Vga dvi d what to do. Connecting a VGA monitor to DVI D with your own hands through an adapter

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Each PC user sooner or later faces connecting his laptop or personal computer to a monitor using various cables and connectors. All of them differ from each other by structure, picture quality and the maximum allowable cable length. In the 90s, a 15-pin VGA connector was used to connect CRT monitors, which produced a good image for that time. Over time, the resolution that VGA provides was not enough and it was replaced by a new 17 (17-29) pin DVI interface with the ability to display a much higher resolution due to its more bandwidth.

DVI connector

Large companies have joined forces to develop the Digital Visual Interface (DVI). It was jointly decided that it would be inexpedient to convert the signal twice. As a result, the developers came to the decision to create a single digital interface that can display the original image without unnecessary changes and loss of quality.

Basic working principle interface lies in the new technology of the TMDS data encoding protocol. The information previously implemented by the protocol is sequentially transmitted to the device.

The interface allows you to achieve a resolution of 1920x1080 at a frequency of 60 Hz. These parameters make it possible to achieve throughput 1.65 Gb / s and this is when using a single TMDS connection. If two connections are used, then the speed will increase to 2 Gb / s. With such high performance, DVI is head and shoulders above its predecessors.

For a simple user, you can explain why the Digital Visual Interface is so good by saying only that it is a digital video interface. It will not be difficult to distinguish it from its analog predecessor - the connectors are always white, which makes it impossible to confuse it with others. The shape and the greater number of pins is also a characteristic difference between the interface.

The cable at the interface is limited in length, like other connectors, its maximum length is no more than 10 m, which is 7 meters more than VGA.

Main types and differences

In addition to the characteristic differences from other interfaces, the Digital Visual Interface also differs from each other. The main differences between them are the number of channels and the possibility of transmitting an analog signal. Consider the popular variations in more detail:

To summarize the difference between the connectors, you can simply - the letter D indicates the presence of only a digital signal, the letter A - only analog, the letter I indicates the presence of both types of signal.

In the case when the video card has a Digital Visual Interface output, and the monitor has only VGA, adapters are suitable. When purchasing adapters, you need to understand the difference between DVI-I and DVI-D, the first one will be able to transmit a signal to VGA. there is an analog channel, but the second one does not have an analog communication channel and it will not work to transmit an image through an adapter; special expensive converters are used for this.

In addition to DVI-VGA and VGA-DVI adapters, there are other DVI-HDMI, HDMI-DVI, DVI-DisplayPort, DisplayPort-DVI, they all transmit a digital signal between themselves and there should be no connection problems.

Technology Disadvantages

The only significant drawback of the technology is cable length limitation. For example, when using a 15 m cable, the maximum resolution that can be achieved is 1280x1024, but if only a 5 m cable is used, the resolution will increase to 1920x1200. If you want to connect a device over a long distance without signal loss, you will have to use additional repeaters that amplify the signal.

VGA connector

In 1987, Canon introduced the world to a new VGA (Video Graphics Array) connector, which was installed on a video card of the same name. The capabilities of the technology were more than enough, because the original resolution was 640x480. The maximum possible resolution without loss of image quality that the Video Graphics Array is capable of is 1280x1024. Despite the fact that more efficient interfaces have long appeared that are pushing VGA out of the market, many TVs and video devices are still equipped with this connector. The reason for the displacement was the emergence of new monitors that require more resolution.

The connector has a 15-pin wiring and is marked in blue (with rare exceptions), which makes it easy to distinguish it from DVI (white). Maximum cable length connection is limited to 3 m.

Due to the development of technology, a new standard has appeared Super Video Graphics Array or SVGA, which uses the same 15-pin connection as the Video Graphics Array but is much superior technically. The main difference between SVGA and VGA is number of colors displayed, there are 16 million of them in the new version of the interface, while the old one has 256 colors.

Main types

There are three main types of VGA connectors DDC1, DDC2, E-DDC:

DDC1– allows the monitor to unilaterally transmit data with information about its characteristics to the computer. After that, the video card determines this information on the cable and detects the DDC monitor connected to it
DDC2– a specification of this kind already allows the exchange of information in a bilateral manner. First, the monitor transmits its data to the computer, after which the computer adjusts the necessary parameters for the connected monitor.
E-DDC- represents the most efficient specification. Information about the data of the connected monitor was stored in the memory of the device.

