DVI-D-to-VGA vs. Straight DVI-D Cable?

Hi. Apologies if I missed this question elsewhere.
I'm using the included DVI-D-to-VGA converter to connect to an LG monitor. Next I want to share this monitor with a second, similar Mac (PowerBook), so I'll be getting a KVM switch.
My monitor supports both VGA and DVI-D. Is there any difference between using VGA and using straight DVI-D connections? Everything seems fine using VGA, and there are a lot more options out there for VGA KVM switches than DVI-D based one, but I'll go straight DVI-D if I'll gain something substantial in doing so.
Any thoughts?

VGA is usually quite acceptable up to resolutions of 1400 and possibly 1600. If you're using extension cables, they need to be high quality to reduce ghosting and other issues. Some KVMs may limit your max resolution, so be aware of that if using a large monitor.
VGA can suffer from ghosting, especially with cheap cables or cheap KVMs. (Cheap KVMs use cheap cabling.) In one case, I had to reduce my resolution to 1024x768 due to ghosting by the KVM. But all the good quality KVMs I've used work well with VGA up to the 1280 or 1440 resolution range. If you need higher resolution than that, VGA KVMs may start having issues. Meaning, you need higher quality (a.k.a. more expensive) KVM. Some KVMs will go to 1900 resolution, but of course, tend not to be cheap. But by that point is when you'll want to look at DVI KVMs, which tend to be significantly more expensive than comparable VGA KVMs, but being digital, don't suffer from ghosting at those high resolutions.
Short answer: don't go cheap unless you're only going to be using small monitors at 1024 or less.
Edit: since your monitor supports both DVI and VGA, if switching the input at the monitor is not too inconvenient, then perhaps just plug both computers into the monitor and make a "poor-man's-KVM." Since one of the computers is a Macbook, you don't really need to switch the keyboard through the KVM, unless you're using the Macbook in clamshell mode.

Similar Messages

New 2012 Mac mini having screen resolution problem when I connect to either 27" LG or 22" Hannspree monitor. Tried mini display port to VGA/HDMI and HDMI to DVI-D cables... all same isse

New 2012 Mac mini having issues in connecting to third party Monitors. Connected my mac mini to a 27" LG monitor. Text looks blurred. Tried connecting to the monitor using 3 options. 1) mini port to HDMI, then HDMI cable to LG monitor. 2) Mini port to VGA, then VGA cable to monitor 3) HDMI port on mini mac to DVI-D cable then DVI to DVI cable... In all cases text is not clear. Anyone has similar issues with latest mini mac. The monitor works fine when I connect to a windows 7 Samsung laptop. Any input is highly appreciated. Thanks in Advance

Why do you use always 2 cables? There's a lot that can go wrong.
1.) Hardware:
- Use only one cable, best an HDMI->HDMI cable. It doesn't need to be an expensive one, they've proven to be no worse than those "esoteric", expensive ones.
- Set the monitor to the HDMI input.
- The modes you are listing are only "picture modes" changing color/brightness/contrast settings, not resolution or the likes, so pick the one you like best later, or enter your own settings under Custom.
2.) OS X:
- Usually the Mac detects the screen itself and chooses the best settings, so by default you need to do nothing than make a proper hardware connection to get a decent image.
- However, there have been issues with new Mac Minis and particularly their HDMI ports. But reportedly they have been fixed with a software update. So, launch the App Store and check under Updates if there is one for you to install. If so, do it; otherwise you should be good to go.
- If you require, go to System Preferences -> Displays. In the Dispaly tab, by default, "Best for display" should be selected, and that is typically true. If you want, select "Scaled" and 1920x1080, plus a frequency from the list (where higher is usually better, but just pick the one that works best for you). If you can't see a change to the better, you best go back to "Best for display".
- If you are not happy with the colors on your screen, you'll find eventually more than one choice in the Color tab, though your particular screen should be in the list and its Display Profile should get you the best result. (Double-check picture modes on your display: if you're far off there, you won't make it much better with the Mac's settings).

Mini-DVI extension cable?

Has there ever been such a thing as a mini-DVI extension cable?
I use an external monitor with my MacBook, so I have to use the mini-DVI to VGA adaptor. The problem is that I now have this big bulky VGA connector sitting on my desk just to the left of my MacBook.
I figured that I would simply go buy a mini-DVI extension cable that would allow me to get the VGA connectors off of my desk. However, I have searched all over the Internet and found that such a cable does not exist.
The only thing that comes close is a 1.8 meter Male-to-Male mini-DVI cable available from shentec.com (http://www.shentech.com/apmitomimato.html). But of course I need a Male-to-Female cable.
Since the mini-DVI connector is primarily only used by Apple, it would be nice if Apple would build and sell mini-DVI extension cables in 2 or 3 varying lengths.

