DVI

DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. A DVI cable is dedicated solely to the transmission of digital video signals. DVI is designed to bring out the best in flat panels LCD monitors and modern video graphic cards. DVI cables are most commonly used in computer monitors, HDTV, high-end DVD players and computer video cards.

There are three types of DVI connections that are available in the market. The first is known as DVI-D cables, which are used as direct digital connections between video and digital LCD monitors. They eliminate the analog conversion process thereby allowing cleaner signal transfer minus the artifacts.

The second type is known as the DVI-A cables. They are used for the purpose of sending DVI signal to an analog display. On the conversion from digital to analog some of the video quality is lost. However, if you are asking who the winner in DVI vs. VGA is, it is definitely DVI-A.

The third type is known as DVI-I cables. They can transfer digital to digital signals and also analog to analog signals. If you are going to use DVI-I cable make sure that both the components are of same type. In other words, both should be either analog or digital.

One very important fact that one must understand is that DVI cables cannot be used for analog component and vice versa. So, you must be wondering how to decide which DVI connector or DVI HDMI switches is to be used and when. Let us make this easy for you.

• If you have a home theater component with a DVI connection and another component with VGA connection and your DVI is analog compatible, you should buy a DVI to VGA cable or a DVI to VGA adaptor.
  
• If your source has a DVI connection and your monitor has a HDMI connection, you would need a DVI to HDMI cable or DVI to HDMI adaptor.
  
• If your source has HDMI connection and your monitor has DVI-D connection, you should buy HDMI to DVI-D adaptor or HDMI to DVI cable.
  

If you want to use a single digital video interface source to drive one or two DVI monitors, you would need to shop for a DVI splitter/booster. Buy a DVI video splitter according to your requirement- do you need one to drive two DVI monitors or to drive four DVI monitors. If you want to control multiple computers from a single console station, you should use DVI KVM switch. You can find many models offering variety of features and available in a wide price range. If you know your requirement, you can find a DVI related product easily.