Viewing & Understanding
Digital Audio / Video Connectors

Getting the right cable for your DVI connections.

Check both the female DVI plugs on your playing and receiving devices to determine what signals they are compatible with.

If you have mismatched plugs such as DVI-D - to - DVI-I or DVI-A - to - DVI-I you may use either a DVI-I cable or the cable that matches the other connection. For example: you may use a DVI-D cable on a DVI-I – to – DVI-D connection.

Note: You cannot mismatch a DVI-D and a DVI-A connection.

Single or Dual Link

There are two versions of each DVI connector: A Single Link or Dual Link

Although it is the single link, that is the most common on most home entertainment equipment – some high-end or professional equipment will be equipped with dual link.

A 24 pin set (laid in three rows of eight) is dual link. - Two separate 9 pin sets (laid in three rows of six) is single link.

DVI-I Single link	DVI-I Single link is both capable of carrying (RGBHV) Analogue & Digital. It has three rows of six pins plus another 2 pins set above the flat blade and 2 below. This is compatible with all Single Link DVI Connections. DVI Cables & Adaptors
DVI-D Single Link	DVI-D Single Link carries digital only. It has three rows of six pins and the flat blade only. (No pins around the flat blade is the easiest way for recognition). This is compatible with DVI-I Single link connections. DVI Cables & Adaptors
DVI-A Single Link	DVI-A Single Link carries (RGBHV) Analogue Only. It has one row of five pins, one row of three pins and one row of four pins plus 2 pins set above the flat blade and 2 below. This is compatible with DVI-I single link only. DVI Cables & Adaptors
DVI-I Dual Link	DVI-I Dual Link carries both (RGBHV) Analogue and Digital. It has three rows of eight pins plus 2 pins above the flat blade and 2 below. This is compatible with DVI-D dual link plus a male version of the Single Link. DVI Cables & Adaptors
DVI-D Dual Link	DVI-D Dual Link carries Digital Only. It has three rows of eight pins and the flat blade only. (No pins around the flat blade is the easiest way for recognition). This is compatible with DVI-I dual link plus the male version of the DVI-I & DVI-D single links. DVI Cables & Adaptors

DVI Cable Lengths

DVI standard cables are limited to 5 metre lengths- however, boosters are being introduced and with solid soldering techniques and fibre optics it is possible to expand DVI transmission up to 500 metres for the professionals.