DVI-D VGA adapter: we talk about features, types and possible problems that may arise during use. Monitor connectors (VGA, DVI, HDMI, Display Port). What cable and adapter is needed to connect the monitor to a laptop or PC
VGA connector(short for Video Graphics Array) is a popular monitor standard developed by IBM and introduced in 1987.
Despite the fact that the VGA video interface, which provides interaction between the monitor and the computer’s graphics card, was developed more than twenty years ago, it remains to this day the most famous standard for graphics on IBM compatible computers. There are two main reasons for this:
Firstly, the basic VGA modes - 80x25 display in character mode and 640x480 in graphics mode - are supported by all modern graphics cards, regardless of the resolutions supported by these cards. Therefore, when turned on, all computers activate the VGA mode and only after loading the operating system and video card drivers, the computer switches to the high-resolution mode that is built into the specific video card.
Secondly, despite the higher resolution and color depth of modern monitors and graphics cards, the connector used on most computers to connect a monitor is still VGA. Therefore, most people will talk about a VGA monitor, even if it is XGA, Super VGA or any other modern standard.
Although modern high-resolution displays are more focused on a modern standard such as DVI, most lower-resolution video cards still use a 15-pin (DB15) VGA connector to connect to the monitor.
VGA connector pinout
The pinout of the VGA interface connector is shown below. The first three pins are designed to transmit an analog signal of three primary RGB colors (1-red, 2-green and 3-blue). The red, green, and blue signal lines have their own negative wires (6, 7, and 8). Pins 13 and 14 are intended for horizontal and vertical synchronization, respectively.
By appearance VGA connector similar to the COM port connector (DB9). But unlike DB9, the VGA connector has 15 pins arranged in three rows of 5 pins in each row. In addition to color rendering signals (RGB) and synchronization signals, the VGA connector also has an I2C digital interface, designed for two-way communication between the video controller and the monitor. This interface (I2C) gives VGA sufficient versatility.
It should be noted that I2C was not implemented in the first versions of the VGA standard, but was added much later with the advent of the VESA DDC2 standard. Using the I2C interface, the controller and monitor can exchange technical information, such as frequency availability and resolution, to prevent operational incompatibilities.
Most LCD and plasma TVs have a VGA connector, or as it is also called, D-sub. In addition, it is used to connect the system unit and the monitor. The abbreviation VGA comes from the name of computer video adapters. The VGA connector is designed by Canon. At first it was the smallest compared to other similar connectors.
General information
VGA connector: pinout
So, we present to your attention the wiring of such a connector, and at the same time we will decipher the purpose of each pin:
1. Red channel - 75 Ohm, 0.7V.
2. Green channel - 75 Ohm, 0.7V.
3. Blue channel -75 Ohm, 0.7V.
4. Second identification bit.
5. Common wire.
6. "Ground" of the red channel.
7. "Earth" of the green channel.
8. "Earth" of the blue channel.
10. "Ground" synchronization.
11. Zero identification bit.
12. Single identification bit, or DDC data.
13. Composite or line synchronization.
14. Frame synchronization.
15. DDC clock, or third identification bit.
Conclusion
It should be noted that audio information is not transmitted through the mentioned type of connection. This may cause additional difficulties in synchronizing sound and video. After all, TVs usually do not have additional audio inputs compatible with the VGA connector. The easiest way to synchronize two signals is to use a separate
We select the required plug for the appropriate connector. What types of cables do manufacturers offer? "HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort" and which interface is optimal for connecting a monitor.
Previously, to connect a monitor to a computer, only an analog interface was used VGA. Modern devices have connectors "HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort". Let's see what advantages and disadvantages each of the interfaces has.
With the development of new technologies for flat-panel monitors, the connector capabilities have become insufficient VGA. To achieve the highest image quality, it is necessary to use a digital standard such as DVI. Home entertainment device manufacturers have created a standard HDMI, which became the digital successor to the analog Scan connector. Somewhat later, VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) developed DisplayPort.
