If you are thinking of dropping your satellite or cable service to save some money, a good option is to use the Unitek Y-6220 VGA to HDMI converter with your PC or laptop to watch your favorite TV shows and movies. For less than $100, the Y-6220 does a very good job of converting analog video signals to digital video that can be shown on your high definition television. Because of its excellent value, this VGA to HDMI converter earns our TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award. Only the lack of digital audio ports kept the Y-6220 from taking the number one spot.
The Unitek Y-6220 VGA to HDMI converter includes one VGA input port. Connect a VGA cable from your computer's VGA output port to the Y-6220 VGA input port. The VGA port only carries video signals. To hear the video's audio track, connect the computer's audio out port to the Y-6220 converter's 3.5mm mini stereo audio input. The converter mixes the video and audio signals together and sends them through the HDMI out port to your HDTV. Alternatively, you can connect your computer's audio output directly to a separate stereo receiver if you want to hear the sound through your home theater setup.
The Y-6220 VGA to HDMI converter also includes component video input ports. Component video is an analog signal that splits the red, blue and green video signals into three components: Y, Pb and Pr. The Y signal carries the brightness and synchronization information. The Pb signal carries the difference between the color blue and the brightness. The Pr signal carries the difference between the color red and the brightness. By separating the signal, YPbPr can provide a significantly better quality video image than other analog video schemes such as S-Video or composite video, which use electronic multiplexing to mix the signals together to be carried over a single cable. Multiplexed video signals are frequently degraded when viewed because the display cannot separate the signals completely.
The Y-6220 does not include a power switch. Once it is plugged in, it is powered on and remains on until it is unplugged. This is a slight concern because it tends to run a little hot. If it heats up too much during operation, it is possible that it could become damaged. It is a good idea to make sure there is plenty of ventilation during operation, and make sure you unplug the unit when you are not using it.
When deciding which VGA to HDMI converter is right for you, it is important to understand the specifications and what they mean. The specifications give you a good idea of how well the unit will perform. Most specification sheets proudly proclaim that they can handle HD resolutions up to 1080p. However, it all depends on the highest resolution your computer can produce coupled with the highest resolution the converter can produce.
The Y-6220 can support VGA resolutions from your computer up to 1280 by 960 pixels at a refresh rate of 60 Hertz. It can support YPbPr component video input resolutions up to 1080p at a refresh rate of 60 Hertz. However, the converter's HDMI output can only support 720p. Depending on the size of your HDTV, 720p should be just fine for everyday viewing. However, if you can honestly see a difference between 720p and 1080p and feel you need 1080p, you will want to choose one of the other converters we have reviewed here.
The Y-6220 converter includes a five-volt power adapter, a six-foot VGA cable and a six-foot 3.5mm stereo audio cable. It would have been nice if the package had included an HDMI cable, but that probably would have driven up the price. If you already have an extra HDMI cable sitting around the house, you can be up and running in just a matter of minutes. The box does not include a component video cable or a printed manual.
Unitek is a company based in Hong Kong. The Unitek website does not provide much support other than email addresses and phone numbers. However, third-party vendors, such as Sewell Direct, do offer much more comprehensive support. From the Sewell website you can contact customer support through live online chat, send questions to support representatives via email, find technical support phone numbers, read reviews by other users of the product and read the answers to frequently asked questions.
The converter comes with a one-year warranty that covers defects in parts and workmanship. The warranty is void if the product is misused or accidentally broken.
You can spend a lot more money to buy a VGA to HDMI converter that performs just as well as the Unitek Y-6220. With this unit you can enjoy online content on your HDTV as it is streamed from the internet to your computer. The video quality of HD content is very good, and even standard definition content looks better than it normally does on an HDTV.
If you need to convert from VGA analog video signal to a 720p digital signal, the Unitek Y-6220 VGA to HDMI converter is a top performer and your best choice.
