[SWLUG] What's the difference between a VGA & DVI cable?

[Chris King]

On Wed, July 15, 2009 09:23, Mark Summerfield wrote:
> Hi,
>
> The last time I bought a monitor was so long ago I can't remember
> whether I have a VGA or a DVI port, and I don't know what the difference
> is. I don't have the manual to my monitor and the manual for my PC
> doesn't say. I want to buy a new monitor (24" 1910x1200 so any
> recommendations appreciated:-) and I'm looking at a Samsung but there
> are two different versions and the only difference appears to be the
> cable.
>
> Thanks!

Mark

Most PC's have colour-coded connectors these days - a VGA socket looks
like a serial port connector (but with 15 pins) and is usually coloured
blue. DVI connectors are longer and narrower with more pins, and usually
coloured white.

DVI comes in three types - DVI-A (Analog), DVI-D (Digital) and DVI-I
(Integrated, which can handle both). If you've got VGA at one end, you can
still connect to DVI-A or DVI-I at the other with the appropriate cable.

If you want a more detailed explanation (and pictures) of DVI kit, see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

Chris

-- 
Chris King
http://www.csking.co.uk/