Main interfaces for connecting monitors.
■ VGA. The first connection standard, still in use today, was developed in 1987 by the then leading computer manufacturer IBM for its PS/2 series PCs. VGA is an abbreviation for Video Graphics Array (an array of pixels), at one time this was the name of the video card in PS/2 computers, the resolution of which was 640x480 pixels (the combination “VGA resolution” often found in technical literature means exactly this value).
An analog data transmission system with increasing resolution only worsens the picture quality. Therefore, in modern computers the digital interface is the standard.
. ■ DVI. This abbreviation is oz-naHaeTDigital Visual Interface - digital video interface. It transmits the video signal in digital format while maintaining high image quality.
DVI is backwards compatible: Almost all computers have a DVI-I connector, which is capable of transmitting both digital video data and a VGA signal.
Inexpensive video cards are equipped with a DVI output in the Single Link modification (single-channel solution). The maximum resolution in this case is 1920x 1080 pixels. (Full HD). More expensive video card models have a two-channel DVI (Dual Link) interface. They can be connected to monitors with a resolution of up to 2560x1600 pix.
The DVI connector is large enough that Apple has developed a Mini DVI interface for its laptops. Using the adapter, you can connect devices with Mini DVI to monitors equipped with a DVI connector.
connection interfaces
■HDMI. The abbreviation HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, that is, a high-definition multimedia interface. In modern home entertainment devices such as flat-screen TVs and Blu-ray players, HDMI is the standard connection interface.
As with DVI, the signal is transmitted in a digital format, which means the original quality is preserved. Together with HDMI, HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) protection technology was developed, which prevents the creation of exact copies, for example, of video materials.
The first devices with HDMI support appeared at the end of 2003. Since then, the standard has been modified several times, in particular, support for new audio and video formats has been added (see table above).
For miniature models of equipment there is a Mini HDMI interface; An appropriate HDMI/Mini HMDI cable is included with many devices.
■ DisplayPort(DP). A new type of digital interface for connecting video cards with display devices is intended to replace DVI. The current version of the standard 1.2 allows you to connect several monitors when they are sequentially combined into one chain. However, currently there are not many devices with a DP port. Being a direct competitor to HDMI, this interface has a significant advantage from the point of view of manufacturers: it does not require licensing fees. While for each device with HDMI you have to pay four American cents. If the connector on a computer or laptop is marked “DP++”, this indicates that the adapter can be used to connect monitors with DVI and HDMI interfaces.
To ensure that there is enough space on the back of modern video cards for connectors for other purposes, a smaller version of the DP interface was developed. For example, Radeon HD6800 series video cards contain up to six Mini DP ports.
HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort
Which of these standards will be most widely adopted? HDMI has a very high chance of success, since most devices have this interface. However, there is a new trump card in the deck of Asian manufacturers: according to official data, the Digital Interactive Interface for Video and Audio (DiiVA) provides a throughput of 13.5 Gbps (DP: 21.6; HDMI: 10.21. In addition, as the companies promise, the maximum cable length between devices, such as a Blu-ray player and a TV, will be up to 25 m. There is no information yet on what the DiiVA interface looks like.
Transfer video via USB
Two years ago it became possible to connect monitors via USB using DisplayLink adapters. However, due to the low (480 Mbps) bandwidth, the USB 2.0 connection is not suitable for video transmission. Another thing is the latest version of the USB standard (3.0), providing data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s.
An adapter from DisplayLink allows you to connect monitors directly to a computer's USB port.
How to connect a computer and a monitor with different interfaces.
Thanks to adapters, there are many connection options (see table below).
Common adapters, such as DVI-I/VGA, have a very reasonable price. So-called converters that convert the digital DisplayPort output signal into an analog VGA signal are much more expensive.
However, for example, when connecting a TV with an HDMI interface to a DVI connector, there is almost always no sound.
