Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a digital display interface that is introduced by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG), comprised of companies such as Intel, IBM and Silicon. It is a digital video standard that is designed to connect the PC to the flat-panel display. The benefit is that it uses digital technology to transfer video information; the drawback is that it cannot transfer multi-channel signals. With the maturity of the digital home concept, the DVI specification has migrated from the PC to various consumer electronic products, for example, DVD players, DVD recorders, digital settop boxes, D-VHS playeres and audio/video receivers. Today it has become the mainstream ditital video specification. Even though the new generation High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is developed based on the DVI specifications; however, its influence to the traditional PC system market is minimal, and instead, is primarily used by the HDTV stereo, entertainment, and AV equipment market.

In terms of DVI usage, DVI Cable connector consists of three different specifications: DVI-Analog (DVI-A), which is hardly seen on the market, DVI-Digital (DVI-D), and DVI-Integrated (DVI-I). DVI-A and DVI-D each support analog and digital display equipment. DVI-D and DVI-I simultaneously support both digital and analog displays. This complex phenomenon is due to the demand of switching between analog and digital signals.

By using the connector, users can change the VGA D-SUB interface that is traditionally found on the PC to DVI, or install the DVI video interface card in order to use the DVI display. Consumers should take note whether the signal from the connector is DVI-A or DVI-D, because these two cable specifications are not compatible. In order to solve this problem, it is recommended that consumers use DVD-I cable to ensure that the display or related equipment operates normally.

The most common problem for consumers using DVI cable is the length of the cable. Even though the DVI standard specification does not clearly indicate the restrictions of the cable length, however, the length does not normally surpass 5 meters (16 yards). When the cable length is too long, the images appear blurry or unstable. Currently, many of the cables available on the market claim to use the best materials, for example, fiber optics, with better cable structure to produce 40 to 100 meter-long DVI cables. However, the price is higher due to the longer length of the cable, and the average PC user usually finds that the 1.5 meter length is enough for its use in his/her home entertainment AV equipment.

To fulfill the DVI market demands, ATEN has launched a series of DVI products: VS-261 / VS-461(2 port / 4 port DVI Video & Audio Switch), VS-164 (4 Port Video Splitter), CS-1262 (2 port PS/2 DVI KVM switch), and CS-1262 /CS-1764 (2 / 4 port USB DVI KVMP switch). The ATEN DVI KVMP Switch is a DVI-I product that supports DVI-A and DVI-D. It also supports DDC2B simulation technology, allowing the user to easily and accurately switch between different PCs, without losing video signals or needing to restart the computer. The ATEN DVI KVMP Switch also can prevent the increase in electricity flow that causes short circuiting of the PC or the display. In addition, the CS-1262 /CS-1764 is equipped with a proprietary ATEN cable and uses a special material that integrates three different type of specifications, USB, DVI and audio into one cable, thus efficiently saving desk space and simplifying the connection process. The user also does not need to change his or her keyboard or mouse as the CS-1262 /CS-1764 are PS/2 and USB compatible, respectively.

Established in 1979, ATEN International CO. Ltd, is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of cutting edge connectivity solutions for the IT industry and its computer users. Dedicated to the mission of "Contributing Knowledge-Creating the Future," ATEN provides customers with the most efficient, reliable, and user-friendly connectivity products to be found anywhere in the market. As competition within the connectivity market expands to meet the growing demand of businesses wanting to upgrade their PC and server management methods, ATEN continues to keep ahead. In addition to KVM switches, ATEN provides a diversified line-up of hundreds of data communication products, such as switch boxes, video splitters, interface converters, networking products, USB HUB and other connectivity products.