How does HDMI to VGA work

[LiCoHi]

If I connect an hdmi cord from my computer to a cable with a female hdmi and a male vga and connect the male vga to my monitor will it work like hdmi or no

[ProjectBox153]

I don’t know what you mean by work like HDMI, but all the experience with HDMI to VGA adapters (even active ones) that I’ve used has been shit. Use DVI to VGA if you can. 

[SupaKomputa]

I used hdmi to vga no problem. But you no longer have sound, for that you need to another converter that has separate audio output.

[userzero]

Used a few of these, well variations of for a long time when working in the repair shop. No issues https://www.amazon.co.uk/Converter-Adapter-Desktop-Laptop-Projector-Black-Black/dp/B01DEZ1SMG/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1512661012&sr=8-14&keywords=hdmi+vga+converter+powered

 

Ours were main powered and not USB but same thing.

[AshleyAshes]

1 hour ago, Jamiec1130 said:

I don’t know what you mean by work like HDMI, but all the experience with HDMI to VGA adapters (even active ones) that I’ve used has been shit. Use DVI to VGA if you can. 

I'm pretty certian that HDMI to VGA adaptors MUST be active.  DVI-I to VGA relies on having additional pins capable of carrying the analogy VGA signal. These are pins that HDMI just straight up does not have.

 

That said I would not be shocked if some company made some crazy non-standard implementation that detecting load on one of the few unused pins, then switches to sending a VGA signal over the HDMI pins and then the appropriate adaptor offers a VGA pinout.

[ShredBird]

4 hours ago, AshleyAshes said:

I'm pretty certian that HDMI to VGA adaptors MUST be active.  DVI-I to VGA relies on having additional pins capable of carrying the analogy VGA signal. These are pins that HDMI just straight up does not have.

 

That said I would not be shocked if some company made some crazy non-standard implementation that detecting load on one of the few unused pins, then switches to sending a VGA signal over the HDMI pins and then the appropriate adaptor offers a VGA pinout.

You're right.  DVI-I actually has analog pins identical in function to VGA.  Your graphics card has to have an active RAMDAC to convert from digital information to the analog information feeding those pins.

 

If those pins are not present you need an active adapter which has a RAMDAC that provides the same function.  Quality may vary brand to brand.