DVI Cables

DVI Connector Pinout

With the capability to deliver crisp images to high definition televisions (HDTVs) and flat-panel computer monitors, DVI cables are a widely used medium for digital video transmission. DVI, which stands for digital video interface, utilizes either a single or dual link to transmit non-compressed data to a display's individual pixels.

In DVI cables, video signals are transmitted via twisted-pair copper wire, and protected from degradation by an encoding technology known as TMDS, or transmission minimized differential signaling. TMDS works by sending two versions of each signal down a twisted pair; while one wire carries the signal in standard format, the signal's inverse travels through the other. Once both “halves” of the video signal reach their destination, they're measured against each other, and any loss that may have occurred is compensated for.

DVI connectors come in three basic styles: DVI-A (analog), DVI-D (digital), and DVI-I (integrated analog and digital signals). In addition, DVI-D and DVI-I cables are available with either single or dual link capability; dual-link connectors contain an extra set of pins. But regardless of which style they are, all DVI connectors are designed so that they can't be incorrectly plugged in, and feature two built-in screws that provide each connection with extra support and stability.

Below, we've provided a quick-reference pinout chart that shows which DVI connector pins correspond to which signals.