To connect a monitor to a computer, one of the currently existing interfaces (DVI, D-SUB (VGS), HDMI, DispleyPort) can be used, depending on which one is on the monitor. To figure out which one is better to use, you can only understand how they differ.
VGA input (D-SUB 15)
One of the first interfaces for communication between a computer and a monitor, which transmits an analog signal in RGB color together with horizontal and vertical frequency signals. This interface was designed for use with cathode ray tube monitors. The connector is predominantly blue and has 15 pins arranged in three rows. Each row is offset with respect to its neighbors so that the contacts are staggered. The connector body is trapezoidal in order not to confuse the orientation of the mating connector when connected. The connector is named D-SUB, while VGA determines the signal format. This output can be found in LCD monitors, but in terms of efficiency it is inferior to digital ones.
DVI input
The digital input of the monitor, which was developed already for flat-panel monitors with matrices, in which each pixel is represented by a separate fixed element. The connector is rectangular with beveled corners on one side and two separate contact groups. The main group is 24 contacts located on 3 rows, the smaller group is 4 contacts located at the side and separated by a slot, which is also a lock.
The DVI input is designed to receive a digital signal from a video card. It is hardly possible to meet a CRT monitor with DVI input. The interface was originally developed specifically for use in LCD monitors, plasmas and other similar devices, where it is possible to transfer the signal from the video card to the matrix without additional transformations. In order not to confuse and not to insert the connector of the connecting wire on the wrong side, bevels are provided on one side of the connector and an additional slot is a lock to the side of the main group of contacts.
The DVI connector can also carry an analog signal (DVI-A, DVI-I). There are separate wires and adapters for each of the possible connections. It is important not to confuse them when connecting.
HDMI input
A connector that appeared in the course of the further development of digital interfaces for monitors and other multimedia equipment. The main feature of this input is the ability to transmit not only digital video signal, but also sound. The connector itself is flat, rectangular, inside of which there is a tongue with contact pads on both sides. To orient the mating connector on the connecting cable, characteristic bevels are provided on one side of the connector. In this case, the bevels are not straight, but slightly rounded, concave towards the inside of the connector.
Using the HDMI interface, you can connect multiple monitors at once or combine a monitor and, for example, a home theater.
DisplayPort input
The connector was invented for a format almost similar to HDMI, the data transfer rates and the shape of the connector are slightly different. Its shape is rectangular and flat. The lock is chamfered corners on one of the short sides. Externally, the connectors of the last two types are the same in size, but the presence of completely different locks will not allow them to be confused and insert a connecting wire of the wrong format.
