DVI Cables: The Lowdown on DVI-D

DVI-D cables are the purest form of DVI cables period. These cables are the ones that truly use digital video completely. These cables are intended for connections that are directly digital. These connections occur between the graphics card and your video terminal.

As a result digital video has a better moving and better looking image than something analog puts out. The makeup of the digital format is responsible for this. In fact to mention an interesting thing is that all graphics cards create a digital video signal initially.

When a VGA graphics card or monitor is involved in this process the signal is reverted back to an analog signal with a VGA output. From there the converted signal travels back to the graphics card where it’s turned back into a digital signal.

All video cards initially produce a digital video signal, which is converted into analog at the VGA output. The analog signal travels to the monitor and is re-converted back into a digital signal. DVI-D however does away with the conversion process and as a result an improved connection between the graphics card and monitor is created.

A number of DVI-D cable related accessories exist that will make life easier for any of those suffering computability issues. Trust us we feel your pain but we are working to help lessen that pain to almost nothing. If we’re lucky then by the end of the article you won’t be feeling any pain at all.

Let’s begin with the DVI-D DFP monitor converter cable. This cable is designed for you if you’re an owner of a DFP LCD monitor and can’t afford a new monitor just yet. This converter will lengthen the life of your monitor. Definitely a sigh of relief, isn’t it? DFP is similar to DVI in terms of display quality but it never got capitalized as a form of monitor technology to the same level as DVI.

Another valuable DVI-D cable to purchase if it’s what you need is the HDMI to DVI-D cable. Intended for use with the latest and greatest DVD players, computers and televisions. It can easily convert a regular old DVI-D connection to an HDMI styled connection. This happens without any compromising of digital image quality.

In the evolutionary ladder of digital video the HDMI is the next big thing. Its intended use goes across the board for interaction with devices and display units for computers, audio, and video. Though it’s a rookie on the video market it’s going to become a digital kingpin in the very near future.

The HDMI to DVI-D cable has a HDMI ‘A’ connector on one end and on the other end a DVI-D connector. It’s also compatible with a DVI-I connection port. The DVI-D portion of the cable is a single link plug. This is because a dual-link HDMI connection has yet to be created. Despite this the cable has shown to be the best of the accessories used where HDMI/DVI is concerned.

That about covers it for now dear reader. We hope you are in a lot less pain now. We don’t know how you manage it but we appreciate you putting up with us. Look on the bright side though you walked away alive after reading and you walked away with some knowledge about DVI-D. Can you ask for anymore than that?

DVI Cables: The basics on DVI-A

DVI cables as you know have come in a variety of assortments and sub categories. DVI-A cables are another example of this myriad of digital video choices. DVI-A cables function is to transmit a DVI signal to a display that is analog. Examples include a CRT monitor or lower end LCD.

DVI-A is most commonly used when connected to a VGA device. This is because they carry the same exact signal. There is some quality drop-off of course with a digital to analog conversion. That’s why a digital signal is of course a better bet whenever possible.

Accessories that make DVI-A functionality possible are DVI cables such as the VGA to DVI cable. It bridges an analog DVI source to a VGA display or the other way around. This allows for the best picture quality and function. This eliminates the need of more cumbersome and less reliable devices when connecting your graphics card and monitor.

The VGA to DVI cable male styled connectors on both ends of the cable. As a result functionality occurs just as easily with DVI to VGA. However this can only be used with analog DVI technology.

VGA to DVI cables enable a smooth and easeful compatibility between a VGA graphics card and DVI monitor. As a result it’s no unheard of to comfortably use a DVI-A monitor with an industry standard video card.

A DVI to VGA cable can be hooked up either a DVI-I or DVI-A graphics card to any VGA ported monitor. Examples of this are an LCD monitor with VGA functionality or CRT monitor. A DVI to VGA cable’s connectors consist of one end being DVI-A and the other the regular old 15-pin VGA/SVGA male connector.

In the event you already have some sort of cable you can instead purchase a DVI to VGA adaptor. The DVI to VGA adaptor comes in both a male and female version. Obviously the one you purchase is dependent on your needs, as the case is always. For a male DVI to VGA adaptor be aware that video signals via DVI-D will not display. This also applies to the female version of the adapter.

