VGA vs. HDMI: How Do They Compare?

Both VGA and HDMI are widely used to connect computers to monitors, projectors, and even television sets. VGA is the most common and was the dominant video format in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Nevertheless, when HDTVs and HD resolutions grew in popularity, HDMI became the new heir apparent to the VGA throne. Now that everything has been established, In what ways do VGA and HDMI vary from one other? Between VGA and HDMI, which is the best option in terms of technology? The answer may be found by continuing to read.

What is VGA (Video Graphics Array)?

The VGC Protocol is used by visual display controllers like computer displays and projectors, make use of the Video Graphics Interchange Format (VGA). Array (VGA) graphics standard to connect to one another. In 1987, it was made available for the IBM PS/2 series of personal computers. Compared to the previous IBM PC standards of CGA and EGA, this one was a vast improvement. Aside from IBM PCs, it became a standard that was adopted by the whole computer hardware industry, thanks to its broad adoption by PC clone manufacturers.

What is HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)?

The High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) standard was introduced in 2002 and has now become the global HD standard for HDTVs. As a result of its trusty handshake-based digital copy protection capabilities, it was widely embraced by the HDTV sector, and shortly after, and every company that wanted to sell HD displays did the same. It has replaced previous A/V communication between devices such as S-video, pultruded video, and component video as the de facto interface standard.

What is the HDMI ARC?

Instead of a one-way signal streetIf, you use HDMI with ARC, Using a single HDMI connection, you may transmit and receive data in either way. HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). It’s compatible with HDTVs and A/V devices that support ARC. Turning them on and off or increasing the volume is as easy as using the same remote control for all HDMI-connected devices.

What is HDMI eARC?

It’s called Enhanced Audio Return Channel (EARC) and it will be part of HDMI’s Audio Return Channel (ARC) future technology (eARC). The HDMI 2.1 upgrade or standard includes this functionality. Its primary advantage is a significant increase in bandwidth and speed. When you connect your HDTV’s audio signal to your AV receiver or soundbar using this version of ARC’s audio, you’ll get crystal-clear audio with high fidelity.

What is HDMI CEC?

Many peripherals and TVs have included the HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI CEC) since the standard’s inception. As a result, HDMI has supplanted its predecessors Digital Visual Interface (DVI) and DisplayPort as the HDTV connection standard (DP).It’s a piece of hardware that enables HDMI-connected devices may communicate with your TV by exchanging “handshakes.”. Nothing happens if your HDTV does not return a “handshake” from a connected device. This prevents digital pirates from copying streams and movies from your HDTV digitally by allowing only industry-approved devices to connect to it.

Comparison Chart

HDMI vs. VGA – A side-by-by-side comparison.

Types of Connection, Information Compatibility, Audio Signal

Using High Definition Multimedia Interface “Hot-pluggable” (you don’t have to restart the system when you plug it in and out) digital audio and video signal, external, 19 or 29 pins.

Digital is the signal type.

It works with HDMI to DVI and HDMI to VGA converters.

Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are all supported as well as LPCM, DST and Dolby Digital, DSD and DTS. 2002 is the year in question.

No audio signal, no There is no “hot-pluggable” VGA connection for the RGB analog video stream.

Analog is the signal format.

VGA to HDMI and VGA to DVI adapters are readily available.

There is no sound. An audio cable is required in addition to the USB cable. 1987 is the year in question.

VGA Port and Cable Explained

VGA Port and Cable

Detailed information about VGA ports and cables may be found below.

What Does a VGA Cable and VGA Connector Look Like?

There are 15 pins on either side of a long, thick VGA cable with a D-shaped connector. To link or pierce the pinholes in the female port, the male connector must be connected to the female port’s 15 pinholes. To prevent cable tangles, the female port has a D-shape to it as well.

What Are the Different Versions of VGA? 

In the late 1980s, PC clones adopted IBM’s VGA standard extensively; as a result, PC clones’ versions of VGA differed from IBM’s official line of VGA connectors. It was because of this that When the Super VGA (SVGA) successor to XGA was released in 1988, it stood apart from the VGA successor (Extended Graphics Array).Up until HDMI and DP took over in the 2010s, SVGA was still used extensively.

VGA Resolutions:

VGA’s 640480 pixel resolution is 16-color. Even though it has 256 colors, the screen resolution is reduced to around 320×200. When in EGA compatibility mode, it can display 16 colors or 640×350 in monochrome or 640×200 in black and white. It has a resolution of 320×200 in 256 colors in Mode 13h.A 262,144-color RGB table, also 18 bits in size, may be used to redefine the palettes for 256- and 16-color modes..

What Does a VGA Connection Do? 

As far as most PC users are concerned, a VGA connection is all they need to get their desktop or laptop PCs connected to a display. When connecting a computer to a monitor, whether it was a CRT, LCD, or even a projector, users had to deal with the famous D-shaped connection.

