Screen Flickering and Blinking: Troubleshooting Your VGA to HDMI Converter

When using a VGA to HDMI converter, it's not uncommon to encounter screen flickering and blinking issues. These problems can be frustrating but fortunately, they are often solvable. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify and potentially fix the issue, whether by improving your converter, upgrading your monitor, or adjusting your settings.

Understanding the Problem

Screen flickering and blinking when using a VGA to HDMI converter can be caused by a variety of factors. Before deciding whether to change the converter or buy a new monitor, let’s explore several key considerations to help you determine the best course of action.

Assessing the Converter

Check the Quality of the Converter: Not all VGA to HDMI converters are created equal. Low-quality converters can lead to flickering issues. If your converter is inexpensive, consider replacing it with a higher-quality one to improve signal stability.

Power Supply: Some converters require external power. If your converter does not have its own power input, it may not have enough power for higher resolution outputs. Ensure that your converter is properly powered to avoid display issues.

Resolution Compatibility: Check if the resolution settings on your computer match the capabilities of the converter and the monitor. Mismatched resolutions can result in flickering. Ensure that your setup supports the same or a compatible resolution.

Examining the Monitor

Age of the Monitor: Older monitors may have compatibility issues with converters. If your monitor is quite old, it might be more prone to these issues. Consider upgrading to a new monitor with an HDMI port for better reliability and picture quality.

HDMI Input: A new monitor with an HDMI port can help avoid compatibility issues. If you choose to upgrade, you will also benefit from a more modern and reliable connection.

Testing and Troubleshooting

Try a Different HDMI Cable: The HDMI cable itself can sometimes cause flickering issues. Test with a different cable to rule out this potential cause.

Test on Another Monitor: If possible, test your current setup on another monitor to see if the issue persists. This can help you determine whether the problem lies with the converter or the monitor.

If testing with a different cable or monitor does not solve the issue, it's likely that your converter is the problem. In such cases, investing in a better-quality converter might be the solution.

Alternative Solutions

Some converters are designed to handle power requirements for higher resolutions, but if yours does not, you may need to reduce the resolution. For example, lower the resolution to 720p or 800p. However, if the image quality is too poor at these lower resolutions, you might need to consider upgrading your converter or monitor.

I recently tried this on my MacBook Pro 2015, and although it worked, the output was somewhat washed out. If you have more advanced knowledge on how to adjust the settings or improve the quality, please share your experience!