Dell 2405FPW: DVI vs. VGA connection?

[mshan]

I know DVI is supposed to be better theoretically, but can some longtime users of the Dell 2405FPW chime in on how much difference they see between the VGA and DVI output connection on this monitor?

If you see differences, could you please elaborate on the qualitative differences that you see?

(reason I ask is that I have an ATI 9700 Pro and the DVI output is used for the DVI-to-component dongle to an Infocus 4804 projector already).

 

[gpgofast]

We just bought two of these monitors at work and DVI is MUCH sharper. You will notice a significant improvement in text sharpness on screen. I also have a Dell 1905 Ultrasharp and the text sharpness difference is quite extreme. It is definitely worth going DVI with an LCD in my experience. GP

 

[imported_Tick]

The bridge chip on 2405's doesn't seem to be that great, so DVI is better.

 

[batmanuel]

Originally posted by: mshan
I know DVI is supposed to be better theoretically, but can some longtime users of the Dell 2405FPW chime in on how much difference they see between the VGA and DVI output connection on this monitor?

If you see differences, could you please elaborate on the qualitative differences that you see?

(reason I ask is that I have an ATI 9700 Pro and the DVI output is used for the DVI-to-component dongle to an Infocus 4804 projector already).

Of course, you know this is a GREAT excuse to upgrade to a dual-DVI GeForce 6600GT (the AGP versions start around $150 for the 128MB version). Not only will you get two DVI ports, but if you are using the projector for watching DVDs the Pure Video hardware on the 6600GT will do a great job with de-interlacing DVD video for the projector. If you throw your 9700 Pro up on FS/FT, you'll likely be able to make at least half that cost back from the sale.

Another option might be to find a similar graphics card that, even though it has only single DVI port also supports a component-out straight from the card. EVGA has a decent 128MB AGP 6600GT that comes with the component output dongle for $120 (after rebate) right now, which should suffice so long as you aren't planning to play F.E.A.R. on a 2405FPW.

 

[fire400]

DVI will always be a better choice, but VGA 15 pins are equally as superior if you have really good output devices (or a decent video card at least). It's hard to notice anyway on some computers. Afterall, my brother has a DVI, but I have an analog, both our image qualities on different LCD screens are Xtremely sharp.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: gpgofast
We just bought two of these monitors at work and DVI is MUCH sharper. You will notice a significant improvement in text sharpness on screen. I also have a Dell 1905 Ultrasharp and the text sharpness difference is quite extreme. It is definitely worth going DVI with an LCD in my experience. GP

Correct.

By using VGA on a DIGITAL Display you start with a digital signal then convert it to analog where it is then subjected to emf and line noise, then once it reaches the monitor it is then reconverted back to digital and the image quality suffers as a result of the lost information and interferance. With DVI it is kept digital all the way down to the last pixel.

When a digital display* recieves a digital signal each pixel comes with a description of where it is located and what exact colour it should be. But if the Digital Display recieves an analog signal it treats it differantly than a CRT would. The CRT will display analogue as it recieves the information. A digital fixed resolution monitor will have to "guess" the information of where each pixel needs to be and what colour it might be. This is not very accurate and leads to poor image quality.

With CRT's being analong displays there is no need for DVI since the Analog signal is the only kind of signal it can display.


To sum it up- If you have a digital display use a digital signal. If you have an analogue display it will work only on analogue signaling even if the source is digital.

*any display with a fixed resolution like LCD, LCoS, Plasma, DLP, ETC is a digital display.