Dang...
I tried to see if CablesToGo could make a mini-DVI extension cable and this was their reply:
{quote} +"Unfortunately we cannot build a cable like that. It is an Apple proprietary connection that we cannot obtain.+
+We apologize for any inconvenience. "+{quote}
I'll have to try some other companies...maybe newertech.com and Dynex. Anyone know of other companies that could make this cable?
Pictures
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9297/minidviadaptercr2.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/5157/minidviextensionsf3.jpg

Monitor does not come out of sleep Mac-Mini Mini-DVI to Dual DVI-D cable

I have an August 2009 Mac-Mini that I'm using with an Apple supplied Mini-DVI to DVI adapter along with a DVI-D Dual Link Cable connect to a Sceptre X7XV-Naga+ LCD monitor.
The monitor is going into sleep mode on its own with no way to disable this feature on the monitor itself. I've disabled sleep mode on the Mac-Mini in the power setting in System Preferences.
When in sleep mode and I move the mouse or press a key, the monitor will not come out of sleep mode. From other posts, I read that the issue might be that I wasn't using a Dual-Link DVI-D cable, so I bought one and installed such a cable. That has not resolved the problem. The monitor will not come out of sleep mode. When I have the monitor connected with a mini-display port to VGA adapter instead of a DVI-D cable, it will come out of sleep mode every time.
Message was edited by: Annorax64

I know it's a year later, but I'm not finding much through search.
I have the same exact problem. Difference being I'm using an iMac with 10.7.5.
Same video board and monitor - ATI Radeon HD 6750M video card connected via DisplayPort to Samsing S24A850DW.
I've tried two different mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables and no change.
I think I read that 10.8.3 might fix the issue. Anyone that can confirm that, or has another solution?

Using a DVI HDMI cable with my Sharp Aquos LC-52D62U 1080p

Hello
I have a Mac Mini Intel proc with 4GB RAM (max RAM).
I'm trying to get it to work with my Sharp Aquos LC-52D62U 52" TV. The TV supports 1080p native, and the mini has had no issues connecting to this TV before. I just re-installed 10.6 (with all updates) and it does not want to connect.
I have a direct DVI > HDMI cable going from the Mini directly to the back of the TV. I tested other devices on that TV input and the TV works fine. I'm also convinced that the cable is fine as it worked before the re-install of the system.
I can see the Mac Mini using screen sharing on my Mac Pro, so I can make changes to the configuration over the network. The screen settings on the Mini are set to "1080p (Television)" just like they were when it all worked fine. But the TV screen is black. No picture at all.
What can I do about this?
Thanks,
-----------S

Hello Mac Mini world. I tried to connect my new Mac Mini to a 2 year old 32" Insignia Flat Screen HDTV through HDMI for hours however there was always part of the screen cut off even after adjusting both the resolution ratio on TV and Mini. After 3 calls to Insignia TV and Apple Support nobody had a definitive solution for me and was mainly told to live with it! One person from Applecare did half heartedly suggest trying a VGA connection instead in spite of lower quality. I went to the MAC store and they were confused as were the people at Best Buy but I reluctantly bought the MINI VIDEO PORT CABLE + VGA CABLE at Best Buy and to my surprise IT WORKED AND LOOKS PERFECT and automatically adjusts to fit any setting of computer resolution LIKE MAGIC. I have never posted but this seemed like good info as I read through a lot of blogs yesterday trying to resolve this issue. AGAIN THE SOLUTION IS TO TRY THE VGA CONNECTION. -chuck

Using DVI - HDMI cable output to Samsung LCD TV

For some reason, i have been using the DVI -> VGA Adapter with a VGA cable outputted to my new Samsung LCD TV, with resolution 1920x1080. I purchased a DVI -> HDMI Cable, but the quality/resolution is subpar to using the VGA Cable, it seems as if the resolution is upscaling itself, but according to Display Preferences, it is outputting at 1920x1080i, When i'm using the VGA cable it just says 1920x1080, without i or p.
Anyone know why?

