Monitor Makers Embrace Digital

The end of the analog display's universal reign came one step closer on Dec. 17 when Acer America Corp., NEC, Samsung Electronics Co. and ViewSonic Corp. announced plans to begin production of digital CRT monitors using the SiI 901, Cupertino, Calif.-based Silicon Image's Digital CRT Controller Chip.

The SiI 901 is based on the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) 1.0 specification, which promises improved, sharper images. End-to-end digital displays are also more stable than analog, enabling vendors to design simpler monitor installations and control panels. The first displays, based on the DVI specification, were demonstrated at Intel Corp.'s summer 1999 Developer Forum.

The DVI spec was published on April 2 by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) and can be used by all monitors up to QXGA resolutions (2,000-x-2,000 dpi).

Analog, however, will remain entrenched for the

future. According to most industry watchers, many vendors will likely continue to offer panels with both digital and analog inputs.

Mass production of the SiI 901 is slated for this quarter; according to Silicon Image, the chip will be priced at less than $12 in quantities of 10,000.