Display Inputs - A Discussion

[EliteFLava]

Good afternoon,

I would like to know in great technical detail what the difference between HDMI and DVI is. I do realize that they are both digital signals, and that in addition to video, HDMI can carry an audio signal as well.

I would like to know the quality of the audio signal (is it dolby digitally rated or set by some other standard) or what the difference would be between HDMI digital audio signal, and perhaps and Optical digital audio signal.

I ask mainly because I have seen several people express their distaste at monitors like the Dell 2407-HC because it does not have future-proof digital inputs (it has DVI). If DVI and HDMI both carry a digital video signal, what would it matter (the monitor does not have speakers) and any integrated speakers would be unbearable in comparison to a stand alone system.

And as a last note, I have an xbox 360 premium pro (HDMI out). What sort of quality reduction would I notice were I to use a VGA cable to say, an LG 246WP @ 1080i vs the HDMI @ same res.

TYVM @ anyone who answers!

 

[-=Antimatter=-]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hdmi

Audio signal PCM, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
Video signal 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 1440p, etc.

You won't notice a difference in quality between HDMI and DVI, but some people prefer HDMI because they use home theater components with their setup that may not necessarily have DVI. Furthermore, HDMI has a smaller connector, which appeals to some people.

As for the xbox, I'm not sure, but I would say that purchasing an HDMI--> DVI adapter or HDMI cable would be a preferable option to using a VGA cable, unless that monitor doesn't scale properly over digital inputs.

 

[daveswantek]

I just wanted to point out that the move from DVI to Displayport will begin in 2008. Dell, Smasung, and nVidia have all announced support in products to be released shortly.

http://www.dailytech.com/DisplayPort+11+Approved+by+VESA+as+Industry+Standard/article6761.htm

Displayport includes audio and wider bandwidth. The royalities issue has not been fully resolved, because Displayport makes use of many patented technoloigies.

HDMI will continue to improve as well

http://www.dailytech.com/DisplayPort+11+Approved+by+VESA+as+Industry+Standard/article6761.htm

So we will probubly be stuck with compitition between HDMI and Displayport. It would be cool if they could narrow it down to just one interface for both computers and TVs sense they now have so much in common.

We will see Displayport in both graphics cards and displays this year, which will tell us a lot more.

Dave