DVI

The acronym stands to Digital Visual Interface, DVI is an image screen interface. It was designed to become an international standard used for the transmission of videos in digital format to displays in resolutions of up to 2560 and 1600 pixels. The most common devices that use the DVI connection include monitors for computers as well as projection devices. DVI is also compatible on some televisions however HDMI is more widespread since only a few DVI cables are capable of transmitting audio signals. This connector (shown below) could be identified by one of three names, based on the type of signal it is able to support: DVI-A (analog only), DVI-D (digital only) as well as DVI-I (both digital and analog).

Cable

The maximum length that is recommended for the DVI cable isn't included in the specifications because it is dependent on the pixel clock's frequency. Most displays that have a maximum cables that is 4.5 meters (15 feet) are able to display resolutions that can be as high as 1920 1200 pixels.

The resolution of a monitor with the longest length of cable at 15 meters (49 feet) could be 1280 x 1024 or less. To get the longest length, it's suggested to make use of the DVI booster (a signal repeater that could utilize an external power source) to reduce the signal quality.

Connector

The DVI connector in the device comes with three different names, based upon the type of signal that it transmits:

  • DVI-I (integrated connects analog and digital in the same connector. Digital can be a dual or single link)
  • DVI-D (digital only, single link, or dual link)
  • DVI-A (Analog only)

The majority of DVI connectors (except DVI-A) include pins that are able to transmit digital signal signals. There are two types of DVI connectors that are single link or double link. Single-link DVI makes use of one transmitter with 165 MHz and supports resolutions as high as 1600 x 1200 in 60-Hz.

Dual-link DVI includes six pins in the middle of the connector to serve as the second transmitter. This enhances bandwidth and allows resolutions as high as 2560 x 1600 pixels at 60 Hz. Connectors with these additional pins are commonly referred to as DVI-DL (dual link).

Dual link is not to be confused with dual display (also called dual head) This is a setup that is often used with one computer that is connected to two monitors. DMS-59 is designed for the use of two separate DVI connections.

In the same way as digital, some DVI connectors also have pins to transfer analog signals. They are utilized to connect the analog display. These pins for analog are four pins around the flat blade of the DVI connector, either DVI-I or DVI A.

For instance for example, an example is that a VGA monitor could connect to an audio source using DVI-I via an adapter that is passive. Since these analog connectors are connected to VGA signaling the adapters are easy to make and cost-effective offering a low-cost solution to support VGA for DVI.

The pins with flat, long lengths that connect to the DVI connector are larger than the pins on the DVI connector, which means that even if you remove those four pins that are analog you are unable to connect the male connector of the DVI-I to the female head of the DVI-D. But, you can connect the male connector of the DVI-D to the female connector on the DVI-I male connector.

DVI is the only reputable video standard that incorporates digital and analog transmissions in the same connection. The competing standards are all digital standards. They are based on the low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) that is known by its exclusive name FPD-Link (flat-panel display) and FLATLINK as well as its successors which are LVDS Display Interface (LDI) and OpenID.

Certain DVD players HDTV televisions as well as video projectors feature DVI connectors that utilize high-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) protocols to send encrypted signals to ensure copy protection. The computer is able to be connected to an HDTV via DVI however, the graphics card needs to be compatible with HDCP to play the content that is protected by digital right management (DRM).

DVI as well VGA?

If the monitor you are using as well as GPU can work with both DVI as well as VGA We suggest using an DVI cable. If you use DVI (digital) it is possible to ensure that the image quality will at least the same as VGA (analog) and maybe even higher.

Does DVI require drivers or software?

No. If your device supports DVI there is no other applications and drivers are required to be installed. But, remember that computers video card will require drivers and is among the most up-to-date hardware devices on your computer.

The pressure is on to turn displays into digital, no matter if they're older CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes) or LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) --because digital monitors offer high-quality images and more bandwidth for transfer.

Three primary kinds of DVI's

There are three primary kinds of interfaces for digital videos: P&D, DFP, and DVI. P&D (Plug & Display, also called EVC) is the first of these technologies, can support both analogue and digital RGB connections. It is currently mostly used on projectors. DFP ( Digital Flat Panel port) was the very first connector that was digital-only on display and graphics cards. it's now being removed from the market.

There are a variety of connectors available: DVI-D the DVI-I connector, DVI-A, DVI-I as well as EVC.

  • DVI-D is a solely digital connector that connects the digital display source as well as monitors. DVI-D does away with analog conversion and enhances display. It is possible to use it for both connections that are DVI-D.
  • The DVI-A (analog) is utilized to transfer the DVI signal from an electronic device into another analog VGA device, like an LCD. If both or one connected to your system are DVI-A make use of this cable. If one of your connections can be described as DVI while the second VGA HD15, you need an adapter or cable with both connectors.
  • DVI-I (integrated) allows both analog and digital RGB connections. It is capable of transmitting either digital-to-digital signal or an analog-to-analog signal. It is utilized by a few manufacturers in their products, instead of separate digital and analog connectors. In the event that both are DVI-I you can choose every DVI cable, however, it is suggested to use a DVI-I.
  • DFP (Digital Flat Panel) was an early connector with a digital interface that was utilized on a few displays.
  • EVC (also called P&D which stands for the acronym Plug & Display) is an older connector, which handles both analog and digital connections.

TMDS

All of these standards are built on the principle of transition-minimized differential signaling (TMDS). In the typical digital signal with a single line it is a case of voltage being raised to a very high level, and then reduced to a lower level to produce the necessary transitions to transmit information. TMDS utilizes a pair of signal wires to minimize the number of steps required to transfer information. When one wire is in high-voltage and the other one goes to the low voltage state. This balance improves the data transfer speed and increases the accuracy.