jjgasp
11-19-2002, 08:34 PM
Where can I buy a DVI cable (and exactly what type DVI cable) for connecting a Samsung SITR-160 box to a Samsung HLM507W ?
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View Full Version : Buying a DVI cable
LeeS
11-19-2002, 10:02 PM
I don't know much about DVI or the cables but since my set has a DVI input I though I would do a search on the net.
DVI Cables (http://www.national-tech.com/catalog/dvivideocable.htm)
There seem to be lots of choices. I'd be checking my owner's manual.
My Toshiba manual states:
You will need one DVI-D digital single link cable. The cable length should not exceed 3m (9.8ft). The recommended length is 2m (6.6ft).
CAUTION To ensure that the DVI/HDCP device is reset properly, it is recommended that you follow these procedures:
When turning on your electronic components, turn on the TV first, and then the DVI/HDCP device.
When turning off your electronic components, turn off the DVI/HDCP device first, and then the TV.
I'm sure we have experts here that can explain exactly what it all means.
Good Luck,
Lee
DVI Cables (http://www.national-tech.com/catalog/dvivideocable.htm)
There seem to be lots of choices. I'd be checking my owner's manual.
My Toshiba manual states:
You will need one DVI-D digital single link cable. The cable length should not exceed 3m (9.8ft). The recommended length is 2m (6.6ft).
CAUTION To ensure that the DVI/HDCP device is reset properly, it is recommended that you follow these procedures:
When turning on your electronic components, turn on the TV first, and then the DVI/HDCP device.
When turning off your electronic components, turn off the DVI/HDCP device first, and then the TV.
I'm sure we have experts here that can explain exactly what it all means.
Good Luck,
Lee
57U
11-19-2002, 11:47 PM
Seems weird to have a length limit on a digital cable. I thought one of advantages of a digital cable was to have "essentially no" losses. If you're limited to 9', what do the people do who have their STBs across the room from the TV (like me)? Not that I'm worried about that, I don't have a DVI input, but my current cable run is 25'. I noted that the longest "D" cable was 5m (16').
LeeS
11-20-2002, 12:28 AM
Here's another link that explains DVI Connectors and Cables (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_monitor_cables.html) in more detail. Lots of other links too.
Lee
Lee
57U
11-20-2002, 12:48 AM
Lee, thanks for the links. Hope you don't mind, I'm going to borrow those links and put them in the FAQ section (credit will be yours.)
LeeS
11-21-2002, 10:51 AM
I'm learing alot from this site, glad to be able to contribute.
Thanks,
Lee
Thanks,
Lee
Cucumber1949
01-23-2003, 03:33 PM
Their are three primary types of DVI cables -
DVI-D (digital)
DVI-A (analog)
DVI-I (will work for both digital and analog)
Then there are single link and double link configurations within each of the above.
If you are using DVI-D, then the practical limit is about 15 feet. Analog can go much further.
The DVI used for receiver-to-monitor connections is usually a DVI-D cable, male connectors on both ends, single link. I've used this on both a Samsung 160 receiver and a Zenith Sat520 box.
DVI-D (digital)
DVI-A (analog)
DVI-I (will work for both digital and analog)
Then there are single link and double link configurations within each of the above.
If you are using DVI-D, then the practical limit is about 15 feet. Analog can go much further.
The DVI used for receiver-to-monitor connections is usually a DVI-D cable, male connectors on both ends, single link. I've used this on both a Samsung 160 receiver and a Zenith Sat520 box.
jjgasp
01-24-2003, 08:38 AM
Gentleman,
Is there any advantage to using a dual-link DVI cable rather than a single-link DVI cable? My television (Samsung HLM507W) and HD-receiver (Samsung SIR-T160) have connectors for a dual-link cable, yet were supplied with a single-link cable.
Is there any advantage to using a dual-link DVI cable rather than a single-link DVI cable? My television (Samsung HLM507W) and HD-receiver (Samsung SIR-T160) have connectors for a dual-link cable, yet were supplied with a single-link cable.
Animalism
01-25-2003, 08:32 PM
JJ,
I would encourage you check monstercable.com for a DVI cable. They have a small selection, but monstercable is worth every penny.
I would encourage you check monstercable.com for a DVI cable. They have a small selection, but monstercable is worth every penny.
billw
01-27-2003, 11:31 AM
can someone explain single link and dual link?
gmallen
03-02-2003, 01:33 PM
Can't agree with the comment about Monster Cable being worth the money. Double-blind studies have shown that "golden ears" cannot tell the difference between high-end cable and ordinary wiring. A good 3 meter DVI-D single link costs about $20 US, while a 2 meter Monster is $99 US. Both must meet defined standards. Cheers.
kidslice
03-04-2003, 06:55 AM
Single Link and Dual Link....
Simply put..single link uses a single twisted pair for each color space (i.e. RGB), whereas dual link uses 2 twisted pair for each color space. A dual link transmitter has the ability to break up the RGB components such that it can send every other 10-bit color space on a different link, thus increasing the bandwidth. The 1st link transmits the odd pixels, the second link transmits the even pixels.
