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 an interface, which 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 HDMI over S Video, SCART, D Terminal and many more. The signals for HDMI and DVI 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 HDMI is better than DVI in many aspects, like the transfer rate of HDMI is more than DVI. Both DVI and HDMI transfer signals, use separate red, green and blue components and the components 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 difference between DVI and HDMI are as follows:

Digital Visual Interface (DVI)

• DVI 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.
• The equipments where DVI is widely used are flat panel LCD computer and digital projectors.
• There are three versions of DVI; 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, DVI is more affected by noise.

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

• HDMI was invented by Hitachi, Philips, Sony, Toshiba, Thomson, Panasonic and Quasar.
• It transmits audio as well as video signals in digital format.
• HDMI is used in set top boxes, personal computers, video games, blue ray disc players and digital TVs.
• The versions of HDMI are; 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.
• HDMI reduces the amount of noise.

Both HDMI and DVI provide good quality output, and hence they are preferred over other cords. But the quality of output provided by HDMI is better than DVI; also HDMI has many advantages over DVI. HDMI has captured almost 100% of the market.