DVI stands for (D)igital (V)ideo (I)nterface. DVI is a new form of video interface technology made to maximize the quality of flat panel LCD monitors and high- end video graphics cards. It is a replacement for the P&D Plug & Display standard, and a step up from the digital-only DFP format for older flat panels. DVI is becoming increasingly popular with video card manufacturers, and most cards purchased include both a VGA and a DVI output port.
In addition to being used as the new computer interface, DVI is also coming out as the digital transfer method of choice for HDTV, EDTV, Plasma Display, and other ultra-high-end video displays for TV, movies, and DVDs. Likewise, even a few of the top-end DVD players are now featuring DVI outputs in addition to the high-quality analog Component Video. Don't expect to throw away all your old video cables just yet, but keep an eye out for DVI availability in the future.
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