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FAQS
1. What is DVI?
There are three types of DVI connectors: DVI-D, DVI-I, and DVI-A.
DVI-D True Digital Video
DVI-D is used for digital connections (like DFP or P&D-D)) between source video (video cards) and digital LCD (or rare CRT) monitors. This provides a faster, higherquality image than with analog, due to the nature of the digital format. All video cards initially produce a digital video signal, which is converted into analog at the VGA output. The analog signal travels to the monitor and is re-converted back into a digital signal. DVI-D eliminates the analog conversion process and improves the connection between source and display. All PureLink DVI cables are DVI-D.
DVI-A – High-Res Analog
DVI-A format is used to carry a DVI signal to an analog display, such as a CRT monitor or HDTV. Although some signal quality is lost from the digital to analog conversion, it still transmits a higher quality picture than standard VGA.
DVI-I – Both DVI-D and DVI-A
DVI-I format is an integrated cable which is capable of transmitting either a digital to-digital signal or an analog-to-analog signal, but it will not work transmitting a digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital signal. DVI-I contains both the digital and analog connections, (DVI-D + DVI-A) , it’s essentially a combination of DVI-D and DVI-A cables within one cable. (female connection on back of video card shown for DVI-I)
Digital and Analog are not Interchangeable
Like any other format, DVI digital and analog formats are non-interchangeable. This means that a DVI-D cable will not work on an analog system, nor a DVI-A on a digital system. Make sure that you know what format each part of your equipment is before you purchase any DVI cables. Only equipment with a DVI port labeled ‘DVI-I’ will accept both a DVI-D and DVI-A source signal
2. What is HDMI?
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, Videogame System, or A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or highdefinition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.
3. What is HDCP?
HDCP stands for High Definition Content Protocol and is a copy protection scheme to eliminate the possibility of capturing content sent digitally from the source to the display. The format is designed by Intel with help of Silicon Image, the company that distributes the chips to enable the scheme, HDCP enables a secure connection between devices such as DVD players and HDTV set-top-boxes using an authentication and key exchange procedure before video and audio is presented. If your video source sends DVI or HDMI signal that is HDCP encrypted, your display must also be HDCP compliant. Otherwise, the signal will result in what we call “sparkles” or snow. All PureLink DVI and HDMI Switching Systems are HDCP compliant. Be sure to check HDCP compliance when you purchase any AV equipment.
4. What is the maximum distance of OC, OBC, OLC and HDX? Why is your competition extending longer?
OC, OBC and HDX can extend up to 330ft.(100m) and OLC can extend up to 5000ft(1500m). The OC, OBC and HDX use copper line for DDC and HDCP communication and this copper line communication limits the distance to 330ft. Whereas, OLC uses virtual DDC technology in which the DDC information is delivered by the programmed memory (VESA standard) inside the transmission connector. OC, OBC and HDX may work for some equipment beyond 330ft if the transmission signal of DDC and HDCP is strong enough. However, we do not generally recommend extension over 330ft for best possible performance in any condition.
Beware of claims made by other manufacturers when it comes to distance. They may tell you they can go further but they may not be testing the highest bandwidth, 1.65 Gbps. The real test is HD content at the highest resolution, not standard TV.
5. Why are PureLink switches more expensive than the competition?
We only use approved / certified components for all our PureLink products and these components are relatively more expensive than lower grade knockoffs. We won’t sacrifice quality over price. There are a few things to consider when making purchasing decisions;
6. Why is OC more expensive than OBC when the cables are longer than 50m?
The fiber optic cable we use for the OC Series is customized just for our product and is not used for any of our competitors. These customized optical cables get expensive over 50 meters because the production quantity is low. On the other hand, OBC uses standard LC cables that are available in various lengths and since these cables are standard, the cost of these cables are relatively lower regardless of cable length.
7. Do the DD-D12 and DD-D15 DVI Distribution Amplifiers work with both computers and AV equipment?
Yes. If it was computer driving the displays, the DDC setting in the front of DD-D15 need to be set up. Please note that the resolution setting of the computer should be set at lower setting of the two displays. For example, if you have 1080i plasma and 1080p projector, you need to set up the computer resolution at lower setting which would be 1080i.
Once display setting is done, at least one display should be configured to be the default display for the computer. To do this, you would TURN ON the pair of DDC dip switches for the display output port. For example, if you want to make the plasma in output port 1 to be the default, the pair of DDC dip switches must be TURNED ON. ALL OTHER DDC dip switches must be turned off. If no DDC is turned on, the computer video card will not detect DDC from the display and thus fail to work. If more than one DDC is turned on, the computer video card will see conflicting display information and video will fail to display
correctly.
For AV sources such as DVD player or set top box, all DDC dip switches must be turned off as AV sources generally do not require DDC information. All of the above is covered in the user manual.
8. Are there any requirements or limitations in OC Series Fiber Optic DVI cable?
Certain DVI sources such as the Evertz video processor and certain scalers do not have 5V coming out of pin#14 of DVI output. This is not in line with DDWG’s DVI specification. Our OC obtains power from the video source’s DVI pin#14 and if this power is not available, OC will not operate properly. For these type of video sources, we recommend using our DVI-G5P adapter(DVI female to DVI female adapter with 5V input) to be used between the video source and OC cable to feed the 5V power. A short copper DVI cable is required to go between DVI-G5P and the video source.
9. Can DVI to HDMI adapters be used at the end of an OC cable so it can feed an HDMI input with video data?
OC cables when used with our DVI to HDMI adapter (HMDF-010, HDMI male to DVI female adapter), both Audio and Video signals will pass through. This means that OC can be used as HDMI cable with adapters for both video and audio.
10. Can the OLC series use a DVI box on one end and an HDMI box on the other end?
No, OLC with DVI at each end must be used. We generally do not recommend OLC for AV equipment as these OLC cables do not pass HDCP. OLC utilizes virtual DDC technology and thus, eliminate the need of copper connection. The virtual DDC is in the OLC transmitter connector and contains all DDC information required for the computer source, and this DDC information is fed directly to the video source.