What is DVI?

Confused about DVI? Here's what it is.

What is DVI? Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is the an interface for a high-performance connection between PCs and flat panel displays, digital CRT displays, projectors and HDTV. DVI-D Digital Cables deliver the high-performance, high-bandwidth interface needed for video displays of today while leaving headroom for the products of tomorrow. Our precision-engineered cables are fully compliant with the DVI standard defined by DDWG (Digital Display Working Group). The DVI-D dual link configuration provides enough bandwidth for resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 and allows high speed digital transmission up to 9.9 Gbps.

DVI (Digital Video Interface) is an all digital video standard for transmitting superior uncompressed digital video. DVI uses 3 differential pairs to send digital R,G,B signals. A 4th differential pair is used for clocking the bits at maximum of 165 MHz. 24 bits of pixel color information (8 bits each for R,G,B)is transmitted per clock.

Further, 2 bits are "stuffed" with the 8 bits to minimize the data transitions. This technique is called transmission minimized differential signaling or T.M.D.S. The aggregate data rate is therefore 10x165MHz = 1.65 Gbps! DVI transmits in native digital (no A/D conversions) R,G,B format that is ideal for HDTV systems.

Notice on a DVI connector on the left you'll notice 3 rows of 8 pins each; these 24 pins are the only pins required to transmit the three digital channels and one clock signal. The cross hair arrangement on the right is actually a total of 5 pins that can transmit an analog video signal.

What is the difference between Dual Link and Single Link? Which do I need? Dual link enables a higher resolution (1920 X 1080) and more channels. You can view 2 displays simultaneously. If in doubt, order the Dual Link cable because it is backwards compatible with Single Link.

Dual link vs Single Link: Don't believe the "hype" some websites are using about dual link cables being superior to single link cables. A single link cable is 100% as good as a dual link cable for single link equipment which covers about 99.5% of current equipment, including HDTV's, Projectors, Plasma Screens, and High Definition Set top Boxes. If your equipment does not specifically state it is Dual link in its specifications, it almost certainly is not. A better quality cable is a better quality cable, and single and dual link has nothing to do with quality. On the other hand, if both devices being connected support Dual links, then a dual link cable is the proper cable for the application, and you will have the capability of much greater resolutions and refresh rates. A properly designed Dual link cable should have no negative effects when used with single link equipment.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is the standard interface for a high-performance connection between PCs and flat panel displays, digital CRT displays, projectors, and HDTV. DVI-D Digital Cables deliver the high-performance, high-bandwidth interface needed for video displays of today while leaving headroom for the products of tomorrow. These precision-engineered cables are fully compliant with the DVI standard defined by DDWG (Digital Display Working Group). The DVI-D Single link configuration provides enough bandwidth for resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz (HDTV).