The Ultimate DVI Splitter Guide
The DVI splitter is a somewhat tricky device to figure out. A simple inspection of the standard Y-splitter suggests that this cable could not be any simpler to understand. You have a single DVI end that splits into two separate output cables, often also DVI. What could be easier to understand? It isn’t until you try and get one of these splitters to work that you begin to run into difficulty.
The first thing that you have to ask yourself before purchasing this sort of device is: Does A DVI Splitter Cable Even Work? We have hopefully written a fairly comprehensive guide to help you understand the various requirements of successfully splitting your DVI signal into your various outputs. And we can tell you with some conclusion that yes you can get these cables to work for you. There are certainly some good tips you must follow for it work, but if you meet the requirements, you can successfully integrate this into your system.
It is important to understand a little bit about DVI before you try to split it. The Digital Visual Interface standard was created by the Digital Display Work Group or the DDWG. It was designed to replace the legacy analog VGA standard of previous years. HDMI has since begun its quest to surpass the DVI standard, allowing integration of audio into the cable as well as video.
DVI comes in three distinct flavors as well. DVI-D represents the digital signal, DVI-A represents analog, and DVI-I (Integrated) represents an integration of both the digital and analog streams. It is important to understand that DVI-I can facilitate either digital or analog, not both simultaneously. See our article on DVI-D Splitter versus DVI-I Splitter for more information on these distinctions.
To identify the various cable types, use the following table on the right as a visual representation of each type. This is image is courtesy of the WikiMedia Commons and details of the copyright can be found here.
Official specifications for DVI cables mandate an operating length of up to 5 meters or roughly 16 ½ feet. Although cables are specified to this length, successful operation can still occur at longer distances. If you require longer runs than 20 feet, you should consider HDMI for digital, and VGA for analog runs.
When attempting to split your DVI signal, you have a number of different conversion options. Ranging from Y-splitters to powered converters, the option you choose will depend on a number of factors. Your existing equipment, for better or worse, will have the biggest influence on the type of adapter that you require. For a list of the common types of DVI video splitter and their uses, see our article titled The Different Types Of DVI Video Splitter.
One of the most common misconceptions about splitting DVI into dual devices is in regards to the output device. DVI also comes in separate forms for all types, single link and dual link. In order to output to two separate devices through a Y-cable, your output device must be able to support dual link mode. Although this seems easy enough to figure out, the labeling on your video card is not always consistent. Dual link does not mean that your card has two connectors, but that the single connector is capable of sending out two separate signals.
Another common need many have for DVI splitters is adapting the signal to VGA. As stated above, VGA is a legacy analog signal, and requires either DVI-I or A to work. If you need to convert your DVI-D signal to analog, this must be done with a converter and will not work from a Y-splitter. A DVI to VGA splitter is usually from an Integrated connector and allows you to send identical signals to both VGA devices.
Whenever you split a signal, you must recognize that the same output is sent to both displays. As such, you will have much more consistent and predictable results if you use two similar if not identical displays to output to. Both devices should be able support the same resolution and refresh rates.
Whatever your need, you should be able to come up with the right DVI splitter solution that works. Each case is different and everyone’s results will vary. There are many different details that go into making this work or fail, it is difficult to state conclusively if it will work for you. If you can find the right DVI splitter, you should be able to save considerably over the cost of a DVI converter (though it may not be worth the hassle to find out).
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 >
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.
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.
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 >
Genuine ATI X1300 Pro 256MB PCI-Express Video Graphics Card With DVI and VGA Y-Splitter Cable Cords, Compatible Dell Part Number: GJ501Genuine ATI X1300 Pro 256MB PCI-e Video Card with 1 DVI and 1 VGA Y-Splitter Cables
Dell Part Number: GJ501.
Features:
Interface: PCI-E, Memory: 256MB, Full Height, Model # GJ501, Dual DVI Capability DMS-59, S-Video, Comes With 1 DVI Y-Splitter Cable & 1 VGA Y-Splitter Cable.