Which is better HDMI or VGA? VGA: what is this cable, driver, graphics adapter? Don't forget about audio

The term DVI-D VGA most often refers to small devices (adapters) with which old monitors with analog connectors are connected to computers transmitting digital signal.

The peculiarity of such a connection is that it is not entirely 100% compatible, due to which it is far from Not every such adapter actually works. And although these devices cost not too expensive- on average, about $2-5 - in most cases it is better to give preference to another device called a signal converter.

Features of DVI-D and VGA connectors

A DVI port is available on those computers and laptops that support a special technology – digital visual interface or “digital interface”. It is used to transmit video images to peripherals data output - from TVs to .

Using technology allows you to receive a signal from best quality, which cannot be transmitted using the currently outdated interface. For comparison, the maximum resolution supported by Video Graphics Array technology is only 1280x1024 pixels. For DVI-D similar the indicator is 2560x1600 pixels.

The new DVI technology is already in practical use on all modern monitors and output devices. However, the transition to a newer and more advanced method of data transmission has created a certain problem for users of those monitors that only have a VGA connector.

After all, back in the 2000s, most of them were even quite large screens with a diagonal of 22–24 inches were equipped only with old ports. And you can connect them to modern PCs only if you use a special adapter for this.

There are 3 types of DVI connectors:

DVI-A interface providing only analog data transmission;

for data transmission in both digital and analogue formats – DVI-I;

only for digital image – DVI-D.

Due to the fact that computers transmit images in digital format, most modern video cards have only one type of connector - DVI-D. Outdated ones, equipped with DVI-I interfaces, can be connected using a special cable.

It is not always possible to provide the same connection to a VGA screen that has a lower resolution (analog and no longer even supports the FullHD format) using simple cables or adapters.

Compatibility issues

If you compare the signals that come from the DVI-D port, you can conclude that they are different. And in order to correctly transfer information in digital form to an analog monitor, you can use adapters from one interface to another - or signal converters with the same ports. When considering purchasing a regular DVI-D/VGA adapter, you should be aware of compatibility issues, which most users will have to deal with.

Main advantage this small devicelies in its price. However, due to the absence of contacts C1–C4 (4 rectangular holes on the DVI -D connector, there is no possibility of analog data transmission. And, if, for example, such data can still be sent from a DVI-I or DVI-A port, the likelihood of The image on the monitor from a digital interface will be minimal.

The low cost of adapters leads to the fact that many users buy them for their old monitors that need to be connected to modern cards. Sometimes this method works. But, due to the fact that the “pinout” (or location of connectors) of the old and new interfaces is different, there may not be a signal.

Images do not appear on the screen due to the inability to convert the signal using regular wiring. If the picture does appear, most likely the video card still has a DVI-I or DVI-A interface. That is, it also supports analog data transmission.

Solution of the problem

The incompatibility problem is quite serious - but completely solvable. Due to the fact that data can not only be transmitted, but also converted, specialists have long invented another device called a DVI-D to VGA converter or converter.

In appearance, it may indeed resemble a regular adapter, but it is equipped with an additional module that increases the size of the device.

Rice. 6. DVI-D VGA converter.

The task of the device is to convert a digital signal to analog. And, due to its more complex design, such a converter costs several times more. on the other hand, the question arises: why are they sold in online stores? DVI-D adapters VGA?

It’s easy to answer - the reason is the incompetence of some sellers. Or, perhaps, in the desire to sell more of a product that does not have the functions for which it is bought. In fact, on sites where reliable information about adapters and cables is provided, you can see other parameters in the description - the transition is carried out not from DVI-D, but from DVI -I to VGA.

Converters

There are a number of models of data converters from DVI-D to VGA. In most cases, they require separate power, since the device is not a simple adapter, but a full-fledged device with a board located inside. This feature makes the converter more expensive - but saving in this case does not make sense.

The capabilities of a digital to analog signal converter include transferring information from a modern video card to outdated monitors. Or the same far from new (or simply inexpensive) TVs, which can also be used to display information from a PC or laptop.

You may also need a converter when connecting - although most of them have already had one for a long time, which is also digital and compatible with any modern video card. Such adapters are not needed for such a device.

Signal conversion features

Among the converters available on the market you can find devices with the following characteristics:

support for connecting a DVI-D source to VGA displays with a maximum picture size of up to 1920x1200 pixels and a minimum of 800x600 pixels;

the converter input has 21 pins, the output has 15 pins;

maximum frequency – 60 Hz;

converter cable length – from a few centimeters to 1.5–1.8 m;

cost – from $6.

