What connector does the monitor have? Monitor connectors (VGA, DVI, HDMI, Display Port)

In order for your computer and monitor to work and do it correctly, you must choose the right cord that matches the connectors on your computer. In this article we will look at monitor connectors.

Even in recent times, when the VGA connector reigned, everything was a little simpler. This analog interface was used by all types of monitors. Currently, newer and improved connectors are being released for connecting monitors: HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort.

The emergence of new connectors contributed to the accelerated development of technology. When the first flat-panel LCD monitors were born, the capabilities of the VGA connector were no longer enough. Manufacturers began to make various changes to the connector structure to achieve best quality, image displayed on the monitor screen. This is how the DVI connector appeared. Gaming and entertainment device companies have released the HDMI standard. After some time, the DisplayPort interface appeared.

Main monitor connectors for connecting to a computer

VGA (Video Graphics Array)– analog connector for connecting monitors. The standard was developed in 1987 by IBM specifically for its PS/2 series computers. In the systems of this series, a video card of the same name was located. The resolution of such a video card was not high, and was 640x480 pixels. If you come across the term “VGA resolution” somewhere, you can immediately understand that these are the numbers that are meant.

Despite such a long-standing year of manufacture, this 15-pin connector is still used today on many video cards. The maximum resolution of the VGA connector is 1280x1024 pixels, and the maximum frame refresh rate is 75 Hz.

Larger images, when displayed on a monitor screen via an analog interface, will suffer losses in quality. That is why subsequent interfaces began to use the digital data transmission method.

DVI(Digital Visual Interface)– became the first digital video interface. Released in 1999, the DVI connector significantly improved the quality of the image displayed on the screen. The maximum resolution when using this interface is 1920x1080 pixels, but when using more expensive video cards that have the ability to transmit data in dual-channel mode, the resolution reaches 2560x1600 pixels.

The DVI connector is available in different series, which are backward compatible with each other. The DVI-I connector is capable of transmitting not only digital data, but also an analog VGA signal.

Also, it is worth noting that DVI is not the most compact connector, and therefore Apple released a special Mini DVI designed for laptops.

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)– a high-definition multimedia interface appeared in 2003. Most commonly found now in new devices, LCD displays, home entertainment devices, etc. HDMI, like DVI, used a digital data transmission method, so the images displayed on the screen retained their quality. Almost every year, new and improved versions of the HDMI standard are released, differing in bandwidth and maximum resolution of images displayed on the monitor.

Like DVI, HDMI has a smaller version called Mini HDMI. This connector is also quite popular and is used in laptops and other devices.

DisplayPort (DP)– the newest connector to date. It was developed in May 2006. Like the previous ones, this interface allows you to transfer data in digital packets without loss of quality. This connector was intended to replace the DVI standard, although this will not be so easy. A special feature of the interface is that it allows you to connect several monitors connected in series to one system unit. But it will be somewhat more difficult to find monitors with such a connector than with DVI and HDMI connectors. Unlike HDMI, devices connected via DisplayPort do not necessarily have to pay licensing fees, while with HDMI you have to pay 4 cents for connected devices.

When purchasing devices with a DisplayPort connector, you may sometimes see the inscription “DP++”, which means that using adapters you can connect monitors with a DVI or HDMI interface to these connectors.

With the development of technology, new versions of the DisplayPort standard were released. Like HDMI, they differ in maximum resolution and bandwidth, and especially for laptops and some other devices, a compact Mini DisplayPort connector was also released to save space on the device panel.

The HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces allow you to transfer not only video data, but also audio to the monitor.

How to connect a monitor and a computer with different connectors?

Before purchasing any monitor, you should check whether you can connect it to a system unit or other device. It’s one thing if the connectors on the device and the monitor are the same, but another thing if the connectors are different. To avoid problems later connecting a monitor that has a connector different from the connector of the system unit or device, you need to find out if there is an adapter for these connectors.

Will the computer and monitor work correctly with different versions HDMI connector?

Such devices will work, but only functions from more advanced ones will be available. old version. Thus, connecting a computer whose video card has an HDMI 1.4 connector and supports 3D playback to a monitor whose connector version is 1.2, which does not support this function, then the picture will be displayed on the monitor in 2D format.

Using which interfaces will the image quality be better?

After passing several tests, VGA was singled out among all the interfaces, the image quality of which was the worst. The remaining connectors display images of approximately the same good quality on the monitor.

