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Often, yes: an old monitor with HDMI can display video from a streaming device. Whether the setup works depends on the monitor’s resolution and HDCP support, the connection between devices, and how you will hear the audio. A streaming player gives you internet apps; watching antenna channels requires a separate tuner.
What to check before you buy anything
Look at the monitor’s rear panel or manual and identify its inputs: HDMI, DVI, VGA, or DisplayPort. HDMI is usually the simplest connection. An adapter may help with an older input, but compatibility depends on signal direction, supported resolution, and copy protection.
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Also check whether the monitor has built-in speakers or an audio output you can use. HDMI can carry sound and video over one cable, but the display must have speakers or a usable audio path. VGA does not carry audio.
Choose a setup that matches the monitor
| Setup | Best for | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming stick connected directly by HDMI | Internet apps on an HDMI monitor | HDCP support, resolution, sound, Wi-Fi, and any app subscriptions |
| Streaming device plus audio accessory | A monitor without useful speakers | Whether the monitor has an audio output; whether the accessory supports the required audio format and HDCP |
| HDMI-to-VGA adapter | A VGA-only monitor | Signal direction, resolution, separate audio, and protected-content compatibility |
| Digital tuner or converter with a matching output | Antenna broadcasts | That the tuner’s output matches the monitor input, and that audio and video formats are supported |
Check HDCP and resolution compatibility
HDCP is copy protection used to transmit some copyrighted video over digital connections. A streaming device, monitor, cable, and any adapter or intermediary in the chain may all affect compatibility. Google’s published requirements for its streaming devices call for a display with HDCP 1.3 or higher; 4K playback on that platform requires HDCP 2.2 and a 4K-capable display. Google’s streaming-device requirements also specify at least 20 Mbps internet for 4K. That is Google’s platform requirement, not a universal guarantee of streaming quality.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable Benfei HDMI to VGA adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop, or other devices with HDMI port to a monitor, projector, HDTV, or other devices with VGA port; Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag or pocket to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV; A VGA cable is required.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip converts HDMI digital signal to VGA analog signal; It is NOT a bi-directional converter and cannot transmit signals from VGA to HDMI
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI male to VGA female converter supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The HDMI-VGA adapter is compatible with computer, pc, desktop, laptop, ultrabook, notebook, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Intel Nuc, Roku, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Set Top Box, TV BOX, or other devices with HDMI port; NOT compatible with Blu-ray player and devices with low-power HDMI ports such as SONY PS4, Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display, Mac mini, and Apple TV
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive Benfei Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
The monitor’s maximum resolution also matters. A streamer cannot make a display show more detail than its panel supports, and the connection chain can impose further limits. If the monitor is not 4K, the image will be limited by its capabilities even if the streaming device and service offer 4K.
Connect a streaming device and test the sound
- Identify the monitor’s input. Use the rear panel or manual to confirm whether it has HDMI, DVI, VGA, or DisplayPort. Do not assume an adapter works in both directions.
- Connect the streaming player. For an HDMI monitor, connect the player directly to HDMI and select that input using the monitor’s input controls. Roku says its players connect to displays with HDMI; HP’s display troubleshooting guidance also recommends choosing the matching input.
- Confirm copy-protection support. Check the monitor and any adapter or intermediary against the streaming device’s HDCP requirements. Google’s requirements are HDCP 1.3 or higher for its devices, with HDCP 2.2 for 4K.
- Verify that you can hear the audio. Try the monitor’s speakers or audio output. If it has neither, use compatible speakers or audio hardware supported by the player and the display connection. With VGA, plan a separate audio connection.
- Check your network and apps. Wi-Fi access and any subscriptions or additional service terms are separate from the monitor connection; available apps and subscriptions vary by device and region.
Use a tuner for antenna channels
A streaming stick is not a broadcast-TV tuner. To watch over-the-air channels, use a digital tuner or converter box with an output the monitor accepts. Check the tuner’s exact output, the monitor’s input, and the audio path before buying; a connector match alone does not establish that the devices will work together.
Rank #2
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable Benfei HDMI to VGA adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop, or other devices with HDMI port to a monitor, projector, HDTV, or other devices with VGA port; Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV;
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI male to VGA Male cable supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive Benfei Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
When adapters work—and when they do not
An HDMI-to-VGA adapter may convert the connector and signal for some video, but it is not a reliable workaround for protected streaming. Compatibility depends on the adapter and the content-protection requirements of the service. Apple notes that VGA carries no audio and that some movies and streaming apps require an HDCP-compatible connection: Apple’s adapter guidance. One UGREEN HDMI-to-VGA adapter specification likewise warns that protected services may not display; that limitation is specific to that product, not proof that every adapter behaves the same way.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTroubleshoot a blank screen or HDCP error
If video fails or an HDCP error appears, the display, cable, adapter, or another HDMI device in the connection may not support the required protection. Roku describes this issue in its HDCP error guidance.
