The DVI Splitter

For those of us that are technologically impaired, or simply just too lazy to care about the different types of cables on the market, the different types of DVI splitter and cables can be quite overwhelming. DVI-D splitters, DVI-I splitters, and even DVI-A splitters are available on the market, though trying to figure out which one you need can be quite a task.

When the different types of Digital Visual Interface (DVI) types are broken down, they begin to make much more sense. You’ll have the right cable figured out in no time, and can go back to blissful ignorance of all things tech.

DVI-D Splitter

The DVI-D is the interface that deals with digital signals (hence the D). It is capable of connecting a computer with a DVI out port with a digital monitor, LCD, projector, or HDTV. The bottom line is it allows you to connect one digital device to another. This standard was implemented by the DDWG (Digital Display Working Group) in order to facilitate cleaner, faster, and sharper imaging on digital devices.

Most video card companies and many computer monitor manufacturers have implemented the DVI standard as their medium of choice. Although some high-end electronics also implemented DVI, the majority have switched to HDMI cabling. HDMI allows both a digital video to be sent as well as audio along the same cable. The lack of audio, among other factors, is influencing the industry towards HDMI.

DVI-A Splitter

The opposite of the DVI-D technology is the DVI-A technology. DVI-A splitters are in reference to the analog signal (hence the A). They are only capable of sending analog and cannot facilitate the needs of digital devices. This type of cable is designed to connect to older CRT monitors or cheaper LCD screens.

Analog signal is most often associated with a VGA cable and as such, a DVI-A splitter converts the signal to analog. This results in a degree of quality loss due to the conversion.

DVI-I Splitter

The big mystery DVI-I splitter cable is a type that Integrates both digital and analog signals through one cable. This means that the cable can be used between two digital devices or two analog devices. What it does not do, however, is allow you to connect a digital device to an analog device, or vice versa.

Because the device can facilitate analog types, a common splitter is a DVI I to VGA splitter. These splitters allow you to connect to similar VGA devices to the same output, displaying duplicate content on both screens.

So Which Cable Do I Use?

Let’s see if we can tie this concept together now. If you have two devices with DVI-D connectors, then you would use a DVI-D cable. If you have two devices that have DVI-A connectors, then you would use a DVI-A cable. Connecting DVI to VGA is done with either a DVI to VGA cable or adapter, dependent upon whether your DVI output support analog. And finally, if you have two DVI-I connectors, you can use a DVI-I cable, or any other of the cable types for that matter. Again, being able to support both analog and digital does not mean that this can be done simultaneously. You will instead need to use an electronic converter box to convert the signal from one to the other.

Other DVI Splitters From Amazon:

DVI Splitter Cable - Premium Double shielded with Gold Plated ConnectorsThis Premium Gold Series DVI-D Y Splitter Cable allows you to connect the DVI port of your computer or other video devices (such as DVD players) to 2 displays (such as HDTVs or Projectors). It is constructed with UL Listed double shielded cable to support high video resolutions.

StarTech.com 1-Feet DVI-D to 2x DVI-D Digital Video Splitter Cable - M/F (DVISPL1DD)This 1ft DVI-D Digital video splitter cable lets you connect two DVI-D capable monitors/displays to a single DVI-D digital video output port. A cost effective solution for dual DVI display configurations, this high quality splitter cable is backed by StarTech.com's Lifetime Warranty.

Tripp Lite P120-001-2 Adapter/Splitter Cable - DVI-A M to (x2) HD15 F1FT HDMI DVI M/F TO 2XVGA Cablsplitter Adapter Analog .It has a Double shielded and fully molded construction.It has a Tripp Lite Lifetime warrant.

Dell Molex DMS-59 Dual DVI Y-Splitter Cable, Refurbished H9361Cable connections: One (1) DMS 59 pin (male) and two (2) DVI (female connectors). Cable is approximately 8 inches in length.

