VGA Vs. HDMI for the XBox 360
The Xbox 360 is the only current console with official support for VGA connections, making it possible for millions of people with PC monitors to hook it up to existing displays. But the console also supports HDMI on all models, creating a dilemma.
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Identification
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All Xbox 360s have built-in HDMI ports so they can be connected to any display with HDMI in. The consoles don't have a VGA out; they need a special VGA cable made by Microsoft and a few licensed third-party manufacturers.
Function
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HDMI is a digital signal, while VGA is analog. The affect this has on picture quality is debatable, although in theory, HDMI requires less conversion; the signal is sent by the console digitally for VGA connections it needs to be converted but not so for HDMI.
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Features
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VGA on the 360 tends to make the graphics look more PC-like. But the HDMI connection switches console setup to HDTV jargon, with options including 1080p and 720p.
Significance
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There's no dramatic technical difference between the two; both are capable of the same resolutions and modes, and display the same image exactly. They deliver identical pixel counts and data sizes.
Warning
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If choosing a VGA connection, users need to keep in mind this option doesn't come with an audio solution. While the VGA cable has audio plugs, most PC monitors don't accept these.
Benefits
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With all 360s supporting HDMI, this is by far the more efficient and convenient solution. HDMI not only offers the same resolutions and image quality, it also carries audio on the same cable. This makes connecting to any modern TV effortless.
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