Is it possible to combine devices with different HDMI versions?
With this combination, only the functions of the earlier version of the corresponding interface will be available. For example, if a video card with HDMI 1.2 is connected to a 3D TV that supports HDMI 1.4, then 3D games will only be displayed in 2D format.
Advice. Installing a new driver allows you to add support for HDMI 1.4 in some video cards based on NVIDIA chips, for example GeForce GTX 460.
Which connectors provide the best picture quality?
Testing has shown that the analog VGA interface provides the worst image quality, especially when transmitting signals with a resolution of more than 1024x768 pix. Even 17-inch monitors support this resolution today. Owners of monitors with a larger diagonal and a resolution of 1920x1080 pixel are strongly recommended to use DVI, HDMI or DP.
How to connect a monitor to a laptop?
Most laptops are equipped with connectors for connecting external monitors. First, connect the monitor to the laptop. After that, using the buttons Ш and KPI, you can switch between the following modes.
■ Using an external monitor as the main one. The laptop display turns off and the image is displayed only on the connected external monitor. The best option for movie buffs and gamers.
Clone mode. External monitor and laptop display show the same image
■ Practical for presentations and seminars.
■ Multi-screen mode. Allows you to increase the size of your Windows desktop by using multiple monitors. It is very convenient, for example, when typing text in Word, to have email messages in front of your eyes.
Will it be possible to connect the TV to the computer?
Modern computers and laptops do not have analog video interfaces such as S-Video or a composite connector. Therefore, you definitely won’t be able to connect an old CRT TV. However, the vast majority of flat-panel models are equipped with DVI or HDMI interfaces, which means connecting them to a computer is not difficult.
Netbooks, as a rule, only have a VGA output, and only those TVs that have a VGA input can be connected to them.
Is it possible to connect a monitor via USB
For traditional monitors this is only possible using an optional DisplayLink adapter. However, there are also models on sale that connect directly to a computer’s USB port - for example, Samsung SyncMaster 940 UX.
What is the maximum monitor cable length?
Cable capabilities depend on the connection type. When using DVI, the connection length can reach 10 m, but in the case of HDMI and VGA it should not exceed 5 m. To achieve maximum transfer speed.
What should you pay attention to when purchasing a video cable?
To prevent nearby electronic devices from affecting the quality of the transmitted signal, purchase only well-shielded cables. When using a low-quality cable, other devices may cause interference and in some cases even reduce the data transfer rate. As a result, the screen will display a choppy image or an aliasing effect will appear. Gold-plated contacts prevent corrosion of the plugs due to high air humidity. In addition, the gold-plated contacts used in modern cables reduce the resistance between the connector and the plug, which improves transmission quality. But as you can see from practice: you can forget about all this, gold-plated contacts and other nonsense, with cheap Chinese-made cables, namely, they are supplied complete with monitors and video cards. And they cope with their responsibilities very well.
For reference: once somewhere they gathered music lovers to test cables. There were both gold-plated and platinum contacts, from $1000 per cord and much more. Well, the ratings were given for sound quality. To determine the winner, the competition was held naturally in the dark, the manufacturer was not visible. Well, one of the organizers came up with the idea of sending a signal through an ordinary iron crowbar (which is used to hammer the ground). And what do YOU think, he took one of the prizes.
And music lovers spent a long time explaining what crystal clear sound comes through this cool cable. So turn on your head, otherwise I saw the guys have a cable DVI at a price higher than the video card and monitor combined.
In the modern world it is no longer possible to imagine life without computer technology. Every person has a smartphone in their hands, almost everyone has a TV at home, as well as a computer. All of them improve human life to one degree or another. But for them to work correctly, at least basic knowledge of computer technology is required, in particular, knowledge of computer interfaces is important.
