So What is DVI? DVI Stands for Digital Visual Interface. DVI is the digital interface standard created by the DDWG (Digital Display Working Group). Led by Compaq, Fujitsu, Silicon Image, Hewlette Packard, NEC, Intel and IBM, the DDWG's main objective is to "address the industry's requirements for a digital connectivity specification for high-performance PCs and digital displays."

With the need to accommodate both digital and analog monitors, this new digital interface standard was created to convert analog signals into digital signals. DVI's High bandwidth capabilities make it ideal for HDTV connections. Also available in dual link, DVI can reach higher resolutions still.

Using the pictures on the right, you can determine the type of connection you need, be it DVI-D, or DVI-I. To determine the actual signal being used you will have to consult your manual for the device being connected. For more information concerning DVI:

DVI-D Digital. Connectors on DVI-D do not have the 4 additional pins, these are meant for carrying Digital signals only. Digital must be connected to Digital and Analog to Analog. While you can plug a DVI-D cable into a DVI-I socket, both devices you are connecting must support Digital signal format. Analog to Digital will not work.

DVI-I Analog or Digital. Connectors are basically the same as DVI-D with the exception of 4 added pins. You'll notice both have 3 rows of pins to the left, and one horizontal pin to the right. The DVI-I connection has 4 additional pins, 2 on top and 2 on bottom. These pins are used to carry the needed signals for RGBHV analog video. (Red, Green, Blue and Horizontal). You can use DVI-I on both DVI-D and Analog connections, but remember, an analog device will not be compatible with a Digital device. For more pictures of these items visit:

http://www.tca-inc.net/dvi_info.html

Adapters HD15 to DVI-I (VGA to analog) adapters exist to connect your analog device to a analog display through DVI connection.

Remember that while DVI-I is usable for Digital display, the extra 4 pins make it usable for Analog as well. The needed adapters is available in our store. \r Remember, this article can be read with pictures at:

Dustin Twiggs Submits articles for the sake of extending human knowledge and benifiting all those who it may. Contact him directly for more info.