What does a dvi connector look like? Gaming Graphics Card Buyer's Guide

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To transmit video signals in digital form, a DVI (digital visual interface) connector is used. It was created when video media appeared in digital format - DVDs, and when it was necessary to transfer video from a computer to a monitor. The then existing methods of transmission analog signal did not allow achieving high picture quality, because it is physically impossible to transmit a high-resolution analog signal over a distance.

Video distortion can always occur in the communication channel, this is especially noticeable on high frequencies oh, and HD quality just implies the presence of high frequencies in the signal spectrum. To avoid these distortions, we tried to switch to digital signal and abandon analog when processing and transmitting video from the media to the display device. Then, in the late 90s, several companies joined forces to create a digital interface for transmitting video data, eliminating DAC (digital-to-analog) and ADC (analog-to-digital) converters from the path. The result of their work was the creation of the video signal transmission format - DVI.

Appearance of dvi connector:

View of the dvi connector inside:

Basic parameters of the dvi interface

This type of connection transmits information about the main components of the RGB signal (red, green, blue). Each component uses a separate twisted pair cable in the DVI cable, and a separate twisted pair cable to carry the clock signals. It turns out that the DVI cable consists of four twisted pairs. A twisted pair connection allows you to use the principle of differential data transmission, when the interference has a different phase in each conductor and is subtracted at the receiver, but this technical features and it is not necessary to know them. Each color component is allocated 8 bits, and, in general, 24 bits of information are transmitted to each pixel. The maximum data transfer rate reaches 4.95 Gbps, at this speed it is possible to transmit a signal with a resolution of 2.6 megapixels at a frame rate of 60 Hz. An HDTV signal, whose resolution is 1980x1080, has a resolution of slightly more than 2 megapixels, so it turns out that a high-resolution signal of 1980x1080 at 60 Hz can be transmitted through the DVI connector. There is only a limit on the cable length. It is believed that a high-resolution signal can be transmitted with a cable up to 5 meters long, otherwise distortion may occur in the image. When transmitting a signal with a lower resolution, it is permissible to increase the length of the DVI cable. It is also possible to use intermediate amplifiers if a larger length is still needed to transmit the video signal.

For greater compatibility, the DVI connector was made to support an analog signal. This is how three types of DVI connectors appeared:

1) DVI-D transmits only digital signal;
2) DVI-A transmits only analog signal;
3) DVI-I is used to transmit both digital and analog signals.

The connector itself for all three types is used the same, so they are completely compatible, only they have a difference in the connected contacts in the connector.

There are also two data transfer modes: single link (single mode), dual link (double mode). Their main difference is in the supported frequencies. If in single mode the maximum signal can be 165 MHz, then in dual mode the limitation is imposed by the physical characteristics of the cable. This suggests that DVI Dual Link cables can transmit signals with higher resolution and over longer distances. That is, if, when using a single link cable, there is interference in the image of the LCD TV in the form of colored dots, then you can try replacing it with a dual link. Structurally, a dual mode DVI cable is distinguished by the use of double twisted pairs to transmit color components.

Features of the dvi connector

To implement such speeds, a special TMDS coding method. And in any DVI connection, a TMDS transmitter is used on the transmitting side for encoding, and the RGB signal is restored on the receiving side.

Additionally can be used in DVI interface DDC channel (Display Data Channel), which provides the source processor with EDID display information. This information provides details about the display device and includes information about the brand, model number, serial number, release date, screen resolution, screen size. Depending on this information, the source will produce a signal with the required resolution and screen proportions. If the source refuses to provide such information, it may block the TMDS channel.

Just like HDMI, DVI interface supports HDCP content protection system. Such a protection system is called intelligent protection and it is called so because of its implementation and the ability to install different levels protection depending on different cases, so such protection does not block normal data exchange (for example, when copying). It is implemented on the principle of exchanging passwords with all devices connected via DVI.

Only the image is transmitted through the DVI connector, and the sound will have to be transmitted through additional channels. Some video cards have the ability to transmit audio via a DVI cable, but special adapters are used for this and this feature is additionally implemented in the video card itself. And then it is no longer a pure DVI interface. With a normal connection, audio needs to be transmitted additionally.

We select the required plug for the appropriate connector. What types of cables do manufacturers offer? "HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort" and which interface is optimal for connecting a monitor.

Previously, to connect a monitor to a computer, only an analog interface was used VGA. Modern devices have connectors "HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort". Let's see what advantages and disadvantages each of the interfaces has.