One of the most important and necessary interfaces for desktop or, as they are also called, personal computers is the VGA connector, since most of the current monitors (TVs) are connected to it, be it old monitors or modern monitors with Full HD resolution. It is important to remember this, since the most modern monitors (TVs) with a resolution higher than 1920x1080 are already abandoning this connector. Exactly this one video interface we'll look at it today.
VGA stands for "video graphics array". The first iteration of the VGA connector appeared back in 1987. Then she really couldn’t transmit the picture and transmitted no more than 256 colors. But the modern version has much broader capabilities. It is usually called a 15-pin vga connector or a 15-pin d-sub connector.
It is worth mentioning where the vga connector is found to fully understand why it is needed. Firstly, these are monitors. In vga monitors so far is the most important connector. Secondly, on televisions. On TVs, vga is the same connector that helps you connect various types of players, receivers, set-top boxes, and so on. In addition to various types of monitors, VGA is present on almost all equipment that needs to transmit a video signal.
Pinout
After a long introduction Let's move on to the description of the pinout diagram vga connector. As mentioned earlier, it consists of 15 contacts. We will study in detail each contact and what it is responsible for. Channels are counted from right to left, from top to bottom.
- The first contact is the red video channel. It is responsible for transmitting red spectrum video.
- The second contact is the green video channel. This channel is responsible for transmitting green spectrum video.
- The third contact is the blue video channel. This channel is responsible for transmitting blue spectrum video.
- The fourth pin is the second bit of the monitor ID. To communicate with the monitor, it is assigned a three-digit numeric value. This contact is responsible for the second digit in this number.
- The fifth contact is common ground. Serves to create the correct circuit of the electrical circuit.
- The sixth pin is the ground of the red channel.
- The seventh contact is the ground of the green channel.
- The eighth pin is the ground of the blue channel. All three last contacts also serve to create the correct circuit of the electrical circuit.
- The ninth contact is power. Power is required for E-DDC to operate. E-DDC is a system designed to communicate between a computer and a monitor. More precisely, to determine the model, technical characteristics, and name of the monitor used.
- The tenth contact is another ground.
- The eleventh pin is the zero bit of monitor identification. The zero digit of the three-digit monitor ID.
- The twelfth pin is the first bit of the monitor ID. The first digit of the three-digit monitor ID.
- The thirteenth contact is horizontal synchronization. Horizontal synchronization serves to maintain the integrity of the transmitted image in the horizontal plane.
- The fourteenth pin is vertical sync. The same thing, but here the integrity is preserved in the vertical plane.
- And the last, fifteenth pin is the third bit of the monitor identifier. The third digit of the number used to identify the monitor.
Sometimes when talking about the pinout of various connectors, you can also hear a glimpse of the monitor's wiring. But don't worry pinout and connector wiring are the same thing.
Characteristics
Let's now move on to d-sub connector specifications:
EDDC
As mentioned above, the d-sub cable uses a certain technology called EDDC, which stands for Enhanced display data channel. This technology is designed for two-way communication computer, or more precisely, a video adapter with a monitor. The description of the d-sub pinout mentioned a binary number. This very number is the key to the internal memory of the monitor and it is transmitted to the computer so that it can read the necessary information from the internal memory of the monitor. And communication itself is necessary for more precise adjustment of the monitor for better performance and picture quality.
Also important information is that d-sub is an analog technology, so it carries an analog signal. It follows from this that the quality of such a signal directly depends on the quality of the cable itself and wiring. The quality of the cable depends on the thickness of the cable, the quality of the insulation, the length of the cable and the quality of the conductor used. From this we can conclude that truly high-quality d-sub cables cannot be cheap, because they are expensive to manufacture.
In conclusion, the fifteen-pin d-sub is a common connector that transmits an analog signal, which is found in almost all current computer equipment. Its specifications are acceptable for most of the audience. The biggest nuance is that this technology is already quite old and has practically outlived its usefulness. It is being replaced by new connectors that carry a digital signal instead of an analog signal.
