Best connection types?

[semisonic9]

If I understand it correctly:

2x HDMI > 2x DVI > 1x HDMI > 1x DVI > (other crap)

I've been looking at the Doublesight 26' refresh and am concerned that it looks like it has no HDMI input and only 1x DVI input.

How much should I care about this kind of stuff, as far a criteria for the new monitor goes?

-S

 

[E.T]

If you use it only with PC then DVI is all you need.

 

[semisonic9]

ok, I can believe that...but why?

"Catch me a fish," etc, etc

-S

 

[Dan_D]

HDMI is an extension of the DVI specification. It allows for audio to pass through the same cable along with video but for computers it isn't needed. I mean hell most video cards out there do not have an HDMI output on them. They use adapters (normally included) to handle DVI connections to say an HDTV.

The only way HDMI on a monitor would matter is if you planned on using it with other devices besides a computer. If that is an important criteria for you then yes, you need to start looking elsewhere for your next monitor.

 

[semisonic9]

Thanks for the clarification!

The only way HDMI on a monitor would matter is if you planned on using it with other devices besides a computer. If that is an important criteria for you then yes, you need to start looking elsewhere for your next monitor.

Because then I wouldn't be able to get the sound from those inputs, right? Say from a playstation or some such?

No, I don't care about that kind of stuff, but that's good to know. I think the 26" only comes with one DVI input, too, which is kind of lame. Works for me, but of all the things to go cheap on..."inputs? Really?"

-S

 

[ashmedai]

Honestly, you don't want to pass audio through your monitor anyway. It will suck and probably introduce loads of loads of noise and distortion. You can generally pass video over HDMI and then either strip the audio with a receiver or have a separate output (e.g. optical S/PDIF) for the audio.

Having input type X on a display is valuable if and only if you have a device with an output of type X that you want to connect to the display. PS3 with an HDMI output that you want to hook up? It helps if you have an HDMI input. You can do a lot with adapters (HDMI and DVI are pin-compatible for video purposes) but it is easier if you can just plug it in and go.

Extra inputs that you have nothing to connect to do nothing.


Also for the 26" with only DVI...I'm just getting a $3 HDMI (F) to DVI (M) adapter and a $30 5-port HDMI switch. Problem solved; it now has 5 HDMI inputs - and a remote.


Extra inputs, especially if you want to diversify types e.g. component, s-video, etc can require a ton of extra circuitry. If their primary market is not as an HDTV but as a computer monitor - why add non-computer inputs and drive the production cost (and complexity, and tendency to introduce bugs/defects) up beyond what they're forced to incur?