Connector Types on a Standard PC
Contents
D-Sub Connectors
VGA and DVI-A
Video Graphics Array (VGA) is an analog computer display standard and is a type of Standard Video Device Connector.
(D)igital (V)ideo (I)nterface is also a type of Standard Video Device Connector. A - High-Res Analog
DVI-D Digital
(D)igital (V)ideo (I)nterface D - True Digital Video
DVI-D and DFP
Digital Flat Panel (DFP) is a video connector for flat panel displays
DVI-I
(D)igital (V)ideo (I)nterface I - Integrated
- capable of transmitting either a digital-to-digital signal or an analog-to-analog signal.
Illustrated DVI Connector Diagrams
DMS-59
Molex's DMS-59 system interface is a connector for connecting both digital and analog monitors to low-profile PCI and AGP graphic cards. ATI Radeon 6350 DMS59 cards are an example that have a single DMS-59 connector with an adapter that splits the DMS-59 into two DVI connections. The DMS-59 looks similar to a low-force helix (LFH) connector with one difference, the DMS-59 has one less pin. On the bottom row the third to the last pin hole is blocked. LFH has 60 pins. The DMS-59 connector is missing pin 58.
LFH60F
Low-Force Helix (LFH) LFH-60F or LHF60F / Low Force Helix. A 60-pin video connector with signals for two digital and analog connectors. It can connect a single computer graphics source to up to four different monitors. The standard interface is a 60-pin LFH connector with two breakout VGA or DVI cables. The LFH interface requires a graphics card with multi-monitor capabilities and an LFH port. Currently, NVIDIA, Matrox and BFG Technologies manufacture such cards. Besides video, the LFH connector is present as a serial interface on Cisco 1000 series routers.
HDMI
HDMI stands for high definition multimedia interface and is a type of Standard Video Device Connector. HDMI is a method for connecting a video and audio source device such as a set-top box or DVD player to a display device using a single cable. HDMI connectors are now appearing on some computers, typically on new video cards and video capture devices.
HDMI is a connector format that carries the same video signal as DVI, but instead of using the remaining pins for an optional video signal, pins are used to carry seven digital audio channels. Because all HDMI devices are HDCP compliant, the HDMI advantage is overshadowed by anti-copy technology that cripples video equipment with HDMI connectors. Consumers should understand the dirty tricks being imposed by Intel, the MPAA, and manufacturers pushing for HDMI dominance.