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HDMI to DVI Cable: Compatibility, Audio, and Troubleshooting

An HDMI-to-DVI cable carries video between compatible ports but not audio. Here is what to check before buying and how to troubleshoot it.
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An HDMI-to-DVI cable can carry video between a compatible HDMI port and a compatible DVI port, but it will not carry sound. Sony’s support documentation states it plainly (article updated 2024-02-01): “A DVI cable only supports digital video, not audio.” If you need audio, plan a separate connection. The resolution and refresh rate you get depend on both devices, not on the cable alone.

Will an HDMI-to-DVI cable carry audio?

No, not in the setups described by manufacturers. Sony says DVI supports digital video but not audio, while HDMI supports both. Philips’ instructions for connecting a DVI device to its listed TV models call for a separate cable from the DVI device’s audio output to the TV’s audio input. Samsung’s display manual adds a model-specific caveat for its HDMI-DVI connection mode on audio.

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So if the picture works but the speakers stay silent, that is expected behavior, not a fault. Route audio another way using ports that both the source and the display actually have, such as a separate audio cable from the source to the display or to external speakers.

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On a Windows PC, HP’s guidance notes that the correct sound output selection can depend on whether the display is connected through DVI and has a DVI audio input. Check the playback device setting in Windows after connecting.

#1 Best Overall
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable, Bi-Directional 1080P, Gold-Plated Connectors, 3 ft/0.9 m, Black
  • IN THE BOX: (1) 3-foot HDMI to DVI cable adapts an HDMI (input) to a DVI (output)
  • DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Works with all HDMI or DVI-D 24+1 equipped devices, also compatible with DVI-I 24+5 equipped devices It cannot support 4K/60 Hz(UHD)
  • EASY CONNECTION: Bi-directional cable connects HDMI-equipped devices or connects DVI-equipped devices to HDMI-enabled devices
  • DURABLE DESIGN: Gold-plated connectors deliver optimal conductivity; net jacket offers an extra layer of protection

Check before you buy

The search term that matches what you need is “HDMI to DVI-D cable.” Before ordering, work through these points:

  • Which device has which port. Confirm which device has HDMI and which has DVI, so the cable ends match.
  • DVI port type. Check the DVI connector and configuration in each device’s manual. The available manufacturer sources do not establish pin or configuration compatibility for an unspecified pair of devices.
  • Supported modes. Look up the resolutions and refresh rates each device supports over this kind of link. Samsung’s manual lists example supported modes for its display and warns that the optimum resolution may not be available through HDMI-DVI. Those limits apply to that display, not to every device.
  • Audio ports. If you need sound, confirm both devices have compatible audio ports.
  • Direct link or conversion. A passive cable is a direct video link. Active converters or audio extractors are worth considering only after you have identified a specific incompatibility that a plain cable cannot solve.

If both devices have HDMI ports, Samsung’s manual recommends HDMI-to-HDMI for better picture and audio quality.

Rank #2
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable, Bi-Directional 1080P, Gold-Plated, 6 ft/1.8 m, Easy to Install, Black
  • IN THE BOX: (1) 6-foot HDMI to DVI cable adapts an HDMI (input) to a DVI (output)
  • DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Works with all HDMI or DVI-D 24+1 equipped devices, also compatible with DVI-I 24+5 equipped devices It cannot support 4K/60 Hz(UHD)
  • EASY CONNECTION: Bi-directional cable connects HDMI-equipped devices or connects DVI-equipped devices to HDMI-enabled devices
  • DURABLE DESIGN: Gold-plated connectors deliver optimal conductivity; net jacket offers an extra layer of protection

Setting it up

  1. Power on both devices and connect the cable firmly at both ends.
  2. On the display, select the input that matches the port you used. HP gives the same advice for connected displays.
  3. Set the source to a resolution listed as supported in the display’s manual.
  4. Connect separate audio if you need it.

Troubleshooting

No picture, or a picture that drops out

TCL’s troubleshooting guidance suggests these steps:

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  • Check that both devices are powered on.
  • Reseat the cable at both ends.
  • Power reset both devices.
  • Try another input on the display and another cable.
  • While diagnosing, remove receivers, switches, or splitters from the chain and connect directly.

Black bars or wrong picture size

Check the source’s resolution and aspect-ratio settings and the display’s picture-size setting. TCL lists 720p and 1080i as settings to try in its troubleshooting steps. These are examples for its TVs, not a universal fix.

