Choosing a VGA to RCA adapter

There are lots of reasons to want to convert a VGA signal into an RCA signal and there are lots of ways to accomplish it as well. Choosing the correct adapter can completely change your set up. It can change the cost, the features, and if it even works at all.

Passive VS. Active adapters

The first thing to look at is what the adapter ACTUALLY accomplishes. There are lots of products called VGA to RCA adapters that definitely do not accomplish the same thing. You'll find that some very common, and inexpensive adapters are simply a cable or adapter with a VGA port on one side and RCA ports on the other. Unfortunately these adapters only change the physical connections and not the signal being sent across the wires. This type of adapter only works if your VGA source is capable of changing itself from sending a VGA type signal to either a composite or component signal (the types of signals that use RCA connections). Unfortunately, most VGA sources do not offer this functionality.

The type of adapter most people need are true active converters. This will take the VGA signal coming out of your source (like a computer) and convert it into a compatible signal to go into your RCA device (like your TV). The benefit of these is that you don't have to worry about the capabilities of your VGA source and can just send it directly to your RCA device. They cost a little more than the cables, but having a video system that actually does what you need is absolutely worth it.

What to get to make sure it will work

Even within the range of active VGA to RCA adapters (the ones that actually perform a conversion) there are many different models and a wide price range. One of the best performing options for the cost can be found at a company called Sewell Direct, here: VGA to RCA adapter. That particular adapter is very well priced and works fantastically well for converting the VGA type signal into a composite RCA connection (the yellow RCA connection) to go into your TV or other device.

What to do with an HDTV

If your TV is an HDTV, you'll want to use an HD converter. Check out my hub on the HDMI Converter for more information on that.