DVI vs. Analog

[Mogget]

Samsung 740N

Samsung 740B

As far as I can tell, the only difference between these two monitors is that the 740B has DVI, while the 740N only has Analog.

However the price difference is $50 (New Zealand dollars).

Could someone please outline the desirable features of DVI to me? I have no knowledge of the difference, but many articles these days seem to push for DVI...

I'm on a tight budget, and the 740N fits in, but its lack of DVI worries me a bit.

I noticed that the 740B was recommended for gaming on the "LCD Buyers Guide" thread, so that looks hopeful. I will be using it primarily for gaming after all.

So... DVI worth $50NZ? Or will Analog do? WTH is the difference anyway?


Thanks

 

[w00t]

I know that you want DVI and you should spend the extra 50 dollars. If you get vga than it has to covert it to digital than to your monitor so get dvi. Ya, thats probably not a good enough excuse to wait up for someone else who knows more than me about thist stuff.

 

[BenSkywalker]

If you are purchasing a LCD monitor don't even look at one without DVI. If you do, you might as well walk into a second hand computer store and buy the cheapest POS used CRT they have- it will likely offer comparable quality.

 

[Peter]

You want DVI. Also, typically the DVI-enabled models have panels fitted with a lower pixel defect rating (look at the exact specifications!).

 

[Rockhound1]

Below is my understanding regarding the DVI vs. Analog subject:

Most modern video cards have two output connections - an analog (D-Sub) and a digital (DVI). All of the video information from the software you are using (games, desktop applications, etc.) are digital and the video card in your computer processes this information into a video signal. That is why you will hear the term Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) when reading reviews regarding various graphics cards. If your monitor connects to the graphics card using the analog connection, the digital signal is converted through the graphics card's DAC (you will see the speed of the DAC when you review the specs on most video cards). The analog signal is then sent to your monitor. CRT monitors use the analog signal to produce the video image.

With the advent of the LCD, you now had a monitor that could use a digital signal without converting it to an analog signal to produce a video image. So, if your LCD has a DVI input connection, you can connect it directly to the DVI connection of the video card. Thus, you are bypassing the DAC on the video card and sending a digital signal directly to the monitor. This is a more efficient means of getting the video data from your computer to the monitor. Another benefit is that using the DVI reportedly gives you a cleaner and more true image that was intended by the software.

Based on what I have read, using DVI instead of Analog on LCD monitors that are 17" or smaller does not give you any visible benefits. In other words, you will not see any difference between the two on monitors in this size range. However, if you go with a 19" or larger LCD monitor, then it is usually recommended that you use the DVI. Remember, this is based on what I have read in hardware reviews and in these forums. I personally have a 19" Samsung and use the DVI. I haven't performed a comparison using the analog connection.

So, the bottom line is that I don't think you will see any visual difference between the 740N and the 740B. Plus, Samsung is considered a highly reputable manufacturer of quality LCDs (yes, I am a little biased), so that is working for you as well. I think you will be happy with either.

 

[Wentelteefje]

I have a 17" LCD with DVI and one with the normal VGA connection... The difference is greater than you'd want... The DVI one offers a substantially better and sharper picture...

 

[Yreka]

Originally posted by: Wentelteefje
I have a 17" LCD with DVI and one with the normal VGA connection... The difference is greater than you'd want... The DVI one offers a substantially better and sharper picture...

QFT. I have also read "You can't tell the difference on 17" or smaller screens", but I sure could.

I used to run 2 Samsung 710T's side by side. The DVI was clearly a better picture, although it may have been closer with a better card. Both were running off a 6600GT

 

[videopho]

DVI rules. that besides the reason i updated my video card from x800xl (d-sub+dvi) to 7800 gt (dual dvi outs). pict quality between the two signals is day & night.

 

[Mogget]

Thank you all for the replies, especially Rockhound1 for your summary.

Hmm.. It looks as if DVI is rather important. I guess I'll have to do some research into its effect on 17" screens.

I will be getting a 7800GT so I will certainly have a graphics card that can cope.

So far I'm tempted to get the 740B ? if I can afford.