HDMI vs VGA: Which Should You Opt For?

What is the distinction between VGA and HDMI? Is it still possible to use VGA monitors with modern equipment? Should you recycle old VGA monitors or keep them? Which is superior?

The major distinction between VGA and HDMI video cables and ports is that the VGA signal is analog, whereas the HDMI signal is digital.

Basically, this means that VGA signals transmit data via electrical wave size while HDMI digital signals send data in the form of bits of data (on or off) at varying frequencies.

Numerous other distinctions between the two should assist you in determining which cable and converters you need.

VGA

VGA, which stands for Video Graphics Array, is one of the oldest analog video connectors available today.

Remember the cable in the back of old computers that has a blue connector and screws on both ends? Yep. That’s a VGA cable. You probably have a good chance of having a few VGA cables lying around your house and collecting dust.

When it was released in 1987, VGA became the standard video cable for computers, and its blue 15-pin connectors easily identify it.

The supported resolution was 640×480, but it gradually increased to Ultra Extended Graphics Array (UXGA) in 2007. UXGA could support 15-inch monitors with resolutions of 1600×1200 pixels.

HDMI

HDMI, also known as High Definition Multimedia Interface, is a connector and cable that enables high-quality and high-bandwidth audio and video to be streamed between devices.

HDMI technology works with HDTV, projector, DVD player, or Blu-ray player devices.

Created in 2002, HDMI became the new computing standard. Its ability to transmit audio in the same cable as the video signal was the main feature that HDMI provided that no other video cable could. HDMI supports 1920×1200 pixel HD video and 8 audio channels.

VGA Vs HDMI

When comparing VGA vs. HDMI, HDMI is the boss because it is newer, supports higher resolutions (HDMI 2.1 supports 10K), has a wider range of refresh rates, and can also carry audio.

While some older TVs will work with VGA, it will be more difficult to set up because an audio cable will be required. As a result, HDMI is the preferred connector for televisions.

VGA is extremely outdated and has little use in today’s world. However, it is not completely useless.

Compatibility:

VGA

• VGA is still available on older monitors.
• Older graphics cards are supported.
• HDMI adapters are available

HDMI

• Newer monitors have this feature.
• VGA adapters are available.
• Most graphics cards support it.
  
  

You’ll need a VGA cable if you still have an old monitor with a VGA port. However, you will most likely need a VGA to HDMI converter to connect to any modern monitors. Using a monitor from 2000 to 2006, you’ll almost certainly need a VGA to HDMI converter.

However, because VGA cannot transmit high-definition video signals to newer displays like HDMI, you will notice significantly degraded video even with a converter.

There are HDMI to VGA converters available if you’re using a more recent computer with an older monitor that has a VGA port.

Audio:

VGA 

• VGA only sends videos.
• A second audio output is required.
• VGA is no longer supported by newer graphics cards.

HDMI

• 32 audio channels are supported.
• High-resolution audio formats supported include Dolby, DTS, and DST.
• There is no need for a second audio cable.

VGA can only send a single video signal and no audio, whereas HDMI can send up to 32 channels of digital audio. HDMI supports most high-definition audio signals, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and DST.

You’ll still need a second audio cable to transmit sound if you use a VGA to HDMI converter to display from an older computer to a newer monitor.

If you use an HDMI to VGA converter to connect a newer computer to an older monitor, you’ll still need a second audio cable if the monitor supports sound. If not, you’ll need to connect your computer’s audio to external speakers.

Speed of data transfer:

VGA

• 85 Hz is the maximum refresh rate.
• Input lag is reduced.
• There is more signal interference.
• It cannot be hot-plugged.

HDMI

• The maximum refresh rate of 240 Hz.
• There is some input lag.
• There is almost no signal interference.
• Hot-pluggable.

An HDMI cable comprises 19 or 29 pins and transmits both video and audio. HDMI 2.0 has a refresh rate of 240 Hz at 1080p resolution.

In contrast, VGA has 15 pins and uses an RGB analog video signal. This analog signal can only refresh at rates ranging from 60 Hz to potentially 85 Hz.

Another notable distinction is that you can unplug and re-plug an HDMI video cable while the computer is turned on and transmitting the video cable (hot-pluggable).

This is not possible with VGA. Before connecting the VGA cable, you must stop the video stream or turn off the computer.

The one advantage of VGA’s analog signal is that there is no post-processing of digital signals, so there is no “input lag.”

In the case of HDMI, however, the data transfer and refresh rates are so much faster than the input lag is negligible.

Outside sources such as microwaves or cellphones can also cause significant signal interference with VGA signals.

HDMI cables are far less susceptible to this, and with thick shielding, they are virtually immune to interference.

VGA Vs HDMI: Which Is Better For Gaming?

When it comes to gaming, HDMI outperforms VGA. HDMI supports higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, HDR, and audio. On the other hand, VGA is adequate for gaming at 1080P at 60 Hz.

Can You Convert HDMI To VGA?

Yes. You’ll need an active HDMI to VGA converter with external power to convert HDMI to VGA. The resolution and refresh rate will be similarly constrained.

I believe the maximum VGA resolution is 20481536, but you should expect ghosting and other visual issues at this resolution.

Conclusion

You will need to adopt a VGA to HDMI converter to use newer displays on an older computer with only a VGA port.

However, you will not enjoy the much better detail and refresh rates provided by a full HDMI port and cable.

The only time you might need to use a VGA cable is if you still have older devices, such as vintage gaming consoles. In this case, keep a VGA cable and the necessary converters with the device.

Ultimately, you’ll want to replace your TV, desktop, or laptop with a newer model that provides the best video output possible.