VGA vs DVI/HDMI

So I just got a new monitor and it has options for HDIM and VGA input. I already have a VGA cable and would only need a MiniDVI -> VGA adapter to hook up my macbook that way. But I could also get the MiniDVI -> DVI and then get DVI -> HDMI to hook it up that way.
I hear DVI allows me to have better quality since the signal is purely digital whereas the VGA loses some quality. My question is which do you think I should do? Is it worth buying more cables to get the HDMI input? I'm just going to be using the monitor to work on excel sheets, word docs, and to watch movies.
Thanks!

I have a 24 inch full 1080P HD external monitor that I am using with my Macbook Pro. I"m not really a gamer, so I have a question.
1st. What is the difference if I use the HDMI connection or the DVI connection to my monitor? Is there a difference?
HDMI and DVI use the same digital video signals, so should give the same image quality.
2.nd - what about just using VGA
It may not be as sharp as DVI or HDMI since the signal may not be sampled at exactly the correct pixel positions, and it cannot handle sharp vertical edges as well as digital.
Would the normal user, who isn't a gamer notice the difference in any of the 3 options?
A gamer is less likely to notice the difference because of fast moving images.
Also- I am only using this set up to have a bigger monitor. I'm not doing the extended desktop.
Unless you have a 1920 x 1200 display on the MacBook, you won't be able to use the full resolution of the 1080p display in mirroring mode, since it is a pixel-to-pixel mirroring. You can get full resolution by running with the MacBook closed if you use exteernal keyboard and mouse.
<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131>
Note: some 1080p (1920x1080) don't work properly with computers at 1920x1080. They may have overscan, which will blur the picture and put the menu bar and dock off the screen, or they may tell the computer to run in 1080i mode, which makes thin horizontal lines flicker. Sometimes this can be fixed with software, such as switchResX
<http://www.madrau.com/html/SRX/About.html>
or DisplayConfigX
<http://www.3dexpress.de/>

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I'm dying to buy a new Mac Mini but I'm not ready to replace my monitor yet. Sadly, it's a VGA flat panel. It's connected to my current 2009 Mini by a VGA to DVI adapter. The new Mini comes with a DVI to HDMI adapter.
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Unfortunately, my monitor is a VGA only flatpanel. I had to buy a $30 Thunderbolt to VGA adapter to be able to use it with my new Mini. Ah well, problem solved. I'll make sure my next monitor has either DVI or HDMI.
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Solved!
Go to Solution.

hi ScoobyDoo,
Welcome to Lenovo Forums!
That is going to be a Digital from the yoga to an analog VGA/DVI.
this kind of conversion does not require a transcoder. so you can go ahead with Cable Coverters only.
Here are some you might want to check:
StarTech 6ft HDMI to DVI-D Video Cable M/M
HDMI to VGA Adapter
Black HDMI Input to VGA Adapter Converter For PC Laptop
You can check this out on how to switch the display.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/multiple-monitors#1TC=t1
Audio transfer will not work with this kind of conversion Normal HDMI out to HDMI in will transfer both Audio and Video to a TV.
Hope this helps,
Cheers!!
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What is a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 705 [DVI, HDMI, DVI to VGA Dongle

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Hi there, I am a little confused about connecting my mini to my Loewe Individual LCD TV and coudl do with some help.
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Bye
Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.5)

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The MacBook:
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The PC
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Images!
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LNT-4665 via PC using VGA - Color Bars
LNT-4665 via PC using VGA - Desktop
LNT-4665 via MacBook using DVI - Color Bars
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LNT-4665 via MacBook using DVI - Desktop with Dock
MacBook Display - Color Bars
MacBook Display - Desktop
Baja 1000 Image - Original Res
Color Bars Image - Fit for Alt-Tabbing
Color Bars Image - Original Res
Using Photoshop and a template I found online, I created this image. It is pixel perfect. The colors are exact RGB colors.
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Just to continue documenting my progress here.
From my TV's forum thread:
jinqui242 wrote:
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I hope you guys are listening.

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

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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?
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Using DVI - HDMI cable output to Samsung LCD TV

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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.
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http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6400626&#6400626
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I would agree with Boece's thoughts. DVI is the better quality display option. Being digital it doesn't go through the process of converting the video stream to analog, only to have to convert it back to digital in the display. As a result, DVI generally gives a more crisp image quality with better color density and saturation and better contrast and brightness. However, VGA is far more universal, and while image quality is not as good in theory, often it works better in practice - particularly with TVs.
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Display Port DVI HDMI no longer interfaces my TV with 10.7 lion.

I have used successfully used my LG 720p tv with a Apple branded Display port --> GE branded Dvi adapter followed by a dvi --> HDMI adapter directly into my TV.
Upon upgrading to Lion (10.7) two days ago I discoverd that my MacBook Pro no longer recongizes the connection. Both the Mac and TV initially try to interface (Macbook bluescreens, TV says connecting) I've checked all the connections and nothing seems to be broken.
I have also tried my other Display port --> VGA adapter and this also unsuccessfully links...
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I am also having a similar issue with my MBP 17" Mid 2010 and my LG tv. It flashes and tries to connect but doesn't successfully pair. Both over HDMI and VGA.
Here's my post
https://discussions.apple.com/message/15730208#15730208
Sorry this is a repost, and I can't find how to delete a post.

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