"DVI" redirects here. For other uses, see DVI (disambiguation).

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Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
A male DVI-D (single link) connector.
Type | Digital computer video connector
Production history
Designer | Digital Display Working Group
Designed | April 1999
Produced | 1999?present
Superseded | VGA connector
Superseded by | DisplayPort
General specifications
Hot pluggable | Yes
External | Yes
Video signal | Digital video stream: (Single) WUXGA (1,920???1,200) @ 60?Hz (Dual) Limited by copper bandwidth limitations, DVI source limitations, and DVI sync limitations. Analog RGB video (?3?dB at 400?MHz)
Pins | 29
Data
Data signal | RGB data, clock, and display data channel
Bitrate | (Single link) 3.96?Gbit/s (Dual link) Limited only by copper bandwidth limitations, DVI source limitations, and DVI sync limitations.
Max. devices | 1
Protocol | 3 ? transition minimized differential signaling data and clock
Pin out
A female DVI-I socket from the front
Pin 1 | TMDS data 2? | Digital red? (link 1) |
Pin 2 | TMDS data 2 | Digital red (link 1) |
Pin 3 | TMDS data 2/4 shield |  |
Pin 4 | TMDS data 4? | Digital green? (link 2) |
Pin 5 | TMDS data 4 | Digital green (link 2) |
Pin 6 | DDC clock |  |
Pin 7 | DDC data |  |
Pin 8 | Analog vertical sync |  |
Pin 9 | TMDS data 1? | Digital green? (link 1) |
Pin 10 | TMDS data 1 | Digital green (link 1) |
Pin 11 | TMDS data 1/3 shield |  |
Pin 12 | TMDS data 3- | Digital blue? (link 2) |
Pin 13 | TMDS data 3 | Digital blue (link 2) |
Pin 14 | 5?V | Power for monitor when in standby |
Pin 15 | Ground | Return for pin 14 and analog sync |
Pin 16 | Hot plug detect |  |
Pin 17 | TMDS data 0? | Digital blue? (link 1) and digital sync |
Pin 18 | TMDS data 0 | Digital blue (link 1) and digital sync |
Pin 19 | TMDS data 0/5 shield |  |
Pin 20 | TMDS data 5? | Digital red? (link 2) |
Pin 21 | TMDS data 5 | Digital red (link 2) |
Pin 22 | TMDS clock shield |  |
Pin 23 | TMDS clock | Digital clock (links 1 and 2) |
Pin 24 | TMDS clock? | Digital clock? (links 1 and 2) |
C1 | Analog red | ? |
C2 | Analog green | ? |
C3 | Analog blue | ? |
C4 | Analog horizontal sync | ? |
C5 | Analog ground | Return for R, G, and B signals |

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video display interface developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). The digital interface is used to connect a video source to a display device, such as a computer monitor.

DVI was developed to create an industry standard for the transfer of digital video content. The interface is designed to transmit uncompressed digital video and can be configured to support multiple modes such as DVI-D (digital only), DVI-A (analog only), or DVI-I (digital and analog). Featuring support for analog connections as well, the DVI specification provides optional compatibility with the VGA interface.[1][dead link] This compatibility along with other advantages led to widespread acceptance in the PC industry over other competing digital standards such as Plug and Display (PD) and Digital Flat Panel (DFP).[2] Though predominantly found in computer devices, DVI is also present in some consumer electronics such as television sets.

## Technical overview[edit]

DVI's digital video transmission format is based on PanelLink, a serial format devised by Silicon Image Inc. PanelLink uses transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS), a high-speed serial link developed by Silicon Image. Like modern analog VGA connectors, the DVI connector includes pins for the display data channel (DDC). A newer version of DDC called DDC2 allows the graphics adapter to read the monitor's extended display identification data (EDID). If a display supports both analog and digital signals in one DVI-I input, each input method can host a distinct EDID. Since the DDC can only support one EDID, there can be a problem if both the digital and analog inputs in the DVI-I port detect activity. It is up to the display to choose which EDID to send.

When a source and display are connected, the source first queries the display's capabilities by reading the monitor EDID block over an I?C link. The EDID block contains the display's identification, color characteristics (such as gamma level), and table of supported video modes. The table can designate a preferred mode or native resolution. Each mode is a set of CRT timing values that define the duration and frequency of the horizontal/vertical sync, the positioning of the active display area, the horizontal resolution, vertical resolution, and refresh rate.

For backward compatibility with displays using analog VGA signals, some of the contacts in the DVI connector carry the analog VGA signals. To ensure a basic level of interoperability, DVI compliant devices are required to support one baseline video mode, "low pixel format" (640?480 at 60?Hz). Digitally encoded video pixel data is transported using multiple TMDS links. At the electrical level, these links are highly resistant to electrical noise and other forms of analog distortion.

