In this post, we will discuss in depth the comparison between HDMI vs VGA. Which one is better? and whether these two types of cables provide a significant difference from the resulting display.
So, Let’s get started!
Cables that connect gadgets, including laptop computers and DVD players, to a display, like a TV, computer monitor, or projector, employ interface standards called VGA and HDMI.
An older standard called VGA exclusively transmits visual signals. For more recent electronics, including Blu-ray players or LED TVs, HDMI is the usual cable type. Digital video and audio signals can be transmitted over HDMI, and HDCP data encryption is also supported.
When compared to HDMI, the video quality obtained using a VGA cable is substantially inferior. Nevertheless, HDMI may soon become obsolete since USB 3.1’s adaptable Type-C connector has the potential to take its place.
What are the main distinctions between HDMI and VGA?
The primary distinction between HDMI and VGA video cables and ports is that HDMI is digital while the VGA signal is analog. This indicates that VGA signals use electrical wave size to communicate information. Digital HDMI signals transfer information in bits (on or off) at various frequencies.
Other distinctions between the two should make it easier for you to choose which cable and converters to utilize.
HDMI vs VGA Comparison chart
VGA vs. HDMI Capabilities
Only video signals from a device to a display were intended to be carried by VGA connections. Analog signals were common at the time of their initial release (1987). VGA connections were upgraded with converters to facilitate an analog-to-digital conversion as digital transmissions became more prevalent. The procedure changed to a two-step conversion from digital to analog and back to digital, with the signal degrading simultaneously, due to the fact that more recent display devices also employed digital signals.
When the analog signal is transformed to digital, some information is lost, and more information is lost when the analog signal is converted back to digital. Additionally, analog signals carry less information than digital signals, resulting in an initial image that is less “crisp” than what is possible with digital signals.
The HDMI standard enables the simultaneous transfer of digital audio and video signals via the same interface (port) and cable, supporting high definition (HD) video at 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution. HDMI cables are provided for gadgets like the Apple TV, Blu-ray players, and game consoles, among other comparable electronic products, because it provides digital copy protection of all signals.
Signal Quality
Crosstalk (signal interference from other connections) and length concerns with VGA cables can cause the analog video quality to degrade after around 4 feet. Although HDMI cables are less susceptible to crosstalk, they can still experience electromagnetic field interference. The best HDMI cables have strong insulation to prevent this problem when using many wires in confined spaces. However, the majority of common HDMI cables provide great connections and reliable performance without the need for expensive, premium cables.
Audio: High Definition Audio Signals are Supported via HDMI
| HDMI | VGA |
| Supports 32 audio channels. | VGA only transmits video. |
| Supports Dolby, DTS, and DST high-resolution audio. | Requires second audio output. |
| Doesn’t require second audio cable. | Newer graphics cards do not support VGA |
While HDMI may send up to 32 channels of digital audio, VGA can only send a single video stream without any audio. Most high definition audio signals, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and DST, are supported by HDMI.
You’ll still require a second audio wire to transmit sound if you use a VGA to HDMI converter to display content from an older computer to a more modern monitor.
A second audio cable is still required if the older monitor supports sound if you use an HDMI to VGA converter to display content from a more modern PC. If not, you must attach additional speakers to your computer’s audio.
Data Transfer Speed: HDMI Is Much Better
| HDMI | VGA |
| Maximum refresh rate of 240 Hz. | Maximum refresh rate of 85 Hz. |
| Slight input lag. | Less input lag. |
| Almost no signal interference. | More signal interference. |
| Hot-pluggable. | Not hot-pluggable. |
Input Lag
One of two things might be referred to as input lag: either the time it takes for a display device, like a TV or monitor, to receive a signal and display it, or the time it takes for a video game to respond when you push a button.
Due to the lack of input post-processing, VGA connections often have less input lag than HDMI connections. Post-processing uses effects like depth of field, motion blur, and color correction, much like a Photoshop filter might. Disabling post-processing results in a modest reduction in image quality but a reduction in input lag. Some TVs have a setting named “Game mode” that also turns off post-processing.
The use of adapters is another element in input lag. Technically, because of the greater distance that electrons must travel, every additional device causes a little amount of delay. Additionally, using subpar, unauthorised adapters can greatly increase input lag.
Compatibility
Only when using converters may VGA cables be used with HDMI ports. When using VGA cables, video signal quality is significantly degraded even with converters, hence they are typically used as a temporary fix. A different cable is needed for audio.
A converter device and separate cable are required to connect the video display and provide the audio signal to a different port when HDMI cables are used with a VGA connection.
HDMI Connector Types
There are 5 different types of HDMI connectors:
| Connector | HDMI Version | Pins | Usage | Compatible With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | 1.0 | 19 | All high-definition standards, all models of TVs and computer screens | Single link DVI-D |
| Type B | 1.0 | 29 | Very high resolution displays, such as those used for 3D animation and gaming computers, WQUXGA standard | Dual link DVI-D |
| Type C (mini connector) | 1.3 | 19 | Portable devices, from smart phones, to tablets and game consoles | Type A connector using Type A-to-Type C cable |
| Type D (micro connector) | 1.4 | 19 | Used only in the smallest devices, including some handheld game consoles | – |
| Type E | 1.4 | 19 | Automotive electrical and data gathering systems | Relay connector for connecting to standard cables |
VGA Connector Types
The VGA connector comes in a single variety. It has both a male, 15-pinned form and a female, 15-holed form, and is frequently blue in hue. Each of the three rows of pins/holes has a particular purpose, such as giving power, red-green-blue (RGB) color data, vertical or horizontal synchronization, or electrical grounding.
