HDMI to VGA cables

With greater and greater distribution of HDMI standard, there goes a problem of switching from older standards. This article will dig into details of what makes the new standard different from the previous ones shows comparison of HDMI to VGA Cables.

The new standard evolving nowadays is called High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which is objectively used for high-fidelity TV sets and variations of sound/visual gears. The well-known standard of Video Graphics Array (VGA) is mostly used by projectors and computer screens. Both serve as video signal transmitters.

VGA

1. VGA has been invented in IBM Corp. in early 1980s and soon got to be the video standard among PCs.

HDMI

2. HDMI has been invented and popularized by an association of chief electronics vendors in the 2000s to homogenize audio-visual cables serving for connection of HD televisions and various equipment.

Cables

3. VGA cables comprise fifteen holes or pins stationed in 3 rows by 5. HDMI cables comprise 19 pins stationed in 2 rows.

Signal Form

4. Signals transmitted via HDMI are of digital form. Signals via VGA are of analog form.

Sound

5. VGA cable is proficient only for transmission of video data, thus sound has to be transmitted via distinct separate cord. HDMI is able to conduct not only video, but also as many as 8 sound channels at once, not to mention it has channels for control signals intended to establish communication between equipment connected.

VGA Vs. HDMI
Suppose you’re up to establish connection to a flat TV-Set or an LCD display. In such case, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and VGA (Video Graphics Array) are 2 common variants. Technically, HDMI outperforms VGA, and yet there are cases when using VGA is reasonable.
HDMI Fundamentals

HDMI is a format of digital character, therefore no conversion occurs on the way from transmitter to a displaying/playing equipment. Aside from conducting high-fidelity picture, it comprises wiring capable of transmitting lossless, several-channel sound.

VGA Fundamentals

VGA is a format of analog character, therefore the conversion that occurs on the way between devices can introduce a tiny portion of decrease in picture sharpness and color precision. But, this sort of cable has no means to transmit sound.

VGA Downsides

Majority of flat TV Sets will refuse to receive a VGA-originating signal with resolution exceeding 1366 by 768 px. Makes it proficient for 720p video, which is 1280 by 720 px, yet not sufficient for 1080p video, which has resolution of 1920 by 1080 px.

Computer Displays and VGA

Nevertheless, LCD-type PC displays will not refuse receiving VGA signal of 1080p dimensions. (The “p” letter stands for “progressive”, meaning that the each frame is blasted on the screen as a whole for smoother frame transitions.)

Cable Dimension

HDMI introduces a problem of a so-called “digital cliff”, located at 30 feet mark of any digital-oriented cord. Past that distance the signal worsens intensely. In favor of VGA speaks the fact it can prolong 2 to 3 times more without signal worsening.