With the development of new technologies for flat-panel monitors, the connector capabilities have become insufficient VGA. To achieve the highest image quality, it is necessary to use a digital standard such as DVI. Home entertainment device manufacturers have created a standard HDMI, which became the digital successor to the analog Scan connector. Somewhat later, VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) developed DisplayPort.

Main interfaces for connecting monitors.

■ VGA. The first connection standard, still in use today, was developed in 1987 by the then leading computer manufacturer IBM for its PS/2 series PCs. VGA is an abbreviation for Video Graphics Array (an array of pixels), at one time this was the name of the video card in PS/2 computers, the resolution of which was 640x480 pixels (the combination “VGA resolution” often found in technical literature means exactly this value).

An analog data transmission system with increasing resolution only worsens the picture quality. Therefore, in modern computers the digital interface is the standard.

. ■ DVI. This abbreviation is oz-naHaeTDigital Visual Interface - digital video interface. It transmits the video signal in digital format while maintaining high image quality.

DVI is backwards compatible: Almost all computers have a DVI-I connector, which is capable of transmitting both digital video data and a VGA signal.

Inexpensive video cards are equipped with a DVI output in the Single Link modification (single-channel solution). Maximum resolution in in this case is 1920x 1080 pix. (Full HD). More expensive video card models have a two-channel DVI (Dual Link) interface. They can be connected to monitors with a resolution of up to 2560x1600 pix.

The DVI connector is large enough that Apple has developed a Mini DVI interface for its laptops. Using the adapter, you can connect devices with Mini DVI to monitors equipped with a DVI connector.

connection interfaces

■ HDMI. The abbreviation HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, that is, a high-definition multimedia interface. In modern home entertainment devices such as flat-screen TVs and Blu-ray players, HDMI is the standard connection interface.

As with DVI, the signal is transmitted in a digital format, which means the original quality is preserved. Together with HDMI, HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) protection technology was developed, which prevents the creation of exact copies, for example, of video materials.

The first devices with HDMI support appeared at the end of 2003. Since then, the standard has been modified several times, in particular, support for new audio and video formats has been added (see table above).

For miniature models of equipment there is a Mini HDMI interface; An appropriate HDMI/Mini HMDI cable is included with many devices.

■ DisplayPort(DP). New type digital interface for connecting video cards with display devices is intended to replace DVI. The current version of the standard 1.2 allows you to connect multiple monitors when they are daisy-chained into one chain. However, currently there are not many devices with a DP port. Being a direct competitor to HDMI, this interface has a significant advantage from the point of view of manufacturers: it does not require licensing fees. While for each device with HDMI you have to pay four American cents. If the connector on a computer or laptop is marked “DP++”, this indicates that the adapter can be used to connect monitors with DVI and HDMI interfaces.

To ensure that there is enough space on the back of modern video cards for connectors for other purposes, a smaller version of the DP interface was developed. For example, Radeon HD6800 series video cards contain up to six Mini DP ports.

HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort

Which of these standards will be most widely adopted? HDMI has a very high chance of success, since most devices have this interface. However, there is a new trump card in the deck of Asian manufacturers: according to official data, the Digital Interactive Interface for Video and Audio (DiiVA) provides a throughput of 13.5 Gbps (DP: 21.6; HDMI: 10.21. In addition, as the companies promise, the maximum cable length between devices, such as a Blu-ray player and a TV, will be up to 25 m. There is no information yet on what the DiiVA interface looks like.

Transfer video via USB

Two years ago it became possible to connect monitors via USB using DisplayLink adapters. However, due to the low (480 Mbps) bandwidth, the USB 2.0 connection is not suitable for video transmission. Another thing - latest version USB standard (3.0), providing data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbit/s.
An adapter from DisplayLink allows you to connect monitors directly to a computer's USB port.

How to connect a computer and a monitor with different interfaces.

Thanks to adapters, there are many connection options (see table below).

Common adapters, such as DVI-I/VGA, are quite reasonably priced. So-called converters that convert the digital DisplayPort output signal into an analog VGA signal are much more expensive.

However, for example, when connecting a TV with an HDMI interface to the DVI connector, there is almost always no sound.

Is it possible to combine devices with different versions HDMI

With this combination, only the functions of the earlier version of the corresponding interface will be available. For example, if a video card with HDMI 1.2 is connected to a 3D TV that supports HDMI 1.4, then 3D games will only be displayed in 2D format.
Advice. Installing a new driver allows you to add support for HDMI 1.4 in some video cards based on NVIDIA chips, for example GeForce GTX 460.
What connectors provide best quality images?

