What is a DVI?

A example of DVI-I (Dual-Link)

DVI (Stands for "Digital Video Interface") is a video connection standard created by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG), it was introduced in 1999. Most DVI ports support both analog and digital displays. If the display is analog, the DVI connection converts the digital signal to an analog signal. If the display is digital, no conversion is necessary.

DVI sockets are also found on TVs, Blu-ray/DVD players, data projectors and cable and satellite TV boxes. For digital rights management (DRM), DVI supports HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). DVI uses TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) signaling and was designed as a digital replacement for the analog VGA standard.

There are three types of DVI connections:

1) DVI-A (for analog)
2) DVI-D (for digital)
3) DVI-I (integrated, for both analog and digital)

The digital video interface supports high bandwidth signals, over 160 MHz, which means it can be used for high resolution displays such as UXGA and HDTV. You may find DVI ports on video cards in computers as well as on high-end televisions.

Using a DVI connector and port, a digital signal that is sent to an analog monitor is converted into an analog signal. If the monitor is a digital monitor, such as a flat panel display, no conversion is necessary. Many monitors now include a DVI connection and many video adapters include a DVI port along with, or instead of, the traditional 15-pin Video Graphics Array (VGA) port.

References:

• http://techterms.com/definition/dvi 
• http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/DVI-Digital-Visual-Interface
• http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/42144/dvi
• http://e.cdn-hardware.com.br/static/blog/60662-dvi_html_53d3a3e4.jpg.optimized.jpg