VGA vs DVI for monitor hookup

is there really a big improvement as some say using a DVI connection over VGA? Ive never seen it so I cant actually compare. I know it is digital over an analog signal, and if it is noticeable I will definitely look into getting a DVI adaptor for if I get a MacBook.

 

DVI transfers a pure digital connection, so unless your source (DVD, etc) is in digital, there cannot be much of a difference at a given resolution.

 

I'm a total noob at this. What things are not considered digital? For instances, games, OS, etc.. do those benefit from DVI?

 

The things you see on the screen are all affected by whether you have a digital or analog connection. Some people claim that a digital connection (DVI) makes everything, especially text, much sharper, while others claim that there is not much of a difference due to advancements in VGA (analog) connections. In the end, try to stick with DVI if using it does not cost more than using VGA.

 

To me the difference is huge. I've used DVI for a long time, and now when I look at a VGA connected Monitor I can tell the difference in clarity very easily. DVI will make everything sharper and more clear. In my mind, it is worth every penny. I wouldn't buy another monitor without a DVI input.

 

You are right mZimm, for external use, seem to be many LCD monitors come with a DVI now, but not all the model. Normally, a bigger screen come with a DVI as well. The effect is better than using analog.

Cheers

 

you wont notice much of a difference...unless of course it is a true dvi connection then there may be some discernable difference.

 

No, everything that comes out of your computer is digital. The advantage DVI has over VGA is twofold.

• DVI avoids the Digital -> Analogue -> Digital conversions you'll get with a VGA connection. Each conversion adds quantization errors to the signal, which equals noise.

• The digital signal between PC and monitor (while using DVI) is less suspect to outside RF interference.

That being said, the VGA inputs on recent LCD monitors do a decent enough job. I'd still go DVI if it's available though.

 

What defines a "True" DVI connection. The one on the Macbook uses a mini DVI, and you have to get an adaptor for it, which is $40cdn.

 

If you're using a monitor with an analog connection, you will notice that if you look very closely, the display is slightly grainy. This is more noticable with analog LCDs, but it is still very noticable with CRTs. A digital connection virutally eliminates this.

 

Still depends very much on the quality of the VGA connection. (VGA output on the vid card, the vga input on the monitor, and *possibly* the cable used too (dunno whether that can make a difference))

But yeah, with DVI, you're pretty much guaranteed good image quality

 

for giggles, I've hooked two of these

http://accessories.gateway.com/Acce...h+LCD_381955/1535870_proddetail.htm?ref=merch

one to DVI and one to VGA and placed them next to each other. The difference was there, but you had to be looking for it to really tell.

My thoughts: if DVI is there, use it if you can do so without spending a lot more, if not, don't worry about it.

 

+1 to that. DVI makes a HUGE difference, especially when it comes to text. A VGA connection in general is much softer/blurrier. You'll want to hook up an external via DVI whenever possible.