Testing has shown that the analog VGA interface provides the worst image quality, especially when transmitting signals with a resolution of more than 1024x768 pix. Even 17-inch monitors support this resolution today. Owners of monitors with a larger diagonal and a resolution of 1920x1080 pixel are strongly recommended to use DVI, HDMI or DP.

How to connect a monitor to a laptop?

Most laptops are equipped with connectors for connecting external monitors. First, connect the monitor to the laptop. After that, using the buttons Ш and KPI, you can switch between the following modes.

■ Using an external monitor as the main one. The laptop display turns off and the image is displayed only on the connected external monitor. The best option for movie buffs and gamers.

Clone mode. External monitor and laptop display show the same image

■ Practical for presentations and seminars.

■ Multi-screen mode. Allows you to increase the size of the Worker Windows desktop through the use of multiple monitors. It is very convenient, for example, when typing text in Word, to have email messages in front of your eyes.

Will it be possible to connect the TV to the computer?

IN modern computers and laptops do not have analog video interfaces such as S-Video or a composite connector. Therefore, you definitely won’t be able to connect an old CRT TV. However, the vast majority of flat-panel models are equipped with DVI or HDMI interfaces, which means connecting them to a computer is not difficult.

Netbooks, as a rule, only have a VGA output, and only those TVs that have a VGA input can be connected to them.

Is it possible to connect a monitor via USB

For traditional monitors this is only possible using an optional DisplayLink adapter. However, there are also models on sale that connect directly to a computer’s USB port - for example, Samsung SyncMaster 940 UX.

What is the maximum monitor cable length?

Cable capabilities depend on the connection type. When using DVI, the connection length can reach 10 m, but in the case of HDMI and VGA it should not exceed 5 m. To achieve maximum transfer speed.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a video cable?

To prevent nearby electronic devices from affecting the quality of the transmitted signal, purchase only well-shielded cables. When using a low-quality cable, other devices may cause interference and in some cases even reduce the data transfer rate. As a result, the screen will display a choppy image or an aliasing effect will appear. Gold-plated contacts prevent corrosion of the plugs due to high air humidity. In addition, the gold-plated contacts used in modern cables reduce the resistance between the connector and the plug, which improves transmission quality. But as you can see from practice: you can forget about all this, gold-plated contacts and other nonsense, with cheap Chinese-made cables, namely, they are supplied complete with monitors and video cards. And they cope with their responsibilities very well.

For reference: once somewhere they gathered music lovers to test cables. There were both gold-plated and platinum contacts, from $1000 per cord and much more. Well, the ratings were given for sound quality. To determine the winner, the competition was held naturally in the dark, the manufacturer was not visible. Well, one of the organizers came up with the idea of sending a signal through an ordinary iron crowbar (which is used to hammer the ground). And what do YOU think, he took one of the prizes.

And music lovers spent a long time explaining what crystal clear sound comes through this cool cable. So turn on your head, otherwise I saw the guys have a cable DVI at a price higher than the video card and monitor combined.

Types of DVI connectors and their technical characteristics

Many people have the problem of correctly identifying and selecting the necessary adapter for a video card or monitor. To make this task easier, we present to your attention a table of differences indicating the type of DVI connectors, as well as information about their technical characteristics.

Types of DVI

DVI-A is analog transmission only.
DVI-I - analog and digital transmission.
DVI-D is digital transmission only.

Video cards with DVI-A do not support monitors that comply with the DVI-D standard.
A video card with DVI-I can be connected to a DVI-D monitor (with a cable with two DVI-D-male connectors).
A DVI-I to VGA adapter exists.
There is no DVI-D to VGA adapter with video transmission function, only special converters that have a high cost (from 35 USD). There are DVI-VGA technology adapters on sale that serve other purposes and are not suitable for video signal conversion.

Specifications

The data format used in DVI is based on PanelLink, a serial data format developed by Silicon Image. Uses technology for high-speed transmission of digital streams TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling, differential transmission of signals with minimization of level differences) - three channels transmitting video streams and additional data, with a throughput of up to 3.4 Gbit/s per channel.