I've been trying to communicate with a Samsung LE40A656 via a DVI-HDMI cable.
I think there must be issues with HDMI on that model because the TV can't detect a signal on the HDMI port and the MPB can't see a monitor.
But I have managed to get full screen via the Apple DVI-VGA adaptor and the D-sub port on the Samsung using the specification in this archive thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6400626&#6400626
Before I upgraded my TV I had a cheap(ish) Hyundai Vuon with a DVI port which worked fine with my MBP.
Would still like to know why HDMI doesn't work on the Samsung.
Adrian

Cant use DVI-D port with DVI-D cable from Pav 500-100a to HP W2207 monitor

I have a new Pav 500-100a factory standard with no mods. A HP w2207 monitor.
Currently connect fine with VGA to the DVI-D port with the adapter that came with the pc. I've setup Windows, updated to 8.1, put in my files from my old PC and all was well except video isnt that good.
I got a DVD cable form work but its a DVI-I cable. It took 5 mins before windows comes up and then whenever the background picture changed in the theme it hung for a few seconds. I read that I need a DVD-D cable which i purchasd today.
The packet says its a CL-DVI2M - DVI M/M 24+1 CABLE 2M. The tech in the shop says its a good calbe and will work fine.
When connected and I power up I get teh hp logo and rolling dots then it goes blank.
I reconnect teh VGA cable and its all fine - using the VGA to DVI adapter.
I ran msconfig and turned of safe boot - restarts and comes up fine in safe mode. I set the resolution to 1280x800 and restarted and reconnected the DVI cable - blank again.
If I put the VGA cable back in it boots fine. The monitor has been factory reset and seens the DVI connection but Windows remains blank. Also tried booting first with no cable - connect teh DVI and the monitor remains in sleep - power reset teh monitor and still blank also shows no DVO conenction.
I fI power up with DVI connected I can get to BIOS, and i see the HP logo and dots as Win 8 starts.
I dont know what else I can try. I have no other usable video card with DVI
Any ideas out there?
Pls help - Steve
Although I am an HP employee, I am speaking for myself and not for HP.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi Steve,
Only connect one active video cable to the monitor and do not use any adapters.
Use a flashlight and examine the DVI connector on the monitor. Which DVI type is it?
Some of the older HP monitors have DVI issues so you might want to check with HP Support and see if you have one of those models.
An older post a long time back indicated that audio also had to be feed to the monitor (claimed by a poster). If this is indeed true then it's a monitor design flaw. So, you could use a native HDMI cable and test out that claim.
HP DV9700, t9300, Nvidia 8600, 4GB, Crucial C300 128GB SSD
HP Photosmart Premium C309G, HP Photosmart 6520
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Custom i7-4770k,Z-87, 8GB, Vertex 3 SSD, Samsung EVO SSD, Corsair HX650,GTX 760
Custom i7-4790k,Z-97, 16GB, Vertex 3 SSD, Plextor M.2 SSD, Samsung EVO SSD, Corsair HX650, GTX 660TI
Windows 7/8 UEFI/Legacy mode, MBR/GPT

DVI-I to DVI-D Cable?

I have two Macbook Pros, and I have one Dell flat-screen monitor. Right now, I hook up one Macbook Pro using the VGA adapter to the monitor. When I want to use my other Macbook Pro with the monitor, I switch the cables out. I know it's a small hassle, but I have to do it frequently, so it annoys me.
On the back of my Dell monitor, I see "Input 2", which is DVI-D. I realize I can toggle between the inputs on my monitor, so I'm thinking I can get a cable that hooks my second Macbook Pro to the DVI-D input, thus eliminating the need to switch cables out all the time.
Unfortunately, I'm new to the whole video display thing, so I'm not sure which cable to get. My Macbook has a female DVI-I port (unless my research has been misguided). The DVI-D port on my monitor is also female. So my assumption is that I need a male DVI-I to male DVI-D cable.
I just wanted to check with the experts on this forum before buying something that might not achieve the desired results (i.e., keeping both Macbooks constantly hooked up to the same monitor and toggling between the displays). This is the cable I was looking at:
http://www.startech.com/item/DVIVGAYMM6-DVI-I-male-to-DVI-D-male-VGA-male-splitt er.aspx
I realize it's a splitter, which does more than I need, but I couldn't find just a plain ol' male DVI-I to male DVI-D cable (I did look in the Apple store). Maybe I wasn't entering the right search terms into Google, though.
Any advice? Am I on the right track here? Would it be better to get a different cable and add some sort of adapter?
Thanks!

All you need is a DVI-D to DVD-D cable cable. A DVI-D plug will fit in a DVI-I connector.

