Today's video technology is moving away from analog (VGA) for a digital connection format (HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort). However, there are still situations where you need to change the display technologies, usually due to differing ports on a computer and display. Video signals may be adapted in either direction (HDMI to VGA or VGA to HDMI), but there are certain limitations and expense differences.
VGA to HDMI
In some situations, it may be necessary to send a VGA signal from a computer to an HDMI port on a newer display device. Using a VGA to HDMI Scaler/Converter, like the one shown in the picture above, allows you to connect your computer to any device requiring an HDMI connection.
Product Title StarTech.com Mini DVI to VGA Video Cable Adapter for. Average rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 4 reviews 4 ratings Current Price $15.20 $ 15. Video to VGA converter products are universally compatible, regardless of laptop brand, operating system, or installed software. Make sure to purchase a video to VGA converter whose connectors correspond to the ports on your laptop, desktop, and television. 'VGA,' or video graphics array, refers to a very specific port with its own unique shape.
- Usb To Firewire Converter For Laptop; Audio Converter For Mac; Apple's Mini DisplayPort adapters work with Mac models that have a Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt port, or Thunderbolt 2 port when using Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.6 or later: And I need to connect it to a Mac via firewire 800 if possible. Thank you in advance!
- The USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter allows you to mirror your Mac or iPad Pro display to your VGA-enabled TV or display in up to 1080p HD. It also outputs video content like movies and captured video. Simply connect the adapter to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac or iPad and then to your TV or projector via a VGA cable (sold.
As shown in the picture above, this converter also includes a USB cable for the computer audio. Some converters may have an audio cable, and a USB cable, for power.
TipIf your computer only has a VGA connection and you have a desktop computer, you may also consider upgrading the video card in the computer.
HDMI to VGA
An HDMI to VGA converter may be a cheaper cable that connects an HDMI signal from a computer to a VGA connection on an older display. Because VGA is an older technology, this option should be avoided unless there is no other alternative.
NoteAn HDMI cable can send an audio and video signal over the same cable. However, a VGA cable can only accept a video signal. To get audio and video, purchase a converter with a VGA connector and an audio cable or USB with audio capability.
Signal quality considerations
Whenever you convert one signal to another, the signal of lesser quality always determines the final output quality. For example, VGA is an analog signal (subject to interference and signal loss in transit), whereas HDMI is digital (higher fidelity, no signal loss). As such, the VGA signal will be the limiting factor of the final output signal.
In other words, converting VGA to HDMI will not improve the signal quality of the original output. Similarly, Converting HDMI to VGA will possibly entail a small loss of signal quality.
Additional information
- See our converter, HDMI, and VGA definitions for further information and related links.
Apple's Mini DisplayPort adapters work with Mac models that have a Mini DisplayPort , Thunderbolt port , or Thunderbolt 2 port when using Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.6 or later:
These adapters don't work with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter, which doesn't support Mini DisplayPort displays.
Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter
The Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter connects a Mac that has a Mini DisplayPort , Thunderbolt port , or Thunderbolt 2 port to a display that uses a single-link DVI cable.
This adapter supports display resolutions up to 1920 x 1200.
Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter
The Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter connects a Mac that has a Mini DisplayPort , Thunderbolt port , or Thunderbolt 2 port to a display that uses a dual-link DVI cable.
This adapter supports display resolutions up to 2560 x 1600. To use it with a dual-link DVI display such as the 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display, connect the USB cable from the display to the USB-A port on the adapter, then connect the USB-A cable on the adapter to the USB-A port on your Mac.
Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
The Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter connects a Mac that has a Mini DisplayPort , Thunderbolt port , or Thunderbolt 2 port to display that uses a VGA cable.
This adapter supports display resolutions up to 1920 x 1200. To achieve resolutions greater than 1600 x 1200, displays with high refresh rates might require that you lower the refresh rate.
Mac Vga Adapter
Because the VGA connection is analog instead of digital, HDCP-encrypted content might not play back, or might play back at a lower resolution.
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Mac Vga Port
DVI cables that provide additional pins for an analog signal aren't compatible with the fully digital DVI port on either of the DVI adapters.