HDMI and DVI are both digital standards used for High Definition video signals. DVI carries only the video-image signal but no audio, where as HDMI covers both. So if you use a DVI cable, you will need to connect audio cables from your DVD-player, games console or cable/satellite receiver to your TV.

When looking at the differences between HDMI and DVI you'll find that they actually have more in common that it appears. They were both designed by the same company (Silicon Image), both support digital transmission and are also based on similar specifications (HDMI was derived from DVI specification).

This being the case, there are 2 major differences:

1. HDMI incorporates content protection called High Definition Content Protection (HDCP).
2. HDMI supports audio in addition to digital video. DVI only supports digital video.