All 15 contacts are arranged in 3 rows of 5 contacts. First three contacts are responsible for the transmission of an analog video signal of three different colors (1,2,3). Each of them has its own earth- 6,7,8 respectively. Pins 13 and 14 are responsible for horizontal and vertical synchronization. In addition to video signal transmission, the interface has two-way communication with the monitor.

Interface pinout:

If we are talking about a mini VGA mini connector (a smaller analogue with the same parameters), then the pinout will be as follows:

Extension cords

There are situations where the computer and the connected monitor or TV are located in different rooms and a cable of a non-standard length is required to connect them. You can buy it at any computer store, but there are two problems:

too much high price cable - from $ 20 for 15 meters;
rigidity standard cable, which becomes a big problem for beautiful and correct laying in skirting boards. If, when installing the cable, it is required to go through the wall, then the factory cable will obviously not help. you will have to drill a hole with a diameter of 40 mm.

In such cases, the ideal solution would be to make an extension cord yourself. An ordinary twisted pair cable of category 5 or 6 will come to the rescue in this.

In terms of price, it significantly outperforms the factory Video Graphics Array extension cord, its price is about 15 rubles per meter, and its diameter is only 8 mm.

Using only 8 twisted pair pins, you can easily solder an extension cable, but you can do it even easier by buying a VGA to RJ-45 adapter in the store.

DVI-D - VGA do-it-yourself adapter

It is impossible to find such an adapter. The reason for this is that technologies use different ports and data types. If you carefully look at the DVI-D pinout, it will become noticeable that it has no contacts to transmit the analog signal required by VGA.

In this case, it may help converter DVI-D - VGA, which converts the digital signal coming from the Digital Visual Interface to analog. This is the only connection option.

Worth noticing that if you break out 4 “extra contacts” due to which a regular adapter is not inserted into the connector, then nothing will work anyway, since they are responsible for transmitting the analog signal.

Maximum cable length

All interfaces have a limit on the maximum allowable cable length at which signal quality is not lost. The longer the cable, the worse the signal, and therefore the maximum resolution. For each type, the maximum length is different, since the interfaces use different technologies and signal types.

For DVI - 10, VGA - 3 m, HDMI - 10 m.

The difference between DVI and VGA

The main difference between these connectors is maximum resolution And picture quality. In addition, the Digital Visual Interface has from 17 to 29 pins, while VGA has only 15. Another difference is the type of signals with which the interfaces work: for VGA it is analog, and for Digital Visual Interface it is digital. It is for this reason that VGA has to be converted twice, which significantly degrades the quality of the resulting image.

Which is better DVI or HDMI

Comparing these two interfaces, we can say that they are somewhat equivalent. The big advantage of HDMI is that with just one cable you can carry both video and audio data, thereby reducing the number of wires that abound in today's multimedia systems. The essential difference is maximum resolution, which HDMI currently can be 10240 × 5760.

Difference between VGA and HDMI

It is incorrect to compare these two interfaces because of their difference in creation time. HDMI is a fairly new connector that provides the user with great picture and great sound in just one cable. The Video Graphics Array is now mostly used in old technology that is not compatible with new technologies.

The development of technology in the modern world does not stop for a second. Modern technology is constantly opening up new functions and opportunities for consumers. However, not only new functionality is important. First of all, a clear understanding of how to use new devices is required.

After analyzing thematic forums and sites, you can understand that a large number of users do not know about how to connect monitors with a VGA port to a video card with DVI-D output. Inexperienced people often get advice from the same, not fully knowledgeable amateurs, based on their own, often unsuccessful, experience. Usually they offer to buy a DVI-D VGA adapter, citing its cheapness, not practicality.

But this type of adapter is unlikely to work at all, so it is recommended to use DVI-D to VGA, and not the so-called DVI to VGA adapter.

In order to understand all the intricacies of this type of connection, you need to understand the principle of operation.

How does a DVI-D connection work?

What is translated from English as "digital video interface", is used to connect and synchronize the video image between the video card and the monitor, TV, or any other display device. DVI-D is a technology that allows you to maintain picture quality when switching from analog to digital signal. This type of connection will give the maximum clarity of the image. It is important to note that this type of connection only transmits a digital signal. DVI-D connectivity is the mainstay of the new generation of digital TV sets and delivers a maximum of 2K resolution.

