisplayPort and DisplayPort ++ logos will only be available to VESA members. Non-VESA members will no longer be able to use either logo.

•All products will be required to go through compliance testing before DisplayPort or DisplayPort ++ logo use will be permitted. Self-testing will be allowed.

We have developed the following FAQ to help answer questions. If your question is not covered, please contact moderator@vesa.org.

When does the DisplayPort logo usage policy change take effect?

A: The above policy changes will take effect in May 2012. Until this time, the old logo policy will remain in effect.

What if my product is marked with the DisplayPort logo prior to the policy taking effect, can I still use it? If so, for how long?

A: You will have until May 2012 to transition your use of the icons and logo from the old policy. It will be possible to receive a short-term waiver in certain instances.

Why require membership for logo use?

A: Requiring VESA membership to use the DisplayPort logos assures that OEMs are leveraging the latest specification, which provides a consistent experience for consumers, and encourages PlugTest attendance and participation.

Additionally, the membership requirement helps to further VESA’s mission. A growing and active membership helps to support VESA technical development, enablement and promotional infrastructure. All of this leads to VESA remaining a driving force in the technology industry.

How does the VESA logo policy change compare to the logo usage policies of other industry alliances?

A: The policy change puts VESA’s DisplayPort logo usage policy on equal footing with other technology industry alliances.

How do member companies prove compliance and secure usage of the logo?

A: Once compliance testing has been completed, and a product has passed, a report providing the successful test results and demonstrating that the proper methodology was followed, should be provided to VESA. After approval is given, logo usage will be permitted. If VESA’s test requirements do not address a specific use case or component, a waiver can be requested.

What component types must adhere to the new logo policy?

A: All DisplayPort system component types will be subject to the new logo policy, including the following:

• Sources

• Sinks

• Passive Cables

• Active Cables

• Cable Adapters

• Branch Devices

• Certified Test Hardware

Where can I get my products tested?

A: Compliance testing can be performed by the OEM, a third party testing house, or another vendor. For VESA members who have their own testing environment, a self-test option is be available or all product types, however, the same requirements surrounding submission of successful test results and a methodology explanation to VESA will be required before logo usage will be permitted.

Which Task Group in VESA will be responsible for the launch and implementation of this policy change?

A: VESA has formed a new Logo Transition Subgroup under the current DisplayPort Task Group to drive the development of procedures and launch of this new program. The PHY and Link Sub-Task Groups will continue with their individual charters and activities.

Where can I find the documents that discuss the changes?

A: All of the documents are in the DisplayPort Logo Requirements folder in the VESA WorkZone. You must be a member to access the documents.

What is VESA’s DisplayPort™ Compliance Program?

A:  The Compliance Program coordinates the activites of VESA members, Authorized Test Centers and test equipment vendors to provide certification testing for DisplayPort (DP) devices.

Why should I get my DP device certified?

A:  Certified devices provide a higher degree of confidence for interoperability than those that are not certified.  VESA markets a “Look for the Logo” campaign to promote awareness of the benefits to consumers and others of certified devices.  Certified devices are highlighted on www.displayport.org and can bear the certified marks from VESA to help consumers identify them.

What is the current status of certification testing?

A:  As of January 30, 2012, all devices can be tested for certification at an Authorized Test Center (ATC) or the VESA member can self-test their device.

Who are the ATCs?

A:  Allion Test Labs, China Electronics Standards Institute, Electronics Testing Center, Granite River Labs  and Telecommunications Technology Association.  See http://www.vesa.org/displayport-developer/compliance/ for details.

What are the test requirements?

A:  The “Logo Test Requirements Specification” describes all of the tests a device must pass in order to be certified.  The requirements are different for each device type.  In general, active devices must pass a PHY, Link Layer, Interoperability and EDID test.  Cables require only PHY testing.

There are different versions of Compliance Test Specifications, which one is required?

A:  PHY CTS 1.1 and Link CTS 1.1a are the current requirements.  VESA will soon adopt PHY 1.2a (not released) and Link 1.2 Core for certification.

I have a device that meets the requirements of PHY 1.2 and Link 1.2 Core.  Can I certify it as a “1.2” device now?

A:  Test equipment for 1.2 is not fully approved.  If you want to “certify to 1.2” or your device supports features that do not have approved test equipment, such as HBR2 or Multistream, and you want to get certified now, you can work with an ATC.  The ATC can develop a test plan to show that your implementation meets requirements by using alternate test methods.

If I get my device certified to 1.1 requirements, will I have to re-test it when VESA switches to 1.2?

A:  No.  Once a device is certified, it does not have to be retested.

If I get my device tested to 1.2 requirements, how do I denote that?  The logo does not have any version number.

A:  You are correct, the logo is the same regardless the spec. version the product has been certified to.  The VESA marketing group is developing guidelines for product labeling to differentiate features.

I can do some of the self-test but not all.  Can I get a third party, such as a silicon supplier or ODM to do some of the testing?

A:  Yes, there is no restriction on who performs the testing.  The member should submit a complete set of test reports and note in each report who did the testing.  Use of approved test equipment and adherence to established procedures is required.

How will VESA know if the testing was done correctly, or at all?

A:  By submitting a test report, you agree to allow VESA, at their option, to audit your results by testing or having the device retested.  You will be billed for any expense incurred.

How do I submit test reports?

A:  The process is documented in “Logo Test Requirements Specification”.  Test reports are submitted to dpcpm@vtm-inc.com.

How long does it take to get test reports approved?

A:  Reports are approved in 5 working days or less.

I cannot get all of the devices that I need from the “Standard Devices” list.  What should I do?

A:  You can substitute other devices if the standard devices are not available.  Submit a waiver request that describes what device(s) you used, along with the test report.

How can I perform EDID tests on a source device?  There does not appear to be any automated routine.

A:  The EDID tests for sources can be done manually.  Contact your Link Layer test equipment vendor for more information.

Logo Transition Next Step Scenarios For Companies With Current Logo Licenses

I have a license for the DP Icon and I am not a VESA member.

A: Certify your product using an ATC or Self-test option before May 1, 2012.

Become a VESA member before May 1, 2012.

Sign the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

I have a license for the DP++ Icon and I am not a VESA member.

A: Certify your product using an ATC or Self-test option before May 1, 2012.

Become a VESA member before May 1, 2012.

Sign the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

I have a license for the DP Certified Logo and I am not a member.

A: Sign the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

Become a VESA member before May 1, 2012.

You are not required to retest your product.

Remove the DP Certified Logo from all products and packaging and replace it with the new certified logo as outlined in the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

I have a license for the DP Icon and I am a VESA member.

A: Certify your product using an ATC or Self-test option before May 1, 2012.

Sign the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

Maintain your VESA membership.

I have a license for the DP++ Icon and I am a VESA member.

A: Certify your product using an ATC or Self-test option before May 1, 2012.

Sign the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

Maintain your VESA membership.

I have a license for the DP Certified Logo and I am a member.

A: Sign the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

You are not required to retest your product.

Remove the DP Certified Logo from all products and packaging and replace it with the new certified logo as outlined in the new Trademark License Agreement before May 1, 2012.

Maintain your VESA membership.