Icom: Why did Icom choose a DVI connector for the 7610?

[prc117f]

DVI is disappearing from computer monitors, its old soon to be obsolete connector, it has been displaced by HDMI and Displayport.

Displayport is significantly smaller and uses up less real-estate on the PCB as well.

Did Icom have a truckfull of old DVI connectors they need to get rid of? Is there a technical reason to use DVI? (Less RF noise maybe?)

 

[jwt873]

I'm guessing that it's just too hard to keep up with technology.

HDMI is the current 'standard', but I imagine Icom started designing the 7610 quite a while ago. Say it takes 3 years to design, test and tool up for production. They introduced the radio last year, so, we're looking at 4 year old technology where DVI wasn't as quaint

I'm really tempted to upgrade my IC-7600 to the IC-7610. (The DVI issue isn't a concern because I have no need for an external monitor).

 

[prcguy]

DVI has no audio support and there is no audio sent to the monitor from a 7610 so maybe they figured it was the right connector. Otherwise I bought a $5 DVI to HDMI adapter and use a 40" HDMI monitor on my 7610.
prcguy

 

[belvdr]

HDMI also incurs royalties to be paid by the manufacturer.

 

[AK9R]

Exactly. DVI is a license-free video standard.

Also, HDMI has no positive means of retention.

And, as prcguy alludes to, finding an adapter is not a big deal. I read posts from people complaining about the DVI connector on the 7610 and think "is this your only complaint about this radio?".

 

[wb6uqa]

DVI

When I bought my 7610 I bought a 10 foot DVI to HDMI CABLE.

 

[gonefishn1]

Agreed. What's the big deal? DVI to HDMI Adapter and you are there.

 

[N9IIT]

Also, HDMI has no positive means of retention.

It does on pro AV equipment but its the hokiest thing I've ever seen. You loosen the small screw above the HDMI port, and you zip tie this plastic piece on the end of the HDMI cable with a hole in the end of it. The screw goes through the hole and into the retainer on the chassis creating positive retention. I hated those. Just give me DVI ports and either DVI to HDMI cables or DVI to HDMI adapters and a roll of electrical tape.

For all the money in royalties that went to the owners of the HDMI standard, you'd think they would develop some sort of retention mechanism like the original DisplayPort had.

ETA: There were a couple manufacturers that thought they would be cute and designed a bailing wire HDMI cable retainer similar to what you see on servers with C14 or C19 power couplers. Of course, it only fit correctly when you use the cabling provided by the equipment manufacturer at quite a markup over buying a similar length HDMI cable at Fry's.