This web page explains how to use DVI (Digital Visual Interface) to connect a Sun[TM] XVR-1000 graphics accelerator to a Sharp[TM] XG-V10WU LCD projector and to a Sun[TM] 18" LCD DVI monitor using a Gefen[TM] DVI Hub . This configuration has been tested using SXGA resolution (1280x1024) and does work properly. Other configurations that were tested are described below.

Problems with LCD display devices when using an analog signal

The data to be displayed on an LCD display device is represented as digital data in the frame buffer of the computer. It makes absolutely no sense to convert digital data to an analog signal just to convert it back to the digital form.

• Digital data is converted to an analog signal.
• The analog signal is transmitted over a cable (and interface) that can lead to additional signal quality loss.
• The analog signal is then converted back to digital form.

• Poor Image Quality.
• Ghosting.
• Shaking.
• Color Separation.
• Blurry Text.

Advantages of DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

DVI is a standard developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG.org). The DVI 1.0 specification can be downloaded in PDF format from DDWG.org. Data is transmitted using TMDS (transition minimized differential signaling). The DVI image displayed on a wide screen using an LCD projector is clearly superior to an analog image because the image received by the display device is the same image generated by the frame buffer. When an image is displayed on a large screen the advantages of a DVI signal are clear:

• High Image Quality.
• No Ghosting.
• No Shaking.
• Sharp Text.

Problems with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

If you would like to connect a DVI frame buffer to an LCD projector and to an LCD monitor there are problems:

• The native resolution of the LCD projector and the LCD monitor must be the same (for example 1280x1024).
• A hub must be used to split the signal for the projector and the monitor.
• DVI cables usually are up to 6' long and are designed to reach the monitor but not the projector.

• DVI is not widely deployed yet and few people have experience with DVI.
• DVI equipment can be expensive.
• The DVI cables can be more expensive than the DVI equipment. Be prepared to pay $600 for a 50 foot cable.

GEFEN INC

Gefen is a leading developer of computer interconnectivity products and affordable quality DVI equipment. This company is headquartered in California.

• DVI Hub
• DVI Switcher
• DVI*100 Fiber Extender
• DVI copper and fiber cables
• Other DVI products

SHARP XG-V10WU LCD Projector

Sharp makes a very bright dual lamp high resolution projector under $20,000.

• 4700 ANSI lumens.
• 1280x1024 native resolution.
• 4:3 aspect ratio.
• DVI input
• low 37 dB fan noise.

SUN[TM] XVR-1000[TM] Graphics Accelerator

PRICES

These are the current list prices and they are subject to change. Please visit the vendor's web site for the latest prices.

• Gefen[TM] DVI Hub - $599
• Gefen[TM] DVI-6 ( 6 foot cable ) - $40
• Gefen[TM] DVI-50 ( 50 foot cable ) - $599
• Sharp[TM] XG-V10WU LCD projector - $16,695
• Sun[TM] XVR-1000 - $3,495

DIAGRAMS

These configurations have been tested and work properly.

NOTES

Please note that the Sun[TM] XVR-1000 graphics accelerator is only supported in the Ultra 60[TM], Ultra 80[TM], SunBlade 1000[TM] and SunBlade 2000[TM] workstations. If you would like to have a DVI frame buffer in another PCI workstation like the Ultra10[TM] or would like to purchase a less expensive DVI frame buffer, there is an alternative from Tech Source for about $1,295:

• GFX-220 DVI graphics accelerator

• NVidia GeForce256 chipset 32MB 24-pin DVI card