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Convert VGA to HDMI - this is how it works

Today's article deals with the topic of converting HDMI signals to VGA signals and vice versa.

General information about HDMI and VGA
HDMI is currently the highest resolution standard in terms of digital video and audio signals in combination. In addition, actually every TV and almost all DVD and BluRay players have an HDMI port. HDMI is therefore very common. But also VGA is still very common, especially for older devices. Most PCs, laptops, TVs, monitors and numerous beamers or projectors still have a connection of the VGA standard. For this reason, a converter or adapter that either converts VGA signals into HDMI signals or vice versa is very useful.

Basic problem
However, there is more to consider with this issue than it may seem at first glance. There is a fundamental problem, because VGA signals are analog signals, while HDMI signals are digital. Therefore, a simple cable that has a VGA connector on one end and an HDMI connector on the other is not enough.

It requires a somewhat more complex adapter. In addition, the cables differ in the maximum resolution that can be passed through per signal, so to speak. HDMI cables can pass through a maximum resolution of at least 1080p, which is Full HD, and sometimes even a resolution of 4k (four times Full HD resolution).

A VGA cable, however, can usually only handle a resolution of 480p, with certain cables up to 1024×768 pixels. For this reason, the maximum resolution at the respective receiving device is either 480p or in certain cases 1024×768 pixels. Another problem is that HMDI cables can handle image and audio signals, but VGA cables can only handle image signals.

The HDMI to VGA adapter
Since an analog signal must be converted to a digital signal, or vice versa, such an adapter requires power. This power is supplied by the HDMI cable. In the HDMI to VGA adapter, for example, the 1080p Full HD signal is then converted into an analog 480p signal, which can then be processed by the respective receiver. A good adapter thus facilitates the exchange of signals of different standards to enable smooth playback of movies, for example. The use of these adapter solutions is thus often unavoidable and represents an acceptable solution to the signal problem.

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