VGA Resolutions
VGA can refer to particular screen resolutions in some instances. A list of the most typical ones can be seen below:
| Name and Code | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Video Graphics Array (VGA) | First released in 1987 with IBM’s PS/2 computers, the resolution is also called “standard definition” compared to HD (“high definition”) and Full HD. | 640×480 |
| Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) | Also known as Ultra Video Graphics Array (UVGA or Ultra VGA), it was released as a VGA extension by IBM in1987. In addition to this, it is also defined by the Video Electronics Standards Standards Association. | 800×600 |
| Extended Graphics Array (XGA) | Found on almost 80% of laptops, XGA was introduced by IBM in 1990. The XGA featured accelerated processing of 2D drawing, as well as a 24-bit Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC). Note that Extended Graphics Array (XGA) is not the same as Extended Video Graphics Array (EVGA) | 1024×768 |
| Super Extended Graphics Array (SXGA) | The successor to XGA. It has a 5:4 aspect ratio instead of the more common 4:3, and was popular in cellphone cameras before being supplanted by UXGA around 2007. | 1280×1024 |
| Ultra Extended Graphics Array (UXGA) | UXGA was formerly the most common resolution of 15” fullscreen monitors such as laptop LCDs; however, use has since shifted to 20” and 21.3” desktop monitors and away from laptops. | 1600×1200 |
| Wide Extended Graphics Array (WXGA) | Derived by widening the XGA resolution to a widescreen aspect ratio. The resolution is commonly seen in low-end LCD TVs and computer monitors. | Highly variable, x-pixels range from 1152 to 1366, while y-pixel range from 768 to 800. |
Applications
The main benefit of a VGA connection nowadays is that older technologies, such projectors, are almost always compatible with them; nevertheless, outside of details, like input lag, modern connections are now largely superior to and perform better than VGA.
The majority of PC gamers prefer HDMI connections because of their shorter cables, higher bandwidth, faster response times (the rate at which the image on the screen updates or moves; the slower the response times, the more motion blur is seen), and ability to transmit both audio and video. However, HDMI 1.4 is restricted to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, and while HDMI 2.0 enables 4K up to 60 frames per second, the more recent version is not very popular. In addition, as previously mentioned, HDMI connections typically have increased input lag when “Game mode” is not enabled.
Macs are another device where HDMI connections are used. Only MacBook Pro models made after 2012, late-model Mac Pro models made after 2013, and post-2010 Mac Tiny models include HDMI ports for connecting to HDTVs and other monitors. However, previous models can still utilize a mini DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor to connect through HDMI port.
Price
VGA cables are frequently inexpensive and are simple to find online because they are no longer widely used. Since converters are more of a specialized item, their price may be significantly higher than cables.
The fact that HDMI delivers single-cable audiovisual streams and higher quality is reflected in the fact that HDMI cables are more expensive than earlier DVI standard cables. Prices for high-quality HDMI cables can range from approximately $6 for a 6-foot cable to roughly $10–$20 for a high-end 9-foot cable, depending on the brand and length. For the most recent prices and deals, visit Amazon.com.
Do you prefer HDMI or VGA?
There are several reasons why HDMI is superior to VGA when comparing the two. In addition to carrying more data, which enables greater resolutions and frame rates, HDMI also supports audio transmission. As opposed to this, VGA can only transmit visuals at a significantly lesser resolution. In summary, HDMI offers a visual quality that is substantially crisper.
For watching movies, which is preferable?
I advise using HDMI if you want the finest resolution and color quality when watching movies. The majority of VGA users complain that, in comparison to HDMI, the colors are a little flat. When you watch movies on TV, it might be a tremendous difference. You don’t need a separate cable for the speakers because HDMI includes audio.
Which Is More Effective for Gaming?
It’s a popular fallacy that VGA can only support refresh rates of 60 hz, although this is untrue. Actually, it can support up to 85Hz. However, HDMI is a much superior option for video games because you can attain greater refresh rates while still getting crisper graphics. For instance, 1080p HDMI 2.0 may support 240 Hz.
Conclusion
You will eventually need to use a VGA to HDMI converter if your computer is very older and just has a VGA port in order to use newer screens. You won’t be able to take use of a full HDMI port and cable’s far higher quality and refresh rates, either.
Only if you’re still utilizing outdated technology, such as ancient gaming consoles, may you need to use a VGA cable. In this situation, you should always maintain a VGA cable and the necessary converters with the device.
In the end, you’ll want to replace your desktop or laptop with a more recent model that provides the finest video output. The most recent video outputs use USB-C, but there are many converters available that let you output from USB-C to HDMI displays without even slightly losing any signal quality.
