Better to hookup via DVI or HDMI

zod96

Platinum Member
May 28, 2007
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I've ordered the new Dell S2409W LCD. It comes with DVI or HDMI for hookup. What would give better picture for games and general use, DVI or HDMI? It will be used with a ATI 4890..
 

dflynchimp

Senior member
Apr 11, 2007
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HDMI has 10.2 GBits/s bandwidth
DVI has 3.96GBits/s
Dual Link DVI has 7.92GBits/s

Their signal is electronically compatible, which is why an adaptor can easily convert one format to the other. For 1080p DL DVI or HDMI are both more than sufficient.
 

vexingv

Golden Member
Aug 8, 2002
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they're both digital formats, but hdmi will also carry audio if your monitor has built-in speakers. but AFAIK, dvi is not HDCP-compliant, so any media with HDCP flags (DRM-ed stuff, but i'm not actually aware of anything that's out in the market that requires it) won't play if connected via DVI. someone please correct me if i'm wrong.
 

dflynchimp

Senior member
Apr 11, 2007
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Originally posted by: vexingv
they're both digital formats, but hdmi will also carry audio if your monitor has built-in speakers. but AFAIK, dvi is not HDCP-compliant, so any media with HDCP flags (DRM-ed stuff, but i'm not actually aware of anything that's out in the market that requires it) won't play if connected via DVI. someone please correct me if i'm wrong.

HDCP flags + DRM stuff is software level limitations. DVI and HDMI are only signal output transmitters. If your software/OS can legitamately read the content then it shouldn't matter what kind of output device you're using (bandwidth/hardware limitations notwithstanding)