Rankie 1080P Active HDTV HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female) Converter with Audio for PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Xbox and More

This is a powered, or active, HDMI to VGA adapter. Normally, the power to convert an HDMI signal to VGA is provided through the HDMI connection. In some instances this power is either unavailable or is not sufficient to run the digital converter built into non-powered converters. This converter requires a 5VDC power source (your basic cellphone charger) and a USB to micro USB cable; neither of these are included with the adapter.**The converter can work with or without the external power option.**If sufficient power is being supplied via the HDMI connection, then the external power isn't required. However, you can always connect the external power regardless the power being supplied via the HDMI input.A nice feature of this adapter/converter is the 3.5mm stereo audio output jack. While the HDMI format is digital and carries the audio signal along with the video, VGA is analog and the cables do not carry audio. You will need to make an additional connection if audio is needed and the jack on the adapter is a nice convenience. I do not know if the audio jack passes any type of surround sound encoding information. Headphones can be plugged directly into the audio jack but according to other reviews its performance is dependent on various factors; it might work great, it might not. I suspect the audio signal would work better if it were amplified through a sound card or external amp. I have not used the audio output so I cannot speak to its function***This is NOT a bi-directional adapter/converter. It only works in one direction; converting digital HDMI to analog VGA with an audio break out.While VGA is an old cable from the early days of personal computers, it can pass analog Hi-Def video signals.This is a high quality unit; fit, finish and video function are all first rate. The flexibility of having an active converter means it will work in any situation and especially in those situations where you need the extra power.

So easy to use, just plug and play. The picture quality is fantastic, it supports multiple resolutions, and has zero issues after some heavy wear. Make sure your monitor has an attached VGA Male Connector, or that you have the proper VGA cable available for it. Other than that, very compatible, connects pretty well with the screw-in system, functions fantastically.

This is a lifesaver for those with newer laptops and an older VGA projector. As newer laptops come out, they discontinue using VGA and use HDMI instead. We have a new/older style projector on the church ceiling with only a VGA capability. The laptop we were using for displaying music, videos, and words to the screen via the projector is very old and overheats. We replaced it but the newer laptop had no VGA output. All the stores (Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc.) had this product but all were for an HDMI laptop output to a male VGA. The projector output is a male VGA so a male-to-male doesn't work. (and they were all close to $30 anyway). I found this on Amazon and and even though I could see the picture I was worried it would be the same thing. But it was the HDMI to female and I was able to plug it into the male VGA to the projector. The other issue is getting the sound which does not come thru the HDMI (only picture). This product has a short audio cable that goes into the headphone port on the laptop...good thing that it is detachable. I was able to attach a longer audio to it and plug it into the church mixing board to get the sound to come over the church speakers instead of just to the laptop. I am completely satisfied with this product and the price was under $10 so it was a win-win!

It is what it is -- and so far solid. Will update the post if any issues. The short cable and separate connectors are a plus in terms of flexibility with installations. I have it connected to laptop with VGA cable and tied to 27" monitor via HDMI. From my experience switching multiple devices connected to a single monitor via the monitor's input control is not only troublesome based on the monitor's auto-sensing features but also screwed up one of my previous monitor's signal sensor (makes sense since monitor manufacturers don't expect users to switch sources 10x times per day. I am using a Fosmon HD8024 2x1 HDMI switch and have used many of the same unit for client installations.UPDATE:Too bad as ended up that this product does not maintain the HDMI signal 100% of the time -- meaning that if you are using a switch box as I was, when switching to the device (in my case a ThinkPad) attached to this interface cable, the switch/monitor don't recognize or "see" - signal. I thought I could trick it by using the audio connection cables (two options -- analog -- mini), but no dice. Nothing. So changed the rating to 4 stars because if you set it up as a real-time, always-on, connection it appears to work well. Important to know depending on your specific situation.