DVI Cable to HDMI Cable

by Larry Rivers
DVI and HDMI digital video signals can be easily converted and adapted.

DVI and HDMI digital video signals can be easily converted and adapted.

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Digital video connections for computers and display devices can vary in terms of format and requirements. Many computers feature DVI outputs as a high-definition digital video output, but many modern televisions feature HDMI digital video inputs. Adapting, converting and connecting DVI to HDMI signals can be done easily.

HDMI

Released in 2003, HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface, has become an industry standard digital video and audio format for transmitting high-definition digital signals. Able to connect video devices such as consumer Blu Ray players, laptop computers and modern televisions, HDMI utilizes only one cable and one connector for video, audio and data signal transmission. Standard maximum HDMI cable lengths for consumer products are 16 feet, with more heavy-duty commercial cables able to transmit up to 50 feet.

DVI

Digital Visual Interface, or DVI, was released in 1999 and quickly became a standard connector format for connecting computers to display devices digitally. Utilized almost exclusively in the computing display industry, this connecter features many conductors, allowing this cable to carry high-definition digital video as well as analog RGB information. Many computer companies have developed their own versions of the standard DVI connector, such as Apple's mini-DVI.

DVI and HDMI Compatibility

The digital video information utilized by both cables is very similar, with DVI and HDMI designed to operate in similar manners. When connecting a DVI video source such as a computer to an HDMI-equipped display such as a television, a simple passive DVI to HDMI adaptor cable can suffice. Though adaption can occur in the reverse order, it is not suggested as DVI cables do not carry audio information.

DVI and HDMI Converters

Outboard convertors are available to ensure DVI to HDMI, and HDMI to DVI compatibility. Devices such as Gefen's DVI Audio to HDMI convertor allow a DVI video signal and audio from an input to be combined for transmission down one HDMI cable. Other convertors and active adaptors include signal boosters, which can extend the transmission range of these signals from 50 feet to up to 800 feet.

About the Author

Larry Rivers has contributed his recording and audio production expertise to Nashville and Los Angeles alt-weeklies as well as industry magazines since 2008. He is a music recording expert, holding a Bachelor of Science in audio production and bringing over 12 years of album production and live sound engineering to his how-to articles.

Photo Credits

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