What is a VGA Cable? Understanding Types and Uses

The blue cable with 15 small pins that connect your monitor to your CPU is the VGA Cable. Yes, the one that fluctuates your PC screen turns off. When you plug in the cable in your PC VGA port, your screen lights up. It’s a display cable that showcases every action that you perform on a video screen. It takes video information from your PC and delivers it to a monitor to display you. Here is everything you need to know about VGA cables for monitors and other devices. 

What is a VGA Cable?

IBM introduced Video Graphic Array (VGA) in 1987 as a video standard for desktop PCs. It was initially used in the IBM PS/2 line of personal computers, but then the cable became so popular that it is now widely used in every PC. The analog computer display was initially supported 640×480 resolution with 15 pins configured in an array of 3 rows of 5 pins. Later it became so popular that it became standard for analogue computer display interfaces. You can use VGA to connect to another screen. The VGA cable transmits analog signals of video between connecting devices. It helps with the display of high-definition video and images.

How VGA Cables Work?

It can perfectly connect to Desktop computers, Projectors, and LEDs. 

The one end of the VGA-cable connects to the computer’s VGA port and the other to the monitor. The connected wires inside the cable, carry signals and picture data from the computer. Your monitor then receives those signals and converts them into visuals that you view on the screen. There are multiple wires inside the cable that transmit signals in red, green, blue, horizontal, and vertical sync. These signals help form a clear picture on the screen. As long as the cable is firmly connected to the device, the picture remains clear and colorful. Any fluctuation in connectivity may cause visual impairment on the screen. 

Though VGA is an older technology, people still widely use it on older computers and TVs. It can easily convert from VGA to HDMI cable with a newer display interface, ensuring better-quality visuals.  You can still use VGA to connect devices that do not have digital video outputs, even though they are outdated. 

Uses of VGA Cable

VGA Splitter Cable

A VGA splitter divides and splits the signals from the source computer to multiple connected devices. If you want to send a video display to multiple monitors and screens from one computer, you can use a VGA splitter cable. One end of the cable has a single connector, while the other end has multiple VGA connectors for different display devices. 

VGA Extension Cable

When you have a long distance between your computer and the display monitor, the VGA extension cable is the best choice. You can connect one end of the extension cable to the VGA port in your computer and then connect the other end to the VGA. Now connect this VGA-cable to your display device. It’s better to use screws to tighten the wires so that they don’t fluctuate.

VGA Adapter

VGA adapter cables are used to convert VGA signals to other display formats like HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and more. This is used in places where display monitors and PCs are situated at a distance, like classrooms, conference rooms, and other setups. 

VGA to HDMI cable

One of the best things that makes VGA never obsolete is its ability to convert VGA-cable to HDMI technology. You will need a VGA to HDMI adapter to transmit digital audio and video signals. With a simple adapter device, you can convert analog signals to digital and enjoy HDMI results with your VGA port.

Connect one end of your HDMI to VGA-cable adapter, and the other end to the display device (monitor or projector to HDMI display). Let the other end of the VGA adapter connect to the PC or device that sends signals.

VGA Cable to USB

You can simply convert a USB cable to a VGA via just an adapter device. A USB to VGA adapter converts the video signal from a VGA cable to USB or vice versa.

DisplayPort to VGA Cable

If you have a modern computer that can support the latest interfaces, like DisplayPort, and your display device (projector or monitor) has a VGA input. You can easily connect both devices with a display port to VGA adapter and enjoy high-end display resolution. 

VGA to DVI Cable

Similarly, if your device has a DVI port and your display screen, whether projector or PC, has a VGA-cable or vice versa, you can use a VGA to DVI adapter for compatibility. The adapter must support the signal conversion; therefore, be sure of which type of DVI cables you have. 

VGA to VGA-Cable

A VGA to VGA-cable has 15-pin VGA connectors on both ends. You can use it in a PC setup when both the display monitor and PC have VGA ports. It’s the simplest form of VGA available in double and triple shielding. 

Why VGA is still your Best Choice?

Cost Effective Choice

VGAs are one of the most economical display interfaces available for strong connectivity. The latest digital interfaces such as DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI cables may be more expensive than VGA. However, you can convert your VGA to any latest technologies with the help of an adapter. 

Easy to Set Up

VGA-cables are easy to set up compared to other digital interfaces like HDMI, DVI, and more. They come with a plug-and-play design and can be connected instantly without any additional settings. 

It Works With Everything

Yes, its universal compatibility, along with different VGA adapters, allows users to connect the cable to DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, and other latest technologies as well. It provides compatibility between older and newer technology. 

High-Resolution Support

VGA can provide resolution support of up to 1080p at 60Hz. The resolution support may vary as per the refresh Rate and Aspect Ratio. Enhanced models provide full HD resolution support up to 1920×1080. 

Conclusion

If you have an old PC set up, and you want to experience the latest display interface, VGA is the best choice. It’s not just an economical choice but also offers high-quality resolution. Adapters are available for VGA to connect it with almost every modern digital interface. It is available at a much lower price than HDMI, DisplayPort, and other digital interfaces.

FAQ’s

What does a VGA cable do?

Video Graphic Array, commonly known as VGA, is a display interface cable that transmits analog signals from devices like computers to display monitors, TVs, and projectors. 

What is a VGA cable used for?

We use VGA for displaying video or media on screen by connecting video output devices to monitors, projectors, TVs, and other display devices.

Is VGA better than HDMI?

Compared to HDMI, VGA offers lower resolution at lower refresh rates. Although it is less expensive than modern display technologies. And it can support the HDMI interface with a simple adapter. HDMI is definitely better in terms of the latest technology, but for budget, VGA is better.