HDMI to VGA vs VGA to HDMI Converters Explained

This page explains the difference between an HDMI to VGA converter and a VGA to HDMI converter. It also includes links to information about HDMI over USB.

HDMI to VGA Converter

Figure-1 depicts a simple HDMI to VGA converter.

This type of converter translates HDMI-compliant signal levels into VGA-compliant signal levels. This is useful when you need to connect a device with an HDMI output to a device with a VGA input. For example, you might have a computer with only an HDMI port and an older monitor with only a VGA port.

The interface cable typically has male connectors on both ends to plug into the female connectors found on most devices.

Table 1: HDMI Pin Descriptions and Signal Designations

Table-1: HDMI Pins

Table 2: VGA Pin Descriptions and Signal Designations

Table-2: VGA Side Pins

VGA to HDMI Converter

The VGA to HDMI converter performs the opposite function. It converts VGA-compliant signal levels into HDMI-compliant signal levels. You might use this to connect an older computer with a VGA output to a modern TV or monitor with only HDMI inputs.

The same type of cable mentioned above can be used, assuming it has the correct connectors for both the VGA and HDMI ports.