This technology began to be actively used by manufacturers of advanced TVs and monitors, which created a lot of problems for many owners of personal computers. This is due to the fact that many users are still forced to use the outdated VGA connection.

What is a VGA connection?

VGA (Video Graphics Array) is an image transmission technology that has been preserved since the last century, it is still used by some users. This type of connection is designed to transmit an analog signal. The best quality available with a VGA connection is 1280x720, in other words HD. There is no need to talk about any 2K resolution, as well as image transmission in 3D format.

At the moment, most manufacturers of playback devices have abandoned this technology, considering it obsolete. That is why video cards of new models are equipped exclusively with a DVI-D port, but the vast majority of users do not always want to change the monitor on demand, and still use playback devices with a VGA port. That is, it is impossible to simply connect an old monitor without any overlays and loss of image quality. Experts recommend using several connection methods, but in order to find an effective way, you need to understand the process itself. What are we going to do now.

DIY DVI / VGA adapter

Due to the fact that technologies work through different ports and belong to different generations, the user must clearly understand that the type of signal transmitted from one device to another is also different. That is, for the stable use of a playback device, a digital-to-analog converter is required, and not a do-it-yourself DVI / VGA adapter or bought at a flea market. After all, a device of this type simply cannot convert the signal from analog to digital and / or simply will not work, or the user will not be able to obtain images of the desired quality.

Adapter types

Let's pay attention to the types of adapters that are advised to be purchased by users of thematic forums, websites and various other sources:

a regular adapter from DVI to VGA;
VGA/DVI-M adapter;
DVI-F/VGA-M adapter.

The price of such devices is extremely small, but the vast majority of users believe that using such a DVI-D VGA adapter is much easier than changing an old video card, buying a monitor with a suitable port, or looking for a better offer. However, this is not quite true. The cost of an adapter from DVI to VGA is from 2 to 5 dollars. But in fact, the buyer receives an absolutely useless adapter at the exit, so that, like many of his comrades in misfortune, he will be surprised: why nothing works. So where is the reason for the inoperability of the VGA DVI adapter? We will now answer this question.

Connector pinout

Knowing the pinout of the ports, the masters of dubious order came to the conclusion that by connecting certain connectors, they will get a great DVI-D / VGA adapter!

But in fact, if you know the scheme of these ports well, then it is immediately clear that this device cannot function at all! If you look at the port, it becomes clear that there are no pins in DVI, which are responsible for transmitting an analog signal.

In fact, this answer can be easily found on the World Wide Web: on every topic on this issue there is a post in which the author writes that everything seems to be connected, but does not work. But if the author figured out that the connection transmits signals of different types, he would know: it is necessary to convert the signal. That is, simply connecting two different ports will not help in any way. This solution to the issue is quite common on the Internet, but it will not work - one hundred percent.

DVI-D/VGA converter

The only possible connection will be a DVI-D/VGA converter. Of course, its price is higher than that of the adapter, but we have already found out that it is better to pay extra than just throwing a few dollars down the drain, as they say. An adapter from DVI to VGA will not be able to convert an analog signal to digital, without which the user will not be able to connect any gadget. The principle of operation of the DVI-D to VGA converter is to convert a digital signal to analog.

What do we have left? First: the user needs to pay attention only to the opinion of professionals with sufficient competence. It is not worth trusting advice because of the cheapness of solving the problem, or because of the popularity of the method - this is fraught with either a senseless loss of money or a waste of precious time.

Secondly, if it is obvious that this method of solving the problem does not work for the vast majority, then you need to understand why it does not work before making sudden decisions and hoping that in a particular case everything will work. That is, of course, you can try to buy an adapter from DVI to VGA and save money, hoping for an unlikely result. But it is better to buy a converter that guarantees the performance of the connection.

We hope that the article has helped readers understand the question of how this type of adapter works. The only way out is to purchase a special signal converter and not fool yourself, and the adapter will not be able to help in any way.

