Authored by: Patrick - Orvac
Electronics
What kind of cable to I need for my HDTV?
There are three kinds of cables that carry an HD
signal. They are HDMI, DVI and Component Video cables.
HDMI Cable has a smaller, offset rectangular
connector that looks similar to a USB cable. It is a digital cable that
carries both sound and video signal.
DVI is a larger cable with a rectangular
connector that has many pins. It is a digital cable that carries only
video.
Component Video cables are made up of three
color-coded RCA connectors. It is an analog cable that carries only
video.
What is the difference in quality between HDMI,
DVI and Component Video?
HDMI and DVI cables use the exact same language and
thus have the same picture quality as each other. The key difference is
HDMI carries digital audio as well as video, where DVI carries only
video. Although component video uses a form of analog transmission, the
picture quality is also very comparable to, and in some cases is even
better than its digital cousins.
Which cable is best for long distances?
Component cable uses a very robust analog signal and
thus can travel up to 200 feet without any loss of signal. DVI and HDMI
are meant for short haul uses and are best for runs of less than 25
feet. If you need a cable longer than 25 feet, component video is the
best choice.
What is the difference between DVI-I, DVI-D and
DVI-A cables?
DVI-D is a cable that only handles digital
video signals.
DVI-A is an older form of the DVI connector
that handles only analog signals.
DVI-I cables can be used in both digital and
analog applications.
Which form of DVI should I get?
If the connector on your HDTV does not have two pins above and two pins below the crossbar on the right side of the jack, you need to get a DVI-D cable. If the connector has these pins above and below the crossbar, get a DVI-I cable.