You should know: The converter is unidirectional. That is capable of converting digital signal to analog– but not vice versa. If you need to connect a VGA video card to a DVI-D monitor, you will need another reverse converter. Although it will not be of very high quality.

In addition, when buying a converter, you should take into account its incompatibility with the DVI-I and DVI-A interfaces. Moreover, most converters require separate power supply and audio output using an additional cable. Although in cases where the cable connecting the computer and the output device does not exceed 1–1.5 m in length, it is not necessary to connect it to the network.

For correct operation, it is desirable that it supports the same update rate that the converter provides. It is also recommended to use displays or TVs with a diagonal of no more than 40 inches - otherwise stripes may appear on the image.

Important: If you have to convert the signal not only from DVI-D to VGA, but also to other formats, It's worth purchasing a multifunctional converter, supporting several types of interfaces.

Rice. 10. Multifunctional converter.

conclusions

Despite the assurances of sellers, such converters should not be used. The probability of correct connection and data transfer in this case does not exceed a few percent - and, according to some experts, is generally zero. It will be much more effective to purchase a converter that is guaranteed to perform its functions when connected to an analog output device.

The resolution of digital and analog devices is exactly the same, but there are some differences in its definition. In analog devices, the image is built using so-called TV lines; this has been determined since the birth of television. In digital equipment, the image is constructed in a different way - using square pixels.

Resolution NTSC and PAL.
IN analogue television There are two standards - NTSC and PAL. The NTSC (National Television System Committee) standard is distributed mainly in North America and Japan, while PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is used in Europe and many Asian and African countries. NTSC has a resolution of 480 lines, and the picture refresh rate is 60 interlaced fields or 30 frames per second. The new designation for the 480i60 standard defines the number of lines and refresh rate, and the letter "i" denotes interlace. The PAL standard produces a resolution of 576 lines and a refresh rate of 50 fields or 25 full frames per second, and the new standard designation is 576i50. Both standards transmit exactly the same amount of information per second. When digitizing analog video information, the calculation maximum quantity pixels is based on the number of television lines, so there is a strictly defined maximum size digitized video material which is defined as D1 or 4CIF.

If we talk about purely digital and not digitized resolution, then everything is more flexible, and these types of resolution take their foundations in the computer environment, and have now become world standards. There are no restrictions on NTSC and PAL in this resolution. VGA (Video Graphics Array) is an IBM development designed specifically for displaying graphics on a PC. VGA resolution is 640x480 pixels. All computer monitors support this resolution and its analogues.

With all-digital network camera systems, you can achieve the added flexibility of a resolution that originated in the computing environment and is an accepted standard around the world. The limitations of NTSC and PAL standards no longer matter. VGA (Video Graphics Array) is a PC graphics display system developed by IBM. Its resolution is 640x480 pixels, a format usually used in non-megapixel network cameras. VGA resolution is generally more suitable for network cameras because VGA-based video uses square pixels that match those of computer monitors. Computer monitors support VGA resolution or its equivalent. This type resolutions are closer to network video surveillance systems.

Megapixel resolutions.
Modern systems Video surveillance has come a long way and is already significantly superior to analogue in image quality. Modern network cameras are capable of megapixel resolution, which means that their image sensor contains a million, and sometimes even more, pixels. Megapixel cameras show a more detailed picture; they can easily see people’s faces or small objects. The ability to operate at megapixel resolution is one of the ways in which network cameras are superior to analog cameras. The maximum possible resolution of an analog camera after digitization by a DVR is D1 or 720x576. This corresponds to approximately 0.4 megapixels. Compared to the megapixel format, the standard resolution here is 1280x1024, which corresponds to 1.3 megapixels. This resolution exceeds analog cameras by more than three times, but this is not the limit because there are cameras operating in two and even three megapixel resolution. In addition to everything, megapixel resolution has another significant advantage. At this resolution, an image with different aspect ratios (the ratio of the width and height of the image) is formed. Regular TV works in 4:3 format, and some of the megapixel network cameras are capable of working in 16:9 format. The advantage of this format is that it cuts off unnecessary video information in the top and lower parts, which can significantly reduce bandwidth and storage space requirements.