Video cards of the latest generations from NVIDIA and AMD are not equipped with VGA outputs. Moreover, on such video cards, they comply with the DVI-D standard, which means that only a digital signal is transmitted via DVI. All this leads to the fact that it is not possible to connect an old VGA monitor to such video cards, even using an adapter from DVI to VGA.

But, not everything is so sad. Such modern video cards can still be connected to old VGA monitors. In this article, we will talk about how to connect a VGA monitor to HDMI or DVI-D output on a video card.

Connecting VGA monitors to DVI-D or HDMI outputs of a video card

So, if you have a monitor with a VGA input and a video card with DVI-D or, then to connect them you will need active adapter. Such an active adapter converts the digital signal from the video card into an analog signal for the monitor.

These adapters usually have a small HDMI cable on one side that needs to be connected to the video card, and on the other side a VGA output, into which you need to plug the VGA cable from the monitor. The pictures below show what such an adapter looks like by itself and already connected.

If there is no HDMI output on the video card, then you can try connecting such an adapter to the DVI-D output. In this case, you will also need an adapter from DVI-D to HDMI.

As for the purchase, active HDMI to VGA adapters can be found, for example, as well as in other Chinese online stores. In addition, you can search in local stores. The price of such an active adapter ranges from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the place of purchase.

The term DVI-D VGA is a designation for connecting the system unit to a computer monitor, TV. This concept is also actively used to refer to adapters. With their help, old models of PC monitors equipped with analog connectors are connected to new video cards. Correct connection ensures uninterrupted digital signal transmission.

The type of connection under consideration has several important features. First of all, compatibility issues cannot be ruled out. Not always the use of a special adapter allows you to solve the failure that has appeared. The price of the adapter is relatively low - from $2 to $5. Experts recommend abandoning the use of adapters, preferring a signal converter.

The abbreviation DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface, which is translated from English as a digital video interface. This connector was created for the purpose of transmitting a video signal to projectors, computer monitors, televisions and other equipment capable of displaying graphic content. The DVI-D adapter is a digital connection that avoids loss of quality due to digital to analog conversion.

The peculiarity of the interface is that it provides data transfer with maximum resolution. Therefore, a high-quality and natural image is displayed on the screen. Only digital signal is reproduced. Separately, we note that the DVI-D connection is used on digital LCD screens. The maximum supported resolution is 2048x1536 pixels.

The modification of the DVI-D interface has been appreciated by the leading organizations involved in the production of monitors and TVs. Users working with computers, because of this, faced difficulties. The VGA interface began to gradually go out of mass circulation. Therefore, it became necessary to purchase adapters.

VGA connector features

VGA interface - a connector for video signal transmission. This interface was equipped with computer monitors, video cards. To a greater extent, this applies to old devices that were released in the 80-90s of the last century. The VGA connection is for analog signal transmission. The maximum quality is HD.

As far as Full HD or 3D playback is concerned, this is not possible with VGA. The interface in question is considered an obsolete signal transmission method. Therefore, it is quite rare. New GPU modules are equipped exclusively with a DVI-D interface. Users are in no hurry to part with monitors that are connected to the system unit via VGA. Therefore, there are compatibility issues.

The only way out of this situation is a DVI to VGA adapter. If we compare the technical description of the considered connectors, we can conclude that the signals are transmitted in different formats. If the set of interfaces on the equipment used does not match, then you should buy a high-quality digital-to-analog converter. This device can solve the problem.

Keep in mind that the VGA interface is classified into three additional subspecies. Now let's analyze the features of each of them:

DDC1 - capable of providing information transfer unilaterally. The video card will determine the information on the cord, and also identify the DDC monitor connected to this component.
DDC2 - the technical characteristics of this connector assume that data exchange will be carried out bilaterally. The monitor transmits information to the PC. The computer automatically adjusts the settings for the connected device.
E-DDC is the most effective subspecies. Information about the connected device is stored in the memory of the interface.

We figured out the features of VGA and DVI-D, and now we will analyze compatibility problems and ways to solve them.

DVI-D and VGA compatibility

Comparing the signals coming from the DVI-D connector to the VGA interface allows you to make the right conclusions about the characteristic differences between these ports. Adapters must be used to set up the correct connection. Special adapters allow you to transmit a digital signal to a monitor that supports the analog standard.

An alternative way to deal with compatibility issues is with a DVI-D to VGA converter. In order not to face various difficulties after the fact, you need to study in advance the issue of acquiring the optimal converter.

