Understanding EDID
Extended Display Identification Data Explained
What is EDID?
EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is a metadata format for display devices to communicate their capabilities to a video source.
Why is it Important?
EDID ensures proper communication between displays and video sources, enabling optimal display settings and compatibility.
Key Components
Learn about manufacturer info, display capabilities, timing data, and other essential EDID components.
EDID Structure Visualization
Header
Fixed header pattern
Vendor/Product
Manufacturer and product info
EDID Version
Structure version
Display Parameters
Basic display characteristics
Color Characteristics
Color space coordinates
Established Timings
Standard timing modes
Section Details
Hover over sections to see details
EDID Extensions
CTA-861 Extension
- Video Formats
- Audio Capabilities
- HDR Information
- Speaker Allocation
DisplayID Extension
- Interface Features
- Timing Parameters
- Display Parameters
- Tiled Display Info
Block Map Extension
- Extension Layout
- Block Organization
- Data Structure
Coordinated Video Timings (CVT)
The VESA Coordinated Video Timings (CVT) Standard provides a standardized method for generating display timing specifications, ensuring compatibility between source devices and displays.
Key Features
- Reduced Blanking Timings for modern displays
- Precise pixel clock control (0.001 MHz)
- Adaptive-Sync support (RBv3)
- Forward compatibility
Timing Versions
RBv2 (Version 2)
- Fixed 80-pixel horizontal blanking
- 460 µs vertical blanking (300 µs alternate)
- Positive H-sync, Negative V-sync
RBv3 (Version 3)
- Flexible 80-200 pixel horizontal blanking
- Variable vertical blanking
- Adaptive-Sync optimization
Key Parameters
CVT Calculator
Try our interactive CVT calculator to generate timing parameters for your display:
Open CVT Calculator →EDID Timing Standards
EDID supports multiple timing standards to define how display signals are formatted. Understanding these standards is crucial for proper display configuration.
CVT (Coordinated Video Timings)
Modern timing standard optimized for digital displays.
- Reduced Blanking versions (RBv1, RBv2, RBv3)
- Adaptive-Sync support
- Precise pixel clock control
- Standard and custom resolutions
GTF (Generalized Timing Formula)
Legacy standard for CRT and early LCD displays.
- Secondary GTF curves
- Flexible blanking periods
- Wide compatibility
- Historical support
DMT (Display Monitor Timings)
Standardized timings for common resolutions.
- Fixed timing parameters
- Industry standard resolutions
- Guaranteed compatibility
- VESA-defined standards
Timing Standards Comparison
Common EDID Issues
Checksum Errors
Invalid checksum values can cause display detection problems.
Timing Mismatches
Incorrect timing parameters can lead to display artifacts or blank screens.
Extension Errors
Malformed extension blocks can cause compatibility issues.
