DVI Overview
A DVI (Digital Video Interface) connection sends video signal digitally in an uncompressed format from a transmitter (e.g. a DVD player) to a receiver (e.g. a TV).
Types of DVI
A DVI-D cable can carry only a digital connection. DVI-I cables are more versatile, and carry both types of signals.
Why should I use DVI or other types of digital connectivity?
Today, most new displays (monitors, flat panels, projectors, etc.) and many source devices (DVD players, cable and satellite cable set-top boxes, game stations, and PCs) offer digital connections for superior image quality. The new technology behind these connectors allows for direct digital connections between your source and your display leaving you with pixel-for-pixel accurate images on your display. Inside your computer the video information is processed digitally and sent to the display. The display also processes the information digitally. If a VGA or other analog-type cable is used to connect these two devices, then the digital signal must be converted to analog to pass over the cable and converted back up to digital to be shown on the display. Hence, bypassing this conversion creates noise-free images with perfect color and timing accuracy.
Do I need Single or Dual Link Cables?
The term “Single-Link” refers to the fact that the DVI connection supports one set of digital RGB signals, plus a clock signal (4 signals). “Dual-Link” means that there are two sets of digital RGB signals, plus a clock signal (7 signals). In most implementations, Single-Link DVI supports pixel rates up to 165 MHz with RGB bit rates up to 1.65 Gbit/sec. Dual-Link supports the same clock rates, but since there are two sets of digital RGB signals the effective bit rate can be as high as 3.30 Gbit/sec. Today, most DVI enabled products have Single-Link DVI ports. Generally speaking, PC resolutions less than 2048x1200 pixels, as well as most HDTV systems (including 1080p) use Single-Link DVI connections. PC resolutions such as 2048x1536 (QXGA) and 2560 x 1600 (some 30” LCD monitors) usually require Dual-Link DVI connections. Important: You can use a Dual-Link DVI cable for a Single-Link DVI signal, BUT not the other way around.
What is the difference between DVI-I and DVI-D?
DVI-D is a connection standard that supports digital-only signal transmission. DVI-I is similar with the addition of several extra pins to support analog signals in addition to the digital signals normally offered with DVI-D. We offer a convenient variety of DVI Adapters that break-out the analog and digital components of a DVI-I signal connection.
However, DVI-I allows for digital or analog signals to pass over this cable/connector. You could have a VGA connector on one end of a cable and a DVI-I connector on the other and transmit an analog signal to the display. You could also have a DVI-I or DVI-D connector on one end and transmit a digital signal. The DVI-D male connector will connect/transmit with a DVI-I female. The DVI-D female connector will not connect/transmit with the DVI-I male. Contact us if you have further questions about these connectors. Important: You can insert a Male DVI-D connector into a Female DVI-I connection, BUT not the other way around. For this reason, most DVI female connectors are 29-pin DVI-I types.