The main advantage of adapters is their low price. There is only one small nuance. Lack of pins C1-C4 - rectangular holes on the DVI-D port - causes compatibility problems. Even if the monitor still sends a signal, the image is unlikely to appear.

The low cost of adapters is the reason that users purchase these devices to set up the connection of an old monitor to a new video card. In some situations, it is possible to connect VGA to the DVI-D interface. However, this is more the exception than the rule. It is the pinout that causes the lack of a signal.

Converters

There are many different modifications of DVI-D to VGA converters. Preferably, these devices require an independent power source to operate. This need is explained by the fact that the device has a not quite typical design. You can not call this adapter an adapter, since it is rather a full-fledged device with a board inside.

It is this feature that significantly increases the cost of the device. Do not try to save money on purchasing a converter. Because it may cause incorrect connection. The function of the converter is to transfer data from a modern GPU module to an outdated model of a TV or computer monitor. Very often, inexpensive TV models are used as a PC monitor or laptop.

The presence of a converter may also become a prerequisite for connecting older projectors. However, most devices of this type are equipped with an HDMI interface. This connector also works with a digital signal. Therefore, the user should not have problems with synchronization with a modern GPU module. Additional adapters are not required in such situations.

Consider the signal conversion algorithm. If you analyze devices available for purchase, you can find adapters with the following properties:

Support for DVI-D connection to monitors and VGA screens with resolution up to 1920x1200 pixels. Minimum resolution 800x600 pixels;
The input of the converter is 21 pins, and the output is 15 pins;
Maximum frequency - 60 Hz;
The length of the converter wire can reach one and a half meters;
Price - from $ 6.

Remember. converter is a unidirectional device. This means that it is capable of converting a purely digital signal to analog. Reverse conversion is not possible. Therefore, when you need to connect a GPU module with a VGA connector to a DVI-D display or TV, you have to use a converter. However, keep in mind that with such a connection, it is impossible to achieve a high quality of the broadcast image.

When choosing a converter, keep in mind that this device may not be compatible with the technology you are using. Please note that a separate power supply is required for the converter to operate correctly. The audio signal will then be output via the optional cable. In those situations where the cable connecting the PC and the monitor or TV is less than one and a half meters long, it is completely optional to connect it to the power source.

In order for all elements of the connection system to function correctly, it is desirable that the connected output device has the same frequency as the converter. Use displays that are no larger than the 40-inch mark. Otherwise, streaks may appear on the screen.

If the converter converts the signal not only from DVI-D to VGA, but also works with other formats, then you should buy a multifunctional device that supports almost all popular interfaces.

Which is better - DVI-D or VGA

If we compare these connectors, we can conclude that to a certain extent they are equivalent. These interfaces noticeably lose HDMI. Because they are not able to provide simultaneous transmission of audio and video signals. However, in any case, working with DVI-D will be a little more convenient than with VGA. This is a newer interface that can provide a really high-quality display.

Comparing connectors to a certain extent is incorrect. It does not take into account the time of the invention of technology. DVI-D came along much later, so it's designed to work with more modern standards. VGA is used primarily on older output devices. Therefore, they are rarely used.

Note.

Every day, every hour, technology advances and never stops. We constantly see that technology is improving, opening up more and more new perspectives for us. But, for us, it is important not just new and improved ... We are also interested in ease of use of the latest models, capabilities, technology.

After analyzing the information on forums, portals, from personal experience, our experts came to the conclusion that many people do not understand how to connect a monitor with a VGA connector to a video card with a DVI - D connector. They constantly consult with the same people who do not know exactly, but who have already tried various options, and not always successful. Most often there are mentions in the purchase dvi-d vga adapter, and motivation here comes, more at a price than knowledge.

But, as practice shows, for a qualitative solution to the connection problem, you need a DVI-D to VGA signal converter. Our company "Transfers TM" decided to provide you with information that will be decisive for each user, both professional and amateur, and will prompt answers to your questions.

Before considering all the "pros" and "cons" of these adapters, you need to consider what they are needed for and analyze what they are. Let's start from the beginning...

What is a DVI-D connection?