For 10 years now, computers and laptops have been equipped with not one, but two or three types of connectors at the same time. The ports differ in both size and appearance. What type of monitor connection do you prefer? The article also discusses the practical usefulness of simultaneously connecting two or even three monitors.
Common but old types of connectors
VGA (Video Graphics Array): an outdated classic
The blue trapezoidal interface dominated the computer field for 25-30 years. It worked great on older CRT displays due to its analog nature. But flat LCD screens appeared - digital devices, then resolutions began to increase and the good old VGA began to lose ground.
Today it is built into video cards less and less often, but many devices (household players, projectors, TVs) are still equipped with support for the hopelessly outdated VGA. Probably, for several more years, the “old man” will remain a not very desirable, but widespread de facto standard - if you have any doubts about which cable you can use to connect the monitor in the next office, then take VGA.
DVI-I (Digital Visual Interface): another long-lived video interface
Actually, there are several of them: DVI-A, -D and -I, plus their varieties. But when we talk about the most common DVI standard, we mean the analog-to-digital DVI-I Dual Channel - it is this specification that is built into most PCs.
At one time, DVI came to replace VGA, which was rapidly becoming obsolete in the mid-2000s. The ability to transmit both analog and digital signals, support for large (in that era) resolutions and high frequencies, the absence of inexpensive competitors: DVI continues to serve as a standard today. But it is unlikely that his active “life” will continue for more than another 3-4 years.
Resolutions higher than the minimum comfortable FullHD today are increasingly found even in inexpensive computer systems. With the growth of megapixels, the once serious capabilities of DVI are ending. Without going into technical details, we note that the peak capabilities of DVI will not allow displaying an image with a resolution of over 2560 x 1600 at an acceptable frequency (above 60 Hz).
Modern video interfaces
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) – the king of multimedia
The abbreviation “HD-IM-AI”, once awkward for Russian ears, is increasingly entering our lives. Why has HDMI become so popular? It's simple:
- arbitrarily long wires (okay, to be honest - up to 25-30 meters);
- transmission of sound (even multi-channel!) along with video - goodbye to the need to buy separate speakers for TV;
- convenient small connectors;
- support everywhere - players, zombie boxes, projectors, video recorders, game consoles - it’s hard to immediately think of equipment that doesn’t have an HDMI connector;
- ultra-high resolutions;
- 3D picture. And yes, it is possible along with ultra-high resolutions (HDMI 4b and 2.0 versions).
The prospects for HDMI are the most promising - development continues; in 2013, version 2.0 specifications were adopted: this standard is compatible with old wire connectors, but supports increasingly impressive resolutions and other “tasty” features.
DisplayPort (DP): a connector that's just becoming ubiquitous
And DisplayPort is stunningly beautiful in appearance...
For many years, computers were rarely equipped with this direct competitor to HDMI. And - despite the fact that DisplayPort was good for everyone: and support for very high resolutions along with a stereo signal; and audio transmission; and an impressive length of wire. It is even more profitable for manufacturers than licensed HDMI: there is no need to pay the developers of the standard the 15-25 cents that HDMI owners are entitled to.
The DP connector simply had bad luck in its early years. However, computers are increasingly equipped with a pair of Display Ports of the modern version 1.4 standard. And on its basis, another popular standard with enormous prospects was “born”: the “little brother” of the Display Port...
Mini DP (Mini DisplayPort)
Together with HDMI and the completely outdated VGA, the Mini DisplayPort connector is built into almost every computer and laptop. It has all the advantages of its “big brother”, plus its miniature size – an ideal solution for ever-thinner laptops, ultrabooks, and even smartphones and tablets.
Transmitting an audio signal so as not to buy separate speakers for the monitor? Please - how many channels do you need? Stereoscopy even in 4K? Yes, even though the interface will have to flex all its electronic muscles. Compatibility? There are a wide variety of adapters on the market, for almost any other connector. Future? The Mini DP standard is alive and well.
