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Audio Video FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Audio Video Products

How do I convert VGA to S-Video?

Unfortunately, there is no single cable or adapter that can connect an older Computer to a TV. In order to accomplish this, you need a scan converter capable of converting the output signal from the VGA port of a computer to the S-Video or Composite video ports found on most video projectors and televisions.

I have a computer with a single video card and would like to connect 2 monitors, creating a dual-display to increase the area available for computer programs running on the computer. Is this something that is available?

Although you can purchase video splitters for VGA, DVI, and HDMI, these splitters will only display a duplicate image on multiple monitors. There are ways to accomplish this however:

Install a second video card in your computer in order to connect the second monitor independently.

Replace the current video card with a newer model that features two video outputs and supports DualDisplay.

What is a VGA cable?

A VGA cable is used to connect an analog PC monitor to a PC or laptop. VGA cables utilize an HD15 connector (male or female depending on the equipment being attached) to connect the monitor and PC/laptop.

What is Digital Signage and where is it used?

Digital Signage is a rapidly-growing industry of digital signs designed to inform, entertain, or market to people that pass by them. You can see these signs in malls, airports, large retail stores, and a host of other places. Digital signs have many advantages over static signs. Digital signs can be easily and quickly changed by a nearby or remote computer, so you don't need to have an employee put up a new sign with every change. Digital signs are sharp and modern looking. They make your business seem more modern and cutting-edge. Digital signs grab people's attention much better than static signs do. Digital signs can even be set up to be interactive, allowing customers to push buttons on the screen

What is HDMI?

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is an interface for the connection of audio and video equipment and has a maximum resolution HDTV 720p and 1080p. It is the first industry supported, uncompressed, all digital audio/video interface. HDMI is also backwards compatible with DVI-D, however, it is not backwards compatible with DVI-I, DVI-A or HD15 (SVGA).

What is the max length of DVI cable assemblies?

The maximum length that an DVI-D signal can travel over a single cable is 5 meters. If you wish to push the signal further than 5m, then you will need to employ the use of a DVI Extender.

What is the max length of HDMI cable assemblies?

The maximum length that an HDMI signal can travel over a single 28 AWG cable is 5 meters. If you wish to push the signal further than 5m, then you will need to employ the use of an HDMI Extender.

How do I distinguish between various DVI configurations?

What is the difference between DVI single link and dual link?

When do you use Plenum Cable?

What are the most commonly used video signal transmission methods?

What is a KVM Switch? Why do I need one?

What are the major digital interfaces?

What are some of the common interfaces found on video monitor cables assemblies?

Some of the common interfaces found on Video Monitor cables are HD15, EVC, DVI-D, DB9, 13W3, and BNC.

What does the term “composite sync” stand for?

The term "composite sync" stands for a combination of horizontal and vertical sync pulses.

What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth is a term used to describe the difference between the upper and lower useable limits of a band of frequencies.

What does DDC stand for?

DDC stands for Data Display Channel which is the standard that defines communications between a monitor and a host system.

What is the difference between analog and digital signals?

An analog signal is one that continuously varies up and down in amplitude while a digital signal is a signal that is either on or off.

What does the term baseband stand for?

The term baseband stands for the unmodulated video or audio signal with an exclusive transmission path.

What does SVGA stand for?

SVGA is an acronym for Super Video Graphics Array.

What is EVC?

EVC is an Enhanced Video Connection as established by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) as a new standard for advanced high bandwidth/high resolution monitors.

What is a Video Splitter?

A video splitter, also known as a video distribution amplifier, enables the video signal from a single video source to be replicated and simultaneously broadcasted to multiple displays. The unit's input is connected to a video source, like a DVD player, and the outputs are connected to different displays, such as flat screen TVs.

Video splitter models vary in the type of signals they broadcast. Some video splitters support an analog signal (VGA, S-Video, component video, composite video), while other video splitters support a digital signal (HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort). Many video splitters also support analog and/or digital audio signals.

Video splitters are ideal for many applications where high quality video on multiple displays is needed, including: digital signage, tradeshows, point-of-sale retail stores, airports, and classrooms.

What is the difference between a standard Video Splitter and a Video Splitter with a built-in extender?

There are two main types of video splitters: standard video splitters and video splitters/extenders (also known as video splitters with built-in CATx or fiber optic extension). With a standard video splitter, the video source and displays directly connect to the splitter. A video splitter/extender system, on the other hand, consists of two components: the video broadcast unit, which connects to the video source, and a receiver for each remote display. The units are interconnected by CATx cable or fiber optic cable, depending on the model.

Both types of splitters serve the same function of replicating the video signal from a video source and broadcasting the signal to multiple displays. However, video splitters/extenders offer more flexibility because the displays can be located at further distances - allowing the displays to be placed in different rooms within a building.

What is EDID?

Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is a VESA-standardized data structure provided by a display (VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort) and is used to describe its identity and capabilities to a connected source. The EDID of a display includes the manufacturer’s name and serial number, product type, timing data supported by the display, display size, luminance data, pixel mapping (for digital displays only), and more.

EDID simplifies the process of setting up and optimizing displays. The connected video sources read the displays’ EDID information and automatically generate the compatible output. This eliminates the need for a user to manually configure each display.

What is HDCP?

High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection: Created by Intel, HDCP is used with HDTV signals over DVI and HDMI connections. HDCP is embedded into most commercial digital video content, so all transport and display devices must support it in order to display the video. Analog video cannot support HDCP, so most HDCP-encrypted video signals can only be displayed at lower resolutions on analog displays (see Analog Sunset). HDCP “Key System Vectors” (KSV) or “keys” control the number of display devices that can display a single HDCP-encrypted video stream.

What is 4K?

4K is a new high-definition video resolution standard allowing about four times the resolution of 1080p signals. This equates to up to 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz. Formerly only used for digital projection in theaters, it is becoming a new standard for home theater displays as well.