### Single-link DVI[edit]

A single-link DVI connection consists of four TMDS links; each link transmits data from the source to the device over 1 twisted wire pair. Three of the links correspond to the RGB components of the video signal: red, green, blue (for a total of 24?bits per pixel.) The fourth link carries the pixel clock. The binary data is encoded using 8b10b encoding. The 8b10b encoding system serves several purposes: it preserves DC balance over time, it generates sufficient signal transitions to maintain receiver bit-alignment (pixel clock recovery), and it provides symbol (byte) alignment. Each TMDS link carries binary data at ten times the pixel clock reference frequency, for a maximum data rate of 1.65?Gbit/s ? 3 data pairs for single-link DVI.

DVI does not use packetisation, but rather transmits the pixel data as if it were a rasterized analog video signal. As such, during each vertical refresh period, the complete frame is 'drawn' over the DVI link. The full active area of each frame is always transmitted; no data compression is used, and there is no support for only transmitting changed parts of the image. Video modes typically use horizontal and vertical refresh timings that are compatible with CRT displays, but this is not a requirement. The DVI specification (see below for link) does, however, include a paragraph on "Conversion to Selective Refresh" (under 1.2.2), suggesting this feature for future devices.

The DVI specification mandates a maximum pixel clock frequency of 165?MHz when running in single-link mode. With a single DVI link, the highest supported standard resolution is 2.75?megapixels (including blanking interval) at 60?Hz refresh. For practical purposes, this allows a maximum screen resolution at 60?Hz of 1,915???1,436 pixels (standard 4:3 ratio), 1,854???1,483 pixels (5:4 ratio), or 2,098???1,311 (widescreen 16:10 ratio).

### Dual-link DVI[edit]

To support display devices requiring higher video bandwidth, there is provision for a dual DVI link. A dual link doubles the number of TMDS pairs, effectively doubling video bandwidth at a given pixel clock frequency. The DVI specification mandates how the dual link may be used. All display modes that use a pixel clock below 165?MHz, and have at most 24 bits per pixel, are required to use single-link mode. All modes that require more than 24 bits per pixel, and/or 165?MHz pixel clock frequency must use dual-link mode. In modes where each pixel uses 24 bits of color data per pixel or less and dual-link mode is in use, the transmitter stripes pixel data across both links; each sequential video pixel is transmitted on alternate links. In modes with color depth greater than 24 bits per pixel, the second link carries the least significant bits of each pixel.

### Cable length[edit]

The maximum length of DVI cables is not included in the specification since it is dependent on the pixel clock frequency, and hence the video mode's bandwidth requirements (which is a function of resolution and refresh rate). In general, cable lengths up to 4.5?m (15?ft) will work for displays at resolutions of 1,920???1,200. This resolution will work even up to 10?m (33?ft) if the appropriate cable is used. Cable lengths up to 15?m (50?ft) can be used with displays at resolutions up to 1,280???1,024. For longer distances, the use of a DVI booster is recommended to mitigate signal degradation. DVI boosters may use an external power supply.

## Connector[edit]

Male DVI connector pins (view of plug)
Male M1-DA connector pins (view of plug)
Color coded female DVI connector with pin descriptions (Click image to see descriptions)
See also: Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI

The DVI connector usually contains pins to pass the DVI-native digital video signals. In the case of dual link systems, additional pins provide increased bandwidth allowing higher resolutions and longer distances.[3] Dual link should not be confused with dual display (also known as dual head), which is a configuration that involves a single computer connected to two monitors.

In addition to digital, the DVI connector includes pins that carry an analog signal, compatible with the RGBHV signals in a VGA connector. This allows a VGA monitor to be connected with a passive plug adapter and offers a universal solution for the DVI interface. The analog pins are the four that surround the flat blade as shown on the left-hand side of the diagrams for DVI-I and DVI-A.

The DVI connector on a device is therefore given one of three names, depending on which signals it implements:

- DVI-D (digital only, single-link or dual-link)
- DVI-A (analog only)
- DVI-I (integrated, combines digital and analog in the same connector; digital may be single- or dual-link)

The DVI-D and DVI-I connector provide (via additional pins) for a second data link. This allows resolutions up to 2560x1600, which are supported by many add-on graphic cards. A connector with these additional pins is sometimes referred to as DVI-DL (dual link).

