VGA vs DVI with regards to projectors

I have recently purchased a BENQ MP620 DLP projector to use as a home cinema and for my artwork. It is running off the VGA port of my Mac and produces a very good picture as is. However, is it worth running it off the DVI port; will there be a noticeable improvement in picture quality? I also use a LaCie 22" monitor on the VGA port and having to swap the cables is a pain. I know I could buy a VGA splitter but a bit more money could buy a DVI cable instead. Having blown my money on the projector I am a little strapped for cash at the moment! I definitely can't afford a new graphics card...
Many thanks
William

The school I taught at used projectors with both VGA and DVI inputs and to my eye the DVI output seemed sharper.

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Vga to dvi with cinema displays?

are the aluminum apple cinema display DVI-I or DVI-D? we have some extras and some people with vga computers (analog out) want to use the monitors. will a vga to dvi-i adapter work with these displays? or are they dvi-d (digital signal only)?
thanks

DVI-D digital only. A cheap VGA to DVI adapter won't work. You would need an expensive VGA to DVI converter, such as
<http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=4341>

MBP CD2 DVI to VGA not working with projector

I am having issues getting the MBP to recognize a DELL 2300 projector through a DVI to VGA apple cable.
A few months ago there were posts about this, but no solutions. The problem seems to be with the 'INTEL' side of things, as the same projector with the same DVI to VGA apple cable works on an older G4 tower running 10.4.9. The projector also works on an old G4 iBook with it's version of a VGA adapter. To make things more confusing, a DVI to Video apple cable works with the DELL 2300 on my new MBP C2D-but produces a terrible quality picture. Mysteriously, my previous 1st generation MBP CD worked with the DELL 2300 via a DVI to VGA apple cable (but I'm not sure which OS was out at the time 10.4.8?)
My new MBP CD2 definately recognizes the projector through the DVI to VGA adapter, but the projector doesn't recognize the video signal from the computer. It is DEFINATELY the MBP (or universal drivers), as I have checked the DVI to VGA dongle (works), have checked the projector (works with an ibook running 10.4.8 OSX with VGA dongle), have changed resolution settings before and after connecting, have restarted computer, have tested various orders of connecting the projector and cables. STINK! (I also have TWO DVI to VGA adapters, so it is not a bad adapter). I have also played with exchanging various plist files from older universal versions of 10.4.8 that worked with the projector-no help.
As I stated, the projector will work (in horrible quality) with a DVI to Video dongle. Why it will not work with the DVI to VGA dongle is a mystery and annoying I would hope that a newer MBP CD2 would be plug and play (like my previous MBP CD and an old G4 tower and an old iBook G4...but no).
Any ideas, any help, any answers?

