Digital Video Interface (DVI)
An interface specification implemented by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). This specification provides a connector that can carry both digital and analog video signals. There are three subtypes of such interfaces: DVI-D – for digital signals, DVI-A – for analog, DVI-I – for digital and analog signals. DVI-outs are now equipped with computer graphics adapters and HDTV receivers. Most modern HDTV-compatible devices have DVI (Digital Video Interface) inputs.
Types of Digital Video Interface
There are two more types of DVI interface: DVI-D and DVI-I. The difference between them lies in the fact that in order to ensure wider compatibility of equipment of different generations in the DVI connector. In addition to the three rows of “digital” contacts, analog ones can also be provided. To which a conventional analog RGBHV signal is supplied (the same as VGA, in Fig. 1 – pins C1 – C5). Thus, a variant of the DVI interface, including analog and digital parts, is called DVI-I (Integrated), i.e. combined. Thus, in total, you can find 4 types of interfaces.
- DVI-I Dual Link (digital + analog, up to 2048 x 1536)
- DVI-I Single Link (digital + analog, up to 1920 x 1200)
- Digital Video Interface or DVI-D Dual Link (digital, up to 2048 x 1536)
- DVI-D Single Link (digital, up to 1920 x 1200)
HDMI vs DVI
- The HDMI cable transmits the image only in digital form, regardless of the type of connector. And DVI has varieties of ports that support both digital signal transmission, and analog, or only analog/digital.
- DVI is able to support multiple streams. This allows you to connect multiple monitors to your computer at once. While HDMI works correctly with only one monitor.
- HDMI technology is capable of broadcasting sound without connecting any additional headsets, while DVI is not capable of this, which sometimes causes significant inconvenience.
