DVI

DVI (Digital Video Interface) is a specification created by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) to accommodate analog and digital monitors with a single connector. DVI is the only digital interface with enough bandwidth to accommodate uncompressed high-definition digital video. Lower bandwidth alternatives must first compress the video before transferring it to a digital display, which requires additional components-including an MPEG decoder in the TV. Since manufacturers will not have to spend the money to put an MPEG decoder in TV's - this alone almost guarantees that DVI will become the standard for digital video (DV).

There are three different DVI configurations: DVI-A, designed for analog signals, DVI-D, designed for digital signals, and DVI-I (integrated), designed for both analog and digital signals.

Using a DVI connector and port, a digital signal that is sent to an analog monitor is converted into an analog signal. If the monitor is a digital monitor, such as a flat panel display, no conversion is necessary. Many monitors now include a DVI connection and many video adapters include a DVI port along with, or instead of, the traditional 15-pin Video Graphics Array (VGA) port. 

Some manufacturers refer to this connector as a "D-Sub 15" connector which may or may not be a true DVI connector. Make sure you check to be sure that the monitor or TV have DVI.

High Bandwith Digital Content Protection System (HDCP)

If you are purchasing an DTV or HDTV monitor, you should be aware that another standard will require a DVI connector on your TV. HDCP is a specification developed by Intel Corporation to protect digital entertainment content across the DVI interface. The HDCP specification provides a transparent method for transmitting and receiving digital entertainment content to DVI-compliant digital displays. More on HDCP

Certain products, such as D-VHS recorders, DVD burners and Set-top boxes, will require this connector to use. Even if you have a DTV/HDTV set-top box, if it lacks the DVI, your signal will be degraded. Some manfucturers put Firewire connectors on their products. Firewire is not the same thing and it appears that HDCP will be the copyright protection standards and will be a component of DVI - not Firewire.

If you would like to see which Home Theater manufacturers are implementing DVI in their products, go to http://www.ddwg.org and select the "Products" link.

 

  DVI-D Connector (Digital Only)
  DVI-I Connector (Digital and Analog)
Dual Link DVI Supports 2x165 MHz (2048x1536 at 60 Hz, 1920x1080 at 85 Hz). A dual link implementation utilizes all 24 of the available pins.
Single Link DVI Supports a maximum bandwidth of 165 MHz (1920x1080 at 60 Hz, 1280x1024 at 85Hz). A single link implementation utilizes 12 of the 24 available pins.

 

Products that support the Digital Display Working Group's standards may display one or both of these logos.


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