How important is DVI on LCD monitor?

[Robinzxp]

Hi, I been checking out some LCD prices lately and I found some really good deals! I think spec looks good (I'm new to LCD so maybe i'm wrong) with 3 year warrenty! but I found it's only got analogue interface. I'm guessing this means no digital, DVI connector which some guide seems to really insiste.

So I was wondering if someone here who knows bit about LCD give me little help on this matter. Is DVI really important when buying LCD monitor, and what is wrong with analogue interface ?

I use my PC for gaming and watching movies, and doing other normal computer stuff just incase someone was wondering about it.

Just incase anyone is interested which monitor I was looking at, it's one of these. They're all made by same company.

First choice
http://ebuyer.com/UK/product/115013

Or maybe I might get one of these.
http://ebuyer.com/UK/product/78604
http://ebuyer.com/UK/product/113266

Thank for help in advance!

[Robinzxp]

I just noticed all the cheap ones doens't seems to have DVI, does it really make noticeable difference?
Also just wanna check 8ms is enough for gaming or watching movie without getting ghost effects. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks

[Malakai1911]

DVI presents a digital, pixel perfect transmission of data from PC to monitor.

With a dual-input monitor, you can switch from DVI to VGA and take a look at the difference. It is noticible.

I'd only buy a DVI monitor. And 8ms is fine for gaming... it all depends on how accurate that is, but I game on my 8ms monitor and its killer.

I have a NEC MultiSync LCD1770GX-BK 17" with DVI (8ms response, 1280x1024 resolution, 4 port powered USB 2.0 hub) and I love it.

[Robinzxp]

Thanks for reply. I think DVI ones might be out of my price range so I was wondering exactly what noticeable means. Would that be like quality of screen? e.g image looks more crisp and vibrant? or something else?

[shawners]

DVI is important.. But why xbox 360 doesnt support it is beyond me. Get it with DVI if you can, more stuff will later be implemented with it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVI

[Robinzxp]

Thanks for replies. I'm starting to get clearer idea on this matter. However I'm still not sure what kind of difference I'll have on DVI compared with analog. I'm kind of thinking if difference isn't too big I'll get LCD with analog connector and buy DVI in about 2 years time when price would be down more.

[Lord_of_the_Dense]

Dunno if this DVI is unique compared to the video DVI that you get watching television. My guess is not, and therefore I would call this a somewhat dated technology. Then again, PCs dont really require the audio down the same cable (HDMI) so maybe I should let this thread take its course and learn something.

[Robinzxp]

http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/4520-3174_7-5136369.html?part=ecoustics-cnet

"Analog signal processing has improved to the point where major differences in image quality can be difficult to detect."

That's what cnet say about quality of DVI vs VGA. They also say

"Unless you're a pro photographer, a prepress professional, or someone else who needs superprecise, top-notch image quality, you should be fine using a CRT or an LCD on an analog signal."

So I'm guessing for gaming I won't notice big different on VGA LCD ? Anyone disagree on this?

[Malakai1911]

I dont care how good analog signal processing is, I'll never go back to VGA after switching to DVI.

For gaming, wont matter much.

[eivioolla]

I use my PC for gaming and watching movies, and doing other normal computer stuff just incase someone was wondering about it.

For competitive gaming, LCD is not a good choice, but if you only play for fun, it shouldn't matter.

[DigitalJunkie]

Since you also watch videos, check your video card first. If you don't have DVI output on the video card, you won't be able to use it anyway!

[Jau_Peacecraft]

me friend basically told me there is little to no difference when I was buying an LCD, but then again it mightve been because this setup im using now has a less thna great graphics card. Although about 2 weeks after I got this one (samsung synmaster 740n 17inch), I saw a newegg sale on a DVI capable one :(. I might buy another lcd whenever i get to building my own comp from scratch, after of course geting the customized pre-assembled one in a few weeks.

[SuperRoach]

In general:

LCD: More Expensive, Larger, Most Common currently, Some ghosting, only 6bit colour. No EM Radiation, so great for long periods of use.
CRT / Normal monitor: Big footprint, excellent colour reproduction, limited size choices. EM Radiation, bad for eyesight after long amount of use.

DVI gives you a digital signal. The best way to describe this would be that an analogue signal, gives you circles or blobs for each pixel from your graphics card - A dvi connection gives you squares. This gives a much sharper image, and you can tell it for text.

[smith100]

it all so helps if you got a high deftinsion out let on you pc ,other wise west of money

[Robinzxp]

Hi, I'm just popping in to say I ended up buying "LG 'Top Of The Range' M1917TM 19""

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=22003658310&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X3Jldmlld3M=&product_uid=114910

It seens to be best feature, spec / price.

It is DVI monitor and now I can use my old CRT monitor with this and use it as duel screen!

Thanks for advices everyone!

[SuperRoach]

Congrats on the purchase.