DVI, a new technology used to maximize the quality and performance of flat panel monitors and graphics cards. This new technology enables video card manufacturers to produce graphics cards with both VGA and DVI ports.

DVI formats

There are three types of DVI connection: DVI-D (digital), DVI-A (analog), and DVI-I (integrated digital/analog).

DVI-D (digital)

DVI-D is a digital only connection, used to connect source video and LCD monitors. This type of connection ensures fast and high-quality image transmission. DVI-D eliminates a conversion process from an analog signal at the VGA output to a digital signal on the monitor.

DVI-A (analog)

DVI-A is rarely implemented. It is used to transmit a DVI signal to an analog display such as a CRT monitor. Some signal quality is lost in the transmission due to the conversion from the digital to the analog. However, DVI-A produces a higher picture quality than a standard VGA.

DVI-I (integrated digital/analog)

DVI-I integrates both the digital and the analog connections, DVI-D and DVI-A. With an integrated DVI-D and DVI-A cable, it transmits either a digital-to-digital signal or an analog-to-analog signal.

Single vs. dual link cables

Both DVI-I and the DVI-D formats have single-link and dual-link format connectors. Signals are transmitted in a digital information format called TMDS (transition minimized differential signaling).

Single-link format

Single-link cables use one TMDS 165 MHz transmitter with a transmission rate of 165 million pixels per second. Each link has three data channels for RGB information. A single link LCD monitor can display a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080.

Dual-link format

Dual-link doubles transmission power and increases signal quality by cables using two TMDS transmitters. It is designed to support a resolution up to 2,048 x 1,536.

Recognizing a DVI cable

Single-link DVI Connectors
DVI-I Single Link (analog and digital)	DVI-A (analog only)	DVI-D Single Link (digital only)

Three rows of 6 pins and two contacts above and below the flat blade	One row of 5 pins, one row of 3 pins and one row of 4 pins with two contacts above and below the flat blade	Three rows of 6 pins and no contacts above or below the flat blade

Dual-link DVI Connectors
DVI-I Dual Link (analog and digital)	VGA	DVI-D Dual Link (digital only)

Three rows of 8 pins and two contacts above and below the flat blade	Three rows of 5 pins with no contacts and flat blade on the connector	Three rows of 8 pins and no contacts above or below the flat blade

P&D Connectors
P&D (EVC)	DFP (MDR-20 female)	P&D (EVC) connector (digital)

Three rows of 10 pins and two contacts above and below the flat blade	A 20 pin connector and designed to carry only digital signal	Three rows of 10 pins and no contacts above or below the flat blade