Initially, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or, in translation, “digital video interface”, is designed to transmit video images to projectors, TVs, monitors and other display devices.
DVI-D is a digital connection that avoids the loss of quality due to digital-to-analog conversion. This type of connection allows you to provide the maximum quality of the reproduced signal. It reproduces the signal exclusively in digital form. Also, it should be noted that the DVI-D connection is used on the vast majority
digital LCD monitors. DVI-D DualLink (two-channel) and has a maximum resolution of 2048x1536.

This innovation, which has been adopted by the leading companies in the production of basic playback devices, has significantly "complicated life" for many PC users. Because, it has replaced the VGA connection.

What is a VGA connection?

VGA (Video Graphics Array) is a video interface that has equipped monitors and video adapters since the distant 1987. The adapter itself transmits an analog signal. The maximum available to the VGA interface is HD quality. We are not even talking about any FullHD, and even more so, about 3D transmission. Now a huge proportion of video adapters and display devices are no longer available with a VGA port. Since new video cards are being released only with a DVI-D connector, and most people still use monitors with a VGA connector, it is impossible to take and connect these devices without problems in the image. There are several options for solving this problem, but in order to find the most working one, you need to understand why this happens.

Comparing the data of the main characteristics, we can summarize that the signals that are transmitted by devices, thanks to different ports, are also different. You can talk a lot about causes and effects, but it is worth noting the main thing. For high-quality operation of the playback device, a high-quality digital-to-analogue converter , which is used to convert a signal from a digital signal to an analog signal.

Now let's look at the "panacea" that forums, portals and other sources offer us - buy a regular dvi-d vga adapter. Adapters are not expensive, it's better than changing a video card, looking for a monitor with the right connector, or looking for something you need further. The price of adapters varies from 50 to 150 UAH. As a result, the user, without understanding, goes and buys this adapter, so that later in the same forum he writes - “does not work !!!”. Why doesn't the switch work?

Knowing the pinout of such a device, the "Chinese experts" decided that they could simply solder the necessary outputs and wires, and voila - the DVI-D to VGA adapter is ready!

But in fact, if you look at the pinout of these connectors, you can see that this adapter cannot work even theoretically! Namely, you need to pay attention that in digital dvi there are no contacts C1, C2, C3, C4, which are MAINLY responsible for the analog component of vga.

Pinout of dvi-d 24+1 and dvi-i 24+5 connectors.

Pinout VGA connector.

We all see the results, they are set out on the Internet - “I connected the adapter, but the monitor does not work”, “the monitor does not connect through the dvi-d-vga adapter” and everything in the same vein. And if the user read and compared that the connections have a different signal, he would understand what is needed, namely, signal conversion. Regular soldering is not a solution. This is just one of the options that will not work in 100% of cases.

The solution to the connection problem is precisely the dvi-d vga converter. Do not rush to say that it costs more than an adapter. You can try your luck and try to buy an absolutely unnecessary thing for 50-150 UAH, but we have already figured out that this adapter does not participate in signal conversion in any way. The adapter DOES NOT convert the signal from digital to analog, which is so necessary to solve the issue of connecting visualization devices. The essence of the dvi-d to vga converter is the complete conversion of a binary digital code into voltage or current, namely, an analog signal.
The adapter, to put it simply, helps to physically eliminate the problem of “the wrong transmission port” and make the “right socket”, nothing more. And the excitement is being made by people from the forums who understand this in the same way as the person himself, who needs help (often) and advise what they would buy themselves, i.e. thing is cheaper. Based on all of the above, we can conclude that a user who encounters this problem needs to buy not an adapter, but a converter from dvi-d to vga. The converter will help you enjoy the work of computer visual devices, monitors and other devices.

Conclusion

In this article, we have considered several general and special provisions.

The first is to trust information verified by experts. Trusting a person, because he believes that it is more correct, or chasing cheapness, can bring consequences in the form of loss of time, money and nerves.
The second, already practical, is that if you see that one solution does not work for the majority, then you should figure out why it does not work for everyone. Thus, the specialists of the company "Adapters TM", in order to solve one of the pressing problems, considered the differences between the converter and the dvi-d vga adapter.

Now you have to decide whether to buy an adapter for a small amount and hope that it will not be a waste of money, or buy the necessary DVI-D to VGA converter, and become one of the first on the forums to write which adapter really works !