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Difference between DVI and HDMI
There are two types of digital video interfaces namely, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) that are used for transmitting digital video signals from source devices to a display device like TV, monitor, projector, etc. The most fundamental difference between DVI and HDMI is that DVI (Digital Visual Interface) can transmit only video signals, while HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) can transmit both video and audio signals.
In this article, we will discuss all the important differences between DVI and HDMI interfaces. But before that let us first discuss a bit about DVI and HDMI individually.
What is DVI?
DVI is the abbreviation for Digital Visual Interface. It is a video display interface developed for transmitting digital video signals from a source device to a display device like monitor, projector, TV, etc.
DVI was mainly introduced to replace the VGA (Video Graphics Array) interface as it provides better picture quality and supports higher screen resolutions. DVI was developed by the DDWG (Digital Display Working Group) in the year of 1999. Therefore, it is mainly found in older computer monitors. DVI can transmit only video signals, and not the audio signals.
There are three different types of DVI available namely, DVI-A, DVI-D, and DVI-I. DVI-A supports analog video signals only, hence it is compatible with VGA displays. DVI-D supports digital signals only, while DVI-I supports both analog and digital signals. These days, DVI interface is not used in devices, as it is replaced by many other modern display interfaces like HDMI.
What is HDMI?
HDMI is the abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI is also a digital interface developed for transmitting high-quality video and audio signals from a source device like DVD player to a display device like a TV.
HDMI was developed to replace DVI and other display interfaces. HDMI were developed by a group of companies (Hitachi, Philips, Panasonic, Sony, Silicon Image, Thomson, and Toshiba) in 2002. HDMI is a modern digital interface that supports both analog and digital signals. Therefore, it is capable of transmitting high-definition video signals, multichannel audio signals, control signals, Ethernet signals and many more through a single cable.
The HDMI connector has a smaller design than DVI connector. It has a small rectangular shape connector with 19 pins.
HDMI has become a standard display interface for computers, laptops, TVs, gaming devices, etc. The compact versions like mini and micro-HDMI ports are also being used in portable electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, PDAs, etc. HDMI provides higher data rates and supports higher resolutions than DVI. HDMI also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) video outputs.
Over a time period, several versions of HDMI have been developed, such as HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, etc. Therefore, HDMI is being widely used in several electronic devices like computers, TVs, and many other multimedia devices.
After getting an overview of DVI and HDMI, let us now discuss the important differences between them.
Difference between DVI and HDMI
The following table highlights all the major differences between DVI and HDMI −
Parameter |
DVI |
HDMI |
|---|---|---|
Full Form |
DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. |
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. |
Basic |
DVI is a display interface developed to transmit digital video signals from source devices to display devices. |
HDMI is a modern digital interface developed for transmitting high-quality video and audio signals from source devices to output devices. |
Signal support |
DVI supports only digital signals. |
HDMI supports both analog and digital signals. |
Audio signal support |
DVI does not support audio signals. Thus, it requires a separate cable to transmit audio signals. |
HDMI supports audio signals. Thus, there is no need of separate cable for audio signal transmission. |
Launch date |
DVI was launched in 1999. |
HDMI was launched in 2002. |
Developed by |
DVI was developed by the Digital Display Working Group. |
HDMI was developed by a group of companies (Hitachi, Philips, Panasonic, Sony, Silicon Image, Thomson, and Toshiba). |
Primary intent |
DVI was developed to replace VGA (Video Graphics Array) interface. |
HDMI was developed to replace DVI. |
Resolutions |
DVI supports resolutions up to 2560 × 1600 at 60 Hz or 3840 × 2400 at 30 Hz. |
HDMI supports higher resolutions, such as HD, FHD, UHD (4k), and 8k. |
Maximum data rate |
DVI supports a maximum data rate of 9.9 GB/s. |
HDMI supports higher data rate, typically of 42.6 GB/s. Hence, it can transmit more data at once. |
Types |
There are three types of DVI connectors available namely, DVI-A, DVI-D, and DVI-I. |
There are three types of HDMI connectors available namely, Type-A HDMI (standard), Type-C HDMI (mini), and Type-D HDMI (micro). |
Compatibility |
DVI is compatible with older display devices like monitors, and TVs. |
HDMI is compatible with all modern display devices like TVs, monitors, projectors, etc. |
Color depth |
DVI has lower color depth. Therefore, it can display less colors and shades. |
HDMI has higher color depth; hence it is capable of displaying more colors and shades than DVI. |
Number of pins |
DVI-A has 17 pins, DVI-D (single link) has 19 pins, DVI-D (dual link) has 25 pins, DVI-I (single link) has 23 pins, and DVI-I (dual link) has 29 pins. |
HDMI connector has 19-pins. |
Cost |
DVI cables are less expensive than HDMI cables. |
HDMI cables are more expensive. |
Cable form factor |
DVI cables are relatively heavier and less flexible than HDMI cables. |
HDMI cables are lighter and more flexible. |
Refresh rate |
For DVI, the maximum refresh rate that it supports is 144 Hz. |
HDMI supports higher maximum refresh rates, i.e. 4k at 144 Hz or 8k at 120 Hz. |
Hot plugging support |
DVI does not support hot plugging, which means we cannot connect and disconnect devices in running condition. |
HDMI supports hot plugging. Hence, we can connect and disconnect device even in running condition. |
HDCP support |
DVI does not support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), i.e. it does not provide copy-protection for digital content. |
HDMI support HDCP. |
Applications |
DVI was used in older display devices like monitors, TVs, etc. However, it is still used in some legacy systems and professional settings. |
HDMI is extensively used in modern devices like computer monitors, smart TVs, smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. |
Conclusion
Both DVI and HDMI are the digital display interfaces used for transmitting high-quality digital signals from sources devices to output devices. However, they are absolutely different from each other as explained in the above table.
The most significant difference between DVI and HDMI is that DVI is a digital video interface used for transmitting video signals only, whereas, HDMI is a modern digital interface that can transmit high-quality video and audio signals. However, HDMI is slightly more expensive than DVI.
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