HDTV resolution.
This resolution is almost five times higher than standard analog systems, and in addition, HDTV has increased color clarity and, of course, has the ability to use the 16:9 format.
There are two main HDTV standards defined by the SMPE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers):
SMPTE 296M (HDTV 720P) – this resolution is standardized as 1280x720 pixels in high definition color reproduction and 16:9 format with progressive scan 25/30 Hz. This corresponds to approximately 25-30 fps, depending on different countries, and 50/60 Hz corresponding to 50-60 fps respectively.
SMPTE 274M (HDTV 1080) is defined as a higher resolution of 1920x1080 pixels with high definition color, 16:9 aspect ratio, 25/30 Hz and 50/60 Hz interlaced progressive scan.
Video cameras operating in such standards provide high HDTV image quality, high resolution, clear color reproduction and high frequency frames. This resolution is based on square pixels, just like computer monitors. If you use a progressive scan HDTV, there is no need to deinterlace the video image.

We come across the overseas abbreviations VGA and DVI when we look at monitors, TVs and video cards (or assembled computers, or motherboards). These designations belong in this context to interfaces and standards for connecting video equipment. True, there is a nuance: VGA is also a designation for the resolution of screen matrices, corresponding to 640x480. However, when comparing DVI and VGA, we will consider just the connection and signal transmission interfaces. It’s worth saying right away that active debate on this topic died down several years ago - technology does not stand still, and the era of total HDMI is already approaching.

Definition

VGA— analog fifteen-pin interface for connecting monitors to video equipment, primarily to a PC.

VGA connector

DVI— digital interface for connecting monitors to video equipment. The number of contacts varies from 17 to 29 depending on the specification.

DVI cable

Comparison

The difference between VGA and DVI is already visible from the definitions - one interface is analog, the other is digital. Most inexperienced users know that we live in a digital era, so they automatically give preference to DVI as a more modern interface. And there is a reason for this - digital technologies provide ample opportunities, finally displacing analogue ones. However, this is all theory, but in practice it is sometimes impossible to distinguish where the picture obtained via VGA and where via DVI is, especially when monitors are taken from budget niches. Is it worth bothering with abbreviations in this case?

The picture quality is, of course, higher on DVI. This is due to the fact that video cards are digital devices. The VGA operation scheme turns out something like this: a digital signal for transmission via VGA is converted into analog, and then for image output - again into digital. For DVI, the chain is shorter: digital - digital, so quality is not lost during conversion. Also, the VGA picture may be distorted due to external interference, while DVI does not have such a feature. It’s also worth remembering about the settings: DVI involves automatic image correction (the control is also digital), placing in the user’s hands only the change of color and brightness settings in accordance with the characteristics of vision, lighting and tasks. VGA requires the user to clearly define what he wants and bring the image into line with his desires on his own.

Physically, DVI and VGA connectors are completely different, but compatibility is ensured using adapters. Initially, VGA was intended for CRT monitors, and DVI in one of its versions (there are three in total - I, A and D) supports work only with CRTs. Another option is for numbers only, and one is universal.

Modern video cards or video outputs soldered on motherboards have already forgotten or practically forgotten about VGA, leaving this interface only to the most budget models. In addition, if it is present, it is almost always paired with DVI, so the user has a choice. But image output technologies with VGA interfaces are supplied a little more often - to save money. Often an adapter is included with such monitors. We are also talking about budget and small-format models. Mobile electronics, previously equipped with miniVGA connectors, have now almost completely switched to HDMI.

Conclusions website

DVI is a digital interface, VGA is an analog interface.
VGA involves double signal conversion.
DVI picture quality is theoretically higher.
The VGA connection may suffer from external interference.
DVI assumes automatic picture correction.
The VGA interface has 15 pins, the DVI has from 17 to 29.
Today VGA is the lot of budget models of monitors and video cards.

Most modern computer users mobile devices or television panels came across such a concept as VGA. What is it - a connector, video adapter, monitor, driver, cable or adapter? Unfortunately, many of us, as a rule, do not have a clear understanding of this issue. Therefore, it is worth dwelling on this standard in a little more detail.

VGA: what is it in a general sense?

First, a few words about the standard itself. In the broadest sense, VGA is not the individual components listed above, but an integral component-type video interface, originally developed by IBM for its computers.

Thus, the understanding of the entire technology for reproducing or transmitting images includes both hardware and software components, and the functioning of the interface consists of their interaction.

History of the standard

Now a few words about the emergence of the VGA video standard. What is it, we figured it out a little. The technology was first introduced by IBM in 1987 on PS/2 computers.

The VGA adapter, unlike its predecessors and successors, used (and uses) an analog signal for high-quality image transmission. But along the way, the question arises about why the introduction of a new standard was necessary. To fully understand this solution, you need to refer to the basic parameters of the devices themselves.

