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+--- Thread: can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? (/showthread.php?tid=27717)
can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? - Kiva - 02-08-2007
Hi there
Putting together that computer order for the friend in Kabul. I got her a Mini DVI to VGA adapter. I also want to get her a Mini DVI to DVI adapter so that she can connect to a newer monitor. However, the discussion on the product page about the thing not working (DVI-D vs. DVI-I??) is confusing me. Can somebody explain which DVI adapter to get to maximize the # of DVI monitors she will be able to connect to?
http://store.apple.com/AppleStore/WebObjects/EducationIndividualCustom.woa/6554004/wo/KG2CEyMzp6ow2OEJmHG1OkexuE8/24.0.0.21.1.0.8.11.33.0.0.1.1.0.9.1.2.0.1.7.7.7.0.2.0#rev
or am i looking at the wrong product altogether?
kiva
Re: can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? - The Grim Ninja - 02-08-2007
People are complaining that it's a DVI -> DVI (digital only) adapter rather than a DVI -> DVI (Digital and Analog) adapter.
Basically, the pins surrounding the flat connector aren't connected.
I'm not too familiar with all the DVI's, but it's probably not all that common a problem, and someone mentioned another additional adapter for correcting the problem (not sure how that works, adding analog to a digital signal)
Monoprice image to help visualize the differences:
http://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/26854.jpg
Re: can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? - The Grim Ninja - 02-08-2007
Alright, further reading gives me a little better understanding of the problem.
If you check the picture, you see that the biggest issue is those 4 pins near the long flat pin. The issue isn't so much that they're not used (though some did have issue with that), the issue is that the pin holes themselves aren't there.
Comparison: You know how IDE cables use 40 pin connections and that since around 1997 or so, they've all been 40 pin with 1 pin blocked.
Well, the male DVI cables still have those pins, the apple female plug has them blocked. Easiest workaround would probably be to buy a DVI-D cable to go along with the adapter: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10209&style= (top category)
Re: can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? - Kiva - 02-09-2007
by top category, you mean the dvi-d to dvi-d 3ft cable?
ok, talk to me like i'm a 3yr old....which do I order for her? which apple one and which cable?
sorry....
kiva
Re: can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? - The Grim Ninja - 02-09-2007
DVI-D to DVI-D
You pick the length. (I'd guess 6ft would be fine?)
The mini-DVI to DVI adapter you had picked out at Apple would work fine with it.
(The cable at Monoprice is just in case your friend has the wrong cable, it's probably cheaper to buy in the US and Monoprice has great prices).
Re: can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? - Kiva - 02-09-2007
thanks so much...
kiva
Re: can somebody explain this discussion about DVI adapters? which one do i get? - mikebw - 02-09-2007
Everyone who has to deal with DVI cables more than once in their life should read this: http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI_Tutorial.htm
Really helps understand what each standard means and can do.