What is VGA used for? 

VGA serves as a connection between your computer display and the receiver of the video stream. With the proper adapters or converters, it may also be used with a computer or a TV screen. There are two variations of the VGA: male and female. In other words, it links everything from all of the media inputs and output devices are interconnected, including video cards, monitors, TVs, and laptops.

What is the Best VGA Cable?

 If you’re searching for the best VGA cables, you’re likely to stumble across Cable Matters. SVGA to VGA cables with ferrites are made by the business at the most inexpensive price point. In addition, you have the option of shopping such as Pienmor, Rankie, BENFAI, and DTech. The majority of VGA cable consumers choose cost above glitz and glamor when it comes to VGA connections.

Can I Connect VGA to HDMI? 

Clearly. There is a VGA to HDMI converter or adapter required for this function, though. Be aware that VGA is a video-only connection standard, so if your display device has built-in speakers like an HDTV or projector, you’ll also require audio connections.

What Else Can You Tell Me About VGA Connections? 

Analog video standards cable is used with VGA connections since they are analog. As of this writing, it’s been on the market since 1987, which means it’s been around for almost 30 years at this point. The HDMI connection only transmits a visual signal; if you also want audio, you must use separate audio cords. A VGA to A/V converter connects computers to displays, projectors, and televisions. It’s still in use as an HDMI substitute today.

HDMI Port and Cable Explained

And here is some additional information about HDMI cables and ports for you to consider.

What Does the HDMI Cable and HDMI Connector Look Like?

What Does the HDMI Cable and HDMI Connector Look Like

 Comparing HDMI and VGA cables, you’ll see that HDMI has a wider and more robust connection, whereas the VGA connector has fewer pins (19-29 pins). Even with the TV or computer on, it plugs in and runs without restarting.

What Are the Different Versions of HDMI? 

The HDMI 2.1 cable types listed below are the most popular. 

• HDMI cable with 720p and 1080i resolutions and a bandwidth of 5 Gbps is recommended.

• HDMI cable with Ethernet port, as per industry standards 2.

• HDMI Cable for Vehicles – Standard

• In addition to 4K Ultra HD (30 Hz), high-speed HDMI cables provide vivid color, 3D, and a 10 Gbps bandwidth.

• HDMI Ethernet Cable with Fast Transfer Rates

• It can transmit 4K Ultra HD video with HDR and has a capacity of 18 Gbps (HDMI 2.0/a/b).

• Ethernet and a HDMI connection are required for high-end devices.The HDMI cable supports HDR at 120 Hz for resolutions up to 4K, 5K, 8K, and 10K and is 48G in size. The connection is HDMI 2.1. Electrostatic interference is not a problem because of the high transfer rates and resistance to electrostatic interference (EMI).

HDMI Resolutions: As previously mentioned, In terms of resolution, HDMI can support anything between 1080i and 720p at 30Hz, 4K at 60Hz. The various HDMI specifications can also support everything in between, including 1080p and 4K at 30Hz, 4K at 60Hz with HDR, and 10K at 120Hz (HDMI 2.1). (HDMI 2.1).

What Does an HDMI Connection Do? The HDMI standard is a proprietary Instead of analog standard definition A/V interface that provides compressed versions of the visual content, HDMI-compliant devices may access uncompressed digital video and compressed/uncompressed audio data over a single cable when using this A/V interface.

When Should I Use HDMI? HDMI is a high-definition video connector that can handle resolutions ranging from 720p to 10K (ultra-high definition order to connect to high-bandwidth sources such as Blu-ray discs or cable boxes that broadcast current HD material in high definition, “HDTVs” and “HD” displays utilize HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).

What is the Best HDMI Cable? SecurOMax, Synchwire, iBirdie (4K) and Monoprice are among the best-selling HDMI cables, according to Google. Other popular brands include iVanky, Atevon, and Capshi (4K). A combination of regular High-speed HDMI and premium 4K HDMI cables are the most commonly available options for connecting displays to computers.

Can I Connect HDMI to VGA? A converter or adapter may be used by subscribers to connect HDMI to VGA and view HDMI source material on a VGA display (the former is recommended). Although VGA can still operate at 1080p HD, there are certain resolution limitations.

What Else Can You Tell Me About HDMI Connections? HDMI is a comparatively recent digital video standard cable, having been launched in 2002. Instead of using separate connections, it may transport both video and audio data simultaneously via a single cable. It’s mostly used for connecting Blu-ray disc players to HDTV televisions.

What is the difference between HDMI and VGA?

 As opposed to VGA, which uses analog video signals, HDMI uses digital ones. In addition to being the older video standard, VGA is also the older audio and video standard. However, A/V is more often linked with computer monitor hookups, whereas HDMI is more commonly connected with HDTV.

