DVI, or Digital Visual Interface, is a video display interface that carries digital video signals from a source device, such as a computer or DVD player, to a digital display device, typically a monitor or projector. It was developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) in 1999 as an industry standard for high-quality digital video transmission.
The primary purpose of DVI is to ensure a direct digital-to-digital connection between the source and the display, thereby eliminating the need for analog-to-digital conversion which can lead to signal degradation. DVI supports various video resolutions up to 2560x1600 pixels, making it suitable for both standard and high-definition displays.
There are three main types of DVI connectors: DVI-D (digital-only), DVI-A (analog-only), and DVI-I (integrated, supporting both digital and analog signals). DVI-D is the most common type used today, ensuring a pure digital signal transmission, while DVI-I is versatile, allowing compatibility with both digital and analog displays through the use of appropriate adapters.
DVI cables typically use a combination of pins and channels for transmitting video data, clock signals, and controlling features like HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) for copyright protection. Although DVI has largely been superseded by technologies like HDMI and DisplayPort, it remains widely used in a range of applications, including connecting older computers to monitors, gaming consoles to displays, and professional audiovisual setups.