The maximum cable length is not specified in the DVI specification because it depends on the amount of information being transferred. The 10.5 meter cable can be used to transmit images with a resolution of up to 1920 x 1200 pixels. Using a cable 15 meters long it will be possible to transmit an image in normal quality with a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels. To amplify the signal when transmitting over long cables, special devices are used. When using them, the cable length can be increased to 61 meters (in the case of using an amplifier with its own power supply).
Types of DVI connectors

Single link DVI uses four twisted pair wires (red, green, blue, and clock), providing the ability to transmit 24 bits per pixel. With it, the maximum possible resolution of 1920x1200 (60 Hz) or 1920x1080 (75 Hz) can be achieved.

Dual link DVI doubles the bandwidth and allows for screen resolutions of 2560x1600 and 2048x1536. Therefore, for the largest LCD monitors with high resolution, such as 30" models, you definitely need a video card with a two-channel DVI-D Dual-Link output. If the monitor has a maximum screen resolution of 1280x1024, then connecting it with a dual link cable does not make sense, because This cable is designed for monitors with higher resolution.

Source of information -

Probably every user of a personal computer or laptop has encountered issues with connecting a monitor or TV to it, as well as the quality of the resulting image. And if earlier getting a high-quality picture on the screen was quite problematic, today this problem does not exist at all. Of course, if your device has a DVI connector. This is what we will talk about, and also consider other existing interfaces for displaying images on the screen.

Types of connectors for displaying images on a computer monitor or screen

Until recently, everything personal computers had an exclusively analog connection to the monitor. To transfer images to it, a VGA (Video Graphics Adapter) interface with a D-Sub 15 connector was used. Experienced users still remember the blue plug and 15-pin socket. But, besides this, video cards also had other connectors designed to display images on a TV screen or other video device:

RCA (Radio Corporation of America) - in our opinion, “tulip”. An analog connector designed to connect a video card to a TV, video player or VCR using a coaxial cable. Has the worst transmission characteristics and low resolution.
S-Video (S-VHS) is a type of analog connector for transmitting a video signal to a TV, VCR or projector, dividing the data into three channels responsible for a separate base color. The quality of signal transmission is slightly better than “tulip”.
Component connector - output to three separate “tulips”, used to output images to the projector.

All of these connectors were widely used until the late 1990s. Of course, there was no question of quality, since both televisions and monitors at that time had very low resolution. Now we can’t even imagine how it was possible to play computer games looking at a television screen with a cathode ray tube.

With the advent of the new century, thanks to the introduction of digital technologies in the development of video devices, RCA, S-VHS and component output began to be used less and less. The VGA interface lasted a little longer.

A little history

The operating principle of a conventional video card was that the digital image output from it had to be converted into an analog signal using a RAMDAC device - a digital-to-analog converter. Naturally, such conversion already deteriorated the image quality at the initial stage.

With the advent of digital screens, it became necessary to convert the analog signal at the output. Now monitors have also begun to be equipped with a special converter, which again could not but affect the image quality.

And then, in 1999, seemingly out of nowhere, DVI appeared - the newest digital video interface, thanks to which today we can enjoy the perfect picture on the screen.

The development of this interface device was carried out by a whole group of companies, which included Silicon Image, Digital Display Working Group and even Intel. The developers came to the conclusion that there is no need to convert a digital signal to analog, and then vice versa. It is enough to create a single interface, and the image in its original form will be displayed on the screen. And without the slightest loss of quality.

What is DVI

DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. The essence of its work is that a special TMDS encoding protocol, also developed by Silicon Image, is used to transmit data. The method of transmitting a signal through a digital video interface is based on the sequential sending of information previously implemented by the protocol, with constant backward compatibility with analog VGA channel.

The DVI specification allows for a single TMDS connection to operate at up to 165 MHz and a transfer rate of 1.65 Gbps. This makes it possible to obtain an output image with a resolution of 1920x1080 with a maximum frequency of 60 Hz. But here it is possible to simultaneously use a second TMDS connection with the same frequency, which allows you to achieve a throughput of 2 Gbit/s.

Having such indicators, DVI left far behind other developments in this direction and began to be used on all digital devices without exception.

DVI for the average user

Without delving into the jungle of electronics, a digital video interface is just a special encoding device that has a corresponding connector on the video card. But how do you know that a computer or laptop has a digital output?

It's very simple. The connectors of video cards with a digital interface cannot be confused with others. They have a specific appearance and shape, different from other nests. In addition, the DVI connector is always white, which makes it stand out from the rest.

In order to connect a monitor, TV or projector to a video card, you simply plug in the plug of the desired wire and secure it using special hand-screwed bolts.

Resolution and scaling

However, neither digital coding nor special video card connectors have completely solved the problem of computer-monitor compatibility. A question arose about image scaling.

