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:

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 >

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

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.

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.

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 >