Adapters and converters for electronic devices

Modern and older electronics use many different connection standards.

A suitable adapter can help connect devices that do not have directly compatible ports.

The current category includes 18 products for video, audio, USB, networking and power connections.

USB-C to HDMI adapters

A USB-C to HDMI adapter can connect a compatible laptop, tablet or smartphone to an HDMI monitor, television or projector.

A current model supports video up to 4K 60 Hz.

Does every USB-C port support video?

No.

The source USB-C port must support an appropriate video output mode.

Always check the device specification before purchase.

USB-C to USB 3.0

A compact USB-C to USB 3.0 OTG adapter can connect compatible USB-A accessories to suitable USB-C devices.

USB-A to USB-C

USB-A to USB-C adapters are also available.

Always verify signal direction and supported functions.

OTG support

OTG can allow compatible mobile devices to work with USB accessories such as flash drives, keyboards and mice.

8-in-1 USB-C hub

The range includes a multifunction hub providing connections including USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, USB, HDMI, SD and RJ45.

Laptop hubs

A hub is particularly useful with thin laptops that have only a few built-in ports.

USB to Ethernet RJ45

A USB Ethernet adapter can provide a wired network connection for a compatible laptop without an integrated LAN socket.

HDMI to VGA

HDMI-to-VGA converters can connect modern digital video sources to older monitors or projectors with analogue VGA inputs.

HDMI to VGA with audio

Selected versions provide an additional 3.5 mm audio output because VGA does not carry sound.

AV RCA to HDMI

An AV-to-HDMI converter can connect compatible analogue video equipment to a modern HDMI display.

SCART to HDMI

A SCART-to-HDMI converter can connect compatible older European AV equipment to newer televisions and displays.

PlayStation 2 to HDMI

A dedicated PS2-to-HDMI adapter is also available for compatible PlayStation 2 consoles.

HDMI switch

A three-input HDMI switch allows several source devices to share a single HDMI input.

A current model includes an IR remote control.

Toslink to RCA

A digital optical Toslink/SPDIF to analogue RCA converter is available for compatible audio equipment.

HDMI USB capture devices

The range includes an HDMI-to-USB capture adapter for recording or streaming compatible video sources on a computer.

AV USB video grabbers

An analogue AV-to-USB grabber can be used when digitising compatible older video sources.

VHS digitisation

A video grabber can form part of a setup for transferring analogue VHS recordings to a computer.

Universal travel adapters

The category also includes a travel plug adapter supporting several common international plug standards and USB charging ports.

Travel adapters and voltage

A plug adapter does not necessarily convert voltage.

Always check whether the connected device supports the local mains voltage.

UK to EU adapters

A simple UK plug to European socket adapter is also available.

Lightning adapters

Selected products support compatible Apple devices using Lightning connectors.

E27 socket adapters

The range includes an E27 socket adapter with an integrated switch for compatible lighting applications.

Adapter or converter?

A simple adapter primarily changes the physical connection where compatible signals are used.

A converter electronically changes one signal type into another.

Examples include HDMI-to-VGA, AV-to-HDMI and Toslink-to-RCA.

Are adapters bidirectional?

Not always.

Always verify input, output and signal direction before purchase.

Plug and Play

Selected adapters operate without dedicated software, while more complex capture devices and converters may require additional configuration.

Video resolution

Current products include support for resolutions such as Full HD and 4K.

Final output depends on every device in the signal chain.

Can an adapter improve video quality?

No.

A converter can make incompatible signals usable, but it cannot create true high-resolution detail that does not exist in the source material.

Laptop compatibility

Check the exact capabilities of laptop ports, especially USB-C.

Identical-looking connectors may support different functions.

Monitor adapters

Compare the computer output with the monitor input and check resolution, refresh rate and conversion direction.

TV adapters

Adapters can connect both modern and older equipment to compatible televisions using standards such as HDMI, AV and SCART.

Projector adapters

HDMI or USB-C converters can be useful when connecting modern laptops to older VGA projectors.

Connecting an adapter

Typical steps:

1. identify the source port;
2. identify the display or destination port;
3. confirm signal direction;
4. connect the adapter;
5. connect any required cable;
6. power on the devices;
7. select the correct input.

Powered adapters

Some active converters require an additional power source.

Use the specified power input where required.

Caring for adapters

Avoid forcing connectors, sharp cable bends and excessive pulling.

Keep ports clean and dry.

Travel use

Useful travel adapters can include USB-C to HDMI, USB hubs, Ethernet adapters and international mains plug adapters.

How to choose an adapter

Check:

• source connector;
• destination connector;
• signal direction;
• supported resolution;
• data standard;
• power requirements;
• operating-system compatibility.

What should you check before buying?

The category currently contains 18 products ranging from simple adapters to multifunction hubs and active signal converters.

Connector compatibility and signal direction are the most important factors.

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How many products are currently available in the Adapters category?
There are currently 18 products.

2. Is a USB-C to HDMI adapter available?
Yes. A current model supports video up to 4K 60 Hz.

3. Can a laptop without RJ45 use wired Ethernet?
Yes. A USB-to-Ethernet adapter is available.

4. Is HDMI to VGA available?
Yes. HDMI-to-VGA converters are available, including versions with separate audio output.

5. Can older AV equipment connect to HDMI?
Yes. An AV RCA-to-HDMI converter is available.

6. Is SCART to HDMI available?
Yes. The category includes a SCART-to-HDMI converter.

7. Is a multifunction USB-C hub available?
Yes. An 8-in-1 model with USB, HDMI, RJ45, USB-C and memory-card connections is available.

8. Can HDMI video be captured on a computer?
Yes. An HDMI-to-USB capture device is available.

9. Is an international travel adapter available?
Yes. The category includes a universal adapter for several common plug standards.

10. What is most important when choosing an adapter?
Input and output connectors, signal direction, supported standard, resolution and compatibility with both devices should always be checked first.