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Cable to Convert VGA to HDMI, or Analog to Digital

The Answer: Even though they can be purchased online, the claim that an analog (VGA) to digital (HDMI or DVI) cable in and of itself performing such a conversion simply is not true. For example,  people run into this issue when they want to connect a laptop/desktop without an HDMI port to a digital monitor port with only a DVI port or a TV screen with an HDMI port.

VGA to HDMI Cable




I personally have had people not heed this advice, only to be seriously disappointed after having spent the money.








There are instances where this cable will work...

The VGA card in the device you are using (laptop/desktop) must be able to output a digital signal. This simply is not the case for most devices. When people are selling these cables from places like eBay, at times they may state this important piece of information in very small print.




So how do you get that device connected to your new digital TV or Monitor? 
You have some options...

1). You can purchase a VGA to HDMI (or DVI) converter box...

Make sure its a 'converter' not simply an 'adapter'
2). Purchase a cable that has the solid state components (electronics) built in to it to make the conversion. These type of cables typically look like this...


Notice how large the side is that the VGA cord connects. That's because it houses the electronics needed to make the conversion. If you see a cable that is composed only of cord, then it probably is not capable of performing the conversion and will not work.




The Explanation:

Digital (i.e. HDMI, DVI) and Analog (VGA, RCA) are electrically transmitted across wire (or other medium) via two totally different and incompatible methods...

Analog Signals are transmitted by varying the voltage across a transport medium (i.e. wire).

Digital Signals are transmitted by turning on and off voltage across a transport medium. These on/off voltage states represent 1's (on) and 0's (off) which comprises the digital signal. On an oscilloscope the two different signals look like this...






This is why a converter is needed so that a device which transmits/receives analog can communicate with a device that transmits/receive digital.




Comments

  1. mayazoeNovember 30, 2015 at 7:42 AM

    Hi I found your site by mistake when i was searching yahoo for this acne issue, I must say your site is really helpful I also love the design, its amazing!. I don’t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site.
    Seagate Expansion Portable Hard Drive

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  2. UnknownMay 11, 2017 at 3:58 AM

    Was looking for a Type C USB to HDMI adapter for a XPS 13 DE (9360) laptop and this adapter worked without issue for a 1080P Samsung monitor (running at the monitors native resolution). Have not tested the adapter on a 4k monitor running at 60hz, however will once I own a 4k monitor...

    ReplyDelete

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