DVI Vs HDMI - Difference between DVI and HDMI

DVI is the abbreviation of Digital Visual Interface, while HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. DVI and HDMI are more similar than different. There are a very few differences between them. DVI is used for providing high quality image. In DVI, the pixels are transmitted as binary data, and the brightness is set accordingly. Since the quality provided by HDMI is good, many people opt for HDMI over S Video, SCART, D Terminal and many more. The signals for both are compatible with each other, hence no signal conversion is required when using a DVI adapter for HDMI, and vice versa; also there is no loss of data when a DVI adapter is used for HDMI or vice versa. HDMI is said to be a successor of DVI, hence better in many aspects, like the transfer rate. Both use separate red, green and blue components and are transferred through different data channels. HDMI is derived from the protocol used by DVI, hence the working and encoding scheme for both the technologies are same. The differences are as follows:

Digital Visual Interface (DVI)

• It was developed by Digital Display Working Group (DDWG).
• It transmits digital video signals. Depending on the version, it transmits video signals in digital or analog format.
• It is widely used are flat panel LCD computer and digital projectors.
• It has three versions; DVI-A, DVI-D and DVI-I. DVI-A transmits video in an analog format. DVI-D transmits video in digital format. DVI-I or integrated mode can transmit video signals in both analog and digital formats.
• DVI is like a computer connection with a large connector and a series of pins at one end.
• No provisions are made for the security of the content.
• As compared to HDMI, it is more affected by noise.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

• It was invented by Hitachi, Philips, Sony, Toshiba, Thomson, Panasonic and Quasar.
• It transmits audio as well as video signals in digital format.
• It is used in set-top boxes, personal computers, video games, Blu-ray disc players, and digital TVs.
• TIt has four versions; HDMI 1.0, HDMI 1.1, HDMI 1.2 and HDMI 1.3. HDMI 1.0 does not transmit DVD audio, but HDMI 1.1 supports the transmission of DVD audio. HDMI 1.2 acts as an interface to computers. HDMI 1.3 backs color support. It is the only cable provided with PS3. Hence, HDMI 1.3 requires larger bandwidth.
• HDMI cable is like a USB cable, that slides into the slot of the source device.
• Provisions are made for the security of the content. A digital copy called HDCP is used for providing security.
• It reduces the amount of noise.

Both provide good quality output, and hence they are preferred over other cords. But the quality of output provided by HDMI is better than DVI, and it is because of this reason that it has captured a wider market.