Converting VGA to HDMI is a great way to to watch your VGA equipped computer on your HDMI television, or monitor. Contrary to what some believe, this is more than merely having a cable that goes from one device to the other, and actually requires are converter box. Beware of anyone trying to sell you just a cable and trying to convince you that this is all you need, because it surely is not. These signals are completely different from one another, with VGA being analog and HDMI being digital, which is where an HDMI to VGA converter comes into play.
HDMI cables carry digital signals from your HD output devices to any HD compatible input device like your HDTV. Same goes for your analog VGA devices. All three components, output, cable, and input must be fully compatible. This isn’t a matter of different connections, as might be the case between HDMI and DVI (both digital signals). It also has resolutions, as many VGA devices are capable of resolutions equivalent to and better than 720 and 1080. It’s just that analog and digital signals require some sort of interface, hence the HDMI to VGA adapter.
Something to keep in mind when attempting to hook your VGA to an HDMI input is that HDMI carries both audio and video information. This means your TV is going to expect the audio signal to come in through that HDMI. This just means you have to have an audio cable handy, as well as your VGA and HDMI cables, so you can ensure the sound gets from your computer to the converter box. The converter will take care of combining the two signals into one HDMI compatible signal.
When shopping for a VGA to HDMI adapter, make sure that it is compatible with multiple signal inputs and outputs. This will ensure that you always have a converter on hand for any situation. Some are very specific, and it’s really not worth getting a device that restricts your converting capabilities that much. Also make sure that the device does upconversion to both 720p and 1080p, otherwise you’ll be stuck only using the device on one type of HDTV or the other.
Converting VGA to HDMI really isn’t rocket science, you just have to avoid the pitfall of thinking some cheap cable is going to do the trick. Remember that the two signals are incompatible and that you need a converter, and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite online programming on your HD home theater system any time you’d like.
No comments yet.