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A DVI-D connector supports only digital transmission. In contrast, a DVI-I connector allows both digital and analog transmission. Let’s learn DVI- I vs. DVI-D in more detail.
Back in the nineties, signal transmission technology from a source to display output like graphics card to monitor was going through a radical transformation phase. Flat LCD panels were gaining popularity, and there was a growing need for an interface that could improve the performance and quality of video output on these flat panels.
In response, DDWG (Digital Signage Working Group) came up with DVI or Digital Visual Interface. It greatly improved data transmission and soon became a standard connector port for computer monitors. However, not all DVI cables were created equal.
You will find at least three variants of DVI connectors, namely – DVI-I, DVI-D, and even DVI-A, each with a specific purpose. In this post, we are explaining in detail the difference between DVI-I and DVI-D connectors. So, let’s dive in!
What is a DVI-I connector?
Although of the same DVI family, the DVI-I connector is more versatile as it allows both digital and analog transmission. That’s the reason for I in the DVI-I connector, which stands for ‘Integrated’ and denotes its ability of both analog and digital transmission.
The only catch here is that it only allows signals of the same type. It’s not possible to transmit digitally to analog or vice versa without special equipment for signal conversion.
What is a DVI-D connector?
The D in the DVI-D connector stands for digital. As the name suggests, this type of connector allows direct digital connection between the source and the display, typically your PC’s graphics card and an LCD or LED display.
Because it’s digital, the DVI-D connector allows faster transmission with higher quality images than analog. All video cards initially produce digital video signals. However, in analog transmission, these digital signals are converted to analog signals at VGA output.
When they reach the display, they are once again converted to digital signals. This long process reduces both speed and quality. DVI-D connector cuts the process and directly relays information in digital format without any conversion, thereby improving speed and quality.
Difference between DVI-I and DVI-D?: DVI-I vs DVI-D
The main difference between DVI-I and DVI-D is that DVI-I can transmit both digital and analog signals while DVI-D connectors can only transmit digital signals. In comparison, a DVI-I is more versatile as it has support for both modern generation LCD monitors (digital transmission) and older CRT monitors ( analog transmission).
Conclusion
The advent of DVI connectors marks a boundary between older analog transmission and the newer digital transmission. Incidentally, DVI also paved the way for more versatile and next-generation connectors ports like HDMI and DisplayPort.
While increasingly becoming obsolete, you can still find DVI connectors in certain modern-day monitors mainly for their faster speed and higher quality video output.
