HDMI Vs DVI Cable

HDMI vs DVI, what is the difference? Which one is better? Are DVI and HDMI compatible? And of course, given the choice, which one should you use? The differences (or lack there of) may surprise you. Lets take a look at each of them then evaluate the differences.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a digital standard introduced in 1999 by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). It is designed primarily for carrying uncompressed digital video data to a display. Originally the display was a computer monitor but DVI is now commonly used for television as well. One of the main areas of confusion with DVI is the number of different connectors available, which represent different functionality. There are three main connection types for DVI, DVI-D (digital only), DVI-A (analog only) and DVI-I (digital & analog).

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), released late in 2002, is an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams of data similar to DVI. However HDMI also provides the ability to carry audio signals, in addition to video, as well as incorporating HDCP, which is a Digital Rights Management technology.

So what is the difference?
When looking at the differences between HDMI and DVI we find they actually have more in common then differences. They both support digital transmission; they also are based on similar specifications since HDMI was derived from the DVI specification. There are two big differences:
HDMI incorporates content protection called High Definition Content Protection (HDCP).
HDMI supports audio in addition to digital video. (DVI only supports digital video)

Are DVI and HDMI compatible?
Is HDMI compatible with DVI? Since DVI is the predecessor to HDMI, HDMI and DVI are identical as far as video is concerned. Therefore, video backward compatibility exists. However, DVI will not support digital audio. For example, if you have an older DVI connection on your source and a HDMI connector on your display, a HDMI to DVI cable is all that is needed in order to view the video. A separate audio cable (TOSLINK or SPDIF) will be needed to carry the digital audio.

A Warning about Cable length
The HDMI specification does not define a maximum cable length. HDMI 1.3 defined two categories of cables: Category 1 (standard or HDTV) and Category 2 (high-speed or greater than HDTV) regardless, neither HDMI or DVI work well over distances greater then 15 feet. If you need a cable longer then 10 feet you will definitely want to consider top quality cables. For anything greater then 15 feet, some companies offer amplifiers, equalizers and repeaters that can help bridge longer distances.

Which one should I use today?
If available, we recommend HDMI. This is not because it is any better then DVI, only because the industry will heavily push HDMI due to the HDCP Digital Rights Management technology. However you should not expect any difference when moving from DVI to HDMI, therefore if you have DVI already, stick with it until the next standard comes around. A little off topic, but still of relevance is that you may be able to get similar quality video by using your existing Component connections. A common misconception is that Component cannot carry HDTV quality video, which is incorrect. Depending on the components in your system you may get the same or better performance with a Component connection then with a HDMI or DVI connection.

James Unterreiner is the editor and publisher of Home Theater, Automation and Electronics – TVs, Projectors, Screens, Speakers, Remotes, Curtains and Seating are all here. Everything you need to know to create an exciting Home Theater that exceeds your expectations, excites your friends and neighbors and stays within your budget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Unterreiner

HDMI vs DVI – Which is Better?
By Sean S Lee

Are you looking out to buy a DVD player/TV/home theatre? Then you are probably worrying about HDMI Vs DVI questions: which is better? Are they compatible? HDMI Vs DVI, which should I opt?

Which is better? HDMI or DVI?

Let’s first understand what they are. Both of them are standards for carrying digital signals between a source like your set top box or Blu-ray disc player and your TV. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which connects like USB, is a licensable audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed, encrypted digital streams. HDMI was derived from DVI. It has more bandwidth capability (5Gbps to 10Gbps). Unlike DVI, which needs a separate cable to carry audio, HDMI uses a single cable for video and audio making the cabling less bulky. Not just that, HDMI cables can go up to 15m length, giving you the flexibility to design your living room.

HDMI supports automatic screen format conversion. It can automatically convert a picture into its most appropriate format, such as a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios. HDMI produces pictures that are sharper and smoother (up to 1080pi resolution). Though DVI can produce similar picture quality, HDMI betters it in audio.

Are HDMI and DVI compatible?

HDMI is fully’backward’compatible with DVI. For example, if you have a DVD player with a DVI connection and a HDMI LCD TV, it works. All you need is a HDMI/DVI adapter. But some HDMI features will be lost if you use an adapter like automatic screen format conversion and universal remote control.

HDMI Vs DVI

If you are buying both HDTV and a video player like Blu-ray Disc player, I suggest you go for HDMI for both. You can free up your living room of messy cables that you find in other home theatres. You can use a single remote to operate all the devices connected and it provides the best video and audio. But if you already have one of a DVI source or DVI TV and then just go for a DVI for the other one as well because going for HDMI does not increase the overall quality of experience.

Overall, I recommend HDMI because it gives you better quality of video and audio, has lesser cables and gives you the universal remote control. Add the DRM (Digital Rights Management) angle to it, HDMI may well be the standard in days to come.

Sean Lee is an editor of High quality HDMI Cables Website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_S_Lee

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