What is DVI Used For?

We've all been there. In the search for the best picture quality, the fattest audio, and the most robust options in our PC and TV price range, we hit the web to do a little research. That's where the majority of consumers are often reduced to a blubbering pile of quivering jelly, plaintively asking "why is this so HARD??? I just wanna watch a video!"

Actually, consumers are much more tech-savvy these days, thanks to growing up with digital technology and a much more user-friendly attitude on the part of manufacturers. But there are still a few pockets of debate which require a little digging and ultimately end with an old-fashioned result: buyer preference.

And deciding whether to go with DVI, HDMI or, to a lesser extent, SVGA, is one of them.

So what's the difference between the DVI, HDMI and SVGA formats?

The most obvious is that both the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) formats are totally in the digital realm and generally require no external conversion devices. SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array) is a carryover technology that began with the DVD revolution and converts an analog signal to a digital display format. Very 1990s...

So let's just concentrate on DVI vs. HDMI.

Simply put, the main difference between DVI and HDMI is that first-generation DVI generally does not carry an audio signal in its cable path and requires an external converter when hooking up to a flat panel TV or PC monitor. In the last year, that has changed somewhat, but there are still many devices in the marketplace which require the extra step.

HDMI cabling is the evolutionary answer to this conversion requirement and is therefore the most "cable-ready" solution when you are taking your components out of the box and looking for a plug-and-play Home Theater setup which won't tax the brain too heavily. Plus, it requires no advanced technical degrees just to watch some old home movies.

So, what IS DVI used for?

In a nutshell, there is a very specific application which may make DVI a superior choice. And that is (drumroll please...) the stone-cold technophile looking to "tweak" output quality to the finest degree. While most consumer devices offer little attenuating options other than menu-driven settings, most professional equipment allows playing with the output settings all throughout the system configuration. That option may be crucial if you are a technician at a cable company, web startup or TV studio.

So the answer to the question for most people is: go with HDMI. It's much easier to work with because of its all-in-one, "set it and forget it" nature. And, it's absolutely the technology of choice for the entire PC to TV conversion revolution. Until the next big thing in Home Theater comes along... (HINT: Search keyword: DisplayPort...)

So stop pulling your hair out, anguishing over the DVI or HDMI debate. There are a lot more important things to do. Like watching those old home movies. Don't forget the popcorn!

Hmm, what to choose? Microwave or Jiffy-Pop?