Does it make any difference (quality-wise and input-delay-wise) if I use a DisplayPort to HDMI cable directly or a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, followed by a regular HDMI cable?
Does it make any difference (quality-wise and input-delay-wise) if I use a DisplayPort to HDMI cable directly or a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, followed by a regular HDMI cable?
Yes and no.
At the frequencies that HDMI operates, the path a signal takes can interfere with that signal. It’s why sometimes a cheap HDMI cable causes issues, where one certified for 4K or 8K doesn’t - the requirements to carry more information, means higher frequencies and thus better shielding.
A connector is a potential location where signal can be affected if the connection between two conductors is poor.
In general, less connectors and less joins will give you a higher chance of success and less chance of interference, but it depends entirely on what type of distance and signal you’re trying to send across it.
In general, the shorter the connection, the less loss.
It might be that a single longer cable is worse than a connector and a short cable.
If you already have a connector and a HDMI cable, try it. If you have issues, start by reversing the HDMI cable. It won’t make the electrons reverse or anything like that, but the connection might be slightly different.
If you have neither, I’d get a cable without a join. Buy from people who take returns.
Budget will be the determining factor for most people.
TL;DR; try it.