The DMS-59 connecto... Read More >

DVI Digital Dual Link Splitter Cable - DVI-D Male / DVI-D Female x 2(There are many type of DVI connectors, please call us at 1-888-275-8755 to make sure this cable is right for you before ordering). Our DVI Y cable pr... Read More >

Tripp Lite B116-002A 2-Port DVI Single Link Video Audio Splitter/BoosterWith Tripp Lite's 2-Port DVI-D Video/Audio Splitter, you can display the same image from one computer on two DVI enabled monitors and speakers. Cascad... Read More >

The DVI splitter cable is great concept when it works. The problem is that it often doesn’t work. Dvi splitter cables are designed to allow you to connect your computer or other device with a DVI port to two distinct displays. These can be anything from two desktop monitors, to two projectors or televisions.

The typical DVI splitter cable splits a male DVI D connector into two DVI D female ends. We’ll talk about the distinction between the different DVI types (DVI I splitter cable and DVI D splitter cable) at another point. Briefly it refers to the difference between being able to send to digital and analog devices.

Before you rush out to try and use a DVI video splitter cable, make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into. As stated above, if used correctly and with the right specifications, the DVI y-splitter works great. It is definitely worth noting that this type of cable is not intended to provide you with two distinct workspaces and cannot extend your desktop so you have more room to work.

This cable is strictly used to split the same output onto two similar devices. The image will be the same for both, so you are not really increasing your desktop real estate any. A large part of what I just mentioned will usually make a big difference into whether the cable works for you or not. You generally must output your display to two very similar displays for the cable to work.

Further, your device (usually your computer) will need to have a card that supports dual DVI, a feature that can be tricky to figure out. This does not mean that your video card has two DVI ports, but that the single DVI port on your video card can support dual monitors. This single port sends out dual signals to the two monitors. Most often, the DVI splitter cable defines a primary and secondary end to the cable, although this may not be physically apparent. You may need to experiment with the cable end to determine if there is a primary branch of the Y.

Another difficulty that can occur with this type of passive DVI splitter cable is that the signal often needs to be boosted by an amplifier. As stated, this type of splitter is passive because it does not need power to operate. Sometimes the addition of a signal booster is enough to push the signal cleanly to both displays.

The real beauty of the DVI splitter cable is that the price is exceptionally small for the cable. If you can figure out how to make it work for your purposes, you will save quite a bit of money. This alone often makes it worth experimenting with the splitter cable to see if it will work for you.

Look for a quality cable with gold connectors. Gold connectors generally provide maximum corrosion resistance and give you the best chance of error-free data transfers. This is important for a clean streak free image, and the highest quality image you can send.

The real advantage to the DVI splitter cable is that when it work, it works great (and the price is definitely right). The disadvantage of the device is that all of the variables seldom line up to allow this splitter to work properly.

Other DVI Splitters From Amazon:

Dell Molex DMS-59 Dual DVI Y-Splitter Cable, Refurbished H9361Cable connections: One (1) DMS 59 pin (male) and two (2) DVI (female connectors). Cable is approximately 8 inches in length.

The DMS-59 connecto... Read More >

Tripp Lite P120-001-2 Adapter/Splitter Cable - DVI-A M to (x2) HD15 F1FT HDMI DVI M/F TO 2XVGA Cablsplitter Adapter Analog .It has a Double shielded and fully molded construction.It has a Tripp Lite Lifetime warrant.

DVI Digital Dual Link Splitter Cable - DVI-D Male / DVI-D Female x 2(There are many type of DVI connectors, please call us at 1-888-275-8755 to make sure this cable is right for you before ordering). Our DVI Y cable pr... Read More >

StarTech.com 1-Feet DVI-D to 2x DVI-D Digital Video Splitter Cable - M/F (DVISPL1DD)This 1ft DVI-D Digital video splitter cable lets you connect two DVI-D capable monitors/displays to a single DVI-D digital video output port. A cost effective solution for dual DVI display configurations, this high quality splitter cable is backed by StarTech.com's Lifetime Warranty.

Cables Unlimited DVI-D Splitter Cable (PCM-2260)Our DVI Y cable provides a fast and easy way to simultaneously connect 2 monitors to a 1 computer. This shielded cable feature gold plated contacts to provide crystal clear video transmissions.With support for high-resolution images, this cable is perfect for public broadcasts.

Video Splitter - DVI-I Male to VGA(HD15) Female X 2This splitter cable is for splitting 1 DVI signal to 2 VGA . Connector : DVI Male to (2) HD15 Female Length : 8 inches (*) This is splitter cable. You... Read More >