Choosing a VGA to HDMI Converter
Before you go out and spend your hard earned money on a VGA to HDMI converter, there are a few things you will want to consider. In this article we will discuss a few of the more common applications, and which converters are best suited for each.
Where will you be using your converter?
Where you intend to use your converter is an important factor in selecting the right product for your needs. Some are designed with travelers in mind. Atlona AT-HDVIEW VGA to HDMI Scaler
is small and is powered by a USB port from your computer. This is an ideal solution if you need to bring it with you into board rooms or even your hotel room. In this situation you would need a longer HDMI cable capable of reaching the display. Other converters are larger, and require an external power supply. These are better suited for installations where you can install them and leave them there.
Displaying Laptop or PC on HDTV at Home
If you’re interested in finding a VGA to HDMI converter for home use, you might want to explore an option that enables you to install the converter somewhere out of the way and out of sight. The easiest location would most likely be with your other audio video equipment. In most home installations you’ll either be connecting the converter directly to your TV, or you’ll be connecting the converter to your surround sound receiver, which in turn is connected to your HDTV. In both cases, you will need an HDMI cable connecting the converter to either the surround sound receiver or the TV.
What kind of Output Resolution will I need?
You will need to determine the output resolution that you wish to display on your TV. Some converters such as the StarTech.com VGA2HDMIPRO
Do I need a Scaler?
A scaler formats the video signal to the resolution of the device hooked up to its output. The resolution of your computer screen and the resolution of your TV most likely will NOT be the same. A scaler formats the picture so that it is properly displayed on your TV. Though it will increase the cost, a scaler can save you a TON of time and headache by doing the hard work for you. Otherwise you may end up having to change resolutions on your PC multiple times before finding one that will work with your TV. Here are a few converters with scalers
What if I want Audio and Video?
The next thing to consider is whether or not you want the audio from your computer to play through the speakers of your TV or surround sound receiver. VGA itself is only a video signal. If you’re planning on streaming content from Netflix or Youtube, having the audio combined with the video onto the HDMI offers a significant improvement over your computer speakers. Especially in the case of a surround sound system, it can be advantageous to have the audio embedded with the video. Most of the VGA to HDMI converters offer analog audio embedding onto the HDMI cable. In addition some converters, like the Atlona AT-LINE-EX
What to AVOID…
In your search for the right converter you will be tempted by the low prices of the VGA to HDMI cables available on the market. These cables are inexpensive for a reason. VGA is a purely analog signal. HDMI is a purely digital signal. Do the math.
What price should I pay?
If you’re looking for a bargain, then by all means go for the least expensive converter that suits your needs. You can save money by choosing one that will output 720p
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