DVI or Digital Visual Interface and HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface are both types of interface that you use to connect your computer or console to a display, usually in the form of a monitor or HDTV. Before we begin with the differences I think it is important to see what is the same first. As such, both DVI and HDMI cables:
- are display cables and interfaces
- transmit digital video information
- can transmit up to 1920 x 1200 pixel resolutions (480p ~ 1080p)
DVI
First on the list is DVI or Digital Visual Interface. The main facts and differences about DVI are listed below:
- DVI came first (it was developed before HDMI)
- DVI just transfers digital video signals
- is mainly used on computer monitors
- can transmit video signals in both digital and analog format
- has three versions: DVI-A, DVI-D and DVI-I (DVI-A = analog format, DVI-D = digital format, DVI-I = both analog and digital formats)
- has a pin-like interface
- does not have security features
HDMI
Second is HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface. The main facts and differences about HDMI are as follows:
- HDMI was developed based on DVI, so HDMI came after DVI
- HDMI transfers both digital video and audio signals
- is mainly used on HDTVs
- transmits video and audio signals in digital format
- only has one version
- has a contact interface much like USB
- has a security feature called HDCP or High Definition Content Protection
Which one is better?
Generally, if you’re using computer monitors as your main display then DVI is your better choice. With more than one DVI ports you can hook up to six computer monitor displays from a single source or computer, which creates a much higher resolution than just 1920 x 1200. These multiple displays allow for better surround effects especially when being used with stereoscopic 3D. So if you’re a computer gamer with this multiple monitor setup, DVI would be better than HDMI. However, since DVI just transmits digital video, you will need to hook up a separate digital audio cable to hear any sound.
Likewise if you use HDTVs as your main display device (for watching Blu-ray media or playing game consoles) then HDMI is a better choice. This is because it combines both HD video and audio signals in a single cable. While it is limited to 1920 x 1200 or the standard full HD 1080p resolution, there are no Blu-ray media or gaming consoles which go higher than this, so this is not an issue. However, since most Blu-ray media require HDCP security, it makes HDMI better suited for HDTV viewing.
Technically, HDMI is better than DVI partly because it was developed after DVI and partly because it brings in more features, such as digital audio and HDCP. The only problem for this is the fact that HDMI cables are much more expensive than DVI cables. It is also important that you get good quality HDMI cables, as a cheapo alternative may result in bad audio or some missed features. In my experience, Giraffe HDMI cables are probably your best bet. You can get these and many other excellent HDMI cables separately at sites like bestbuy.com and Amazon.com.
Which one is better for gaming?
The answer for this is simple. It depends on what games you like to play. If you are more of a computer game player, then DVI is the better choice. If you are a console gamer then HDMI is better. If you play both on the same display then HDMI is the better choice, although if you are stuck with a DVI only display, you can always get a HDMI to DVI converter dongle, which is relatively inexpensive.
Bottomline: DVI for computers, HDMI for HDTVs and HDMI for both
