The DVI Splitter

There are countless different ways to split your DVI signal to your different display devices. Determining the best fit will go a long way to ensuring you have a good purchasing experience. We recommend that you figure out what you need before you buy, as purchasing a DVI video splitter can be a tricky process. We’ve laid out several of the more common types of DVI splitters available on the market, though this list is certainly not comprehensive.

• DVI-D Splitter – This splitter is one of the more commonly requested splitters and is intended to split your digital DVI signal into two identical digital DVI signals. Because this type is digital, it is unable to convert to an analog VGA device. Most of the newer displays on the market today, namely LCDs, projectors, flat-screen televisions, etc… are all digital media and require either DVI-D, DVI-I, or HDMI.
• DVI-I Splitter – The DVI-I splitter is able to split the signal into either dual analog or dual digital outputs, although it cannot do both simultaneously. This works similarly to the DVI-D splitter, with the added ability to output to two identical analog display types. You cannot split an Integrated signal into one digital and one analog, it has to be either or.
• DVI-A Splitter – This type of splitter is less common, as its usefulness is limited to strictly analog signals, and is often replaced by a DVI-I splitter when available. When the output device requires a DVI-A connector, you can split this signal into two identical analog signals.
• DVI to VGA and DVI – This type of DVI splitter allows you to output the DVI signal into both an analog VGA output and an analog DVI output. Some adapters will allow analog VGA and digital DVI, although not at the same time. This style only functions on one half of the Y, depending on which side is activated.
• DVI to Dual VGA – The most common way to do this type of conversion is with a DVI-I connection being adapted to two VGA connectors. The DVI-I can handle the required analog signal and passes the duplicate stream to both VGA connectors.
• DVI to Dual DVI – Another common splitter allow you to convert a digital DVI stream into two identical digital signals, outputting a mirrored image onto both devices. This usually works best with similar output displays, as the same resolution and image is sent to both devices.
• DVI to HDMI – As the digital industry continues to evolve, more and more devices are picking up HDMI as the digital medium of choice. The HDMI cable is capable of sending audio as well as video, and is thus replacing DVI. A common feature of many DVI to HDMI splitters is an integration with a separate audio source into the HDMI cable.
• Converters – Almost without fail, a powered converter is going to be more reliable and consistent than DVI video splitter cables. The converter can effectively convert digital to analog and has sufficient signal strength to successful output the intended images. Many cables require an amplifier to reach the same signal strength.

Aside from these various types of DVI splitting devices, there are a number of other criteria that must be met if you go the route of a DVI video splitter over a converter.  Be sure to learn the requirements of the individual cable, and determine if you equipment is capable of handling it.  The comments section of the various online stores is a great place to learn about the unexpected additional requirements that  you may face.

Other DVI Splitters From Amazon:

HDMI to Dual DVI Premium Splitter CableHDMI to Dual DVI-D (Digital) Y Splitter

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.

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 >

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 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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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 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.

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 >

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.