DVI to Component Cable

DVI to component cable can be a very useful and convenient gadget for you, which makes it easier to connect your DVD player to an LCD projector or some certain HDTV. But for most of consumers, DVI to component video cable seems too complicated for them to pick the right one. If you are not so familiar with this “high-tech” audio video stuff, you have to look for some helpful information beforehand. Once you obtain the information on how to choose a right DVI component cable, everything will be a lot easier, which is also the main purpose of this article.

When it comes to the conversion between different audio video formats, inevitably you will face a variety of connector options, such as VGA to component cable, HDMI to component cable, scart to component cable and DVI to HDMI cable and the like. Sometimes you would be told that some mentioned cables don’t exist at all. Actually you are not alone. Most consumers would be confused the same like you when they face so much choices. However, once you pick the right one, it offers you a lot of convenience and flexibility to allow you enjoying the greater pleasure you never thought of. So if you do not have one, it is not so late and it is time to consider it now.

Before talking about the DVI component cable, some useful information is added as follows.

The name of DVI (digital video interface) is quite self-explanatory already. DVI is designed for running through digital signal. For example, a video source like PC sends the digitized R, G, B signals through the DVI port to the DVI enabled device such as flat panel, LCD, computer displays and digital projectors. DVI is becoming one of most popular connections today as it provides a higher quality visual experience. What’s more, it provides lower degradation than other traditional analog interface like VGA.

Component signal is composed of three parts, namely 1 part for brightness and 2 parts for color encoding. Component video is a type of analog signal. Component signal uses continuously varying voltages to represent the values of the color signals. A normal component cable is with three RCA or three BNC connectors at one end. In addition, component video supports both standard and high definition signals. However, since HDMI comes out, more and more people prefer HDMI since it has more advantages in HD connection applications.

Since DVI and component is different video formats, it creates a lot of troubles if you want to use them together. For DVI to component cable, there are good news and bad news at the same time. Good news is that DVI component cables do exist. Bad news is that it only works under some certain circumstances. Nevertheless, DVI to component video cable is not exclusively for hooking PC to component enabled display.

If you would like to use such kind of DVI component cable, you have to make sure your devices meet the following requirements. Firstly, the signal format generated from your video source must be in the standard YpbPr component video signal. And it is going through the DVI-I port, which is incompatible with the computer video port and Y, Cr, Cb video. Secondly, if you want to connect the YpbPr Component Video source to your HDTV or PC monitors, please make sure your displays are capable of this job, which is rarely seen in most cases. Thirdly, if you want to plug your computer up to high-definition television, please make sure if the component-out function through its DVI port is available from your graphics cards? Check the manual if you are not sure. Fourthly, even though it provides the component-out function through its DVI port, sometimes it still needs the help of some kind of DVI to component adapter. It is not suitable either in such case.

So, please don’t just grab one DVI to component cable and go when you are buying one online or off line. Read the description carefully. Otherwise in the end you will find that the DVI to component video cable you just bought is not the one you are expecting. It is just a waste of time for you, right? Instead, what you really need is the DVI to component converter.