DVI-D Cable include in package

Hi tech support,
This is Hanoi in Vietnam.
Last week I bought HP Monitor 2011x (20inch LED Monitor).
When I opened package, it was not include DVI-D cable.
Shop member said , when they got it from distributor, cable already not include.
So now I want to confirm.
When I bought 2011x in Vietnam, DVI-D cable not include in package ?
Thanks,

Hi,
The following items should be in the box:
HP Monitor
External power supply (36-40W)
AC power cord
DVI-D cable
VGA cable
Cable management clip
CD (includes U.G., warranty, drivers)
Service phone list card
Hard copy warranty booklet (country specific)
Additional Signal Cables in selected SKUs
You may want to show them the following link:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF06b/382087-382087-3284302-215012-215012-3884696-5034312.ht...
Chúc vui vẻ và thành công.
BH
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

Problem with DVI native - cable?

I have a Intel Mini and am trying to get it to display on my Philips 20" HDTV. The TV has DVI native input (not HDMI). Here's the situation:
- Output Mini to S-Video or Composite Video into the S-Video or Composite on the TV works as expected, but the image quality is pretty poor. I understand this is a known limitation - fuzzy text seems to be common.
- the DVI input socket on the Philips serves double duty for either DVI or analog input. For analog, I can use a DVI-VGA adapter (either the Apple one or a Belkin I have), and hook it up to my IBM laptop via a std. VGA cable and it displays under the "PC" input channel on the TV as expected. If I try to use VGA output from the Mini (this means using the Apple DVI/VGA adapter supplied with the Mini, connected to a VGA cable, and then another VGA/DVI adapter to plug into the TV's DVI port) - I do not get an image. Keep in mind the TV doesn't have a separate VGA port - it specifically uses and accepts VGA/analog input via the DVI port.
- When I try to use a DVI-D cable from the Mac to the TV, tuning the TV to the "DVI" channel, I get no image.
When I say I don't get an image, I'm not talking about a sync problem. I do not even get a flicker at startup before the video driver loads, and I cannot display anything when booting into single-user mode. This is true with either the VGA method from the Mac described above, or the DVI method.
The DVI cable I am using has 19 pins - 9 + 9 + flat blade. The Apple and Belkin DVI to VGA adapters have 23 pins - 9 + 9 + 4 around the flat blade, and the flat blade itself.
Am I not getting any signal because I do not have those 4 pins around the flat blade? The only other DVI cables I have seen have 25 pins - 24 small pins and the flat blade, but do not have the 4 around the flat blade.
Does anyone have a reference on the pinouts of DVI std? It seems strange to me that I don't even get a flicker at startup (and I've tried both "PC" and "DVI" channels on the TV). This behavior indicates to me that I do not have a problem with sync or timing specs (yet anyway) - as it appears the TV doesn't even receive any type of signal from the Mini.
Intel Mini Mac OS X (10.4.6)
Intel Mini Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Technically speaking, a display should not have a DVI-I input. DVI-I was invisioned by its creators to be an output only, so it should only be on a host and not on a monitor or TV. That said, there are some manufacturers that couldn't resist using DVI-I on their displays.
Since both the MBP and the mini have DVI-I outputs, when you hook them to a display with a DVI-I input using a DVI-I cable, there is definitely the possibility for conflict. It looks as though your MBP gives priority to the analog connection and hence reports a VGA monitor whereas your mini appears to prioritize the digital output and is reading a seperate EDID table and reporting the display differently.
I recommend you either try using a DVI-A-to-DVI-A cable or a DVI-D-to-DVI-D cable. This will eliminate any possibility for contention. And based on the results you have had so far, you might want to start with the DVI-A-to-DVI-A cable.

Mac mini HDMI to DVI adapter cable

The new Mac mini comes with a HDMI to DVI adapter cable. Typically these (Apple) adapter cables are also available for sale separately however at the moment no other Apple device (if one ignores the Apple TV) would need this cable and as every 2010 Mac mini already includes the cable it is it seems not listed on the Apple store.
As I am interested in getting more of these adapter cables, does anyone know if there is an Apple part number for them, or even an Apple service part number?

Be careful what you read and with your answers. The OP is inquiring about an HDMI to DVI adapter, not a DVI to HDMI adapter. They are two very different devices! Although HDMI and DVI are electrically equivalent, some adapters work in only one direction, so you cannot always just turn it around and run it the other way.
John, there are HDMI to DVI adapters available from 3rd parties. Be careful that it has a return policy and a warranty. Some adapters are not to the standard and are not functioning as expected. I have been happy with Monoprice products, but have no experience with this particular adapter that you seek.
Currently the Apple Store has two Belkin adapters. If Apple sells it, it usually works well.
http://store.apple.com/us/search?find=HDMItoDVI&mco=MTA4NDUyNzc
Dah•veed

ADC to DVI connector cable - 2 for 1?