1080i does not require a dual link. If and when we see 1080p, a dual link may be required, but I have not done the math yet to see if that is true.
As far as cable length, HDCP is the big showstopper. The longer the cable the longer the delay, which may cause the verification (R') values to get out of sink, which causes "snow" due to the fact that the DTV is not able to decrypt the content. And do not even think about DVI repeaters. These things really mess up HDCP.
The issue that LeeS brought up is caused by certain DTV makers not following the HDCP/DVI rules properly. The DVI transmitter is looking for a HPD in order to know when to start/stop HDCP. Some DTVs are not taking their HPD line low when they power off/on, yet they are powering off/on the HDCP circuits. The problem is that the transmitter still thinks the DTV is powered on and the transmitter keeps computing the verification value (R'). After time, the transmitter is not able to authenticate the DTV and transitions to an unauthenticated state, thus killing the link. When the DTV powers on, the transmitter never knows because the DTV does not take HPD high. Thus everything gets out of sink and you need to power cycle the whole set-up. HDCP is a nightmare. One only hopes that it goes away and never gets used.
Simply put..single link uses a single twisted pair for each color space (i.e. RGB), whereas dual link uses 2 twisted pair for each color space. A dual link transmitter has the ability to break up the RGB components such that it can send every other 10-bit color space on a different link, thus increasing the bandwidth. The 1st link transmits the odd pixels, the second link transmits the even pixels.
1080i does not require a dual link. If and when we see 1080p, a dual link may be required, but I have not done the math yet to see if that is true.
As far as cable length, HDCP is the big showstopper. The longer the cable the longer the delay, which may cause the verification (R') values to get out of sink, which causes "snow" due to the fact that the DTV is not able to decrypt the content. And do not even think about DVI repeaters. These things really mess up HDCP.
The issue that LeeS brought up is caused by certain DTV makers not following the HDCP/DVI rules properly. The DVI transmitter is looking for a HPD in order to know when to start/stop HDCP. Some DTVs are not taking their HPD line low when they power off/on, yet they are powering off/on the HDCP circuits. The problem is that the transmitter still thinks the DTV is powered on and the transmitter keeps computing the verification value (R'). After time, the transmitter is not able to authenticate the DTV and transitions to an unauthenticated state, thus killing the link. When the DTV powers on, the transmitter never knows because the DTV does not take HPD high. Thus everything gets out of sink and you need to power cycle the whole set-up. HDCP is a nightmare. One only hopes that it goes away and never gets used.
irish1
07-23-2003, 01:05 AM
I bought a $18 DVI cable and works like a charm. I was tempted by the monster cable, but the monster price of $99 proved its undoing.
kidslice
07-24-2003, 08:59 PM
Irish1, people should learn from you!!!! Monster Cables are a rip!!!!
I have a lab full of every combination of DVI stuff and not a single piece of Monster Cable anywhere. I have RF and EMF out the wazoooo, and everything works great. As I mentioned length is important and the best cable in the world is not going to help when the cable gets too long, basic physics my dear people. Save the money for something else.
I have a lab full of every combination of DVI stuff and not a single piece of Monster Cable anywhere. I have RF and EMF out the wazoooo, and everything works great. As I mentioned length is important and the best cable in the world is not going to help when the cable gets too long, basic physics my dear people. Save the money for something else.
Jester
07-25-2003, 07:47 AM
57U,
When you are ready to switch to a DVI connection, you might be able to use a fiberoptic cable instead of copper. It's not cheap, but it should overcome the timing problems that lead to HDCP failing.
You can find some here: Pacific Cable (http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI_Extension_Cables.htm)
When you are ready to switch to a DVI connection, you might be able to use a fiberoptic cable instead of copper. It's not cheap, but it should overcome the timing problems that lead to HDCP failing.
You can find some here: Pacific Cable (http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI_Extension_Cables.htm)
57U
07-25-2003, 08:24 AM
Jester, your post must have been intended for someone else....
Jester
07-25-2003, 12:26 PM
Actually, I was posting to this comment you made back in November:
Seems weird to have a length limit on a digital cable. I thought one of advantages of a digital cable was to have "essentially no" losses. If you're limited to 9', what do the people do who have their STBs across the room from the TV (like me)? Not that I'm worried about that, I don't have a DVI input, but my current cable run is 25'. I noted that the longest "D" cable was 5m (16').
I just stumbled across the cables... thought they might interest you...
Seems weird to have a length limit on a digital cable. I thought one of advantages of a digital cable was to have "essentially no" losses. If you're limited to 9', what do the people do who have their STBs across the room from the TV (like me)? Not that I'm worried about that, I don't have a DVI input, but my current cable run is 25'. I noted that the longest "D" cable was 5m (16').
I just stumbled across the cables... thought they might interest you...
57U
07-25-2003, 01:43 PM
Thanks, could be useful for others. I don't have anything with DVI...
kidslice
07-27-2003, 07:55 AM
I am skeptical about the fiber helping out any with length. The electrical to optical conversions may introduce some delays that deminish the value-add you may get from going to light. The HDCP timing is very tight and the slightest slip turns everthing to mush. I should order some fiber and try it out.