Another accessory in the family of DVI-A cables is the most appropriate one to use when dealing solely with DVI-A equipment. The DVI-A to DVI-A cable is what connects devices that have both DVI-A ports on each end. Although they do not carry a digital signal and only an analog they provide a signal that is as close to the quality of digital quality that one can achieve.

Like the other accessories for DVI-A related connections, the DVI-A cable can’t be used to provide a signal transmission from DVI-A to DVI-D or the other way around. This sort of connection is exclusive to its very self in this regard.

Unlike DVI-D and DVI-I there is not as much flexibility with DVI-A connections but at the same time it still serves an important purpose and works rather well all the same. Again if it’s as close to a picture quality that you can get without it being actually digital it can’t be all that bad. In closing we hope we’ve helped you the reader see the bigger picture on how DVI-A works.

DVI Cables: Single Links Vs. Dual Links

Did you really think we were done with DVI cable talk just yet? Well you’re wrong! We’re not through by a long shot. So far we’ve discussed what DVI is and the type of DVI technology that is out there. We’ve discussed the various connector types of DVI and the accessories related to DVI related tasks. It’s amazing what we haven’t covered yet considering what we actually have covered! Well let’s wait no further and get down to talking about our next DVI cable related subject.

For our DVI cables there exists single link and dual link technologies. They both exist in DVI-D and DVI-I connector types. With DVI-D and DVI-I cables information is sent via TMDS in long hand this is known as transition minizmied differential signaling. With single link one TMDS 165Mhz transmitter is used.

Dual link on the other hands needs two to work. The pins on a dual link DVI double the power of transmission and provide an increase in the efficiency of speed and signal. For example a DVI single linked 60-hz LCD can display a quality of 1900 X 1200 pixels. Dual link on the other hand can put out a display resolution of pixels that equal out to be 2560 x 1600. A most impressive number.

Entering the world of digital video technology is a simple step with the acquiring a DVI digital cable. The single link DVI cable is the most basic of these cables. It is the gateway from your video card to an LCD flatpanel or whatever digital display you are using. Single link cables however lack the same power or potential as its dual link counterpart.

On the positive side of things a single-link DVI cable is an uncomplicated and inexpensive way to get a digital display picture quality. This cable is usually included as a throw-in with DVD players and certain graphics cards. They provide the very minimum to enjoy a quality display.

Singe-link DVI cables are not as common to buy new as they once were. This because there’s only a marginal increase of production cost to manufacture dual link cables and because the connectors on both single and dual link are compatible. In many cases it’s best to use a dual link if the option is available.

The 1142 series DVI-D cable is a dual-link, DVI-D to DVI-D digital video monitor cable.

In constrast to single link DVI cables, dual link cables have a great pinset on their connectors. This allows for greater bandwith. This enables a better screen quality at greater lengths without quality drop-off.

HDTV, Plasma and LCD digital displays are more versatile in regards to the DVI standard. Dual-link cables allow for the highest quality of video display from your source. The use of high-bandwith digital content hardware is also taken into account with dual link cabling.

The connectors on a dual link cable are both DVI-D. has male DVI-D. These connectors allow for the highest quality of video display. However if you are not using fully digital equipment DVI-I and DVI-A are suitable alternatives.

DVI Cables: The Lengths You’ll Go To…

Pardon us for the less than humorous quip for my next article’s title. We admit it we were reaching on that one. However, it’s important to talk about the lengths one can run a DVI cable and how long a DVI video signal can carry. After all the point of these articles is to be educated, right? It can’t all be fun and games here when we’re talking after all.

DVI equipment according to rules must keep a signal at sixteen feet in length. But with the creation of more potent graphics cards and bigger display it’s hard to determine the actual maximum length. There are DVI cables that go all the way up to a distance as far as 25 feet. Some places can even make custom cables extending that length but the functioning of these cables depends on your hardware.

Purchasing a DVI signal booster is a better guarantee in getting a better signal when length is extended. Contrary to what may be thought digital picture quality can suffer signal loss. A less than working DVI run can result in a shaky picture. Other examples of a less than quality display is flickering of the screen. A blank display is the nail in the coffin with signal loss.

