Upgrading your home entertainment system can be a daunting task. Besides learning about the never-ending options available, you may find yourself drowning in a sea of acronyms. Two popular ones, HDMI and DVI, require extra care, because they refer to connection options that give you a clearer picture than cables used in the past. Read on to learn the similarities and differences of each, so you can decide which you would like to use and possibly what kind of TV to purchase.
HDMI Basics
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and is a connection used in electronics (TVs, DVD players, etc) and computers. With one cable, HDMI can transmit uncompressed digital video, surround sound and advanced control information. This type of connectivity is a worldwide standard for TVs and other entertainment equipment manufactured 2007 or later. HDMI is backward compatible, meaning newer versions of the technology will work with older versions. HDMI is a two-way connection, allowing devices to interact with each other (instead of using a separate "in" and "out" port).
DVI Basics
DVI stands for Digital Video Interface and is a connection used mostly in computers but also in some electronics (TVs, DVD players). DVI transmits video signals only but can transmit to both digital and analog devices. This type of connectivity was a standard for TVs and other entertainment equipment manufactured between 2005 and 2007 but was replaced by HDMI. DVI can be single or dual link, as well as digital or analog, but is not cross-compatible. Converters are used to convert digital to analog and so forth. DVI signals are good for up to 5 meters and are one-way only.
Advantages of HDMI
HDMI is easily available on most new entertainment equipment. You only need one cable to hook devices together. Speeds of HDMI signals are up to twice as fast as 1080p, allowing room to grow as speeds increase. Two-way connections means your devices do more than send or receive information, they interact and can possibly work together. Digital signals are clearer and analog signals are slowly going by the wayside.
Advantages of DVI
DVI can work with analog devices, meaning you do not have to replace all your equipment at once. If you buy used electronics, DVI connections will be more common. A computer-based home entertainment system will be easier to hook up with DVI, because most computers do not yet come with HDMI ports standard.
Which Should I Buy?
If you can't afford to replace your receiver, TV and everything else at once, stick with DVI-connected devices. HDMI is good for those who subscribe to cable, because you only need one cable to connect your cable box to your TV. A computer-based entertainment system will be easier to create with DVI connections. If you plan on hooking several devices together, HDMI is the way to go, because the two-way mode can allow you to record with a touch of a button, even if it requires the coordination of several devices (VCR/DVD/DVR, TV and receiver).
Tags: digital analog, entertainment equipment, entertainment system, analog devices, connection used, devices together