The LINDY DVI Guide
DVI Cables, DVI Leads, DVI Adapters & Connector Information
What is DVI?
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a digital video interface developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). It is able to support both digital and analogue video signals over a single DVI cable and is commonly found on computers, LCD monitors, projectors and other digital display equipment.
What are the advantages of DVI?
Traditional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays use an analogue signal to receive image data from the computers graphics card. For this reason, early graphics cards needed to convert their native digital signal into analogue in order to support CRT monitors.
LCD monitors are digital display devices, but when they were first introduced they needed to be able to accept and adapt this analogue signal to ensure compatibility with the majority of available computers. In order for the LCD to accept the computer's analogue output, the signal had to be reconverted to digital.
Since both the computer and the LCD digital monitor accept and transmit digital signals, the process of translating digital to analogue is fundamentally unnecessary. The DVI digital connection removes this digital - analogue - digital conversion process, and so removes inaccuracies and information loss due to each conversion process.
DVI, at standard cable lengths (up to 7.5m), suffers none of the problems traditionally associated with analogue interfaces, such as noise, "sparkles", "ghosting", "snow", poor colour matching and "softness" caused by loss of sharpness.
DVI Connection Types
DVI-D Single Link Male
DVI-D Dual Link Male
DVI-I Single Link Male
DVI-I Dual Link Male
DVI-D Female
DVI-I Female
Mini DVI Male
DVI-D Single Link - this Digital only connection supports digital only displays with screen resolutions of up to 1920 x 1080 and 1080p. You can see our range of DVI-D Single Link cables by clicking on the following links: DVI-D Single Link cables and DVI-D Super Long Distance cables
DVI-D Dual Link - this connection uses a second data link and supports much higher resolutions such as 2048 x 1536 (QXGA). We supply a range of dual link DVI cables including DVI-D Dual Link, Premium Gold DVI-D Dual Link and Premium Gold DVI-D Dual Link Super Long Distance cables.
DVI-A, Analogue - this rarely used cable connects only the analogue RGB signals.
DVI-I Single Link - this connection incorporates both the digital and analogue signals in a single DVI cable. This means the cable can send a digital-to-digital or an analogue-to-analogue signal (for use with an analogue display). Click the link to see our DVI-I Single Link cables.
DVI-I Dual Link - similar to DVI-I Single Link, but with a second data link for higher resolutions. This connection incorporates both the digital and analogue signals in a single cable. This means the cable can send a digital-to-digital or an analogue-to-analogue signal.
Mini DVI - the Mini DVI connector is a single link connector commonly found on Apple computers. Its small size makes it ideal for use with laptops. It can support digital and analogue signals. A range of Mini DVI Adapters are available from LINDY including Mini DVI to DVI-D, Mini DVI to VGA, Mini DVI to HDMI and Mini DVI to DVI & HDMI types.
DVI Cable Distance Limitations
With standard DVI cables you can extend the distance for digital monitors, with fixed cables and connections, by up to 7.5m. For distances greater than 7.5m, special low attenuation cables are recommended to provide satisfactory results. For optimum performance, at distances from 7.5m up to 25m, we recommend you use LINDY Super Long Distance DVI Cables or LINDY Premium Gold Super Long Distance DVI cables. For distances over 25m you can use a DVI Repeater / Extender or a CAT5/6 DVI Extender.
LINDY Premium Gold DVI Cables
Our Premium Gold DVI cables are an ideal choice for installers who require maximum performance, reliability, build quality and stylish design. These cables are available in lengths from 0.5m up to 25m with DVI-D Single Link, Dual Link, and DVI to HDMI configurations. All Premium Gold cables feature RF-BLOK connectors and a specially optimized, low attenuation cable for excellent long distance performance. The connectors are equipped with 24K plated contacts for corrosion resistance and maximum signal integrity. They're ideal for use in professional AV installations, digital signage etc. and they're backed by our industry leading 25 year warranty.
RF-BLOK Connector
In keeping with the LINDY tradition of premium quality computer connection technology, all LINDY DVI-D and
SLD Cables use a rugged construction RF-BLOK shielded design that ensures optimum performance from your flat
panel monitor. LINDY RF-BLOK cables use a one-piece metal block EMI/RF shield that gives reduced interference,
and increased insulation resistance of up to 25%. The innovative interconnect design means there is no soldering
required in the assembly of the cable. The design and excellent RF shielding also means that there is no
requirement for a ferrite core, so the cable is less stressed and more flexible
- an advantage when the cable
needs to be bent in tight spaces.
DVI Adapters
LINDY DVI Adapters allow different monitors and graphics cards to be connected to the DVI interface. A wide range is available including ADC, DFP, VGA, P&D and HDMI versions.
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