DVI v. HDMI digital video extenders

DVI (Digital Video Interface) is the standard digital interface for PCs (in contrast to HDMI, which is more commonly found on HDTV devices).

The DVI standard is based on transition-minimized differential signaling (TMDS). There are two DVI formats: single-link and dual-link. Single-link cables use one TMDS-165 MHz transmitter, and dual-link cables use two. The dual-link cables double the power of the transmission. A single-link cable can transmit a resolution of 1920 x 1200 vs. 2560 x 1600 for a dual-link cable.

Extend DVI-D video and stereo audio up to 1.5 kilometers over a single strand of single-mode or 500 meters over multimode fiber.

Several types of DVI connectors are available, most commonly:
DVI-D, a digital-only connector for use between a digital video source and monitors. DVI-D eliminates the analog pins.

DVI-I (integrated), which supports both digital and analog RGB connections. It can transmit either a digital-to-digital signal or an analog-to-analog signal. It is used on products instead of separate analog and digital connectors. If both connectors are DVI-I, you can use any DVI cable, but a DVI-I is recommended. (NOTE: For a DVI-I to DVI-D display converter, click here).

DVI-A (analog), which is used to carry a DVI analog signal from a computer to an analog VGA device, such as a monitor. If one or both of your connections are DVI-A, use this cable. If one connection is DVI and the other is VGA HD15, you need a cable or adapter with both connectors as long as you don’t require an active analog/digital connector.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) was the first digital interface to combine uncompressed HD video, up to eight channels of uncompressed digital audio, and intelligent format and command data in a single cable. It is now the defacto standard for consumer electronics and HD video, although it is beginning to face competition from the newer DisplayPort interface.