Thunderbolt: exotic monitor connection options
There are others like that. For a year now, Apple, together with Intel developers, have been promoting the fast, universal, but insanely expensive Thunderbolt interface.
Why do monitors also need Thunderbolt? The question remains for years without a clear answer.
In practice, monitors with its support are not so common, and there are serious doubts about the justification of Thunderbolt for video signal transmission. Is it the fashion for everything “Apple”...
Unfortunately, beyond the scope of this article there remains the most interesting opportunity to connect screens to a computer (and even supply power to them!) using the USB 3.0 interface (or, even more interesting, 3.1). This technology has many prospects, and there are also advantages. However, this is a topic for a separate review – and for the near future!
How to connect a new monitor to an old computer?
An “old computer” most often means a PC with a single port – VGA or DVI. If a new monitor (or TV) absolutely does not want to be friends with such a port, then you should purchase a relatively inexpensive adapter - from VGA to HDMI, from Mini DP to DVI, etc. – there are many options.
When using adapters, some inconveniences are possible (for example, there is no way to transmit sound or images with a particularly high resolution via VGA), but such a scheme will work properly and reliably.
Wireless video signal (WiDi)!
There are such interfaces, even several. Intel Wireless Display (aka WiDi, or Wi-Dai, no matter how strange it may sound to a Russian-speaking reader): an adapter that costs about $30 connects to the USB connector of a TV or monitor (if the technology is supported by the manufacturer).
The signal is sent via Wi-Fi, and a video image is displayed on the screen. But this is only in theory, and in practice, significant obstacles are the distance and the presence of walls between the receiver and transmitter. The technology is interesting, it has prospects - but nothing more for now.
Another wireless video interface is AirPlay from Apple. The essence and practical application are the same as WiDI from Intel. A little expensive, not very reliable, far from practical.
A more interesting solution, but still not widespread, is Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDi). It's not exactly Wi-Fi, although it's a very similar wireless technology. A key feature is a proprietary method of protection against interference, delay and distortion.
Connecting multiple monitors at the same time
Even a novice user can cope with the task of attaching a main or additional screen: connecting a monitor to a PC or laptop is no more difficult than a flash drive. Connecting a monitor to a computer is only possible in the correct way: the connector simply will not fit into a connector that is not intended for it.
An excellent feature of modern video cards and operating systems is the ability to connect several monitors to one signal source (PC, laptop). The practical benefits are enormous, and in two different versions.
1. Image clone mode
The main computer screen operates normally. But at the same time, the image is completely duplicated on a large-diagonal TV and/or projector. You just need to connect the video cable to both the large screen and the projector. Sound is transmitted along with the image if you use modern connectors (HDMI, Mini DP).
2. Multi-screen mode
The resolution of monitors is constantly growing - but there will always be tasks for which I would like to have a wider screen. Calculations in a large Excel spreadsheet, or working with a couple of browsers at once; design tasks and video editing. Even typing is more convenient when there is also an additional display next to the main one. “Gap” - the frames of the screens in practice interfere no more than the frames of glasses - after a few minutes you simply don’t notice them. Gamers also like to use several monitors at once - immersion in the gameplay with such a scheme is much more exciting. By the way, some AMD video cards support up to 6 monitors simultaneously (Eyefinity technology made a lot of noise in the IT community 5 years ago).
Picture: this is how you can call up the settings for connecting a second or third monitor: click on “Graphics Settings” from Intel or Nvidia.
How to connect a 2nd monitor to a computer? Insert the cable connector - most likely, the image will be instantly “picked up” by the second screen. If this does not happen, or additional settings / another mode are required, a minute’s work in the graphics driver of the video card. To get to this program, just right-click on the Intel, Nvidia or AMD video driver icon - depending on which video adapter is installed in the PC, and select “Settings”. The video adapter icon is always present in the Control Panel, and in almost all cases - in the Windows tray, around the clock.