DVI Connectors

DVI (Digital Video Interface) connectors are an interface that has been designed to maximize the quality of flat-panel LCD monitors and video graphics cards.

Types of DVI connectors

There are variations of DVI connectors available such as;

• DVI-D (DVI-digital) - DVI-D connectors can only be used with monitors that accept digital signals such as LCD monitors.
• DVI-I (DVI-integrated). These connectors have more pins and can transmit both analogue and digital signals.
• DVI-A (DVI-analog) – This type of connector can only carry analog signals identical to VGA signals.

Where are DVI connectors used?

DVI connectors are commonly used in computers, LCD monitors, projectors, television sets, DVD players and other digital display equipment. Some high definition televisions and projectors can transmit an encrypted signal using HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) protocols that are used for copy protection purposes. HDCP supported graphics cards can allow connection to HDTV that has an available HDMI port to a computer using DVI. This can be achieved through the use of a DVI to HDMI adapter.

DVI-A connectors can be used to connect cables to digital displays and older analogue displays such as CRT monitors. The connector can be used as a VGA port when used with a DVI-I to VGA converter and with a DVI-D or DV-A monitor. These connectors can only be used with monitors that accept analog signals such as a VGA monitor with an adapter, a DVD-I monitor or a DVI-A monitor.

Both the DVI-D and DVI-I connectors are available with a Single-Link or Dual-Link Configuration. Single Link connectors (DVI-D Single Link and DVI-I Single link) use one 165 MHz transmitter that supports resolutions of up to 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz. Dual Link connectors (DVI-D Dual Link/DVI-DL and DVI-I Dual Link) have 6 extra pins for a second transmitter. This extra transmitter increases the bandwidth and supports resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz.