HDMI adapters and converters connect HDMI sources and displays to other video standards, and suit anyone with an older monitor, a projector or a laptop that lacks the right port. Our range of over 30 models includes products from VIVOLINK, StarTech.com, SANDBERG and LogiLink.
How to choose an HDMI adapter or converter
Signal direction. Most adapters work one way only, so check which device is the source and which is the display. A converter that turns HDMI into VGA will not send a VGA signal back into an HDMI input.
Adapter or active converter. HDMI is digital and VGA is analogue, so HDMI to VGA needs a converter with a chip inside. A passive adapter is enough only when both ends carry the same kind of signal, for example HDMI to DVI-D.
Resolution and refresh rate. Full HD at 60 Hz is fine for office work and presentations. For a 4K monitor or TV, look for explicit 4K support at 60 Hz, as some cheaper adapters stop at 30 Hz and make the cursor feel sluggish.
Power and audio. Converters to analogue formats often need a USB power lead, and VGA and DVI do not carry sound. If you need audio, choose a model with a separate 3.5 mm output or use a different route for the sound.
Form and connectors. A short dongle suits a laptop that travels, while a small box with a cable is easier to fit behind a desk or projector. Check that the connectors are male or female as your cables require.
HDMI adapter and converter brands in our range
- StarTech.com: a long-established maker of connectivity accessories, widely used in offices and IT departments for display adapters and docking gear.
- ATEN: known for professional AV and KVM equipment, including signal converters for meeting rooms and control rooms.
- VALUE and ROLINE: house brands of the Swiss distributor Secomp, offering structured cabling and display accessories.
Also in our range: VIVOLINK, SANDBERG, LogiLink, Micro Connect, Gembird, Unitek and Qoltec.
HDMI adapters and converters: frequently asked questions
Can I connect an HDMI laptop to a VGA monitor?
Yes, with an HDMI to VGA converter. Because HDMI is digital and VGA is analogue, a simple plug adapter will not work. Choose a converter that does the signal conversion, and add a separate audio lead if you need sound.
Does an HDMI adapter work in both directions?
Usually not. Most HDMI adapters and converters carry a signal from source to display only. If you need to go the opposite way, for example from VGA or DisplayPort into an HDMI screen, look for a converter built for that direction.
Why is there no picture after plugging in my adapter?
The most common causes are a converter that needs external power, the wrong input selected on the monitor, or a resolution the display cannot handle. Connect the USB power lead if there is one, check the input source, then lower the resolution in your display settings.
Will an HDMI converter reduce picture quality?
A good digital to digital adapter, such as HDMI to DVI-D, should not noticeably change the picture. Converting to analogue VGA can soften fine text, and the maximum resolution depends on the converter. Check the stated resolution and refresh rate before buying.
