5 Tips For Choosing An HDMI Converter To Connect A PC To A TV

When you're working with computer equipment that is a few years old and modern television screens, you'll likely find that the connectors on the two components don't quite match up anymore. If your computer doesn't offer an HDMI output but it's required by the TV, you'll need a reliable converter to watch your favorite shows or look at photos on a large and high definition screen. Pick the right HDMI converter to put your media system together a little faster by using these five tips.

Match the Signal

Start by first determining what signal is coming out of the computer that needs to be converted into the HDMI format. Many laptops and computers offer more than one type of audio and video output, and some signals are easier to convert than others, changing the cost of the converter due to complexity. The most common output signals include

  • DVI, which is a different type of digital signal requiring no major conversions
  • VGA, the most common analog output type still used by relatively modern computers
  • USB, which is an output method only supported by some video cards and converters.

If you grab the wrong kind of converter, it won't connect to the computer even while it fits the TV. Watch out that you're not buying a converter that sends the HDMI signal to a VGA or DVI input instead, like for a newer computer that needs to connect with an older screen.

Skip Passive Designs

With enough searching, you can find basic and inexpensive cables that feature a VGA connector on one end and an HDMI attachment on the other. However, it's not possible to transform an analog signal like VGA into a digital format without an active converter, at least in the form of a small chip included in the TV side of the cable.

You can use basic cables without active converters if you're connecting DVI computers with HDMI televisions, because the digital signal doesn't need to change much.

Choose the Resolution

Are you trying to decide between an affordable converter with a maximum resolution of 720p or a more expensive 1080p model? Use a viewing chart to determine if you'll even notice the difference before shelling out the money. If you've got a small screen and sit too far away to appreciate the finest details, you're going to get the same results while spending less.

Adjust the Settings

Most converters and adapters designed to work with HDMI connections work right out of the box once you find the right ports to use. Even if you're excited to use the equipment right away, take the time to go through the settings on both your video card's driver software and the program for the converter. Tweaking a few settings could help you enjoy the best quality for both sound and video. If you're not a computer buff, consider getting the converter installed and set up by a technician to make sure it works from day one.

Check Your Video Card

Finally, read up on the manufacturer's information before assuming your video card doesn't already offer an analog to digital conversion option. If your card does the hard work for you but only currently features a DVI or VGA port, you can add a different port to the card itself to expand to HDMI without a costly converter. However, this is a relatively rare feature, and it's unlikely to be found on a card that wasn't purchased for this specific purpose.

HDMI converters vary greatly in both price and quality. Check the reviews and make sure what you purchase is compatible with both your computer and television before ordering it from a supplier, such as Cablewholesale.com.


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