The long flat pin on a DVI-I connector is wider than the same pin on a DVI-D connector, so it is not possible to connect a male DVI-I to a female DVI-D by removing the 4 analog pins. It is possible, however, to connect a male DVI-D cable to a female DVI-I connector. Many flat panel LCD monitors have only the DVI-D connection so that a DVI-D male to DVI-D male cable will suffice when connecting the monitor to a computer's DVI-I female connector.

DVI is the only widespread video standard that includes analog and digital transmission options in the same connector.[4] Competing standards are exclusively digital: these include a system using low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS), known by its proprietary names FPD-Link (flat-panel display) and FLATLINK; and its successors, the LVDS Display Interface (LDI) and OpenLDI.

Some new DVD players, TV sets (including HDTV sets) and video projectors have DVI/HDCP connectors; these are physically the same as DVI connectors but transmit an encrypted signal using the HDCP protocol for copy protection. Computers with DVI video connectors can use many DVI-equipped HDTV sets as a display, but only computers whose graphics systems support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection are currently able to play content that requires digital rights management.

USB signals are not incorporated into the connector, but were earlier incorporated into the VESA Plug and Display connector used by InFocus on their projector systems, and in the Apple Display Connector, which was used by Apple until 2005.

The DMS-59 connector is a way to combine two analog and two digital signals in one plug. It is commonly used when a single graphics card has two outputs. Note that this is dual display ? it does not have the additional pins for the dual link TDMI signals.

M1-DA connectors are sometimes labeled as DVI-M1; they are used for the VESA Enhanced Video Connector and VESA Plug and Display schemes.

Note also that on the male DVI connector, pin 14 ( 5 volts) is shorter than the other pins. This is intended to ensure that this is the last contact to mate when inserting a plug. In practice, it is possible to mate the pins at the opposite end to the analogue signals later if the connector is inserted at an angle.

## Specifications[edit]

A passive DVI-to-VGA adapter. Requires the analog signals provided by DVI-I or DVI-A.

### Digital[edit]

- Minimum clock frequency: 25.175?MHz
- Single link maximum data rate including 8b/10b overhead is 4.95?Gbit/s @ 165?MHz. With the 8b/10b overhead subtracted, the maximum data rate is 3.96?Gbit/s.
- Dual link maximum data rate is limited only by the bandwidth limits of the copper the DVI cable is constructed of and by the DVI signal's source.
- Pixels per clock cycle:
  - 1 (single link at 24 bits or less per pixel, and dual link at between 25 and 48 bits inclusively per pixel) or
  - 2 (dual link at 24 bits or less per pixel)
- Bits per pixel:
  - 24 bits per pixel support is mandatory in all resolutions supported.
  - Less than 24 bits per pixel is optional.
  - Up to 48 bits per pixel are supported in dual link DVI, and is optional. If a mode greater than 24 bits per pixel is desired, the least significant bits are sent on the second link.
- Example display modes (single link):
  - HDTV (1,920???1,080) @ 60?Hz with CVT-RB blanking (139?MHz)
  - UXGA (1,600???1,200) @ 60?Hz with GTF blanking (161?MHz)
  - WUXGA (1,920???1,200) @ 60?Hz with CVT-RB blanking (154?MHz)
  - SXGA (1,280???1,024) @ 85?Hz with GTF blanking (159?MHz)
  - WXGA (1440 ? 900) @ 60?Hz (107?MHz)
  - WQUXGA (3,840???2,400) @ 17?Hz (164?MHz)

- Example display modes (dual link):
  - QXGA (2,048???1,536) @ 75?Hz with GTF blanking (2 ? 170?MHz)
  - HDTV (1,920???1,080) @ 85?Hz with GTF blanking (2 ? 126?MHz)
  - WUXGA (1,920???1,200) @ 120?Hz with CVT-RB blanking (2 x 154?MHz)
  - WQXGA (2,560???1,600) @ 60?Hz with GTF blanking (2 ? 174?MHz) (30-inch or 762-millimetre Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, NEC, Quinux, and Samsung LCDs)
  - WQXGA (2,560???1,600) @ 60?Hz with CVT-RB blanking (2 ? 135?MHz) (30-inch or 762-millimetre Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, NEC, Quinux, and Samsung LCDs)
  - WQXGA (2,560???1,600) @ 60?Hz with CVT-RB blanking (269?MHz) (This is for high end monitors when operating at greater than 24 bits per pixel.)
  - WQUXGA (3,840???2,400) @ 33?Hz with GTF blanking (2 ? 159?MHz)

Generalized Timing Formula (GTF) is a VESA standard which can easily be calculated with the Linux gtf utility. Coordinated Video Timings-Reduced Blanking (CVT-RB) is a VESA standard which offers reduced horizontal and vertical blanking for non-CRT based displays.[5]

#### Digital data encoding[edit]

One of the purposes of DVI stream encoding is to provide a DC-balanced output stream. A DC balanced link reduces decoding errors. This goal is achieved by using 10 bit symbols for 8 bit or less characters and using the extra bits for the DC balancing.

