questions → should i go displayport to vga or hdmi?

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Should I go DisplayPort to VGA or HDMI?

Oct 31, 2012 8:38 AM

I did some research on my video card (ATI HD 5770) and found that I can hook up a 3rd monitor if I use the DisplayPort.

I have an LCD TV with both HDMI and VGA connections. I'll need a DisplayPort converter and I've read that it needs to be an active converter.

DP to HDMI is hard to find. Will I be happy with DP to VGA? I just want the 3rd monitor for things I don't use as often: IM, wootalyzer during woot-offs, etc. I would use my other two monitors as my main work space.

Thoughts?

thunderthighs thunderthighs

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vote-for3vote-against

The nice thing about going to hdmi is that you can run sound through it as well. To me it would be worth the extra cash.

This sounds like what you need:
http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Plated-Premium-DisplayPort/dp/B004C9QST2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1351682416&sr=8-5&keywords=displayport+to+hdmi

Or are you using a Mac with the mini-displayport/thunderbolt connector?

okham okham
vote-for5vote-against

When you're talking about computers, I doubt you can get sound through the HDMI because your video card does not double as your sound card.

Anyway, either would work but don't be surprised when you realize the pixel density is not as good as a computer monitor. Those on a TV are usually much larger so the text is not as clear unless you have the font really big.

cengland0 cengland0
vote-for6vote-against

Go HDMI. VGA is analog, therefore your will lose a great deal of picture quality. Your colors will look wrong, the contrast will be off, and it will never really look good. If you can't find a display port to HDMI dongle, pick up one for DVI, and then an HDMI converter. HDMI is essentially DVI with sound added, so there's no signal loss or anything weird. But definitely stay away from VGA.

ryanpblyth ryanpblyth
vote-for8vote-against

@cengland: Actually, HDMI drivers do include sound, depending on your video card. If the video card has Dport, it should include sound support.

Should.

Anyway, I rock Dport to HDMI for my media center computer, and it delivers high def digital video as well as sound to my TV. Do it. You'll love it.

jrpigman jrpigman
vote-for5vote-against

Since this is just going to be a tertiary monitor you don't use for much, VGA without sound should be fine. I wouldn't pay extra for an HDMI converter if you're not going to be spending a lot of time looking at it.

samstag samstag
vote-for5vote-against

DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are cheap. For example, here's one for $7.59 at monoprice. For that price, it'd be a lot better than going analog/VGA.

rhmurphy rhmurphy
vote-for2vote-against

It probably doesn't need to be an active converter. Most computers with displayport are set up to output HDMI signals if an HDMI adapter is conencted. If yours is the rare exception you'd need an active converter, but you'll almost certainly be fine with passive.

Go with the above poster's link to monoprice. Make sure and stock up on cables while there, or the shipping might be a bit much for one adapter.

omnichad omnichad
vote-for4vote-against

Thanks all.

@okham: Win7. It has to be an active converter though from all the research I did via forums.

@cengland0: Yeah, wondered how bad it would be. It would definitely be just for extra stuff on the side.

@ryanpblyth: The DVI idea is a good one because the most reasonable DP to HDMI active that I can find is about $70. But looks like DVI ones are about $25.

Hmmmmm, off to ponder and shop.

thunderthighs thunderthighs
vote-for4vote-against

I work in AV and in my experience, you're much better off going digital to digital, than digital to analog. D-port is digital correct? If so go HDMI

ndcouch ndcouch
vote-for3vote-against

I bought a Displayport to HDMI cable recently off Amazon, and it's worked out great. The most important thing is the sound, so that I don't have to fiddle around with external speakers and can just use my TV remote to turn up the volume. If you're using a monitor, either way should be fine, but I'm going to stick by HDMI.

bobmctooth bobmctooth
vote-for1vote-against

I just upgraded from a 5830, which is a small step up card from that. You are correct in that you need an ACTIVE adapter for 3rd monitor. I would recommend shelling out for the HDMI option, VGA on a HDTV looks horrible. Here is a list of what will work
http://support.amd.com/us/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity-dongles.aspx
you could go mini dp to dvi active, than either div to hdmi cable, or dvi to hdmi adapter to save money

sadsephiroth sadsephiroth

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