Here are the actors in our play today
1. MacBookPro A. (my system a CD2 2.16 with OSX 10.4.9)
2. MacBookPro B. (my friends system a CD2 2.16 with OSX 10.4.9)
3. an iBook (my friends 1.07 GHz G4 with 10.4.8 and a VGA adapter)
4. DELL 2300 MP projector
Plugged in DVI to VGA adapter to the virgin MacBookPro B (never had the projector plugged into it before) Dell projector shows that it recognizes an analog RGB 800X600 signal from MBP B. It projects a beautiful desktop. All is well for a moment.
In Display preferences we see for the MBP B
Color LCD, Display: 800X600 stretched, Colors: Millions, Refresh Rate: N/A
VGA Display
Now, I unplug the DVI to VGA adapter and naturally MBP B readjusts to it's native resolution. Great.
Now I immediately plug back in the DVI to VGA adapter. The computer and the projector searches for signal with none found, while the computer shows no attempt at an automatic readjustment as above (800X600 stretched).
I try the 'detect display' option. It causes computer to stall for a second (as it searches) but it does not detect projector and does not readjust it's own resolution to 800X600 stretched as it did initially. F7 key does nothing.
This is a problem!
So, I shut down the projector. I unplug the projector's power source and waited 20 seconds. plugged it back in, started projector back up.
I shut down/restarted the MBP B.
I plug back in the DVI to VGA adapter into the MBP B. The MBP B screen flashes to all blue, but does not automatically change to 800X600 stretched (remains at native resolution and does not recognize an external monitor/projector)
Enter the iBook!
I plug the iBook's VGA adapter into the projector. The projector shows that it recognizes an analog RGB 1024X768 60Hz signal and projects desktop screen immediately. Plug and play!
iBook display prefs reveal:
Color LCD, 1024X768, colors: Millions, Refresh rate: N/A
Color tab: Generic RGB Profile
VGA display, 1024X768, colors: Millions,
Now. I unplug adapter from iBook, iBook readjusts to native display
plugged back in adapter to iBook, immediately recognizes and displays projected desktop.
Scene 2: The FREAKY thing!
Now, I immediately (after unplugging the adapter from the iBook) change adapters to the DVI to VGA adapter and plug the projector into the MacBookPro B, whallla! Back in business. (computer screen adjusted to 800X600, and projector recognized signal).
Now, what about my computer? I unplug from MBP B and plug into MacBookPro A, and NOTHING...the computer doesn't automatically adjust to a new resolution, and the projector doesn't recognize any signal from the computer.
Ahhhh Freak out! Now, I plugged adapter back into MacBookPro B, and now back to NOTHING. MBP B no longer recognizes projector or readjusts it's resolution. Was something somehow corrupted?
Now, I plugged iBook VGA adapter back in, and iBook once again with it's awesome G4 technology (or dated video drivers or something) recognizes the projector in an instant and projects the screen.
Now, logically I try again to immediately unplug the adapter from the iBook and switch adapters and plug back into MacBookPro B-it worked once right? But, sorry, NOT twice. The mystery deepens.
Well, I think, maybe it is because I didn't restart MacBookPro B before attempting the switcharoo from iBook to MacBookPro.
So, I plug back into iBook-projector. And the iBook works immediately again.
I restart MacBookPro B and plug in to the freshly restarted MBP B...HOUSTON WE HAVE LIFT OFF! The MacBookPro B recognizes the projector and the projector kindly displays the desktop.
Now what about MacBookPro A...Last time, when I did the switcharoo, it corrupted something to cause the MBP B not to work. Let's try it again. Will this plug-unplug-restart-switch adapters-immediatly plug in technique work...let's see. I restart MBP A, and plug DVI to VGA adapter in. Sorry. Same ol' no signals recognized. MacBookPro A not auto readjusting resolution, and does not list any projector in display prefs.
Let's get crazy and immediately plug the adapter into the MacBookPro B...it works-oh so logical...NOT! Why wasn't it corrupted this time by MBP A? MacBookPro B readjusts its screen to 800X600 stretched and projector immediately recognizes and projects desktop.
Now lets see if I can break it again as before. I unplug it from MacBookPro B and back into MacBook Pro B, knowing that this caused it to stop working previously. And...it still works-WHAT? I do it a third time. It still works on MacBookPro B.
So,
I plug it back into MacBookPro A...still nothing. Back to MacbookPro B works like a charm. This time it struggles a bit showing that initially it sees a signal from MacBookPro B of 1192X900 (i Think), then the MacBookPro B switches automatically to 800X600 and the projector works.
Wait..I see something amiss! I see in my MBP A menu bar an icon for Labtick which MBP B does not have. I shut down Labtick, plug back in the DVI to VGA adapter and 'Boom' the projector is recognized.
I unplug DVI to VGA adapter and plug back in to MBP A and 'Boom' the projector is recognized again...no it couldn't be!
Well, it is possible it couldn't be because, I shut down the projector, unplug it's power source, plug it back in. I plug it back into the recently working MBP A with Labtick not running, and sorry folks, now the projector doesn't work again. The MBP A does not readjust it's resolution, nor recognize a projector and the projector doesn't recognize the MBP A.
Let's try the projector in MBP B....same deal. Now it doesn't work. Same symptoms of MBP A.
Back to the good ol' iBook. Of course it works.
Now switching over directly to a restarted MBP B. -DOESN'T WORK (as it did using this technique previously)
Now switching over to MBP A- DOESN'T WORK.
As you can see, it is hard even with multiple computers to find a series of doing things that consistently makes the projector work.
Any thoughts, ideas, ways to diagnose? Thanks!

