DVI
Digital Visual Interface
Standard: DDWG (Digital Display Working Group) Last updated: 2025-01-21
DVI was the bridge between VGA and HDMI, introduced in 1999. It's largely obsolete now - most new equipment uses HDMI or DisplayPort. However, it remains common on older monitors and is still found on some professional equipment and KVM switches. The lack of audio support and bulky connector size contributed to its decline.
Quick Specifications
Max Speed
7.92 Gbps
Max Power
7.5W
Pins
29
Reversible
No
⚠️ Common Confusion Points
- DVI-D, DVI-I, and DVI-A are physically different - DVI-D won't fit in a DVI-A port
- Single Link vs Dual Link cables look similar but Dual Link has more pins in the center
- DVI-I ports accept DVI-D cables, but DVI-D ports don't accept DVI-I cables (extra analog pins)
- The flat blade pin on one side indicates analog capability - DVI-D lacks this blade
- DVI-to-HDMI adapters only work with DVI-D/DVI-I (digital), not DVI-A
- No audio support - DVI is video only unlike HDMI
- Dual Link is required for resolutions above 1920x1200@60Hz
- Many 'DVI cables' sold are Single Link even when Dual Link is needed
Protocols & Versions
| Protocol | Data Rate | Power | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| DVI-A (DVI-A) | Analog | — | 5m typical |
| DVI-D Single Link (Single Link) | 3.96 Gbps | — | 5m for full resolution |
| DVI-D Dual Link (Dual Link) | 7.92 Gbps | — | 5m for full resolution |
| DVI-I Single Link (DVI-I Single) | 3.96 Gbps (digital) | — | 5m typical |
| DVI-I Dual Link (DVI-I Dual) | 7.92 Gbps (digital) | — | 5m typical |
DVI-A Features
Cable requirements: DVI-A cable
DVI-D Single Link Features
Cable requirements: DVI-D Single Link cable
DVI-D Dual Link Features
Cable requirements: DVI-D Dual Link cable
DVI-I Single Link Features
Cable requirements: DVI-I cable
DVI-I Dual Link Features
Cable requirements: DVI-I Dual Link cable
Connector Specifications
- Shape
- rectangular with blade
- Pins
- 29
- Width × Height
- 39.5 × 15.13 mm
- Depth
- 12 mm
- Reversible
- No
Electrical Specifications
- Max Voltage
- 5V
- Max Current
- 1.5A
- Max Power
- 7.5W
Compatibility
Backwards Compatible With
- VGA (DVI-I/DVI-A only)
Can Adapt To
- HDMI (DVI-D, passive)
- VGA (DVI-I/DVI-A, passive)
- DisplayPort (active)
Can Adapt From
- HDMI (passive)
- DisplayPort (passive/active)
- VGA (DVI-I only)
Common Uses
- Older monitors (2000s-2010s)
- Graphics cards (older)
- Desktop computers
- Projectors
- KVM switches
- Video editing equipment
Buying Guide
First identify your port type: DVI-D (no blade, digital only), DVI-I (blade + pins, digital and analog), or DVI-A (blade only, analog only). For 1080p@60Hz or 1920x1200, Single Link is sufficient. For higher resolutions or refresh rates, you need Dual Link. For HDMI conversion, any DVI-D or DVI-I cable works with a passive adapter. DVI is being phased out - consider HDMI or DisplayPort for new setups.
Also Known As
Data Sources
- Wikipedia - Digital Visual Interface
Retrieved: 2025-01-15