VGA and HDMI are interface standards used for cables that connect devices — such as laptop computers and DVD players — to a display, like a TV, computer monitor or projector.
VGA is an older standard that carries only a video signal. HDMI is the default cable standard for newer electronic devices, such as Blu-Ray players or LED TVs. HDMI can carry both digital video and audio signals, all while encrypting data with HDCP.
The video quality attained with a VGA cable is noticeably worse when compared to that of HDMI. Even so, HDMI may be phased out soon, as USB 3.1's versatile Type-C connector has the potential to replace the HDMI standard.
Comparison chart
 | HDMI | VGA |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| General Specification | Hot pluggable, external, digital video and audio signal, 19 or 29 pins. | Not hot pluggable, RGB analog video signal, 15 Pins |
| Audio signal | LPCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, MPCM, DSD, DST, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | None. Requires separate audio cable. |
| Stands For | High Definition Multimedia Interface | Video Graphics Array |
| Signal through cables | Digital | Analog |
| Compatibility | Compatible with DVI, VGA and DisplayPort with converters. | VGA to DVI and VGA to HDMI converters available. |
VGA vs. HDMI Capabilities
VGA cables were designed to carry only video signals from a device to a display. At the time they were first released (1987), analog signals were the norm. When digital signals became more common, VGA cables were enhanced with converters to enable an analog-to-digital conversion. However, newer display devices used digital signals, too, so the process became a two-step conversion from digital to analog and back to digital, with concurrent degradation of the signal. The analog signal would lose some information in the conversion to digital, and more information is lost when converted back to digital. In addition analog signals carry less information than digital, so the original image such a scenario starts out as less "sharp" than what can be achieved in digital.
The HDMI standard allows for the transfer of both digital video and audio signals via the same interface (port) and cable, capable of providing high-definition (HD) video at resolutions of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and 8 audio channels simultaneously. Because it supports digital copy protection of all signals, HDMI cables are included for devices such as the Apple TV, Blu-Ray players, and game consoles, among other similar electronic products.
Signal Quality
VGA cables are subject to crosstalk (signal interference from other cables) and length issues; for beyond about 4 feet, the analog video signal tends to break down. HDMI cables are less sensitive to crosstalk, but can suffer interference from electromagnetic fields. To avoid this issue in tight places with several cables, the best HDMI cables offer thick insulation. However, most standard HDMI cables offer excellent connections and solid performance without the need for premium cables at premium prices.
Input Lag
Input lag can refer to one of two things: the delay between a display device, such as a TV or monitor, receiving a signal and displaying it, or the delay between pressing a button in a video game and seeing the game execute the corresponding action.
VGA connections generally exhibit less input lag than HDMI connections because they don’t apply post-processing on the input. Post-processing is similar to a Photoshop filter, in that it applies effects, such as depth of field, motion blur, and color correction. While disabling post-processing reduces image quality slightly, it decreases input lag. There is an option on some TVs called “Game mode” which also disables post-processing.
Another factor in input lag is the use of adapters. Technically, every additional device introduces some delay because of the extra distance electrons have to travel, but this is negligible. Using low-quality, unofficial adapters can increase input lag significantly as well.
Compatibility
VGA cables are incompatible with HDMI ports, except with the use of converters. Even with converters, video signal quality is greatly compromised when using VGA cables, so they usually serve as a stop-gap measure. Audio requires a separate cable.
If HDMI cables are used with a VGA port, a converter unit and separate cable are needed to hook up the video display and provide the audio signal to a separate port.
HDMI Connector Types
HDMI connectors come in 5 different types:
| 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
There is only one kind of VGA connector. Often colored blue, it has both a male, 15-pinned form and a female 15-holed form. The pins/holes run across three rows, with each pin/hole performing a different function, such as providing red/green/blue (RGB) color information, power, vertical or horizontal syncing, and electrical grounding.
VGA Resolutions
There are some variations of VGA that refer to specific screen resolutions. Below is a table of the most common ones:
| 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 advantage of a VGA connection nowadays is that older technology, such as projectors, are almost always compatible with them; however, VGA is now mostly outclassed and outperformed by newer connections outside of specifics, such as input lag.
HDMI connections are used by most PC gamers for their faster response times (the speed at which the image on the screen updates or shifts; the longer the response times, the more motion blur is visible), presence in most modern monitors, low-cost cables, as well as their ability to carry both audio and video. However, HDMI 1.4 is limited to 4K resolution at 30 FPS, and while HDMI 2.0 supports 4K up to 60 FPS, the more recent version is not very common; furthermore, as previously stated, without “Game mode”, HDMI connections tend to have higher input lag.
Another application of HDMI connections is on Macs. While only post-2010 models of the Mac Mini, post-2012 models of the MacBook Pro, and late 2013 models of the Mac Pro come with HDMI ports for connecting to HDTVs and other displays, other models can still use a mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter to connect via HDMI port.
Price
VGA cables, as they have fallen out of common use, are often inexpensive and can be found online easily. Converters might cost substantially more than the cables as they are more of a specialty item.
HDMI cables are more expensive than previous DVI standard cables, reflecting the fact that HDMI offers single-cable audiovisual feeds and higher quality. Quality HDMI cable prices vary by manufacturer and length and can range from about $6 for a 6-foot cable, to about $10-$20 for a high-end 9-foot cable. Check Amazon.com for current prices and discounts.
References
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