The initial versions of DisplayPort, 1.0 through 1.1a, were approved between May 2006 and January 2008. They provided a maximum bandwidth of 10.8 Gbit/s over a 4-lane main link, with cables up to 2 meters in length required for full bandwidth support.

DP version 1.1 allowed for alternative link layers, like fiber optic, enabling longer reach without signal degradation. Additionally, HDCP and DisplayPort Content Protection were included.