Like other ways of transmitting video, there are two differentiate regions: active region, where pixel data is sent, and control region, where synchronization signals are sent. Active region is encoded using Transition Minimized Differential Signaling scheme, where the control region is encoded with a fixed 2b/10b encoding. A more detailed explanation of both can be read at the Transition Minimized Differential Signaling wiki page. As the two schemes yield different 10 bit symbols, a receiver can fully differentiate between active and control regions.

The timing of the synchronization signals matches the equivalent analog video format, making the process of transforming from digital video to analog video, and vice-versa, a process that does not require extra memory. Please note that at the birth of DVI, most computer monitors were of the Cathode ray tube type ones that required the analog video synchronization signals. Memory was also expensive at the rates video signals work.

HDCP is an extra layer that transforms the 10 bit symbols before sending through the link. Only after correct authorization can the receiver undo the HDCP encryption. Control regions are not encrypted in order to let the receiver know when the active region starts.

#### Clock and data relationship[edit]

The DVI data channel operates at a bit-rate that is 10 times the frequency of the clock signal. In other words, in each DVI clock period there is a 10 bit symbol per channel. The set of three 10 bit symbols represents one complete pixel in single link mode and can represent either one or two complete pixels as a set of six 10 bit symbols in dual link mode.

DVI links provide differential pairs for data and for the clock. The specification document allows the data and the clock to not be aligned. However, as the ratio between clock and bit rate is fixed at 1:10, the unknown alignment is kept over time. The receiver must recover the bits on the stream using any of the techniques of clock/data recovery and find then the correct symbol boundary. The DVI specification allows the input clock to vary between 25MHz and 165MHz. This 1:6.6 ratio can make pixel recovery difficult, as Phase-locked loops, if used, need to work over a large frequency range. One benefit of DVI over other links is that it is relatively straightforward to transform the signal from the digital domain into the analog one using a video DAC, as both clock and synchronization signals are sent over the link. Fixed frequency links, like DisplayPort, need to reconstruct the clock from the data sent over the link.

#### Display power management[edit]

The DVI specification includes signaling for reducing power consumption. Similar to the analog VESA display power management signaling (DPMS) standard, a connected device can turn a monitor off when the connected device is powered down, or programmatically if the display controller ("graphics card") of the device supports it. Devices with this capability can also attain Energy Star certification.

### Analog[edit]

The analog section of the DVI specification document is brief and points to other specifications like VESA VSIS[6] for electrical characteristics and GTFS for timing information. The idea of the analog link is to keep compatibility with the previous VGA cables and connectors. HSync, Vsync and three video channels are available in both VGA and DVI connectors and are electrically compatible. Auxiliary links like DDC are also available. A passive adapter can be used in order to carry the analog signals between the two connectors.

## DVI and HDMI compatibility[edit]

HDMI is a newer digital audio/video interface developed and promoted by the consumer electronics industry. DVI and HDMI have the same electrical specifications for their TMDS and VESA/DDC links. However, HDMI and DVI differ in several key ways.

- HDMI lacks VGA compatibility. The necessary analog signals are absent from the HDMI connector.
- DVI is limited to the RGB color space. HDMI supports RGB, but also supports YCbCr 4:4:4 and YCbCr 4:2:2. These spaces are widely used outside of computer graphics.
- HDMI supports the transport of packets, needed for digital audio, in addition to digital video. An HDMI source differentiates between a legacy DVI display and an HDMI-capable display by reading the display's EDID block.

To promote interoperability between DVI and HDMI devices, HDMI source components and displays support DVI signalling. An HDMI display can be driven by a single-link DVI-D source, since HDMI and DVI-D define an overlapping minimum set of supported resolutions and frame buffer formats. In the reverse scenario, a DVI monitor that lacks optional support for HDCP might be unable to display protected content, even though it is otherwise compatible with the HDMI source.

Features specific to HDMI, such as remote-control, audio transport, xvYCC, and deep-color, are not usable in devices that only support DVI signalling. However, many devices can output HDMI over a DVI output (examples: ATI 3000-series and NVIDIA GTX 200-series video cards),[7] and some multimedia displays accept HDMI (including audio) over a DVI input. Exact capabilities vary from product to product.