Mac Mini with BenQ W100 Projector (No signal with DVI Dual cable)

Hi all, just bought a Mac Mini Intel 1.6ghz. Also have a BenQ W100 Projector which have been using for some months with a PC. Now comes the problem! I have bought a DVI-DVI cable (Dual link) and plugged the Mac into the Projector and NOTHING APPEARS! No source found at all. The input on the projector is DVI-I according to the BenQ website.
Question is, am i using the right cable? Is the Mac Mini even compatible with this projector? Nobody seems to know, even BenQ!!
Thanks for any help
BEN

Hi, FYI this is the cable I have. Strangely it only references HD sources and not computers on the description? I would note that PC World (where i bought it from) have shown this cable operating on a PC unit and LCD monitor so im presuming its nothing to do with the cable?)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-PureAV-Digital-Video-Dual-Link/dp/B0003057GO[/URL]
I used a VGA to DVI cable when the PC was running on the projector. which shows a picture no problem. I tried using the DVI/VGA adaptor that came with the Mac then plugging the VGA-DVI cable into it. As i say no picture just a flicker now and then.
I have tested Mini and he works fine on a LCD TV using the VGA/DVI adaptor and a standard VGA-VGA cable.
I guess i will exchange the cable and see what happens!

Mini DVI to VGA incorrectly shipped with MBP instead of DVI to VGA

Has anyone else had a mini DVI to VGA adapter shipped with their macbook pro (2008) instead of a DVI to VGA adapter? I just needed to use it today and was told at the apple store that I had an adapter included with the computer. I went home to check and the adapter that was with the computer was a mini DVI to VGA adapter and the computer has a regular DVI output. I understand that later in 2008 the mac book pros were made with the mini DVI so I am thinking that there may have been a packaging error.......unusual for Apple???

Hi Tingrin,
Most likely an error when the machine was packaged for distribution. The MacBook Pro has never shipped with Mini DVI, it was a dual link DVI port until they went to Mini DisplayPort. The MacBook, however featured the Mini DVI.
I know Apple has ceased to ship the adapters with the MacBook Pro, to my knowledge they did around the time of the mid/late 2008 machines. I know with the first couple of generations (MBP) you actually got both a DVI and VGA adapter.
I'd contact Apple, inform of the discrepancy and I'm sure they'll make it right.

Searching for USB to VGA or DVI adapter compatible with linux

Hello everyone,
Since my HP mini is lacking a VGA connector (in fact, there's a proprietary one, but the cable for that is rare and expensive), I'm thinking of buying an USB adapter to plug a monitor. I don't care if the connector is VGA or DVi.
There're a lot of these adapters, but I'm not sure if any is compatible with Linux.
After a lot of searches, I still didn't find something useful.
Is there anyone who had experience with this kind of adapter or can point me some documentation about that ?

Just so I understand correctly... these USB to VGA/DVI adapters are video cards in their own right, yes? Something that I know works with Linux it the Villagetronic VTBook http://www.villagetronic.com/vtbook/index.html. It's a PCMCIA card (which is faster than usb 2) but you can get USB to PCMCIA adapters.

Connecting two Acer monitors with VGA and DVI output to my Macbook Pro (mid 2010)

Hi All,
I need to connect 2 Acer monitors that have both VGA and DVI ports to my MacBook Pro. What's the best way to do that?
Thanks for your help!

hey! Thats normal for notebook! That actually happens to almost all of us - as there are a small fraction of people with two and more thunderbolt displays or with newest rMBP and external multi-monitor setup.

