Video converter
A
video converter is a device that converts one type of video signal to
another, like VGA to DVI, DVI
to VGA, HDMI to DVI, or VGA to
Composite Video. Each video format has
different video resolution capabilities and converting from one to the other
may result in less than optimal video performance. An example is converting
DVI to VGA, since DVI has a higher video resolution capability than VGA.
However, using a video converter may be the only option depending on the
computer and type of video card in the computer. Most computer monitors
today feature a DVI connection, but not all computers have a DVI connection.
Many still have a VGA connection and would require a DVI-to-VGA converter in
order to connect the monitor to the computer. In the picture to the right,
is some examples of video converter cables.
Other video converters are used for video formats more related to TVs and video equipment, such as a DVD player. VGA to Composite video allows for connecting a computer to a TV. A number of computer video cards include a composite or s-video output connection to connect a computer to a TV, so the VGA to Composite video converter is no longer needed. A HDMI to DVI connector allows for connecting a computer to a TV as well. This helps to preserve more of the video resolution because both DVI and HDMI are capable of higher resolutions.
Also see: Video definitions