What is this DVI cable for?

Question

I just bought a new monitor and it came with a DVI cable, it says is optional to hook it up so I didnt. Just wondering what it is for.

Answer 1

It means 'Direct Video Interface':-

The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video interface standard designed to maximize the visual quality of digital display devices such as flat panel LCD computer displays and digital projectors. It was developed by an industry consortium, the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). It is designed primarily for carrying uncompressed digital video data to a display. It is partially compatible with the High-Definition Multimedia Interface standard in digital mode (DVI-D).

From Wikipedia.

Answer 2

It's just another option, thus the "optional" part. Nothing special about it. If your computer has a DVI input it can be used.

From Dell website:

"Using DVI with a flat panel will result in better front of screen performance with crisper and clearer images.
Using a DVI graphics card with a DVI flat panel provides a seamless digital connection - the signal doesn't have to be converted from digital to analog then back to digital again."

Answer 3

DVI is digital video input, which is another way to hook up a video source. DVI can have benefits to video quality, but it is not often noticable to an average user. The good old blue hookup is still effective and compatable with almost any computer.

Answer 4

if u dont have a dvi connection on the back of ur computer dont worry about it. it just provides a sharper picture on larger monitors.

Answer 5

Go here
http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI_Tutorial.htm