Mini Display to VGA or DVI

have a late 2008 MBP with the mini display port.
I am looking into getting an adapter for it, but have heard stories about some displays and projectors not working with the adapters etc.
It'll mainly be hooked up to a samsung syncmaster T200HD TV (20") that has a whole load of ports, but the only one free is DVI. It will also be brought out to events as a backup machine, so would need to be able to be used!
Which adapter would be better to get, the VGA or DVI? I would probably need to get a second, third party adapter to go to which ever interface the apple adapter doesn't, for maximum compatibility. I can't justify €60 for two adapters....
Any ideas would be great.
Regards

Hello,
I have a weird problem with my Macbook pro 13" bought in sep 09. I have connected my Samsung HDTV 720p via mini display of Macbook pro 13 to DVI adapter n thn DVI to HDMI cable to HDMI port of TV.
When the display cable is unplugged, i am able to surf the internet and watch videos, as soon as I connect the mini display port to macbook pro, iternet freezes.
I even tried to move my macbook far away from the HDTV, but it never helped.
I noticed, macbook was connected to wifi in this situation but internet was not working, even i tried to ping my Netgear wifi router, it could not ping. and turned off the Airport and again turned it on (while the Display cable was connected to HDTV), it was not accepting password for my wifi router.
I dont know what is the problem, i tried all I knew to solve but still helpless.
Anybody please help me get this resolved.

Issues with InFocus 4805 projector?

Hello all,
I am trying to display my 15in MacBook Pro onto my projector screen. Currently I am running the DVI to VGA adaptor (I believe it came with my notebook) into the cable that came with the projector (which I believe is VGA to DVI). When I plug up all the connections all I get on the projector is a series of vertical lines. I'm not sure where to go from here. Any suggestions?
And yes I have pushed the F7 key to recongize the screen.

Monoprice has very reasonably priced DVI cables and the prices are good. For a short length (up to 6 feet), the less expensive 28 gauge ones work just fine.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?cid=102&cpid=10209&style=

VGA vs DVI - What's the real difference?

Hi everyone, quick question. I currently have my 19" LCD display hooked up to my MacBook via the Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter. Here's my question. What is the real image quality difference between VGA and DVI-D connections?
I don't watch videos or do any video editing, so if that's the difference, I don't need it.
Would I notice any additional display sharpness (especially text and pictures) by upgrading to a monitor with a DVI-D input?
Thanks!
Dave

Read the Overview from this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvi
That explain a bit of the benefit of DVI.
I also use my Samsung LCD 19" widescreen with mini DVI to VGA, and so far I'm happy with it, so if you happy with your display color, why bother to spend abnother $19.99 for new adapter.
Good Luck

Will the mini display port to vga adapter work with a 2007 mac book?

will the mini display port to vga adapter work with a 2007 mac book?

I think your Macbook came with a Mini DVI port instead of a Mini Display port.

VGA to DVI to hdmi? For the new Mac Mini.

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.
Can I plug my VGA to DVI adapter into the DVI to HDMI adapter and get video for my monitor? My monitor has no speakers, so audio is irrelevant. I just need video.

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.
One thing I think Apple should seriously consider doing is STOPPING their practice of including an adapter in the box and, instead, giving a free adapter with purchase. That way, they won't be wasting resources (this is the second time I've bought a Mac with an adapter I don't need, and I guarantee there are people who will already have a compatile monitor and won't need the adapter either) and instead will better serve their customers by sending them home with a new Mac that works with the monitor they have.
The Mini is all about bring your own peripherals, right? Well, there are a lot of VGA monitors out there.

Using 23" Cinema Display and VGA to DVI adapter??

