DVI is the
predecessor to
HDMI & although primarily used in the Professional & PC market,
it does appear on some DVD players & display systems. DVI may
carry analogue or digital video but has no audio support & not all
DVI products are compatible with the HDCP encryption used by
HDMI. There are 5
distinct plug types each with its own features:
DVI-A is
the
most
basic
form
of
DVI. This carries an analogue RGB-HV signal that is compatible
via an adaptor with a VGA monitor connection. This is different
to the RGB-Y format carried by scart & is not compatible without a
transcoder. As HDMI has no analogue support, DVI-A & HDMI are
not compatible
DVI-D is
the
digital
version
of
DVI.
This carries the same type of signal as HDMI and can be
connected to an HDMI type A socket via a simple Adaptor. As DVI
has no audio support you will need to make alternative arrangements for
your audio connection
DVI-D Dual Link
is a higher
bandwidth version of DVI-D used in the professional & PC
markets. This may either be used to carry two simultaneous video
signals, or to carry higher resolution video. When adapted to an
HDMI type A connection, only the first of the two signals will be
carried over
DVI-I is
a
combination
of
DVI-A
&
DVI-D giving compatibility with both analogue & digital video
signals. When adapted to an HDMI type A connection, only the
digital signal will be carried over
DVI-I Dual Link
is the full feature
version of DVI with analogue, digital & dual link digital video
support. When adapted to HDMI type A, only the first digital
video signal will be carried over
