Watching a movie from your laptop on the family TV, presenting at church or school, or using an old monitor as a second screen all come down to one question: which cable do I need? Buy the wrong one and nothing shows up. This guide makes it simple.
Step 1: Check Your Ports
Look at the side of your laptop (or the back of your PC or decoder) and at the back of your TV, monitor or projector. You’ll usually see one of these:
- HDMI: a thin, flat port with slanted corners. Found on almost every modern laptop, TV, decoder and console. It carries picture and sound.
- VGA: a wider, usually blue, trapezium-shaped port with 15 small holes and two screws. Found on older laptops, desktop PCs, monitors and projectors. It carries picture only.
- Mini HDMI or micro HDMI: smaller versions of HDMI found on some cameras and tablets.
Step 2: Pick the Right Cable or Adapter
| Your device has… | Your screen has… | You need | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | HDMI | 3-in-1 HDMI Cable | GH₵50 |
| Mini or micro HDMI | HDMI | 3-in-1 HDMI Cable (adapters included) | GH₵50 |
| HDMI | VGA | HDMI to VGA Adapter | GH₵50 |
| VGA | HDMI | VGA to HDMI Adapter + HDMI cable | GH₵100 |
HDMI to HDMI: The 3-in-1 HDMI Cable (GH₵50)
Most people need this one. The 3-in-1 HDMI Cable is a 1.5m high-speed cable for Full HD 1080p picture and sound. It comes with mini HDMI and micro HDMI adapters, so the same cable also works with cameras and tablets. Use it for laptops, decoders (DStv, GOtv) and game consoles.
New Laptop, Old Screen: HDMI to VGA Adapter
Many churches, schools and offices still use projectors and monitors with VGA only. The HDMI to VGA Adapter lets your modern HDMI laptop connect to them. Because VGA carries no sound, it has a 3.5mm audio port and comes with an aux cable to send sound to your speakers.
Old Laptop, New TV: VGA to HDMI Adapter
Got an older laptop or office PC with only VGA, and a new flat-screen TV with only HDMI? The VGA to HDMI Adapter with Audio converts the signal and adds sound from your computer’s headphone jack, giving Full HD 1080p on your TV. Pair it with the 3-in-1 HDMI Cable to reach the TV.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the wrong direction. HDMI-to-VGA and VGA-to-HDMI adapters only work one way. Check which end is your device and which is your screen.
- Forgetting the sound. VGA has no audio. Use an adapter with an audio port, or connect separate speakers.
- Wrong TV input. After plugging in, use your TV remote’s Input/Source button to pick the right HDMI port.
- Expecting a phone to plug straight in. Most smartphones don’t have HDMI and need a separate USB-C to HDMI adapter, or screen mirroring on a smart TV.
Get the Right Cable at Simcel Ventures
Still not sure? Send us a photo of your laptop’s and TV’s ports, or bring your device to our shop, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need. Pay with MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash or AT Money. Browse more accessories in our shop or contact us.
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