In this guide
Yes — DVI can connect to HDMI using a passive DVI-to-HDMI adapter or cable, as both carry the same digital video signal. No audio will pass through; you’ll need a separate audio cable.
- You use a passive DVI-D to HDMI adapter or cable
- Your source outputs DVI and your display accepts HDMI
- You run a separate audio cable for sound
- You expect audio — DVI carries no audio signal
- You connect an HDMI source to a DVI display using only a passive adapter
- You need HDMI 2.1+ features like HDR or 4K 120 Hz
Why DVI and HDMI Are Compatible
DVI-D and HDMI share the same underlying digital video standard (TMDS). Because the signal is electrically identical, a passive adapter or dual-ended cable is all you need — no active conversion, no power required. Resolutions up to 1920×1200 are fully supported this way.
HDMI adds audio and consumer electronics control (CEC) on top of that video signal. DVI was designed before those features existed, so the extra data simply has nowhere to go on the DVI side.
DVI-D vs DVI-I vs DVI-A
- DVI-D (digital): Connects directly to HDMI with a passive adapter — the most common scenario.
- DVI-I (integrated): Has both digital and analog pins. Only the digital pins carry signal to HDMI; the analog pins are ignored.
- DVI-A (analog): Cannot connect to HDMI — analog signal, completely incompatible without active conversion.
Check which DVI port your device has before buying an adapter. DVI-D is the safest bet. Sony’s support page on display connections explains how digital interfaces share signal standards.
Common Setups at a Glance
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DVI-D PC → HDMI monitor | Yes | Passive adapter or cable | No audio over cable |
| HDMI PC → DVI monitor | Sometimes | Passive adapter | Monitor must accept DVI digital input |
| DVI-A → HDMI | No | Active converter | Analog to digital conversion needed |
| DVI-D → HDMI with audio | Partial | Separate 3.5 mm or optical cable | Video works; audio needs own path |
What About Audio?
This is the most common stumbling block. DVI carries no audio whatsoever. If your monitor has HDMI speakers or you’re connecting to an AV receiver, you must route audio separately — typically via a 3.5 mm, RCA, or optical cable from your source’s dedicated audio output.
If audio over a single cable matters, consider upgrading to a full HDMI-to-HDMI setup or check out how USB-C connects to HDMI for modern alternatives that carry both video and audio.
Limitations to Know
- Maximum resolution is 1920×1200 over a single-link DVI connection.
- HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 features — 4K, HDR, ARC, eARC — are not available through a DVI adapter.
- If you need 4K or HDR, a DisplayPort or HDMI-native setup is the better path. See whether USB-C supports video if your device has a USB-C port instead.
Bottom line: A passive DVI-to-HDMI adapter or cable is a reliable, inexpensive solution for connecting a DVI-D source to an HDMI display — as long as you plan for audio separately and don’t need 4K or HDR. For anything beyond 1080p or 1200p, it’s worth moving to a natively digital connection.