Can I connect a monitor to a laptop? And how to do this?

You can connect a monitor to a laptop if the laptop is equipped with a connector external monitors(most laptops are equipped with). To operate an external monitor, just connect it to the connector in the laptop and select one of three operating modes:

1. Using an external monitor as the main one. In this case, the image will be sent through the cable to the connected monitor, but the laptop display will be turned off.

2. Clone mode. In this case, the picture will be displayed both on the external monitor and on the laptop display

3. Multi-screen mode. The mode will allow you to increase the size of your desktop when using multiple monitors.

Can I connect a TV to my computer?

Modern computers no longer use conventional analog video interfaces, so conventional analog TVs it will not be possible to connect to a computer. But many flat TVs have a DVI or HDMI connector. Connecting a computer to such TV models is not difficult, just purchasing a suitable cord. As for netbooks, most often they have a VGA connector, so they can only be connected to TVs that have a VGA output.

Is it possible to connect the monitor to a computer using a USB interface?

Can. For regular monitors, there is a special adapter for a USB connector (DisplayLink). Today there are special monitors that connect to a computer via USB.

What is the maximum length for a monitor cable?

In fact, the length of the cable will depend on the interface used. Thus, when using the HDMI or VGA interface, the cable length should not exceed 5 meters. When using the DVI standard, the cable can reach ten meters in length. And when working with DisplayPort, the maximum cable length should be 3 meters. If these values ​​are exceeded, the data transfer rate will be lost or the signal may be lost completely. In order to be able to transmit signals over longer distances, a “signal repeater” device is used.

Greetings, friends and regular readers! For the monitor to work correctly with your computer, you need to connect it correctly. Monitor connectors, like the ports on a video card, vary.

From this article you will learn:

Today we will look at what types of video connectors there are, their types, and what each of them is called correctly.

VGA (D‑Sub)

The oldest standard, designed back in 1987 by IBM for PS/2 series computers. They were equipped with a graphics adapter with just such a connector and could produce an image up to 640x480 pixels in size. This screen resolution is also abbreviated as VGA.

Over time, monitors became larger diagonally and their resolution increased, but this analog port continued to be widely used until recently, including on LCD monitors.

Features of the VGA interface

  • The color used for marking was predominantly blue;
  • Transmits only video signals (to transmit audio, use an audio cable connected to the sound card);
  • Support for devices other than monitors, such as projectors.

Contrary to popular misconception, it is still too early to “bury” such a standard: over the 30 years of its existence, a colossal number of compatible devices have been released, many of which, if the conditions are met, can be used for at least another ten years.
Yes, monitor manufacturers are gradually moving away from this format, introducing more modern ones. You won't find it in top-end video cards either. But in budget graphics accelerators this port continues to be used, despite certain shortcomings.

HDMI

Today it is considered one of the most popular and popular interfaces: with HDMI

They produce both monitors and LCD TVs and plasma panels, as well as laser projectors, TV receivers and other video equipment. Format features:

  • It is not color coded;
  • There are several types of HDMI connectors with different sizes;
  • Transmits both image and sound, including 3D effects, supporting resolutions up to 4K;
  • When using a cable up to 10 meters long, no additional signal amplifier is required;
  • Interface bandwidth up to 48 Gbit/s.

If a computer or laptop, as well as a monitor or other information output device, has an HDMI connector, the entire connection comes down to selecting the appropriate cable, which simply cannot be inserted incorrectly.

DVI

Digital-analog interface designed in 1999. Over the past 20 years, it has undergone several changes, but continues to be widely used in computer and video equipment. DVI Features:

  • Usually marked in white or yellow;
  • Transmits only images with a resolution of up to 1920x1080 (Full HD);
  • There are several modifications that differ in the type of locking key and are not compatible;

  • Supports signal transmission through a cable up to 61 m long without the need for an additional amplifier;
  • Greater susceptibility to signal interference compared to HDMI if sources of electromagnetic radiation are nearby.

BNC

A coaxial RF connector that is used to interconnect a variety of equipment. Equipped with a bayonet-type lock and uses a coaxial cable with a diameter of up to 8 mm, with a characteristic impedance of up to 75 Ohms.

The connector is widely used for wiring local networks or, for example, connections satellite dish to a TV tuner, but in the field of video signal transmission from a video card to a monitor it has not actually received distribution.

You shouldn’t even consider this option: you’re unlikely to find modern monitor or a graphics adapter equipped with such a port.

Display Port

Standard for digital monitors adopted in 2006. Today, the newest and most advanced of all the previously listed standards. Can be used to connect both a monitor and a home theater to a computer. Interface features:

  • Supports up to four monitors simultaneously and multiple independent streams;
  • Data transfer at speeds up to 21.6 Gbps;
  • Maximum image resolution up to 8K;
  • Using the port does not require DRM (copyright protection) to make it difficult to transfer or copy data.

Other questions

It is logical that when answering which connector is better from all of the above, the answer is clear: Display Port - as the most modern and meeting all the requirements.

There is no clear opinion among experts regarding DVI and HDMI, but HDMI has gained great popularity. VGA, as morally outdated, should not be seriously considered.

At the time of buying new video card It may turn out that your old monitor does not have a connector that is suitable for connecting a monitor: for example, your display is connected via DVI, and you purchased a powerful graphics accelerator with a pair of HDMI slots.

At the same time, the monitor still works “like a clock”, and I don’t want to change it yet.

Don't be upset: there are many adapters that can be used to “make friends” between physically incompatible connectors.
In this case, you do not need an adapter, but an adapter (the price difference is only a couple of dollars), which will ensure adequate transmission of the RGB signal without distortion.

How to find out the connector? Yes, it’s very simple: they are all so different that it is simply impossible to confuse them. It is enough to find a picture on the Internet depicting all the current ports to remember their appearance once and for all.

And lastly: why is there USB on the monitor and is it used to transmit a video stream? Experiments were carried out, but this technology was not widespread, since its parameters did not reach existing standards.

Monitors are sometimes equipped with them to be able to connect additional equipment: for example, a fan or lamp, so as not to occupy the corresponding computer ports.

I also advise you to familiarize yourself with the monitor and . You can read about where it is best to buy components.

And that is all. If you have any left additional questions. Feel free to ask them in the comments. I would be grateful to everyone who shares this publication on in social networks. Till tomorrow!

Every PC user sooner or later encounters connecting their laptop or personal computer to the monitor using various cables and connectors. All of them differ from each other in structure, picture quality and maximum permissible cable length. In the 90s, a 15-pin VGA connector was used to connect CRT monitors, which gave good picture for that time. Over time, the resolution provided by VGA became insufficient and was replaced by a new 17 (17-29) pin DVI interface with the ability to display a much higher resolution due to its higher throughput.

DVI connector

To develop the Digital Visual Interface (DVI), large companies joined forces. It was jointly decided that it was inappropriate to convert the signal twice. As a result, the developers came to the decision to create a single digital interface that can display the original image without unnecessary changes or loss of quality.

Basic operating principle interface lies in the new technology of the TMDS data encoding protocol. Information previously implemented by the protocol is sequentially transmitted to the device.

The interface allows you to achieve a resolution of 1920x1080 at a frequency of 60 Hz. These parameters allow you to achieve throughput 1.65 Gb/s and this is using a single TMDS connection. If two connections are used, the speed will increase to 2 Gb/s. With such high performance, DVI is head and shoulders above its predecessors.

To explain to the average user why Digital Visual Interface is so good, we can only say that it is a digital video interface. It is not difficult to distinguish it from its analog predecessor - the connectors are always white, which makes it impossible to confuse it with others. The shape and a larger number of pins are also characteristic differences of the interface.

The interface cable is limited in length, like other connectors, its maximum length is no more than 10 m, which is 7 meters more than VGA.

Main types and differences

In addition to the characteristic differences from other interfaces, the Digital Visual Interface also differs from each other. The main differences between them are the number of channels and the ability to transmit an analog signal. Let's take a closer look at the popular variations:


The difference between the connectors can be summarized simply - the letter D indicates the presence of only a digital signal, the letter A indicates only an analog signal, the letter I indicates the presence of both types of signals.

In the case where the video card has a Digital Visual Interface output, but the monitor only has VGA, adapters are suitable. When purchasing adapters, you need to understand the difference between DVI-I and DVI-D; the former will be able to transmit the signal to VGA because there is an analog channel, but the second one does not have an analog communication channel and it will not be possible to transmit an image through it through an adapter; special expensive converters are used for this.

In addition to DVI-VGA and VGA-DVI adapters, there are other DVI-HDMI, HDMI-DVI, DVI-DisplayPort, DisplayPort-DVI, they all transmit between themselves digital signal and there should be no connection problems.

Disadvantages of technology

The only significant drawback of the technology is cable length limitation. For example, when using a 15 m cable, the maximum resolution that can be achieved is 1280x1024, but if you use only a 5 meter cable, the resolution will increase to 1920x1200. If you need to connect a device over a long distance without losing the signal, you will have to use additional repeaters, which will strengthen the signal.

VGA connector

In 1987, Canon introduced the world to a new VGA (Video Graphics Array) connector, which was installed on the video card of the same name. The capabilities of the technology were more than enough, because the original resolution was 640x480. The maximum possible resolution without loss of image quality that Video Graphics Array is capable of producing is 1280x1024. Despite the fact that more efficient interfaces have long appeared and are pushing VGA out of the market, many TVs and video devices are still equipped with this connector. The reason for the displacement was the emergence of new monitors that require higher resolution.

The connector has a 15-pin wiring and is marked blue (with rare exceptions), which makes it easy to distinguish it from DVI (white). Maximum cable length connection is limited to 3 m.

Due to the development of technology, a new standard has emerged, Super Video Graphics Array or SVGA, which uses the same 15-pin connection as the Video Graphics Array but is significantly superior technically. The main difference between SVGA and VGA is number of colors displayed, there are 16 million of them in the new version of the interface, with 256 colors in the old one.

Main types

There are three main types of VGA connectors: DDC1, DDC2, E-DDC:

  1. DDC1– allows the monitor to unilaterally transfer data with information about its characteristics to the computer. After which the video card determines this information on the cable and detects the DDC monitor connected to it
  2. DDC2– a specification of this type allows for the exchange of information bilaterally. First, the monitor transmits its data to the computer, after which the computer adjusts the necessary parameters to the connected monitor.
  3. E-DDC– represents the most effective specification. Information about the data of the connected monitor was saved in the device memory.

All 15 contacts are arranged in 3 rows of 5 contacts. First three contacts are responsible for transmitting analog video signals of three different colors (1,2,3). Each of them has its own land- 6,7,8 respectively. Pins 13 and 14 are responsible for horizontal and vertical synchronization. In addition to transmitting a video signal, the interface has two-way communication with the monitor.

Interface pinout:


If we are talking about a mini VGA connector (a smaller analogue with the same parameters), then the pinout will be as follows:

Extension Cords

There are situations when the computer and the connected monitor or TV are in different rooms and connecting them will require a cable of non-standard length. You can buy it at any computer store, but there are two problems:

  • too much high price cable - from $20 for 15 meters;
  • rigidity standard cable, which becomes a big problem for beautiful and correct installation in skirting boards. If, when installing the cable, you need to go through the wall, then the factory cable will obviously not help because... you will have to drill a hole with a diameter of 40 mm.

In such cases, the ideal solution would be to make an extension cord yourself. An ordinary twisted pair cable of category 5 or 6 will come to the rescue with this.

In terms of price, it significantly outperforms the factory Video Graphics Array extension cord; its price is about 15 rubles per meter, and its diameter is only 8 mm.

Using only 8 twisted pair pins, you can easily solder an extension cord, but you can do it even easier by purchasing a VGA to RJ-45 adapter at the store.

DIY DVI-D to VGA adapter

It is impossible to find such an adapter. The reason for this is that technologies use different ports and data types. If you look closely at DVI-D pinout then it will become noticeable that there is no contacts to transmit the analog signal that VGA requires.

In this case it may help converter DVI-D – VGA, which converts the digital signal coming from the Digital Visual Interface into analog. This is the only connection option.

Worth noting, that if you break out 4 “extra contacts” due to which a regular adapter cannot be inserted into the connector, then nothing will work anyway, since they are the ones responsible for transmitting the analog signal.

Maximum cable length

All interfaces have a limitation on the maximum permissible cable length without loss of signal quality. The longer the cable, the worse the signal, and, accordingly, the maximum resolution. The maximum length is different for each type, since the interfaces use different technologies and types of signals.

For DVI – 10, VGA – 3 m, HDMI – 10 m.

Difference between DVI and VGA

The main difference between these connectors is maximum resolution And picture quality. In addition, the Digital Visual Interface has from 17 to 29 pins, while VGA has only 15. Another difference is the type of signals with which the interfaces work: for VGA it is analog, and for Digital Visual Interface it is digital. It is for this reason that VGA has to do the conversion twice, which significantly degrades the quality of the resulting image.

Which is better DVI or HDMI

In comparing these two interfaces, we can say that they are somewhat equivalent. The big advantage of HDMI is that with just one cable you can transmit both video and audio data, thereby reducing the number of wires that are abundant in modern multimedia systems. The significant difference is maximum resolution, which for HDMI can currently be 10240 × 5760.

Difference between VGA and HDMI

It is incorrect to compare these two interfaces due to their difference in creation time. HDMI is a fairly new connector that provides the user with an excellent picture and excellent sound in just one cable. Video Graphics Array is now used mostly in old technology that is not compatible with new technologies.

To visualize information processed by a computer, you definitely need a screen. On the technical side, connecting the monitor to the system unit is ensured using a cable. Cable connectors can be of four types: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI or VGA. Each of them has both its advantages and disadvantages. So what's the best way to connect a monitor? DVI or HDMI or VGA - which option is preferable?

High-Definition Multimedia Interface

Even connecting a screen to a computer has its own standards. So, DVI or HDMI - which is better for a monitor? The choice definitely falls on the last connector. This undeniable leadership is due to the fact that many modern development companies use it by default.

HDMI is the most popular type of interface at the moment. It is used to connect most monitors and TVs. But the use of HDMI is not limited to only these devices. It allows you to connect laptops, tablets, smartphones, game consoles, and multimedia players. HDMI is already a standard for connecting equipment to output images of particularly high quality.

Advantages of HDMI over other connection types

In order to decide whether DVI or HDMI is better for a monitor, you need to remember the advantages of each connection type. The advantages of the second are:

  1. Simplicity. The image is transmitted through one cable, which is very convenient because it avoids the accumulation of a large number of different wires. Thanks to this type of interface, the entire entertainment multimedia system can be converted into digital form quickly and easily. HDMI, due to its wide format, allows you to connect many devices (for example, for a home theater) using the same one cable.
  2. Compatibility. Each a new version is perfectly supported and interchangeable with the previous ones.
  3. Efficiency. connection (10.2 Gbps) provides transmission of video fragments with a resolution of 1080. Thus, using HDMI, you can watch films of truly high quality. For gamers, this point is important because, thanks to high resolution, gaming speed increases.

HDMI intelligence and innovation

HDMI is a completely digital format that requires no image conversion or compression. In addition, in the future, the developers plan to improve this technology: firstly, they are working on more high resolutions and increased frequency, secondly, another know-how is the technology of an expanded color palette, which will include up to a trillion colors, but at the moment it is at the development stage. The latter will allow you to get a more realistic and high-quality picture.

Manufacturers and developers of this type The connectors are maximally consumer-oriented, so the two-way connection ensures full interaction of devices with each other. This interface allows you to automatic mode determine the capabilities of each type of equipment in order to adjust the necessary options. HDMI has learned to control the resolution and aspect ratio of the image. The company's latest development is Consumer Electronics Control - technology that allows you to control playback, recording and even launch a series of commands with one button.

DisplayPort

If you are deciding how best to connect a monitor - DVI or HDMI or DisplayPort - you need to know that the latter option is definitely not suitable for HD lovers. This interface was developed by specialists from VESA, a fairly reputable company in its field. But despite this, many users consider the connector to be the most suitable for connecting the screen and the power supply.

However, programmers and designers, thinking about how best to connect a monitor (DVI or HDMI or D-Sub DisplayPort), will probably give preference to the latter. And all because the main feature of this type of connection is the ability to work simultaneously with several monitors.

Another advantage of the interface is the absence of licensing fees. Another feature of the DisplayPort connector is that each color is transmitted on its own personal channel. Unlike HDMI, it has a locking mechanism and is free of screw fastenings, which maintains reliable operation. DisplayPort, in addition, has quite small dimensions.

Summarizing the above, we can say that the main purpose of this type of connection is to provide communication between the monitor and the computer. This is not the best option for TVs.

Digital Visual Interface

In the nineties, DVI had the status of a standard interface for connecting monitors, but soon lost relevance due to the advent of HDMI. But still, what is the best way to connect a monitor? DVI or HDMI - which option is better? DVI can be used where 4K resolution is not required. This interface supports several modes:

  • digital only (the difference between the digital format is that it does not transmit an audio signal, suitable for computers that do not have speakers);
  • analog only;
  • digital and analog.