I have 4 computers (2 deskop PCs, 1 IBM thinkpad laptop and 1 MAC). I have a DVI switcher. 3 of my PCs work great. My IBM thinkpad (T23) has an old style DVI connector on it that I cannot use (I thought I could until I got the Apple Monitor). I have tried a passive (no power) VGA to DVI adapter...but the monitor just ignores the signal. Do I need to purchase a $299 powered VGA to DVI adapter? I was thinking of looking for a PCMCIA (PC Card) video card with DVI out for my laptop, but havn't found anything when searching via google. Any information would be helpful. Thank you!
PowerMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.5) 23" cinema display

The VGA to DVI adapter sounds like it's just an adapter that re-routes the pins to make the cables connect. The DVI connector can carry both analog and digital signals, so all the adapter would do is make a VGA cable with its analog signal go into a DVI cable that still carries the same analog signal. If that's the case, it won't work with the Apple display since the Apple display doesn't accept an analog VGA input even if you get the cables and adapters to hook it up. So yes, you would need the expensive VGA to DVI "converter" rather than just an "adapter".

Should I use a VGA or DVI connector?

I have recently bought a Samsung 22" LCD SyncMaster 2232BW to add as a second display to my macbook.
I have the choice to hook it up through the VGA or DVI connector. At present im using the apple mini DVI to VGA connector and the quality looks good. I was wondering if I were to swap it over to DVI whether or not I would see an marked improvement.
I would like to know the pro's and cons of both VGA and DVI and whether it's worth swapping my apple VGA connector for the apple mini DVI to DVI and using the DVI cables also supplied with the monitor.
Thanks for any advice you might be able to offer.
Message was edited by: Monkeypuzzle

That's why I love this Discussion Forum: most of the time this first time and somewhat always slightly intimidated Mac owner can get any question I have about my Mac answered.
I just replaced my 19 inch dead lcd with a 22-inch Westinghouse L2210NW. ok, not the most recognizable name in the industry, but specs are good, and price at Best Buy ($229.), I couldn't resist. Bought an additional 3 yr service policy(29.99) figure I'm covered for 4 years-much better than the 14 month old 1 year warranty monitor I just replaced.
wow. Out the box, couldn't be more wow'd. Colors are brilliant, size is huge! This monitor does have DVI>VGA and
I am using the Mac DVI ->VGA adapter/connector. A few reviews I have read about this monitor stated changing to DVI even more impressionable-I can't hardly imagine. SO: Please advise or confirm: I need only replace the cable/vga came with the monitor: out the box it readily plugs into the white adapter at the back of my Mac Mini. So my new DVI cable should plug directly into my Mac, not needing the converter? Can you give me a ball-park figure on what this new cable should cost. And finally, it is worth it?
thanks for any input, and as always, your time!
Sandy

VGA/XVGA/DVI - tech questions

This is not a question about displays as such, but their interconnection. I hope this is a suitable forum.
I want some technical info on the VGA, XVGA, DVI, RGB and the twenty or so other connectors available for displays (including TVs)
Particularly I want to know details about the VGA connector on my iBook. Is VGA a digital output? What is it's resolution? If it's not a digital interface and is simply an RGB signal, why so many (15) pins?
A friend wants me to hook my G4 to his LCD TV and compare the DVD playback from the iBook and his DVD player. His TV manual talks about using an RGB/DVI conversion cable when driving the TV from a Mac. It shows a 15 pin RGB cable (like the connector that comes with the G4), yet the DVI end of the conversion cable has 24 pins.
All very complicated. Can anyone direct me to a site that would have technical specs for VGA & DVI plugs: ie what pin is what.

"what pin is what."
I just Googled for these two links of the pinouts. I'm sure there is a lot more if you want to search.
Patrick
http://www.interfacebus.com/DesignConnector_Digital_Visual_Interface_DVIBus.html
http://www.monitorworld.com/faqpages/q17page.html
G5 DP 2GHz, 23ACD, iBook, AEBS Mac OS X (10.3.7)

VGA vs DVI with regards to projectors

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