About DVIAboutDVI What is DVI? DVI stands for (D)igital (V)ideo(I)nterface.
DVI is a popular form of video interfacetechnology made to maximize the quality of flat panel LCD monitors and modernvideo graphics cards. It was a replacement for the short-lived P&D Plug& Display standard, and a step up from the digital-only DFP format forolder flat panels. DVI cables are very pop ular with video card manufacturers,and most cards nowadays include one or two DVI output ports. In addition to being used as the standardcomputer interface, the DVI standard was, for a short while, the digitaltransfer method of choice for HDTVs and other high-end video displays for TV,movies, and DVDs. Likewise, even a few top-end DVD players have featured DVIoutputs in addition to the high-quality analog Component Video. The digitalmarket has now settled on the HDMI interface for high-definition mediadelivery, with DVI being more exclusive to the computer market. What are the DVI Formats? DVI-D cables are used for direct digitalconnections between source video (namely, video cards) and LCD monitors. Thisprovides a faster, higher-quality image than with analog, due to the nature ofthe digital format.All video cards initially produce a digital video signal,which is converted into analog at the VGA output. The analog signal travels tothe monitor and is re-converted to a digital signal. DVI-D eliminates theanalog conversion process and improves the connection between source anddisplay. DVI-D - True Digital Video DVI-D cables are used for direct digitalconnections between source video (namely, video cards) and LCD monitors. Thisprovides a faster, higher-quality image than with analog, due to the nature ofthe digital format.All video cards initially produce a digital video signal,which is converted into analog at the VGA output. The analog signal travels tothe monitor and is re-converted to a digital signal. DVI-D eliminates theanalog conversion process and improves the connection between source anddisplay. DVI-A - High-Res Analog If you are connecting a DVI computer to aVGA monitor, this is the cable you want. DVI-A are used to carry a DVI signalto an analog display, such as a CRT monitor or budget LCD. The most common useof DVI-A is connecting to a VGA device, since DVI-A and VGAcarry the samesignal. There is some quality loss involved in the digital to analogconversion, which is why a digital signal is recommended whenever possible. DVI-I - The Best of Both Worlds DVI-I cables are integrated cables whichare capable of transmitting either a digital-to-digital signal or ananalog-to-analog signal. This makes it a more versatile cable, being usable ineither digital or analog situations. Like any other format, DVI digital andanalog formats are non-interchangeable. This means that a DVI-D cable will notwork on an analog system, nor a DVI-A on a digital system. To connect an analogsource to a digital display, you'll need a VGA to DVI-D electronic converter.To connect a digital output to an analog monitor, you'll need to use a DVI-D toVGA converter. What are single and dual links? The Digital formats are available in DVI-DSingle-Link and Dual-Link as well as DVI-I Single-Link and Dual-Link formatconnectors. These DVI cables send information using a digital informationformat called TMDS (transition minimized differential signaling). Single linkcables use one TMDS 165Mhz transmitter, while dual links use two. The dual linkDVI pins effectively double the power of transmission and provide an increase ofspeed and signal quality;i.e. a DVI single link 60-Hz LCD can display aresolution of 1920 x 1200, while a DVI dual link can display a resolution of2560 x 1600. Are Single-Link and Dual-Link DVI cables compatible? In most cases, a Dual-Link cable can beused in place of a Single-Link cable, but not the other way around. The samegoes for DVI-I cables in place of DVI-D cables. When using a Dual-Link cable forSingle-Link applications, or a DVI-I cable in place of DVI-D, the limitingfactor will be the number of pins available on the female connector.
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