Video Graphics Array

In order to fully discuss (DVI or HDMI) which is better for a monitor, it is necessary to remember the long-forgotten VGA. It was once widely used in electronics, but has now become almost extinct. Several years ago, leading IT companies finally abandoned this interface, arguing that they were planning a transition to new high speeds.

But VGA is still found in old computers and projectors. And if it is convenient to use, then why should it be abandoned? After all, he served some faithfully for more than a decade.

Summarizing

How to decide on the choice - DisplayPort, VGA, DVI or HDMI? What is better for a monitor? First of all, you need to indicate the purpose of the interface for each specific connection. The best option would, of course, be HDMI, which is universal. This connection is suitable for both TV and computer.

If multifunctionality is not a priority, then DisplayPort is a good choice for a PC. The connector is now supported and used by many manufacturers. VGA and DVI, as outdated but proven versions, will also find their, although not widespread, distribution. And yet, the most technologically advanced, innovative and promising solutions will be DisplayPort and HDMI.

The section is updated daily. Always the latest versions of the best free programs for everyday use in the Required programs section. There is almost everything you need for everyday work. Start gradually abandoning pirated versions in favor of more convenient and functional free analogues. If you still do not use our chat, we highly recommend that you get acquainted with it. There you will find many new friends. In addition, this is the fastest and most effective way to contact project administrators. The Antivirus updates section continues to work - always up to date free updates for Dr Web and NOD. Didn't have time to read something? The full contents of the ticker can be found at this link.

Monitor interfaces - connector types

Interfaces currently in widespread use:

VGA(D-Sub)- the only analog interface for connecting monitors still in use today. It is morally obsolete, but will be actively used for a long time. The main disadvantage is associated with the need to use double conversion of the signal to analog format and vice versa, which leads to a loss of quality when connecting digital display devices (LCD monitors, plasma panels, projectors). Compatible with video cards with DVI-I and similar connectors.


DVI-D- basic type of DVI interface. It implies only a digital connection, so it cannot be used with video cards that only have an analog output. Very widespread.


DVI-I- an extended version of the DVI-D interface, the most common nowadays. Contains 2 types of signals - digital and analog. Video cards can be connected via both digital and analog connections; a video card with a VGA (D-Sub) output can be connected to it via a simple passive adapter or a special cable.

If the documentation for the monitor indicates that this modification uses the DVI Dual-Link option, then in order to fully support the maximum monitor resolutions (usually 1920*1200 and higher), the video card and the DVI cable used must also support Dual-Link as a full interface option DVD-D. If you use the cable included with the monitor and a relatively modern (at the time of writing the FAQ) video card, then no additional purchases are required.


HDMI- adaptation of DVI-D for household equipment, supplemented by an S/PDIF interface for multi-channel audio transmission. Present for virtually all modern LCD TVs, plasma panels and projectors. To connect a video card with a DVI-D or DVI-I interface to the HDMI connector, a simple passive adapter or cable with the appropriate connectors is sufficient. It is impossible to connect a video card with only a VGA (D-Sub) connector to HDMI!



Legacy and exotic interfaces:


DVI-A- used as a plug in adapters and cables for connecting analog monitors to the DVI-I connector.


ADC or Apple Display Connector, used by Apple in the Apple Cinema Displays line. Essentially, it is DVI-D, supplemented by a USB interface and power lines for the monitor.


DFP or MDR-20, an outdated analogue of DVI-D that is not compatible with it. Currently, neither monitors nor video cards with such connectors are produced.


OpenLDI, aka LVDS or MDR-36. Used in some models of video adapters and monitors from Silicon Graphics. Not compatible with DFP, although similar to it.


P&D, also known as EVC or M1, an analogue of DVI-I, complemented by USB and FireWire interfaces. Typically used in video projectors and other exotic devices.



DVI

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is the most popular type of interface for connecting monitors and other information display devices (projectors, plasma panels) to computers at present. In the future, it will be gradually replaced by the .

The DVI interface can contain up to two digital channels and one analogue (VGA), which determines the existing variety of connectors:

  • DVI-I Single Link - one analog and one digital channel.
  • DVI-D Dual Link- two digital channel. Allows you to use permissions up to 2560*1600 at a refresh rate of 60Hz or 1920*1080 at update rate 120Hz(required to use nVidia 3D Vision technology). Most relevant at present.
  • DVI-D Single Link- only one digital channel, interface capabilities are limited by resolution 1920*1200 or 1600*1200 at a refresh rate of 60Hz, to support higher resolutions you must use Dual Link or an analog interface.
  • DVI-I Dual Link - one analog and two digital channels, the most complete implementation of the interface.
  • DVI-A is only an analog part, without a digital one, in fact it is a VGA connector made in a new form factor. Usually found only on the DVI part of the DVI-VGA adapter.

