HDMI vs DVI, which is the difference?

Which is the best? Are DVI and HDMI compatible? And of course, if you have the possibility to choose, what would you use to connect your 60 inch tv? The differences (or their absence) may surprise you. Let's take a look at each one to assess the differences.

Digital Visual Interface – the digital visual interface (DVI) it's a digital standard introduced in 1999 by Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). It is primarily created for supporting compressed digital video data for different kinds of displays. Initially, the display was represented by the PC's monitor, but the DVI is now widely used also for flat screen TVs. One of the main areas of confusion with the DVI is the number of different connectors on the market, which represents different functions. There are 3 main types of connectors for DVI: DVI-D (only digital), DVI-A (only analog) and DVI-I (digital and analog).

The high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) launched in 2002, is a audio-video digital interface capable to transmit audio and video signals; and it also has HDCP incorporation, which is a management technology of digitals rights.

Which is the difference?

When we take a look at the difference between HDMI and DVI we find out/discover they have more in common then differences. Both support digital transmission, are based on similar meanings and this is because HDMI is derived from the DVI specifications.

There are 2 big differences:
1. HDMI incorporates the content protection named High Definition Content Protection (HDCP).
2. HDMI supports audio in addition to digital video (DVI supports only digital video).

Are DVI and HDMI compatible?

Is HDMI compatible with DVI? Since DVI is the predecessor of HDMI, HDMI and DVI are identical regarding the video component. That's why, there is a video compatibility. However, DVI doesn't support digital audio. For example, if you have an older DVI connection on your source and a HDMI connector on your display, you need a cable from HDMI to DVI to see the images. An audio separated cable (TOSLINK or SPDIF) will be necessary for the transmission of /for transmitting the digital audio signal.

A warning regarding the cable length

The HDMI specifications doesn't define a certain length of cable. HDMI defines 2 cable categories: category 1 (standard or HTDV) and category 2 (high speed or speed higher than HDTV) regardless, neither HDMI or DVI doesn't work well at longer distances over 4,5m. If you need a cable longer than 4,5m, you'll have to consider the high quality cables. For longer distances, some companies offers amplifiers, equalizers which can bind longer distances.

Which one should I choose?

I definitely recommend HDMI. Not because it would be better than the DVI one, but the industry will strongly promote the HDMI due to HDPC Digital Rights Management technology.