Rank #3
- COMPACT DESIGN: The compact-designed portable Moread HDMI to VGA adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop, or other devices with HDMI port to a monitor, projector, HDTV, or other devices with VGA port; Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag or pocket to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV; A VGA cable is required (sold separately)
- SUPERIOR STABILITY: Built-in advanced IC chip converts HDMI digital signal to VGA analog signal; It is NOT a bi-directional converter and cannot transmit signals from VGA to HDMI
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE: The HDMI male to VGA female converter supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improves the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: The HDMI-VGA adapter is compatible with computer, pc, desktop, laptop, ultrabook, notebook, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Intel Nuc, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Set Top Box, TV BOX, or other devices with HDMI port; *NOT COMPATIBLE* with Roku, Blu-ray player and devices with low-power HDMI ports such as SONY PS4, Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display, Mac mini, and Apple TV
- 5 Year WARRANTY: Exclusive Moread Unconditional 5-year Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
- Reselect the monitor input that the player is connected to.
- Try a different HDMI cable or monitor input.
- Connect the player directly to the monitor, temporarily removing an adapter or other intermediary. This can help isolate which part of the chain is causing the problem.
- If the picture appears but the audio does not, check the monitor’s audio settings and output connections. A VGA connection needs a separate audio path.
- If protected video still does not work through a VGA adapter, use a compatible digital connection rather than assuming a different adapter will bypass HDCP.
Is an old monitor a practical TV replacement?
It can be a useful screen for streaming if it has a compatible input, the required HDCP support, and a workable audio setup. It will not receive antenna channels without a tuner, and adapters cannot guarantee protected-content playback. Check those limits before buying a streaming device or accessories.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![HDMI to VGA Adapter Cable 6FT [Metal Case, Nylon Cable] 1080P@60Hz HDMI Male to VGA Male Uni-Directional Braided Cord for Computer, Laptop, Monitor, Roku, Xbox, Graphics Card More](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Va9uB6IgL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【High Definition Display】HDMI to VGA adapter cable supports up to 1920x1080@60Hz resolution, brings you 1080P UHD HD video experience, backward compatible with 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024, Note: This cable has no audio transmission. This is a unidirectional cable, only support the signal transmission from HDMI to VGA.
- 【The Perfect Plug-and-play Solution】HDMI to VGA cable built-in advanced IC chip, plug and play, no driver installation, no need to connect to the power supply, no waste of time, can convert digital HDMI signals to analog VGA signals, connect desktop PCs, laptops, or other devices with HDMI source ports to monitors, projectors, HDTVs, and other devices with VGA output ports to transfer high-definition video from computers to monitors. to monitors for video streaming or gaming
- 【Broad Compatibility】HDMI to VGA cord is compatible with computer, PC, desktop, laptop, Ultrabook, notebook, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, set-top boxes, TV boxes, or any other device with an HDMI port, but not compatible with Blu-ray players and devices with low-power HDMI ports, such as Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display, Mac mini, PS 5/S, and Apple TV.
- 【Clever Design】HDMI to VGA cable fashionable appearance, sturdy structural design, compared to other products of PVC shell, indestructible aluminum alloy shell can better protect the plug, connectors using gold-plated materials, corrosion-resistant, easy to cope with 15,000 + insertion and extraction test, to ensure that the signal is transmitted stably, nylon braided mesh, higher strength, more abrasion-resistant, the system should be eliminated to improve the durability of the cable
- 【SWITCHFLUX】is dedicated to introducing superb-quality products that are sophisticatedly designed and reasonably priced for providing the best solutions to connect your work and life. Consult for fast and responsible support within 18hrs!
Rank #4
- SPECIALLY DESIGNED for TV sticks: this active HDMI to VGA adapter could connect HDMI compatible Device to VGA compatible monitor, projector, TV. Please use HDMI 1.4 Version cable within 26ft to ensure high performance of this TV stick adapter.❗Note: Its transmission is uni-directional, and it only transmits the signal from HDMI source to VGA display.
- AUDIO SYNC SUPPORTED - Comes with an independent output of 3.5mm audio, external audio, to achieve simultaneous audio and video playback. you could connect to the speaker via the included 3.5mm audio cable. Include a Micro USB port, essential for devices with low-power output. ❗If you're not sure, try connecting.❗
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI female to VGA male converter supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The HDMI-VGA adapter is compatible with all desktop/notebook/TV stick/raspberry Pi/tablet PC/digital set-top box/digital Camera/SLR camera/video Camera that have HDMI port; VGA male port is compatible with all TV/monitor/projector/LCD and other displays that equipped with VGA female port.❗Be careful to identify low-power devices❗
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