Main characteristics

Most experts say that the first and one of the main factors in the transition to this standard was the fact that initially it was necessary to reduce the number of wires in the main cable with the ability to connect system units via a VGA graphics adapter to the corresponding monitors, which were capable of transmitting much more colors and shades than earlier. At the same time, a higher image resolution was achieved.

Today it has a structure that includes the following elements:

a graphics controller for exchanging data between video memory and the central processor based on bit data operations;
256 KB DRAM video memory, divided into four color layers;
serial converter of video memory data into bits for transferring attributes to the controller;
an attribute controller for converting input data into palette-based color values;
synchronizer for controlling switching layers and timing parameters of the graphics adapter;
cathode ray tube controller to generate synchronization signals with the monitor.

Provided that the VGA driver is installed in the system, the maximum resolution is 640x480 pixels per inch with a color depth of up to 32 bits. Of course, at the time the standard appeared, it was truly a revolution. But today you can find much greater resolutions, which is achieved through the use of digital technologies. But as it turns out, even at the current stage of development of computer technology, the VGA standard cannot be discounted. What does it mean? The only thing is that, as already mentioned, to transmit the image, an analog signal is used, which can be converted to any other. In addition, the size of the adapter itself is significantly reduced and can be integrated directly into motherboard or additionally to the video card.

Here it is also worth paying attention to the fact that the digital signal has a wider bandwidth, and MPEG encoding technology is used to transmit such a signal. And this, in turn, leads to a loss of quality.

VGA monitors and TVs

Since the advent of the main standard, corresponding monitors have also begun to be actively used, and then television panels of this interface (for example, LCD devices).

Today, this abbreviation is used to denote all graphics modes, including monitors that are capable of supporting a resolution of 640x480 pixels, regardless of the hardware component. At the current stage of development, they are practically not used, although at one time they were very popular.

Graphics adapters

Almost all modern graphics accelerators (video cards), whether integrated or discrete, support the main modes of the described interface and are equipped with appropriate outputs (ports), which are sometimes also referred to as D-Sub.

In other words, a video card can have several video outputs. And a VGA connector is required. By the way, such connectors can be found on rear panels stationary system units and on the side walls of laptops.

Drivers

It goes without saying that none graphics accelerator will not work if the appropriate driver is not installed for it (including the VGA driver).

But for modern video cards, you need to install such control programs not from databases operating systems, but from distribution kits of equipment manufacturers. In addition, management or overclocking utilities supplied for the most popular NVIDIA and Radeon cards are quite widely used today.

Many gamers can verify that the VGA driver works correctly by setting the video mode to 640x480 or its non-standard variations in the game settings. Actually, the same situation is observed when connecting a computer or laptop to a high-resolution TV panel if a VGA cable is used (and not only with the same type of connectors on both sides).

Types of cables and adapters

Since there are quite a lot of options for connecting to completely different video interfaces, it is worthwhile to dwell separately on cables with adapters that can be used to convert image transmission according to a scheme that will be recognized by both the receiving and transmitting devices.

As an example, consider a VGA cable with different transition options. Among the main ones (besides the usual type) are the following:

VGA-DVI (used on some video cards that do not have a VGA connector, although they support the corresponding operating modes);
VGA-HDMI (can be used to connect older computers or laptops to modern TVs and projectors);
VGA-RCA or VGA-tulip (used to connect modern computer systems, not equipped with VGA connectors, to old TVs or monitors with cathode ray tubes);
VGA-HDMI-RCA-mini-Jack (a variation of combining the two previous adapters for connection with audio transmission - sound is not transmitted through VGA);
VGA-S-Video (a less popular option for connecting to TVs).

The main connector of the standard, also designated DE15F, in any of the variants is a 15-pin connector on one side, which allows you to transmit a signal based on progressive scanning technology, in which a change in voltage corresponds to a change in the brightness of the ELP (the intensity of the beam of a monitor gun or kinescope).

Brief summary and conclusions

That's it for understanding VGA. What it is? In fact, it is the interface, and not its individual components, necessary for correct functioning. And as you may have already noticed, it is present in most modern computer devices. Although the prospects for the development of such technologies look very vague, nevertheless, no one is going to abandon them yet.

It remains to add that this standard, despite the appearance of its followers in the form of the same Super VGA or XGA interface, still remains one of the most popular and in demand all over the world and on all types of devices, including computers, laptops, television panels or even mobile devices gadgets.