Some tests on assorted display equipment have shown that at a distance twice that of the industry standard have yielded results of a strong signal. Tests at a little bit long a length have unfortunately produced less than favorable results. Those results being a frozen screen or no display at all.

That’s why attempting to lengthen DVI cables at a less than suitable distance can dramatically alter your video display. Your digital quality picture will definitely be hindered by this. The one advantage analog displays do have over digital is their ability to go a greater length. This means that your display can change from digital to analog when your digital signal weakens.

Because of this long cable runs are better suited for HDMI (in the digital category) or VGA (for analog based displays). If DVI is the only format you can go with then do your best to use DVI-D cables and setting your display to a digital input.

Now we mentioned DVI signal boosters earlier. Well let’s take the time to tell you a bit more about them and how they work. It can read a signal source at nearly 40 feet away and the same can be said for the opposite direction. The method used for this is done via the DVI booster using PanelLink technology.

This makes it possible to give a signal that has the best and most precise quality. For further strengthening to the DVI’s output you will need an external power source. To help fix this a signal booster may come with a DC 9V adaptor. Definitely a necessary addition when dealing with such high end power.

This device is of course intended for any digital DVI runs that you are doing that break the scope of the average computer to monitor setup. The utilization of this device occurs mostly in business settings where a high end display is needed, educational facilities, or any other situation that is going to involve having a display be more than 16 feet away from its source. A DVI booster can provide a signal boost of almost 80 feet. Quite an improvement one must say.

Well, with everything you now know, what lengths will you have to go to establish your DVI signal?

The Accessories Of DVI Cables

DVI cables have been a rather long standing topics between us and you do reader, has it not? Well, we’ve done what we could to let you know what you have to know and we hope we’ve done an adequate job so far. We think we have but we’re going to let you decide that we suppose. We’re sure though you’re of a like mind on that notion. Anyhow let us not waste time. Today we’ll talk about the accessories we associate with DVI cables.

Below are the typical accessories and devices you’ll encounter with DVI cable technology:

DVI Inline Repeater & Booster – This devices allows for the user to work around the 16 foot length limit on DVI signal transmission. Its adequate design will take a DVI signal whether analog or digital and will work its magic into making it work beyond even your own wildest dreams.

DVI (HDCP) Extender over CAT-5 – This DVI extending device allows for HDMI or DVI signals to be used over CAT-5 cabling. It also works in the case of HDCP encrypted signals.

HDMI Extender over CAT-5 – This device can extend an HDMI signal over Cat-5e or Cat-6 cable at a length approaching the avenue of 160 feet. Full resolution video can be sent without any quality loss.

DVI KVM Switch with PS2: 2 CPU – This device allows the use of two running computers from one central location.

DVI KVM Switch with PS2: 4 CPU – Very similar to the above but this can work on four machines instead of two.

DVI-D to VGA Digital/Analog Convertor – This device allows the union of VGA displays with outputs that are exclusively digital. The device can turn any HDMI or high-def DVI signal into a VGA display. This also allows for customizable options and high-resolution.

VGA to DVI-D Analog/Digital Convertor – For those who desire to use their fancy flat screen monitor with analog VGA technology finally have their prays answered. This dependable and efficient device allows it to happen with no problem at all. Just attach your VGA input and the device will produce a great quality picture just as you desire to have in the first place!

HDMI Switch with Component Video – This device has been made with superior workmanship completely in mind. It has a top notch video converter and setting for high-def and digital HDMI video. Its connections consist of Y/Pb/pr inputs with a TOSlink.. In addition you get HDMI audio and video inputs. As a result you’ll get an output that has full quality HDMI.

USB to DVI Video Adapter – This nifty device enables laptop computers and technologically limited computers to have another display method of DVI or VGA .

There are plenty of more accessories involved with DVI cables but these are the ones that will help those in need of major computability remedies. Working in accordance to your DVI cables you will be able to still enjoy the digital quality that only DVI displays can provide. Hopefully if you were having problems seeing the bigger “picture” before, we hope our article served as a means to clearings things up for you.

Well it’s been fun discussing the wonders of DVI cable technology with you. We are sure that since technology has yet to take a break we’re not going to be going on one either. So until next time when the latest and greatest thing comes about we’ll be sure to let you in on what’s going on! Thanks for reading!