If the documentation for the monitor indicates that this modification uses the DVI Dual Link option, then to fully support the maximum monitor resolutions (usually 1920*1200 and higher), the video card and the DVI cable used must also support Dual Link. If you use the cable included with the monitor and a relatively modern (at the time of writing the FAQ) video card, then no additional purchases are required.

The maximum length of a DVI cable is not strictly specified in the standard, but without any restrictions, the cable can only be up to 5 m long, then the maximum supported resolution decreases with distance, for example, for a Single Link cable with a standard 15 m long screen, the maximum supported resolution is 1280 * 1024 .

If the DVI cable is faulty, or the resolution set is excessive for its frequency characteristics (this is especially common with cables 10 m or more in length), then this manifests itself in the form of specific flickering pixels on the monitor.

DVI interface layout:



DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a fundamentally new type of digital interface for connecting video cards with display devices, designed to replace both the DVI interface, used to connect external monitors, and LVDS, used to connect the built-in displays of portable devices (laptops, PDAs, etc.).

Despite its great capabilities, DisplayPort will not replace HDMI: these two standards are aimed at different market segments: HDMI for household audio-video equipment, and DisplayPort for computers and professional equipment.

The most popular version of the DisplayPort 1.1 standard at the time of writing the FAQ was approved by the VESA association in March 2008, the further description refers specifically to this version of the standard.

Basic technical specifications of the interface:

  • Data transfer rates up to 8.64 GBit/sec (over a cable length of up to 3 m), which allows, for example, to support video modes such as 2560 x 1600 x 60 frames/sec with 30-bit color or 4096 x 2160 x 24 frames/sec with 36-bit color. With a cable of the maximum possible length of 15m, a limited transmission speed is used, which is not inferior to DVI Single Link, i.e., it supports, for example, a mode such as FullHD 1920 x 1080 x 60 fps with 24-bit color.
  • Supports color depth up to 16 bits per color component, i.e. If there is appropriate support from the video card and monitor, it is possible to display 48-bit color. (Existing implementations already allow 30-bit color)
  • Backward compatibility is achieved by the ability to use existing data lines for DVI or VGA signals, and adapters are used to connect to devices with such connectors.
  • Copper twisted pair is used as the transmission medium, but optical fiber can also be used.
  • Supports two technologies for protecting transmitted content – ​​HDCP and the more advanced DPCP.
  • Hot plugging is allowed.
  • Audio transmission (optional): up to 8 channels, up to 192KHz/16 or 24bit LPCM, maximum total bitrate 6.1Mbit/s

The latest version of the standard (fully backwards compatible with the previous one), DisplayPort ver. 1.2, has an increased data transfer rate of up to 21.6 Gbit/s (5.4 Gbit/s per lane). In practice, this leads to the following innovations:

  • Supports up to four displays with resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 x 60 fps.
  • Ability to work with a single display at a resolution of 3840 x 2400 x 60 fps.
  • Supports FullHD 3D mode.
  • The data transfer rate on the auxiliary channel has been increased from 1Mbit/s to 720Mbit/s.
Compared to its predecessor DVI, the DisplayPort standard has the following advantages:
  • The use of a micro-packet data transfer protocol allows for easy extensibility and adaptability of this standard, in particular, in future versions it is planned to introduce the ability to transmit multiple video streams over one physical connection.
  • The ability to directly control LCD panels has been implemented, which, combined with the unification of external and internal interface options, allows in the future to significantly simplify the design of laptops and LCD monitors.
  • Supports YCbCr and RGB color coding standards
  • Auxiliary interface lines can be used for a variety of purposes, in particular for connecting USB devices, which simplifies the connection of monitors with built-in peripherals (web cameras, microphones, TouchScreen)
  • Fewer data lines combined with the absence of separate clock lines results in less stray electromagnetic radiation.
  • A more compact connector and thinner cable allow you to eliminate the use of screws in the connector and freely insert the cable into the corresponding socket with one hand.
More information on the topic of the DisplayPort interface can be found at

Publications on the topic