You've likely heard of the many different video cables available for flat panels such as VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort, but you may not be familiar with the benefits or differences of each.
In this video, we will discuss these ports and cable types, as well as briefly cover the benefits, and any limitations, of each. VGA cables and ports are among the most widespread, and can be found in many onboard video applications, add-in video cards, and flat panels.
Many projectors and consumer televisions still utilize VGA ports as well. VGA cables have 15 pin connectors arranged in a trapezoidal shape so they can only be plugged in one way. VGA ports are usually blue in color, and cables can be secured to them via captive screws found on the VGA connectors.
Unlike DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort, VGA cables are limited to an analog signal only. This results in a lower quality of image, which can be noticed to varying degrees depending on the display type and resolution being used. VGA will continue to be phased out over time, replaced by higher-quality digital signals.
DVI cables and ports allow for a digital video signal, and can be also found in onboard video applications, video cards, and flat-panel monitors. DVI ports are usually white, share the same trapezoidal shape and connection methods as VGA, but are slightly larger. Unlike VGA, DVI cables and ports also come in different types.
A DVI-D port, shown here, provides only a digital signal. DVI-I ports, such as this one, can provide a digital signal, or analog via these four additional pins on the connector. DVI cables come in both SingleLink and DualLink DVI.
These can be identified by the existence, or lack, of pins in the center of the connector. SingleLink DVI can provide a clear digital signal to your display with resolutions up to 1920x1200.
To reach the higher resolutions supported by some of Dell's larger flat panels, DualLink DVI cables are required. HDMI cables and ports, which carry a digital signal only, can be found mainly on add-in video cards but it is also being employed in some onboard applications.
Like VGA, HDMI ports can also be found in many projectors and consumer televisions. HDMI ports are keyed so that the cables only fit in one direction. They can be mini or standard sized. HDMI cables do not have a securing mechanism as seen in each of the other cable types.
Since DVI and HDMI are both digital signals, there will not be any noticeable difference in the video quality between the two under supported resolutions. If you intend to use HDMI to reach resolutions exceeding 1920x1080, be sure to specifically verify the output and input capabilities of your HDMI devices.
HDMI cables come in both standard and high speed, which will be required to reach higher video resolutions. The major difference is HDMI's ability to also carry an audio signal.
This only works, however, if the source and input device support the audio transmission. Like HDMI, DisplayPort cables and ports are also digital signal only. DisplayPort is the newest of these four video types, and was designed specifically for connecting flat-panel displays to computer systems.
Because of this, DisplayPort can be primarily found on onboard ports, video cards, and flat-panel displays. DisplayPort connections are keyed to only fit in one direction and also contain a locking mechanism. Mini DisplayPort connections are also available.
The optimized digital signal of DisplayPort differs from that of DVI and HDMI, allowing for future enhancements in display capabilities, energy use, and multi-monitor configurations.
Assuming your video source supports it, DisplayPort can be used to reach any of the higher resolutions available on Dell's larger flat-panel displays.
Understanding the limitations and benefits of available video ports and cables will help you make the best connectivity decisions for your computer hardware. For information regarding adapters for your Dell video ports you can review the "Flat Panel Adapter Types" video.
Thank you for watching.
