Solved HDMI Input

[bigmck]

My new PC monitor has a HDMI input slot. If my video card had a HDMI slot would it make any difference in video quality or is the HDMI just for use with a TV? Thanks,

 

[cyclops]

Works for either one, cool thing about HDMI is the High Speed HDMI cables also carry audio, which means one cable does it all.

 

[bigmck]

Works for either one, cool thing about HDMI is the High Speed HDMI cables also carry audio, which means one cable does it all.

Have you been able to compare DVI and HDMI? Is the improvement in video with HDMI worth buying a new Video Card?

 

[cyclops]

I have not compared them in my environment. I am very pleased with HDMI. There are 2 types ov DVI, DVI-D and DVI-I. Type D carries both audio and video signals and type I only carries video, or the other way around I forget sometimes. I prefer HDMI at this point for the simple reason that it will be around for a while, not sure about DVI, kinda like VHS vs Beta. Most TVs only have one DVI input and up to 4 HDMI so you can have multiple sources. Most video cards have 1 or 2DVI and up to 4 HDMI outputs. I use my 47" TV as TV and monitor and streambox monitor. I hope that is some help.

 

[GokAy]

From HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. DVI vs. VGA: Which connection to choose? - CNET

HDMI
All TVs and most computer monitors have HDMI. It's easy to use, the cables are cheap, and best of all, it carries audio. If you're plugging your computer into a TV, your first choice should be HDMI. It will save you lots of hassle.

HDMI has limitations, though, and isn't always the perfect choice. For example, your TV likely has HDMI 1.4 connections, which max out at 3,820x2,160-pixel resolution at 30 frames per second. If you've gotten a new 4K monitor, you're limited to 30fps. Not until HDMI 2.0 will you be able to do 4K over HDMI at 60fps. You'll also need new hardware (and probably a new TV).
So in most cases HDMI is fine, but for really high resolutions and frame rates, one of these other options might be better.

HDMI and DVI is the same with different layout (same signaling). So you can use a simple converter if need be.

 

[cyclops]

That article is 2 years old. HDMI 2.0 is already here, it's called High Speed HDMI and costs no more than Standard HDMI did when it was new.

GokAy, please man, I'm not one to blow smoke up peoples rear.

 

[wasnotwas]

I have not compared them in my environment. I am very pleased with HDMI. There are 2 types ov DVI, DVI-D and DVI-I. Type D carries both audio and video signals and type I only carries video, or the other way around I forget sometimes. I prefer HDMI at this point for the simple reason that it will be around for a while, not sure about DVI, kinda like VHS vs Beta. Most TVs only have one DVI input and up to 4 HDMI so you can have multiple sources. Most video cards have 1 or 2DVI and up to 4 HDMI outputs. I use my 47" TV as TV and monitor and streambox monitor. I hope that is some help.

DVI-D carries just digital video
DVI-I carries analog + digital video - I means integrated

neither transmit audio. You can get a simple adapter for DVI-I >> VGA if your monitor only has blue analog. It's not a conversion, just pin assignment, so there's no quality loss.

There's no quality difference with DVI-D vs HDMI, although one thing to bear in mind with HDMI is that it has a 'hot' pin (5V IIRC) for device detection. This means that if you hot-swap an HDMI when stuff is powered up, there's a very slight chance of equipment damage (last HDMI cable I bought had a disclaimer to this effect). People will say they've never had a problem with hot-swapping HDMI, but I'd err on the side of caution and only connect HDMI when everything is turned off.

edit : there's also single link and dual link DVI - dual link has more pins and is higher spec

 

[GokAy]

Dual link for 3d stereoscopic and higher resolutions as far as I know (I use it for my displays due to 3d surround).

According to local Philips service center, my TV's motherboard got burned down due to a spike from the GPU HDMI port.

 

[Mellon Head]

@bigmck:

Something to be aware of when using HDMI with a Radeon card (I don't know about Nvdia cards and whether they do this or not) is that the monitor will underscan when using an HDMI input and a Radeon card. At least at 1920 x 1080 resolution. You have to go into Catalyst Control Center and set your monitor scaling properly, or there will be a black border around the picture and it will be a little fuzzy. After you do that, there is no problem, and you only have to do it once, but it is something to be aware of if you decide to go with an HDMI cable with your video card.

I've used HDMI on several monitors over the years, and I can't tell the difference between it and DVI. At least not at 1920 x 1080.

You shouldn't need to buy a new card to use HDMI. Yours should have the connector and will perform well without breaking a sweat, unless you want to go to a higher resolution.

 

[bigmck]

After Googling many times, the picture for HDMI and DVI is the same. The only difference is the audio on HDMI. Thanks,