When deciding the best cable for one's video/audio needs, HDMI cables have rapidly risen in popularity in the last few years over its predecessor, the DVI cable. With changes from analog to high definition and advances in computers, television, and game consoles, the question now is what cable to use for the best reception and performance. The answer, however, is not that cut and dry.

The difference between DVI cable (Digital Visual Interface) and VGA cable is that the DVI is bringing a higher quality picture on flat screen monitors and other output gizmos. This is because the VGA has a digital conversion where the signal has to go from digital to analog and then back to digital, DVI carries a straight digital signal without having to do that conversion. Most televisions and other things come with DVI connection which is what makes the picture better.

The DVI cables are made for three different applications and so there are three different cables you can get depending on your need. DVI-A is analog only, carrying a DVI signal to a analog device, DVI-D is for digital only, taking a DVI signal to digital components, and DVI-I takes DVI signal to analog or digital. DVI can carry audio feed so it doesn't have as wide a range as the HDMI cable.

Choosing HDMI cable over DVI has become the norm for a few reasons. The HDMI has a equal picture quality signal but can run a longer distance without losing that quality, and it's a smaller cable. Plus, like previously said, the HDMI can handle audio signals. HDMI comes in two types, Type A for residential settings having 19 pins, and Type B for commercial high resolution use with 29 pins.

HDMI and video cables like DVI will both produce great results for video quality and each has its own unique specifications. Though both can be interchangeable, there are some things to consider before deciding on which one to use. Regardless of whether one chooses HDMI or DVI cable, both will provide great video quality for today's digital devices.