The fact is that all monitors, screens and televisions that already have a DVI connector are not capable of outputting a higher resolution than what is provided by their design. Therefore, it often happened that the video card produced a high-quality picture, and the monitor showed it to us only in a quality limited by its capabilities.

The developers caught on in time and began equipping all modern digital panels with special scaling devices.

Now, when we connect the DVI connector on the monitor to the corresponding output on the video card, the device instantly self-adjusts, choosing the optimal operating mode. We usually don’t pay any attention to this process and don’t try to control it.

Video cards and DVI support

The first video cards of the NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS series already had built-in TMDS transmitters. They are still widely used today in Titanium cards, being integrated into rendering devices. The disadvantage of built-in transmitters is their low clock frequency, which does not allow achieving high resolution. In other words, TMDS do not make the most of their advertised 165 MHz bandwidth. Therefore, we can say with confidence that NVIDIA at the initial stage failed to adequately implement the DVI standard in its video cards.

When video adapters began to be equipped with an external TMDS, working in parallel with the built-in one, the DVI interface was able to produce a resolution of 1920x1440, which exceeded all the expectations of the company's developers.

The Titanium GeForce GTX series had no problems at all. They effortlessly provide images with a resolution of 1600x1024.

ATI took a completely different path. All of its video cards that have DVI outputs also operate from integrated transmitters, but they are supplied complete with special DVI-VGA adapters that connect 5 analog DVI pins to VGA.

Maxtor specialists decided not to bother at all and came up with their own way out of the situation. The G550 series video cards are the only ones that have a dual DVI cable instead of two signal transmitters. This solution allowed the company to achieve a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels.

DVI connector: types

It's important to know that not all digital connectors are created equal. They have different specifications and designs. In ours with you everyday life The most common types of DVI connectors are:

DVI-I SingleLink;
DVI-I DualLink;
DVI-D SingleLink;
DVI-D DualLink;
DVI-A.

DVI-I SingleLink connector

This connector is the most popular and in demand. It is used in all modern video cards and digital monitors. The letter I in the name means “integrated”. This DVI connector is special in its own way. The fact is that it has two combined transmission channels: digital and analog. In other words, this is a DVI+VGA connector. It has 24 digital pins and 5 analog pins.

Considering that these channels are independent of each other and cannot be used simultaneously, the device independently chooses which one to work with.

By the way, the first such integrated interfaces had separate DVI and VGA connectors.

DVI-I DualLink connector

DVI-I DualLink is also capable of transmitting an analog signal, but, unlike SingleLink, it has two digital channels. Why is this necessary? Firstly, to improve throughput, and secondly, it all comes down to resolution again, which is directly proportional to image quality. This option allows you to expand it to 1920x1080.

DVI-D SingleLink connector

DVI-D SingleLink connectors do not have any analog channels. The letter D informs the user that this is a digital interface only. It has one transmission channel and is also limited to a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.

DVI-D DualLink connector

This connector has two data channels. Their simultaneous use makes it possible to obtain 2560x1600 pixels at a frequency of only 60 Hz. In addition, this solution allows some modern video cards, such as nVidia 3D Vision, to reproduce three-dimensional images on a monitor screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

DVI-A connector

In some sources, the concept of DVI-A is sometimes found - a digital connector for transmitting exclusively an analog signal. In order not to mislead you, let us immediately indicate that in fact such an interface does not exist. DVI-A is just a special plug in cables and special adapters for connecting analog video devices to the DVI-I connector.

Digital connector: pinout

All of the listed connectors differ from each other in the location and number of contacts:

DVI-I SingleLink - has 18 pins for digital channel and 5 for analog;
DVI-I DualLink - 24 digital pins, 4 analog, 1 - ground;
DVI-D SingleLink - 18 digital, 1 - ground;
DVI-D DualLink - 24 digital, 1 - ground

The DVI-A connector also has its own unique pin arrangement. Its pinout consists of only 17 pins, including ground.

HDMI connector

A modern digital video interface also has other types of connecting communications. For example, the HDMI DVI connector is in no way inferior in popularity to the listed models. On the contrary, due to its compactness and the ability to transmit an audio signal along with digital video, it has become a mandatory accessory for all new TVs and monitors.

The abbreviation HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, which means “high-definition multimedia interface.” It appeared for the first time in 2003 and since then has not lost any of its relevance. Every year new modifications appear with improved resolution and bandwidth.

