DVI Cables

What is DVI?

DVI, short for Digital Visual Interface, is a video interface standard on the latest digital display devices such as flat panel LCD computer displays and digital video projectors. It was developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG), an industry consortium. It is designed for carrying uncompressed digital video data to a display but does not carry audio as HDMI does which is it's primary disadvantage in the format wars. It is partially compatible with the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard in digital mode (DVI-D), and VGA in analog mode (DVI-A).

DVI comes in several versions. DVI-D is the all digital version. DVI-A is the analog version and last but not least there is DVI-I which is an integrated version that will allow the transmission of both digital or analog signals. As if that isn't enough, there are also single link and dual link to consider. Single link cables use one 165Mhz transmitter, while dual links use two. The dual link DVI pins effectively double the power of transmission and provide an increase of speed and signal quality. In practical terms, DVI single link 60-Hz LCD can display a resolution of 1920 x 1200, while a DVI dual link can display a resolution of 2560 x 1600.

The maximum length of DVI cables is not included in the DVI specification since it is dependent upon bandwidth requirements. In general, cable lengths up to 15 feet will work for displays at resolutions of 1920 x 1200. This resolution will work even up to 33 feet if a larger gauge, premium cable is used. Cable lengths up to 50 ft can be used with displays at resolutions up to 1280 x 1024. For longer distances, the use of a DVI extender or booster is recommended to retain resolution and minimize signal loss. You may also consider HDMI cables, Displayport Cables or Ethernet as an alternative format.

How to choose the right DVI Cable for your application
First you need to determine the DVI connection type you are dealing with. Below are the common DVI connections. Note that their pin-outs are all different so be sure to review your equipment and/or manual closely to be sure you are purchasing the right cable type.
DVI Connection Types

If one or both of the connections are DVI-D, a DVI-D cable (most common) is what you need. If both connections are DVI-I, you may use a DVI-I cable or DVI-D cable. If one or both of the connections are DVI-A, you need a DVI-A cable. If one connection is DVI and the other is VGA, and only if the DVI connection is analog-compatible, you can use a  DVI to VGA cable or a DVI to VGA adaptor. However if one of your connections is analog and the other connection is digital, there is no cable that will allow you to connect them. You will have to use a DVI to VGA converter in order to bridge the two formats.

Performance Levels
Once you have chosen the correct type of DVI cable you need, your next decision is what quality grade to purchase. While the signal itself is digital, it is still being transmitted over an analog medium so cable construction will play a role in your resolution output-especially over long distances. Gauges can range from 30 awg(small) to 22awg (large), shielding and dielectric quality can also vary greatly. These features will have an impact on cost as more copper for larger gauges and more or preferred (and more effective) shielding methods will add to the purchase price. Consider your application when selecting your cable. If you only need to go a short distance say 6’ or 10’ for instance, and will not be unplugging a lot, a standard quality cable is more than enough. However if you are installing the cable behind a wall, connecting a lot or going long distances, consider a larger gauge and better shielded cable that can support the desired resolution for longer distances and bring increased durability to the table. If you need any help, please contact our sales specialists for help at sales@comprehensivecable.com .
 

Additional DVI Components

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Since 1974, Comprehensive has been the leader in connectivity solutions including analog solutions such as coax and VGA and Cat5e. We also feature the latest in digital technology including USB to USB cables, as well as popular hdmi to hdmi cables for home theater and professional use, products for the KVM market, HDMI to DVI, and other solutions for the I.T and AV industries. Always on the cutting edge, Comprehensive specializes in the latest technologies such as DisplayPort, and fiber optic cables among others and our selection of wall plates is legendary. And we are more than just cables! Check out our hardware as well because if you need a video splitter for splitting video and audio signals, an extender for extending signals over long distances, or a switcher for switching sources and displays and wide variety of converters from Gefen and others to make it all work seamlessly together. If you are in need of audio connectivity products, check out our mic cables, and ipod cables too!