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What is DVI? What are the Different DVI Types?

Different DVI types

Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:33 am

Updated 30 July 2020

What Does DVI Stand For?

DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. It is also known as Digital Video Interface.

If you’ve not come across DVI before, it’s because it doesn’t really belong in the home entertainment world, like RCA, S-Video, Component Video, and HDMI connectors.

DVI Famous in Computer World

DVI is mostly associated with computer monitors and projectors. Only in some instances does it apply to TV as HDMI is preferred here.

DVI isn’t preferred for TV as it mainly transmits only video signals as opposed to HDMI which transmits video and audio signals.

You can find DVI output ports in computer graphics and video cards.

If you have a newer computer monitor, chances are it supports DVI.

A DVI connector’s shape and design resemble a VGA connector.

Does DVI Carry Audio?

Generally, DVI doesn’t carry audio.

But with a special DVI to HDMI adapter audio can be transmitted from a DVI source.

This can only happen if your graphics card can support audio through DVI.

If you have a modern computer, your graphics card would most likely support this feature.

DVI History

DVI was designed to replace the DFP connection in older flat-panel monitors.

There was a time when DVI featured in the home entertainment scene.

For instance, some DVD players included DVI outputs in addition to component video outputs

With the appearance of HDMI, DVI is less popular with HDTV and video playback devices like DVD players.

DVI returned to where it belonged – to the computer world.

DVI Connection Types

There are three main types of DVI connectors:

DVI-A

DVI-A is meant for analog-only displays. DVI-A provides a high-resolution analog video signal.

You can use a DVI-A connector if you’re connecting a computer with a DVI port to a VGA CRT or an LCD monitor.

DVI-A is not in regular use in these days of digital video.

DVI-D

DVI-D provides a digital to digital connection between a digital video output source and a digital video receptor. This is usually from a computer graphic or video card to an LCD monitor. The result is a faster video transfer rate and higher quality video.

Please note that you can’t use a DVI-A connector with DVI-D equipment and vice versa.

DVI-I

DVI-I supports both the transmission of analog and digital video signals. This makes the cable suitable for use in various situations if you would like to connect to an analog monitor or a digital LCD panel.

For digital displays, DVI is available in DVI-D Single-Link and Dual-Link and also DVI-I Single-Link and Dual-Link connectors.

For example, a DVI single link supports a display resolution of up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz.

On the other hand, a DVI Dual-Link can handle a resolution of up to 2560 x 1600 at 60Hz.

A DVI-I single link can handle a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 with a bitrate of 4.95 Gbps.

A DVI-I dual link can support a video resolution of up to 2048×1536 with a bitrate of 9.9 Gbps.

Can DVI Do 1080p?

Yes, like VGA, DVI can do 1080p.

Let it be known that DVI supports a refresh rate of 144hz.

So, if you have a 1080p 144hz monitor you can enjoy 1080p video through a DVI connection.

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