The DVI Splitter

A DVI to VGA splitter is one of the trickier devices to figure out. There are several alternatives to adapting your DVI signal to VGA, with certainly some types better than others. A number of straight Y-cables make their way around the different online shops, though these particular adapters must meet some pretty strict requirements to work. It important that you figure out if you fit into the guidelines of this type of splitter before you try and make it work. Often a powered DVI to VGA converter will work better for you in almost every regard, though if you can make it work with the splitter, it will be much cheaper.

There are a number of different ways to go about splitting a DVI connector into VGA outputs, but it is important to recognize the different restrictions of each method. The first requirement to convert any DVI signal into a VGA signal is the type of DVI output. VGA is an analog signal and cannot handle a digital signal stream. In order for this conversion to work, one of two things needs to happen.

The first option is to use a DVI to VGA converter to convert a digital signal to an analog signal. This will allow you to output to your VGA display, with fairly minimal data loss. There will be some data degradation, though this is hard to get around.

The second option is available depending on your output device (computer, DVD player, etc…). Not all DVI connections are created equal. There are three distinct types of DVI cable, DVI-D, DVI-I, and DVI-A, representing Digital, Integrated (digital and analog), and Analog respectively. You cannot simply use a DVI D to VGA splitter to get the results you want. This sort of cable simply won’t work. To go from DVI-D, a digital signal, you must convert the signal to analog first.

The other two types of DVI to VGA slitter cables should work however. Both Integrated and Analog are capable of inherently sending an analog signal required by the VGA device. Before you attempt to make this work, you should first determine the type of DVI your video card supports. See the DVI splitter chart on the homepage to get an indication of how to identify the various types of cable.

Once you have figured out the logistics of splitting your signal to you VGA display, you still have a couple more variables to consider. If you were hoping to use a DVI to 2 VGA splitter with your computer, there are some restrictions you should first be aware of. It is a common misconception that this sort of Y-cable will allow you to extend your desktop onto two monitors. At best it will allow you the ability to duplicate the image onto both displays. This always works best on the same display types, preferably the same model and size of monitor.

Further, the DVI output must be a dual channel output. This means that the card sends out dual signal from the same port, it does not indicate that the port can handle two separate screens. DVI cards come in both single and dual, and can sometimes be quite tricky to figure out which types they are. The most common way to do this split is with a DVI I to VGA splitter, as this is more common than DVI-A video cards. As DVI is most advantageous in digital settings, the DVI-A does not often make sense.

Other DVI Splitters From Amazon:

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 >

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.

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.

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 >

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.