## Proposed successors[edit]

- IEEE 1394 is proposed by High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance (HANA Alliance) for all cabling needs, including video, over coax and/or 1394 cable as a combined data stream. However, this interface does not have enough throughput to handle uncompressed HD video, so it is unsuitable for applications that require uncompressed HD video like video games and interactive program guides.
- High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a forward-compatible standard that also includes digital audio transmission
- Unified Display Interface (UDI) was proposed by Intel to replace both DVI and HDMI, but was deprecated in favor of DisplayPort.
- DisplayPort (a license-free standard proposed by VESA to succeed DVI that has DRM capabilities) / Mini DisplayPort / Thunderbolt

In December 2010, Intel, AMD, and several computer and display manufacturers announced they would stop supporting DVI-I, VGA and LVDS-technologies from 2013/2015, and instead speed up adoption of DisplayPort and HDMI.[8] They also stated: "Legacy interfaces such as VGA, DVI and LVDS have not kept pace, and newer standards such as DisplayPort and HDMI clearly provide the best connectivity options moving forward. In our opinion, DisplayPort 1.2 is the future interface for PC monitors, along with HDMI 1.4a for TV connectivity."

## See also[edit]

- List of video connectors
- DiiVA
- DisplayPort
- Thunderbolt (interface)

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Digital Visual Interface adoption accelerates as industry prepares for next wave of DVI-compliant products". DDWG. February 16, 2000. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
2. ^ Eiden, Hermann (July 7, 1999). "TFT Guide Part 3 - Digital Interfaces". TomsHardware.com. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
3. ^ "DVI-D Dual-Link Digital Cable". DataPro.net. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
4. ^ Kruegle, Herman (2006). is the only widespread video standard that includes analog and digital transmission options in the same connector.ct=result#PPA268,M1 "8". CCTV Surveillance: Analog and Digital Video Practices And Technology. Butterworth-Heinemann. p. 268. ISBN 0-7506-7768-6.
5. ^ "Advanced Timing and CEA/EIA-861B Timings". NVIDIA. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
6. ^ Video Signal Standard (VSIS) Version 1, Rev. 2, available for purchuase at http://www.vesa.org/
7. ^ "HDMI Specification 1.3a Appendix C" (PDF). HDMI Licensing, LLC. 2006-11-10. Retrieved 2009-11-18.
8. ^ Intel Newsrom ? Leading PC Companies Move to All Digital Display Technology, Phasing out Analog (8. December 2010)

## Further reading[edit]

- DDWG promoters (1999-04-02). Digital Visual Interface (PDF). Revision 1.0: Initial Specification Release. Digital Display Working Group.

Audio and video connectors
Analog audio | Banana plug Binding post D-subminiature Euroblock (Mini-)DIN Phone connector RCA Speaker spring terminal Speakon XLR
Digital audio | BNC D-sub S/PDIF TOSLINK XLR
Video | BNC Composite video D-Terminal DB13W3 DFP DMS-59 LFH (Mini-)DIN (Mini- / Micro-)DVI (Mini-)VGA RCA S-Video YPbPr
Audio and video | ADC Belling-Lee EVC F HDBaseT HDMI (Mini) DisplayPort, MyDP MHL Minijack P&D PDMI SCART Thunderbolt
Visual charts | List of video connectors

Audio and video interfaces and connectors
Audio only |
Analog | Interface: PC System Design Guide Connectors: TRS 3.5 mm
Digital | Interface: S/PDIF Connectors: RCA jack (coaxial) TOSLINK (optical) BNC
Video only |
Analog | Interface: VGA Connectors: DB-15 Interface: Composite Connectors: RCA jack yellow Interface: S-Video Connectors: Mini-DIN 4 Pin Interface: Component Connectors: RCA jacks × 3 Interface: Composite S-Video, and Component Connectors: VIVO using Mini-DIN 9 Pin
Digital and analog | Interface: DVI Connectors: DVI
Video and audio |
Digital | Interface: HDMI Connectors: HDMI connector Interface: DisplayPort Connectors: DisplayPort connector Interface: HDBaseT Connectors: 8P8C connector

High-definition (HD)
Concepts | High-definition television High-definition video Ultra high definition television
Analog broadcast (All defunct) | 819 line system HD MAC MUSE (Hi-Vision)
Digital broadcast | ATSC DMB-T/H DVB ISDB SBTVD
Audio | Dolby Digital Surround sound DSD DXD
Filming and storage | DCI HDV
HD media and compression | Blu-ray Disc CBHD D-VHS DVD-Audio H.264 HD DVD HD VMD MPEG-2 MVC Super Audio CD Uncompressed VC-1
Connectors | Component DiiVA DisplayPort DVI HDMI VGA
Deployments | List of digital television deployments by country