DVI & HDMI Compatibility

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The two main digital video connectors used on computers, televisions, and entertainment systems today are Digital Visual Interface (DVI) and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), offering varying levels of compatibility. Both DVI (the older interface) and HDMI (the newer interface) are electronically identical to one another and compatible to a degree. Though HDMI and DVI connectors both possess 19 pins, HDMI is fully capable of dealing with HD video alongside 8 additional audio channels, while DVI is only capable of processing HD video. However, converter cables are available, providing DVI-to-HDMI and HDMI-to-DVI video compatibility between these two interfaces. As DVI deals with a video-only signal, it is typically used to transmit data from PC graphics cards to LCD monitors with an externally-connected speaker system. HDMI is typically used to deliver both audio and video signals from source devices such as a Blu-Ray players to HDTVs with built-in speakers.

If a set-top box has an HDMI output, then only a single HDMI cable is needed to transfer two sets of signals – both images and sound – to an HDMI-capable TV. However, if a set-top box possesses a DVI output while the TV has an HDMI input, a DVI-to-HDMI adapter cable is needed to connect the source device to the display and transmit the digitally converted video signal. The audio signal must be wired separately across two analogue cables – left and right connections – as DVI is only capable of transferring video. The HDMI input recognises the incoming DVI signal from the source device and begins utilising DVI-capable processing.

Though inconvenient, this splitting of signals enables DVI to remain one of the more adaptable modern-day interfaces, as it is both forward and backward compatible. Through the use of a converter, it can even connect to an antiquated CRT monitor that only supports a Video Graphics Array (VGA) interface – so long as the video output – the display monitor – can support analogue video signals.

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Posted by:moderator on 21st March 2016 (4054 Views)

Would this be available on a wall plate. I'm looking to connect a PC to a TV.
The PC DVI cable would run up through the wall to the back of the wall mounted TV. I would prefer to bring that cable to a plate, and then a short HDMI cable from the plate to the TV.

Thanks.

by anonymous at 08-11-2016

Hi Stuart,

A typical installation would see the use of a bull-nose wall plate used behind the TV and a connection point located at a lower level behind the PC but either way the combination of connections and cables in series still remain the same.

The use of a bull-nose wall plate or pass-through plate allows excess cable length to be concealed within the wall cavity. In this case a DVI cable to HDMI cable at the desired length eg 2m, 3m or 5m and an additional 3.5mm audio cable would also be required for sound if this was also a requirement (The ability to use the Audio cable for sound is dependent upon your TV and if it can accept a secondary audio source other than the HDMI audio, alternatively an Amp may be used to process the audio). These two cable would connect to the rear of the plate for example...

CWPFH224F
Clipsal 2000 White Horizontal Wall Plate [With Text]
1 x HDMI Cable Female to Female [HDMI]
1 x 3.5mm Cable Female to Female [PC Audio]

http://www.alectro.com.au/adapters_product_detail/CWPFH224F_item.html

Otherwise if only the HDMI is required the the following plate would be suitable.

CWPNH201
Clipsal 2000 White Horizontal Wall Plate [No Text]
1 x HDMI Cable Female to Female [HDMI]

http://www.alectro.com.au/Product_Detail/CWPNH201_item.html

From the front of this plate, shorter cables can be used to connect to the TV.

C-HDMI-MM01 - TV to wall plate (1m HDMI Cable)
CWPNH201 - (HDMI wall plate)
C-HDDV-MM03 - PC to wall plate (3m DVI to HDMI Cable)

by James at 08-11-2016

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