DVI vs HDMI - Difference and Comparison

While DVI connectors can only transmit video, HDMI connectors transmit both audio and video. In terms of picture quality, DVI and HDMI use the same encoding scheme for digital video signals and offer the same image quality. The connectors are typically used to transmit video from a source (like a computer or game console) to a display device (such as a monitor or TV). However, DVI does not support HDCP encryption by default, so may be unable to play full HD Blu-ray or other HD content.

Comparison chart

DVI versus HDMI comparison chart

	DVI	HDMI
	current rating is 3.95/5 1 2 3 4 5 (396 ratings)	current rating is 3.95/5 1 2 3 4 5 (283 ratings)

Stands For	Digital Visual Interface	High Definition Multimedia Interface
General Specification	Hot pluggable, external, digital video signal, 29 Pins	Hot pluggable, external, digital video and audio signal, 19 or 29 pins.
Signal through cables	There are three types of cables:- DVI-A: Analog only DVI-D: Digital only DVI-I: Digital and Analog.	Digital
Compatibility	Can convert to other standards like HDMI and VGAs.	Compatible with DVI and VGA with converters.
Introduced by	Graphical standard introduced by Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) that connects monitors to PCs since 1997.	HDMI Founders (Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, and Toshiba). Spec now controlled by Silicon Image Subsidiary HDMI Licensing, LLC.
Audio signal	None. Requires separate audio cable.	LPCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, MPCM, DSD, DST

A DVI vs HDMI adapter cable

Usage

DVI is one of the most common cables used by desktop computers and LCD monitors.

HDMI is the default cable used on new HDTVs, Blu-Ray players, Apple TV, many new computers and other video devices.

Capabilities

DVI can stream up to 1920x1200 HD video, or up to 2560x1600 with dual-link DVI connectors. However, it doesn’t support HDCP encryption by default, so may be unable to play full HD Blu-ray or other HD content.

HDMI can stream digital video and audio simultaneously and support up to 1920x1200 HD video and 8 channel audio. It supports HDCP encryption, making it the best choice for HD devices, such as Blu-Ray. HDMI also supports audio which DVI does not.

Compatibility

DVI can be connected to an HDMI port using a small digital converter. However, DVI does not support audio, and so a separate cable is needed. DVI can also connect to older monitors that only have a VGA port.

Types

Types of HDMI connectors

HDMI connectors are of 5 types:

Types of HDMI Connectors

HDMI Connector Types	Defined in	No. of pins	Usage	Compatible to
Type A	HDMI 1.0	19	All HDTV, EDTV and SDTV models	Single link DVI-D
Type B	HDMI 1.0	29	Very high resolution displays-WQUXGA	Dual link DVI-D
Type C (mini connector)	HDMI 1.3	19	Portable devices	Type A conenctor using typeA-to-typeC cable
Type D (micro connector)	HDMI 1.4	19	-	-
Type E	HDMI 1.4	-	Automotive (locking tab keeps the cable from vibrating loose, shell helps prevent moisture and dirt)	Relay connector for connecting to standard cables

Types of DVI connectors

DVI Connectors

DVI ports are of the following types:

DVI-D is the digital format connector. It is the most popular format used for connecting digital LCD monitors to DVI graphics cards. DVI-D can come in single-link and dual-link forms. The dual link form provides twice as much power and delivers the data more rapidly than the single link kind. So dual-link may be used for larger monitors. Here is the layout of the pins.

DVI-A is the analog version of DVI. It is used to carry signals from a DVI graphics card to an analog display, for example a CRT monitor. There is a digital to analog conversion applied here, but this still gives higher-quality results than a standard VGA cable. Here is the layout of the pins The analog pins are the four that surround the flat blade as shown in the picture.

DVI-I is the integrated format which caters for both digital and analog equipment. This doesn’t convert a pure DVI-D output to something a DVI-A device can use. But it will act as a DVI-D cable or a DVI-A cable according to your needs. The real benefit is that you don’t have to use two different cables if you use both digital and analog displays.DVI-I also come in single-link and dual-link forms. DVI-I dual-link has 29 pins.

Prices

HDMI connectors tend to be more expensive than DVI connectors from the same manufacturer. But there is a large variety of available brands and prices vary. Amazon.com is a good place to buy connectors and adapters. An Amazon-branded HDMI to DVI adapter is available for $6.99.