Why do cheap DFP monitors only have VGA ?

[Rouxenator]

So this is something that has been bothering me since LCD monitors first came out. Why do cheap DFP monitors only have a VGA connection when it requires more circuitry as opposed to a DVI/HDMI connection?

Effectively when running a DFP over VGA you end up with the graphics chip in your computer converting digital data into analog (VGA) signals and once the monitor receives the analog signals it converts it back to digital signals which it then displays.
That means that the monitor needs to have a A2D converted which should add to the cost. It would be simpler and cheaper to simply accept an digital input like DVI/HDMI.

 

[Chevron]

It's because you want to target the largest base possible. Most laptop still only have VGA out.

Also you're forgetting economies of scale.

 

[bullzeye.za]

The extra circuitry costs them ~$1-5 at most, so that isn't a huge factor in terms of targeting.

If the monitors had HDMI or DVI, certain companies might look at them instead of the more expensive options which have more choices for input.

It's not about their cost, it's more about perceptions and targetting - They do not want to cut off the sales of more expensive monitors by providing a "feature" at a lower price.

 

[Rouxenator]

Ah, ok. Makes sense then.

So effectively they are treating digital input as a feature when it is in actual fact more effort to sell a monitor without that feature.

 

[Chevron]

The extra circuitry costs them ~$1-5 at most, so that isn't a huge factor in terms of targeting.

If the monitors had HDMI or DVI, certain companies might look at them instead of the more expensive options which have more choices for input.

It's not about their cost, it's more about perceptions and targetting - They do not want to cut off the sales of more expensive monitors by providing a "feature" at a lower price.

It's called cannibalizing and removing features to sell higher end products happens all the time.

 

[PostmanPot]

DFP? Digital flat panel? Okay.

 

[Rouxenator]

DFP? Digital flat panel? Okay.

Yup.

 

[werny]

Using DVI on any LCD/DFP screen with a size of up to 22" wont make much of a difference to the quality.

Only when having 24" screens and bigger you should consider using DVI/HDMI, otherwise stay with VGA.

I'm using DVI on my 22" LCD but when I switch over to VGA I can see no difference.

 

[Rouxenator]

Depends on the quality of the VGA cable. Since it is analog it is open for interference from, say, power cords or other cables running close to it. Most VGA RAMDACs will not go beyond 400mhz which gives you a max resolution of 2048x1536 @ 75hz

 

[Chevron]

Using DVI on any LCD/DFP screen with a size of up to 22" wont make much of a difference to the quality.

Only when having 24" screens and bigger you should consider using DVI/HDMI, otherwise stay with VGA.

I'm using DVI on my 22" LCD but when I switch over to VGA I can see no difference.

Then you need glasses

 

[sajunky]

So this is something that has been bothering me since LCD monitors first came out. Why do cheap DFP monitors only have a VGA connection when it requires more circuitry as opposed to a DVI/HDMI connection?

Perhaps extra ADC costs very little comparing to licencing fees for DVI/HDMI and HDMI certification.

 

[Rouxenator]

Perhaps extra ADC costs very little comparing to licencing fees for DVI/HDMI and HDMI certification.

Quite true, I totally forgot about things like HDCP that makes use of more complex circuitry than a plan old ADC.