Is external analog convertor really bad?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) when connecting a video card with both digital and analog outputs. Users emphasize that digital output is superior for image quality, as it preserves the integrity of pixel data (RGB values) without loss. The consensus is that using a DAC compromises the quality of the image, making it less ideal compared to a direct digital connection, especially for high-performance displays. Therefore, selecting a video card with only digital output is recommended if the display device supports it.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of digital versus analog video signals
  • Familiarity with video card specifications and outputs
  • Knowledge of display technology, particularly LCDs
  • Basic concepts of pixel data representation (RGB)
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  • Research the specifications of video cards with digital outputs
  • Learn about the advantages of digital displays over analog displays
  • Explore the impact of DACs on image quality in video output
  • Investigate the latest LCD technologies that support digital inputs
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This discussion is beneficial for gamers, graphic designers, and anyone involved in video production who seeks to optimize video quality through appropriate hardware choices.

fargoth
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im planing on buying a new Video card..
one only two digital output while the other one has an analog output and a digital one.

i got a convertor from digital to analog... but i suspect it'll lower the image quality?
how bad do you think it'll be?
(im having this problem because the one with only digital output has 15% more performance and they both cost about the same price... so my only drawback is image quality... and i want to know how bad that drawback is)

what do you think?
 
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Get a video card with a digital output ONLY if you have a display device capable of digital input. Usually this is the case for some of the better LCDs in the market today. Seeing that you are tryin to put in a DAC, it wouldn't make much sense to buy the one with digital output.

Digital output is ideal because well... your screen image is created digitally, meaning that each pixel is assigned a value from 0 to 255 in three color planes: Red, green, blue (RGB). If converted to analog, this 'precise' information is lost. The entire purpose of digital output is to keep video, images or audio as lossless as possible until the very last moment.
 

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