DVI HDMI Adapter

A DVI HDMI adapter is used to connect older home theater equipment with DVI connectors to newer HDTV televisions and projectors which have HDMI connectors.

HDMI is slowly becoming the standard for connecting the latest high quality home theater kit, so an adapter is useful as it provides a bridge between the old and the new.

DVI, which stands for Digital Visual Interface, is a multi-pin connection which can pass standard definition and high definition video signals. DVI connectors pass a video signal in pure digital form and are also used to connect computers to LCD displays.

There are two types of DVI connector, both of which can be used with a DVI HDMI adapter: DVI-D is the type of connection found on home theater equipment and passes only a digital signal; DVI-I, sometimes found on computer video cards passes analog and digital signals.

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a multi-pin connection which passes SDTV, HDTV and multi-channel; audio signals. HDMI has a bandwidth of 5GBps and so is capable of passing high quality video and audio without the need to compress it. HDMI is backwards compatible with DVI, by using a DVI HDMI adapter and signals are encrypted to prevent recording.

Currently, most HDMI equipment carries only two audio channels, although the technology is capable of passing eight channel audio, making it suitable for 7.1 channel surround sound audio.

When choosing a DVI HDMI adapter you should go for a reputable manufacturer and opt for one with gold plated connnectors. This will ensure the highest possible quality signal. After all, there's no point shelling out thousands of dollars for the best home theater equipment and then having your TV or DVD picture degraded by a poor quality adapter.