Today, for example, HDMI makes it possible to transmit video and audio signals without loss of quality over a cable up to 10 meters long. The throughput is up to 10.2 Gb/s. Just a few years ago this figure did not exceed 5 Gb/s.

Support and development this standard The world's leading companies producing radio electronics are engaged in this: Toshiba, Panasonic, Sony, Philips, etc. Almost all video devices today manufactured by these manufacturers must have at least one HDMI connector.

DP connector

DP (DisplayPort) is the newest connector that replaced the multimedia HDMI interface. Possessing high throughput, minimal loss of quality during data transmission and compactness, it was designed to completely replace the DVI standard. But it turned out that not everything is so simple. Most modern monitors do not have the appropriate connectors, and changing their production system in a short time is impossible. In addition, not all manufacturers are particularly committed to this, which is why most video equipment is not equipped with the DisplayPort standard.

Mini connectors

Today, when computers are often replaced by more mobile devices: laptops, tablets and smartphones - using conventional connectors becomes not very convenient. Therefore, manufacturers such as Apple, for example, began to replace them with smaller analogues. First VGA became mini-VGA, then DVI became micro-DVI, and DisplayPort shrank to mini-DisplayPort.

DVI adapters

But what if, for example, you need to connect a laptop to an analog monitor or another device that has a DVI connector to a digital panel with HDMI or DisplayPort standard? Special adapters will help with this, which can be purchased today at any radio electronics store.

Let's look at their main types:

VGA - DVI;
DVI - VGA;
DVI - HDMI;
HDMI - DVI;
HDMI - DisplayPort;
DisplayPort - HDMI.

In addition to these basic adapters, there are also varieties of them that provide connection to other interfaces, such as USB.

Of course, with such a connection there is a loss of image quality, even between devices of the same type that support the DVI standard. An adapter connector, no matter how high-quality it is, cannot solve this problem.

How to connect a TV to a computer

Connecting a TV to a computer or laptop is not difficult, but you should determine which interface is equipped with both devices. Most modern television receivers have built-in connectors that support DVI. This can be either HDMI or DisplayPort. If a computer or laptop has the same connector as the TV, it is enough to use the cable that usually comes with the latter. If the wire was not included in the kit, you can freely buy it in the store.

The computer operating system will independently detect the connection of the second screen and offer one of the options for using it:

as the main monitor;
in clone mode (the image will be displayed on both screens);
as an additional monitor to the main one.

But do not forget that with such a connection, the image resolution will remain the same as provided for by the screen design.

Does cable length affect signal quality?

Not only the signal quality, but also the data transfer speed depends on the length of the cable connecting the device and the screen. Taking into account the modern characteristics of connecting wires for various digital interfaces, their length should not exceed the established parameters:

for VGA - no more than 3 m;
for HDMI - no more than 5 m;
for DVI - no more than 10 m;
for DisplayPort - no more than 10 m.

If you need to connect a computer or laptop to a screen located at a distance exceeding the recommended one, you must use a special amplifier - a repeater (signal repeater), which can also distribute the channel to several monitors.

The standard provides simultaneous transmission of visual and audio information over a single cable; it is designed for television and cinema, but PC users can also use it to output video data using an HDMI connector.

HDMI is the latest attempt to standardize a universal connection for digital audio and video applications. It immediately received strong support from the giants of the electronics industry (the group of companies developing the standard includes companies such as Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi, Panasonic, Thomson, Philips and Silicon Image), and most modern devices high-resolution output has at least one such connector. HDMI allows you to transmit copy-protected audio and video in digital format over a single cable; the first version of the standard was based on a bandwidth of 5 Gb/s, and HDMI 1.3 expanded this limit to 10.2 Gb/s.

HDMI 1.3 is the latest standard specification with increased interface bandwidth, increased clock frequency up to 340 MHz, which allows you to connect high-resolution displays that support more colors (formats with color depths up to 48-bit). New version The specification also defines support for new Dolby standards for transmitting compressed audio without loss of quality. In addition, other innovations appeared; specification 1.3 described a new connector, smaller in size compared to the original.

In principle, the presence of an HDMI connector on a video card is completely optional; it can be successfully replaced by an adapter from DVI to HDMI. It is simple and therefore included with most modern video cards. Moreover, on video cards of the HDMI series, the connector is in demand primarily on mid- and low-level cards, which are installed in small and quiet barebones used as media centers. Because of the built-in audio, the Radeon HD 2400 and HD 2600 graphics cards have a definite advantage for builders of such multimedia centers.

Based on materials from the company's website iXBT.com