Rank #3
Capshi HDMI to DVI-D 24+1 Adapter Cable 6ft Bi-Directional
  • Note: Please distinguish between DVI - D and DVI - I. DVI - D usually has a 24+1 pin configuration and is a digital - only interface, solely designed to transmit digital signals. DVI - I, with a 24+5 pin configuration, can handle both digital and analog signals due to its more complex layout. When connecting our product to a DVI - I interface, only digital signals can be transmitted.
  • HD 1080P Plug-and-play: Supports resolutions at 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200 and 1080p for high resolution LCD and LED monitors, HDMI DVI cable is the same DVI TO HDMI cable, dvi to hdmi adapeter , hdmi to dvi adapter, dvi-d to hdmi
  • Wide Adaptation: Capshi HDMI to DVI 6 feet cable connects a DVI-equipped computer graphics card devices such as Laptop, Desktop, to your HDMI-equipped HDTV, Display, Monitor or Projector or Connect an HDMI source device.Perfect for all HDMI enabled devices such as TV's, Monitors, Computers, PS3, PS4,One/360, or Nintendo Wii to a monitor with DVI-D input
  • Strong anti-interference: 24K Gold-plated full metal connectors (corrosion-resistant) and oxygen free copper lines ensure a maximum signal quality,Reinforced Nylon braid and the dvi hdmi cable Aluminum foil ensure a stable signal transmission between devices; the hdmi dvi cable protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), HDMI DVI cable is the same DVI TO HDMI cable, dvi to hdmi adapeter , hdmi to dvi adapter, dvi-d to hdmi
  • Excellent Construction: Gold-plated connectors and molded strain relief for durability, withstand multi times of plug and unplug; finger-tightened screws for a secure DVI connection; HDMI DVI cable is the same DVI TO HDMI cable, dvi to hdmi adapeter , hdmi to dvi adapter, dvi-d to hdmi

Picture but no sound

See the audio section above: the DVI side cannot supply it, so a separate audio path is required.

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What the sources do not settle

None of the cited manufacturer pages establish the maximum resolution, refresh rate, or HDCP behavior for a specific pair of devices. Find both model numbers and check their manuals. This article is based on manufacturer documentation from Sony, Philips, Samsung, HP, and TCL, not on hands-on testing.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable, Bi-Directional 1080P, Gold-Plated Connectors, 3 ft/0.9 m, Black
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable, Bi-Directional 1080P, Gold-Plated Connectors, 3 ft/0.9 m, Black
IN THE BOX: (1) 3-foot HDMI to DVI cable adapts an HDMI (input) to a DVI (output)
$7.19
Bestseller No. 2
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable, Bi-Directional 1080P, Gold-Plated, 6 ft/1.8 m, Easy to Install, Black
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable, Bi-Directional 1080P, Gold-Plated, 6 ft/1.8 m, Easy to Install, Black
IN THE BOX: (1) 6-foot HDMI to DVI cable adapts an HDMI (input) to a DVI (output)
$6.52
Bestseller No. 5
Rankie HDMI to DVI Cable, Male to Male CL3 Rated High Speed Bi-Directional, 6 Feet (Black)
Rankie HDMI to DVI Cable, Male to Male CL3 Rated High Speed Bi-Directional, 6 Feet (Black)
Supports resolutions up to 1920x1200 or 1080P for high resolution LCD and LED monitors
$4.99
Best Value
Rankie HDMI to DVI Cable, Male to Male CL3 Rated High Speed Bi-Directional, 6 Feet (Black)
  • The 6 feet bi-directional HDMI to DVI cable transmits DVI sources to HDTVs or monitors with HDMI input; or from HDMI source devices to monitors with DVI input
  • The combination of gold-plated connectors and bare copper conductors provides superior cable performance and static-free video transmission
  • Supports resolutions up to 1920x1200 or 1080P for high resolution LCD and LED monitors
  • The strain-relief connectors are durable and easy to plug and unplug. The finger-tightened screws provide secure connection
  • Foil & braid shielding minimize crosstalk, suppress noise, and protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). customer service from Rankie
Rank #4
QINGLER HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable Bi-Directional DVI-D Male to HDMI 6FT
  • 【Bi-directional adapter】This DVI to HDMI adapter support bi-Directional transmission, great for connecting from a device with DVI port to a monitor, HDTV or projector with HDMI port, or connecting HDMI equipped devices to DVI equipped devices. Note: Please select the correct signal source: DVI signal source or HDMI signal source, incorrect signal source will cause the cable cannot work and the monitor cannot be displayed properly
  • 【1080P HD resolution】6 ft HDMI to DVI cable support up to 1080P HD resolution for LCD and LED monitor, which can mirror or extend high quality video to a larger screen, provide a excellent viewing experience or open a multitasking operation for work and play. Let's watch live sports events with some like-minded people
  • 【Stronger connector】24K gold plated all-metal corrosion resistant connector ensures stable and fast signal transmission anti-electromagnetic interference, can withstand multiple insertions; PVC jacket offers extra layer of protection and the hand-tightened screws provide secure DVI connection
  • 【Plug and play】Simple operation, just put into the HDMI Type-A PORT and DVI-D port can realize simultaneous transmission of video and audio, ideal for Videos, games and presentations
  • 【Wide compatibility】Support devices with HDMI port such as Apple TV, Laptop, Blu-ray, Desktop, PC, PS3, PS4, TV Box, X-box 360, X-box One, Roku, Wii U; Support with DVI-D equipped devices such as HDTV, Monitor, Projector

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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