HDMI vs DVI - Which is Better?

Are you looking out to buy a DVD player/TV/home theatre? Then you are probably worrying about HDMI Vs DVI questions: which is better? Are they compatible? HDMI Vs DVI, which should I opt?

Which is better? HDMI or DVI?

Let's first understand what they are. Both of them are standards for carrying digital signals between a source like your set top box or Blu-ray disc player and your TV. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which connects like USB, is a licensable audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed, encrypted digital streams. HDMI was derived from DVI. It has more bandwidth capability (5Gbps to 10Gbps). Unlike DVI, which needs a separate cable to carry audio, HDMI uses a single cable for video and audio making the cabling less bulky. Not just that, HDMI cables can go up to 15m length, giving you the flexibility to design your living room.

HDMI supports automatic screen format conversion. It can automatically convert a picture into its most appropriate format, such as a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios. HDMI produces pictures that are sharper and smoother (up to 1080pi resolution). Though DVI can produce similar picture quality, HDMI betters it in audio.

Are HDMI and DVI compatible?

HDMI is fully'backward'compatible with DVI. For example, if you have a DVD player with a DVI connection and a HDMI LCD TV, it works. All you need is a HDMI/DVI adapter. But some HDMI features will be lost if you use an adapter like automatic screen format conversion and universal remote control.

HDMI Vs DVI

If you are buying both HDTV and a video player like Blu-ray Disc player, I suggest you go for HDMI for both. You can free up your living room of messy cables that you find in other home theatres. You can use a single remote to operate all the devices connected and it provides the best video and audio. But if you already have one of a DVI source or DVI TV and then just go for a DVI for the other one as well because going for HDMI does not increase the overall quality of experience.

Overall, I recommend HDMI because it gives you better quality of video and audio, has lesser cables and gives you the universal remote control. Add the DRM (Digital Rights Management) angle to it, HDMI may well be the standard in days to come.

Sean Lee is an editor of High quality HDMI Cables Website.