Advantages of Using HDMI Over VGA: 

VGA simply carries video information, while HDMI provides both video and audio via a single connection. Although both VGA and HDMI can show 1080p HD, HDMI has considerably better picture quality. HDMI 2.1, which supports 10K video at 120 Hz with HDR, also supports other resolutions. The CEC handshake system, as well as HDMI’s ARC and eARC audio technology, are absent from VGA.

How to connect HDMI laptop to VGA projector: 

To do that you’ll need an HDMI to VGA converter. Converting HD video streams up to 1080p resolution is possible with certain converters. Depending on the model, some HDMI source media converters may split the video and audio signals, while others merely transfer the video signal to be converted into VGA.

How do I connect my VGA laptop to an HDMI projector?

 A VGA to HDMI converter may be used to connect a VGA laptop with an HDMI projector that only has a VGA connection.. Due to VGA’s age as a video standard from 1987, the connection and upscaled video quality have limitations.

How do I connect HDMI to VGA with audio?

Because VGA can only carry video signals, you’ll also need a signal splitter to convert HDMI to VGA. There should be a 3.5-millimeter or coaxial audio jack port

How to connect the laptop to a projector with HDMI:

 If your projector is HDMI-based, you’ll need either a laptop with an HDMI connection or a laptop with a VGA port. Separate audio connections are used, despite the fact that projector speakers built-in are preferable to those on a laptop or Bluetooth device.

How to connect the laptop to a projector with VGA: 

There are two ways to connect a laptop with a VGA port to a projector: either use the built-in VGA port on most models made up to and including 2010 or purchase an HDMI to VGA converter if your laptop only has an HDMI connection.

Does a VGA to HDMI cable carry sound? 

Unfortunately, VGA can only carry visual signals. VGA is not an audio interface. Both PC speakers and separate audio cables for your stereo system or soundbar are choices for audio. An option would be to use Bluetooth wireless speakers. While searching for them, choose for converters/adapters with just a VGA connection or those with extra audio connections for connecting your audio to the HDMI cable.

Does HDMI to VGA work both ways? 

If you’re looking for a way to link an HDMI source media converter with an older VGA video signal for computer displays and projectors, you’ll need one of these devices. An HDMI display must be connected to a VGA source through a dedicated HDMI to VGA converter. Separate cables are required for each channel of the split audio signal. HDMI source media requires 3.5 millimeter jack/coaxial cable audio and VGA video, therefore an HDMI splitter is needed to create the appropriate connections.

Does the HDMI to VGA adapter need power?

 Unless they’re splitters with additional audio connections, HDMI to VGA adapters and converters don’t need additional audio or USB power. Finally, the VGA to HDMI converter is the one needing an extra USB power supply to operate.

Can VGA carry HD video?

 Certainly, although there are certain restrictions. You may broadcast HD video in the same manner analog TV’s YPbPr or component video transmit HD using the 1080i standard and VGA. 

Is HDMI better than VGA? If so, why? 

Aside from being digital, HDMI outperforms VGA in image quality and resolution in a variety of other ways. In the days of analog high-definition connections, VGA was a relic (even though it can also do HD). HDMI can carry audio formats like DTS-HD and Dolby True HD in addition to video.

How do you check the HDMI cable version? 

Specific cable versions should be requested from the supplier. Labels can be seen on certain wires but not all of them. The cable version is also undetectable by your computer. To find out what kind of cable you need, go to the table above. There aren’t any HDMI 1.3 cables or similar accessories around. They’re usually advertised based on how much data they can transmit in a certain amount of time. As a result, you may choose between HD and 4K connections, as well as 48G cables.

Is VGA capable of 1080p? 

Yes, VGA can output 1080p HD video. VGA may perform the same functions as component video, as discussed in the HD video question. You may, however, see a reduction in image quality compared to utilizing HDMI cables due to the length and quality of the connection. There is some artifacting with VGA HD as well, but at first look, it is impossible to tell the difference between VGA and HDMI HD.

Do I need a special HDMI for 4K? 

An HDMI cable with a high data rate is required for 4K at 30 Hz. For 4K at 60 Hz with HDR, a high-speed HDMI connection (HDMI 2.0/a/b) is required. A normal HDMI connection will not be able to transmit uncompressed data in its original quality. If you want to connect your Blu-ray player through HDMI, you must first select to downscale the 4K output to 1080p. (Your cable provider will not downscale your video for you.)

Final Thoughts

When comparing VGA with HDMI, it’s unfair. Of course, HDMI is superior to VGA in every way, including the capacity to decode signals up to Full HD 1080p quality!. As opposed to the VHS vs. DVD/Blu-ray debate, the usage of VGA is still prevalent among current PCs because of its continued availability.

Many laptops still include a VGA connector, thus it’s rare to see a modern computer without both HDMI and VGA ports. Even in the 2020s, when it comes to computer visual interfaces, knowing what VGA is and what it can accomplish in comparison to HDMI is critical.

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.