Talk:Digital Visual Interface

Although DVI is predominantly associated with computers, it is sometimes used in [...] video game consoles... Does any video game console natively output in DVI? The PS3, Xbox 360 (Post-Elite models), and all eighth-generation consoles can output HDMI, and the Dreamcast, PS2, and Xbox 360 have had first-party VGA cables; but none that I know of can output DVI without use of third-party adapters.

1. The DVI Specification only defines two connector types, a digital-only connector and a digital+analog connector, what the page currently refers to as "Dual-Link DVI-D" and "Dual-Link DVI-I". Refer to pages 45-47 in the specification. The other three connector types are not part of it. The current article (and diagram) is misleading, since it suggests that these other configurations are part of the specification, and therefore that you can identify whether a device is dual-link or single-link by looking at the pins. This is incorrect. While you can encounter these other "unofficial" connector configurations in the wild, since they are not part of the spec they are not used universally. Many devices (especially adapters) use the full standard connector ("dual-link" connector) even though they are single-link devices; this is technically following the spec. Some manufacturers may use the unofficial "single-link" connector when the device is only single-link, but it is not a universal convention by any means. This should be made clear in the article and diagram. I propose separating the connector section into two subsections, one describing the official connectors defined in the specification, and a separate section describing what other "unofficial" pin configurations have been used in the industry.
2. There are no official names for the different DVI ports and connectors. The terms "DVI-D", "DVI-I", etc. are not established by the DVI specification. They are simply used in the industry by convention. The wording of the article should make this clear.
3. The DVI specification does not define any maximum bandwidth limit. The only limitation it specifies is that any formats requiring higher than 165 MHz TMDS clock must use the dual-link operation. This means DVI is limited to 165 MHz TMDS or below when operating in single-link mode. However, it does not mean "the maximum allowed on each link is 165 MHz, therefore with two links the max is 330 MHz". This is incorrect. Links are allowed to surpass 165 MHz, as long as the connection is operating in dual-link mode, the 165 MHz TMDS clock limit only applies when operating in single-link mode. The DVI specification clarifies this specifically on page 13:

"The single link only mode must be used for 25MHz to 165MHz T.M.D.S clock operation and the first link can operate at above 165MHz T.M.D.S clock only in the case of the total bandwidth requirement surpassing 330MHz T.M.D.S clock."

In practice DVI is generally only implemented on systems requiring ≈330–350 Mpx/s or less, but this is not a limitation imposed by the DVI specification; technically no upper limit is defined for the dual-link mode of operation. This article should be worded to reflect this.

I can make all the changes myself, I just wanted to post a notice here in advance, so any disagreement can be voiced first. GlenwingKyros (talk) 21:02, 24 February 2019 (UTC)

What kind of port is this??

Victor Grigas (talk) 14:10, 6 March 2026 (UTC)