high-speed digital connection for visual data types that are display technology
independent. DVI is a display interface developed in response to the proliferation of
digital flat-panel displays. For the most part, these displays are currently connected to
an analog Video Graphics Array (VGA) interface and, thus, require a double
conversion.
The digital signal from the computer must be converted to an analog signal for the
analog VGA interface, then converted back to a digital signal for processing by the
flat-panel display. This inherently inefficient process takes a toll on performance and
video quality and adds cost. In contrast, when a flat-panel display is connected to a
digital interface, no digital-to-analog conversion is required.
DVI uses Silicon Image's PanelLink, a high-speed serial interface that uses Transition
Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) to send data to the monitor. The DFP and
VESA Plug and Display interfaces also use PanelLink. For this reason, DVI can work
with these previous interfaces by using adapter cables (depending on the signal
quality of the adapter.)
DVI also supports the VESA Display Data Channel (DDC) and the Extended Display
Identification Data (EDID) specifications. DDC is a standard communications channel
between the display adapter and monitor. EDID is a standard data format containing
monitor information such as vendor information, monitor timing, maximum image
size, and color characteristics. EDID information is stored in the display and is
communicated over the DDC. EDID and DDC enable the system, display and
graphics adapter to communicate so that the system can be configured to support
specific features available in the display.
DVI Connectors
The DVI connector has 24 pins that can accommodate up to two TMDS links and the
VESA DDC and EDID services. The DVI specification defines two types of connectors
(see Figure 1):
• DVI-Digital (DVI-D) supports digital displays only (used on the
VMIVME-7807/VME-7807RC)
• DVI-Integrated (DVI-I) supports digital displays and is backward compatible
with analog displays (not supported)
The VMIVME-7807/VME-7807RC use the DVI-I connector with a single TMDS link.
The DVI-I interface accommodates a 12- or 24-pin DVI plug connector or a new type
of analog plug connector that uses four additional pins, plus a ground plane plug to
maintain a constant impedance for the analog RGB signals
Dual Head Video
The VMIVME-7807/VME-7807RC are capable of driving two monitors at the same
time using the Intel 855GME GMCH. The graphics controller allows the use of one
digital monitor connected to the VMIACC-0590/ACC-0590RC or VMIACC-0586/
ACC-0586RC RTMs, routed out the rear I/O P2 connector. The second is a standard
SVGA monitor connected to the front panel of the VMIVME-7807/VME-7807RC,
using a standard DB15 connector.
Dual Head Setup Procedure:
1. Boot Windows 2000.
2. In the windows desktop right click.
3. When the menu appears, scroll down to the ‘Graphics Options’ and then click
on ‘Graphics Properties’. The Intel 82852/82855GM/GME graphics controller
properties menu will appear. From this menu you can choose the display mode
of choice.
The monitors can be displayed in several modes:
• Monitor Mode - In this mode only the SVGA monitor is displayed.
• Digital Mode - In this mode only the Digital is displayed.
• Dual Display Clone Mode - In this mode both the SVGA and the Digital
monitors are displayed, with the desktop the same on both monitors.
• Extended Desktop Mode - In this mode the two monitors are displayed as one
desktop.
4. After making your choice click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.
