All about Video Adapters and Connectors

Technological advancements have made it possible for people to use a number of different types of video adapters and connectors. From simple VGA to powerful display port adapters, there are many different types of video connectors. Due to the large number of connectors, many different adapters are required to make them all work with each other.

The Different Types of Video Connectors

Throughout the years, the changing needs of the audio/visual industry have called for different types of connectors to fulfill their requirements. These include faster data transmission, larger bandwidth and cheaper production. Below are 3 of the most commonly used video adapters and connectors.

VGA

VGA or Video Graphics Array is a three row, fifteen-pin video connector found in almost all types of computer monitors, video cards and most high definition TV sets. Some devices even have different sized VGA ports known as mini-VGA ports.

Most VGA connectors carry analog signals in RGBHV (red, green, blue, horizontal and vertical sync). The signals can also be in VESA or VESA DDC. VGA connectors and cables can be easily used to support a number of VGA resolutions. The most common VGA resolutions are:

640x400 pixels at 70Hz
1280x1024 pixels at 85Hz
2048x1536 pixels at 85Hz

There is no fixed standard when it comes to the quality of the resolution. However, higher quality VGA cables are able to produce better quality images since they are insulated and use coaxial wiring. High-end VGA cables do not suffer from signal crosstalk or interference since they are much thicker than the average cable.

VGA connectors are the most widely used connectors in the world. They are easily available from any electronic store at a relatively low price. They are fully backwards compatible which means that even if the electronic device you own was made before 2003, you can still use a VGA adapter and/or connector on it. This can come in realvery handy when you have a spare VGA cable and device around the home.

The great thing about VGA cables is that you can use an adapter to connect it to almost any other type of device. For example, you can connect your old laptop to your new high definition LED TV just by using a small adapter. Their widespread use has allowed them to be compatible with other devices via affordable adapters.

HDMI

HDMI, technically known as High Definition Multimedia Interface, is a very compact video/audio interface that allows the transfer of video/audio data from an HDMI compliant device to a compatible device. The list of devices that can use HDMI cables are mentioned below:

Digital audio device
Video projectors
Computer monitors
Digital television
Set-top box
Video game consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
DVD and Blu-ray players
Computers
AVCHD camcorders
Tablet computers
Mobile phones
AV receivers

HDMI cables are used in almost all recently released electronic devices (specifically devices created after 2003). The cables can be found in most households and are considered to be the industry standard for multi-media needs.

HDMI cables are a great alternative to the analog standard devices such as coaxial cables, s-video, component video, SCART, D-Terminal and VGA. HDMI cables are well insulated and have all the inside wiring separately wound, reducing a lot of the cross talk experienced in other cables. Less cross talk ensures that data is transferred at a faster rate and with less interference.

HDMI cables are relatively cheap. They can be purchased from almost any electronic stores without a problem. The great thing about HDMI cables is that they are able to transmit both video and audio signals. This is highly beneficial as a person does not need to purchase two separate cables: one for audio and one for video.

HDMI cables are the only cables that are capable of transmitting both audio and video data. This makes them a valuable addition to any household. However, when you connect an adapter to it, it will only be able to transmit video. In fact, their easy hardware interface has allowed them to be backwards compatible with older devices.

DVI

DVI, or Digital Visual Interface, is a video display connector created by a company known as Digital Display Working Group or DDWG. A DVI cable is used to connect a video source such as a camcorder to a display device such as a television screen or computer monitor.

DVI cables were created to become the industry standard for transferring digital video data. A DVI cable is able to transmit uncompressed digital video to various electronic devices allowing it to reproduce impeccable video quality. DVI connections can also be configured to support a number of transfer modes such as DVI-A (analog), DVI-I (analog and digital) or DVI-D (digital).

DVI connectors can be found on most electronic devices. They are most commonly found on:

Digital cameras
Camcorders
Mobile phones
Mp3 and mp4 players
Tablet computers
TV’s
Computer monitors
High end cameras
Laptops
Projectors
Display adapters and connectors

DVI cables are able to support both digital and analog connections. This makes DVI compatible devices easily useable with VGA interface devices. DVI cables are backwards compatible and because of this, they are widely accepted in the PC industry for a number of digital video standards.

Most DVI connections are simply plug and play (PPG). This means that there is no need to go through lengthy setup and installation processes of drivers and other various settings to use the DVI compatible device. All a person needs to do is simply plug the DVI cable into the DVI compatible devices and that’s it.

However, older devices may not have DVI connectors. Thankfully, using a simple DVI-VGA or DVI-HDMI connector, you can easily connect your DVI device to any video output screen.

Video adapters have revolutionized the world. They allow people to see and hear digital video and audio in a way like never before. Video adapters have given birth to 3D films, Blu-ray imagery and so much more. By using a simple video adapter, no video device will ever become obsolete again.