Will this cable enable me to run a data projector from the ADC port at the same time as the monitor attached to the DVI?
G5 Dual 2.5 Mac OS X (10.3.7)

Can I use the Belkin ADC to DVI Connector Cable to
connect one of the DVI displays to the ADC output on
the G5?
Yes.
If so, am I right in assuming that I still use the
Cinema Display power connector in addition to using
this adaptor cable?
Yes. The adapter just provides the digital video signals. You still need to plug in the power, USB, and FireWire (if needed) cables from the display
All the documentation seems to be restricted to G4s,
When the adapter came out the only ADC computers were G4s. They haven't updated the documentation, but it will work on a G5.

No signal message - Mac Mini - Samsung P2370HD - DVI-D cable

I just received my new Mac mini and want to connect it via DVI-D cable to my existing Samsung P2370HD monitor. I have a DVI-D to mini-DisplayPort adapter connected to the Mac Mini and then a long (3-5 ft) DVI-D male to DVI-D male cable connecting the adapter to my monitor. I have checked all connections but the monitor is giving me a "No signal" message. When I unplug the cable from the adapter, the monitor gives me a "Check signal cable" message, so it seems as if the signal is not making it through the adapter to the TV.
Can anyone offer advice? I really don't want to pay for a new monitor.

My brain finally kicked in, and I was able to get the monitor to work by using the mini-DVI to DVI cable included with the Mac Mini and connecting that cable to my DVI-D (male to male) cable. I am now getting a signal to the monitor. Guess I will be returning the Dual Link DVI to Mini Displayport adapter as it was not cheap!

DVI splitter cable on 2 monitor setup

I set up my G5 with 2 monitors utilizing both ports on the graphics card. I want to add a Wacom Cintiq tablet which has a video display and am wondering if I can split the second port with a DVI splitter cable so I can have display on monitor 2 and the Cintiq.
1. Will it work?
2. Will it draw too much from the display adapter, thus causing it to fry?
3. Has anyone done this set up themselves?
TIA for the info!

Hi-
Two monitors are working the 9600 pretty hard.
Realizing that you probably want to get by on the cheap, I can't recommend a simple DVI splitter.
I don't think you will get satisfactory results.
Another issue is, with any type of device that uses a single port for multiple displays, is that the two connected monitors need to support the same resolution.
A DVI amplifier would provide the additional power and signal boost needed to run additional monitors.
http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/gefen-dvi-splitter.html

USB Dock 3.0 Audio through DVI-HDMI cable?

Hey there!
I currently own the yoga 2 pro and I am looking for a suitable dock. One thing that prevented me from ordering the usb 3.0 dock was that I am not sure whether with a DVI to HDMI cable I am able to get audio from my laptop to a TV.
For better understanding: Laptop -> USB 3.0 -> USB 3.0 Dock -> DVI -> HDMI -> TV
I asked my local retailer and they said it isn't possible but I am not sure whether they tested my method. They said I'll be needing a seperate audio jack cable -.- ugly... with my old 460 GTX I was able to transmit sound with the same DVI/HDMI cable
Can anyone who owns the USB 3.0 dock confirm that audio through DVI-HDMI cable to a TV is working / not working?
Any help is appreciated!
Greetings

DVI won't carry audio on the ThinkPad USB 3.0 dock.
Regards,
Jin Li
May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

Dvi splitter cable will extend the screen?

Hi everyone, I have a MBP 8Gb RAM. I would like to go dual monitor and extend my desktop.
My Mac has a single video out port, specifically a Mini DisplayPort.
Using a dvi splitter cable will just give me the ability to extend it? Actually I'm on a single monitor and I'm keeping my mac shut on a BookArc stand.
If not, what should I use?
Thank you in advance.

If a DVI splitter works at all, it will only give you two external monitors that display exactly the same image, rather than an extended desktop.
The cheapest way to add a second monitor to your machine for extended-desktop use will be a USB video adapter like this:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/VIDU2DVIA/
Note that it is limited to a maximum of 2048 x 1152 resolution, and it won't be responsive enough (because of the slow USB connection) to use for action gaming, animation, etc. Use your other monitor for work that requires a highly responsive screen.

DVI-D-to-VGA vs. Straight DVI-D Cable?

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