StarTech.com Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter — USB-Powered DVI Active Display Converter

The StarTech.com Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter is a compact, reliable solution for connecting a Mini DisplayPort video source to DVI displays, including televisions and Apple Cinema Display HD. This USB-powered active display converter delivers crisp, detailed visuals and broad compatibility, so you can extend or mirror your desktop with ease. Perfect for photographers, designers, engineers, and professionals who need seamless dual-link DVI connectivity without upgrading their entire setup, this adapter combines simplicity with robust performance in a portable form factor.

• The adapter provides high-performance Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI connectivity, enabling sharp, color-accurate visuals on DVI-D displays while preserving image integrity for photos, videos, and design work.
• USB-powered operation means no bulky power brick is necessary—simply connect to a USB port on your computer (or a powered USB hub) for instant operation and a clutter-free workspace.
• As an active display converter, it handles the signal transformation required to drive DVI-D Dual-Link monitors from a Mini DisplayPort source, broadening compatibility with older or high-resolution displays.
• Cross-platform compatibility ensures smooth setup on Windows and Mac systems, letting you quickly configure extended or mirrored displays across devices.
• Its compact, portable design fits easily in a laptop bag or backpack, making it ideal for travel, classroom setups, and on-the-go presentations where you need reliable dual-link DVI output without extra cables.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter

• Interfaces: Mini DisplayPort input to DVI-D Dual-Link output, enabling high-bandwidth digital video transfer from modern laptops and desktops to legacy or high-resolution displays.
• Video resolution: Supports Dual-Link DVI resolutions up to 2560x1600 at 60 Hz, delivering detailed imagery for professional workflows and media playback.
• Power: USB-powered; draws power from the Mini DisplayPort source or a connected USB port—no external power adapter required in most setups.
• Operating system compatibility: Designed for Windows and Mac platforms, with plug-and-play usability that minimizes setup time.
• Video format: DVI-D Dual-Link output; note that audio is not transmitted over DVI, so an additional audio connection may be needed for multimedia applications.
• Device type: Active Display Converter that performs signal conversion from Mini DisplayPort to DVI-D Dual-Link to ensure compatibility with a broad range of displays.

How to install StarTech.com Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter

• Connect the Mini DisplayPort end of the adapter to your computer’s Mini DisplayPort output port.
• Attach a DVI-D Dual-Link cable from the adapter’s DVI-D Dual-Link port to your display.
• If required by your setup, connect a USB cable from your computer to the adapter to provide power; in many cases, power is drawn from the DP source.
• Power on your display and computer, then navigate to your operating system’s display settings to choose extended or mirror configurations and adjust resolution for optimal clarity.
• If the display isn’t detected immediately, unplug and replug the USB power (if used), and confirm that the correct display input is selected on the monitor. Update your graphics drivers if necessary for best results.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Does this adapter carry audio? A: No. Since DVI-D does not transmit audio, you’ll need a separate audio connection if you’re playing sound from the display.
• Q: Do I need external power for the adapter? A: In most setups, the adapter is powered via USB from the computer. Some configurations with power-limited ports may benefit from connecting to a powered USB hub.
• Q: Is it compatible with both Windows and Mac? A: Yes. The adapter is designed for cross-platform use, functioning with Windows and macOS systems.
• Q: What resolutions can I expect? A: The adapter supports Dual-Link DVI resolutions up to 2560x1600 at 60 Hz, depending on the capabilities of the source device and display.
• Q: Can I use this with DisplayPort or USB-C only devices? A: The adapter requires a Mini DisplayPort output from the source. It’s not designed for USB-C/Thunderbolt in DP Alternate Mode without native DP support.