DVI-connector is used in modern televisions (plasma, liquid crystal), LCD-monitors and video cards of personal computers. The name "DVI" comes from the English abbreviation Digital VisualInterface, which translates as "digital video interface." The DVI connector was developed and first introduced back in 1999 by Digital Display Working Group. It includes world-wide giants in the production of computer equipment and monitors, such as Intel, Compaq, Fujitsu, Silicon Image, Hewlett Packard and NEC. The DVI connector replaced the VGA interface and today it has almost completely replaced it.
Description of DVI technology
The information transfer method used in this interface was developed by Silicon Image. It belongs to the type of devices with serial data transmission. DVI cable is built on the principle of twisted pair. Three pairs of wires transmit colors (red, green and blue), and the fourth - clock signals. DVI-connector allows you to transmit both analog and digital signals. There are three subtypes of the interface in question:
- DVI-A - used to transmit exclusively analog signals ;
- DVI-I - a universal connector, used to transmit both analog and digital signals;
- DVI-D - for the transmission of digital signals only.
In addition, DVI technology is equipped with a special digital data protection system HDCP, which was developed by Intel.
Disadvantages of the DVI Interface
The main disadvantage of transmitting information through this connector is the limitation of cable length, as well as the dependence of the mentioned parameter on the type of transmitted signal. For example, an image with an extension of 1920 × 1200 pixels with a frequency of 60 Hz can be transmitted over a cable whose length is 5 meters, and a signal can be transmitted over a fifteen-meter cable, the maximum quality of which will be only 1280 × 1024 pixels at the same frequency. Therefore, if you need to use long cables, you have to use additional equipment - special signal amplifiers (repeaters), which are placed over certain distances. The indicated disadvantage is associated with the appearance of dots on the monitor when using a low-quality cable. To eliminate this effect, you must either change the cord or lower the quality of the input signal.
DVI-HDMI Connector
This digital jack is used to transmit HDTV signals. This interface is designed to connect TVs to various signal sources. A feature of this connector is that through it you can transmit not only a video signal, but also digital sound. It allows you to broadcast 8 audio channels with a resolution of 24 bits. There are various specifications for this interface, as well as adapters, thanks to which you can connect different types of connectors. Also, an HDMI connector can be used to connect a personal computer and a TV. It should be remembered that the HDMI-DVI interface supports a special protocol designed to protect licensed content from unauthorized overwriting.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that DVI technology has almost completely replaced VGA interfaces, today this type is widely used on older PCs. If your video card does not have a DVI connector, but you need to connect a monitor that supports this technology, then you can use a special adapter - a DVI-VGA connector.