Connect Apple TV 2 and 3 to VGA Test Perimac HDMI to VGA converter
In principle, Apple TV can only be connected to televisions, projectors and displays via HDMI. An analog connection is not provided. With the help of the Perimac HDMI to VGA converter, however, this limitation can be elegantly circumvented.
Perimac HDMI to VGA converter
Worth mentioning in advance: Perimac is a private label of Dr. Bott KG. The manufacturer and distributor is no stranger to the German Apple scene. For example, the MoniSwitch series - various KVM solutions for the Mac - has been famous and popular for years. The latest adapter box is now dedicated to Apple TV.
Apple TV and Co - VGA instead of HDMI: Why?
Before that, the question of meaning arises: Why should you want to operate an Apple TV 2 or 3 on an older device? There are a number of reasons for this.
The user still has a well-functioning beamer or projector without an HDMI connection, but with the much more common VGA standard. The same applies to older TV sets and monitors - a new acquisition can be postponed. Apple TV and an iPhone, iPad or a MacBook can be used as a presentation aid (AirPlay Mirroring) at the customer's site, who often only has an office projector with VGA on site, for example. The Perimac HDMI to VGA converter can not only be used for the Apple TV. Game consoles and set-top boxes can also be connected via VGA port. In terms of sustainability, the Perimac HDMI to VGA converter promises to be a very useful purchase - electronic waste is avoided because older projectors continue to work together Apple TV and co. At a moderate price of around 50 to 60 euros, it is certainly worth considering.
Perimac HDMI to VGA converter: structure and scope of delivery
The small adapter is a bit smaller than a current Apple TV. The metal case - appropriately black - leaves a good impression in terms of workmanship. The shape is functional, not necessarily stylish. The scope of delivery is very “clear” - only the box, a power supply unit and short instructions (in English) are included in the package. The user has to keep the necessary cables (VGA, HDMI, Cinch) available or purchase them separately - a small negative point.
On the "front" of the symmetrically designed box is the HDMI and power supply connection. The "back" houses the VGA port and two cinch connections for the sound (right and left sound channel). This shows that the bundled, digital video and audio signal is converted into two analog signals and separated from one another by the box. For sound output, the box can be connected to a stereo system, active speakers or TV using a suitable cable. Alternatively, you can use the digital S / PDIF connection on the Apple TV for this purpose.
The Perimac HDMI to VGA converter works without any driver installation, the configuration is done automatically without any user intervention. The box supports a variety of HDMI and VGA resolution formats (50 / 60Hz):
480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p (supports HDCP 1.2) .Perimac HDMI to VGA converter: test
For our test, we use an Apple TV 3 and a current display (brand: acer, resolution Full HD). This can be addressed not only digitally (HDMI and DVI), but also analog (VGA). Set up in this way, we can compare the quality differences of the video signals directly with one another.
The individual elements are connected when they are switched off. The box does not have an on / off switch. As soon as the power pack is connected, a red LED on the "front" signals readiness for operation. The monitor then automatically recognizes the Apple TV after a few seconds - very good.
In the settings of the Apple TV, we tested all the resolutions offered to us and found no display problems. Let's talk about the actual image quality below.
At first glance, the display is flawless in 1080p via VGA. Only when compared to WebTools via HDMI are weaknesses revealed. The picture looks less vigorous, especially the color rendering looks a bit flat. For a purely analog signal, the output is still convincing. Even in the low HD resolution (720p), the result meets our expectations. Only the smallest resolution in 480p shows, due to the system and understandably, clear quality defects in the display. In practice, however, this is unlikely to be relevant for XGA projectors that offer interpolation to 720p.
Conclusion: Perimac HDMI to VGA converter
A convincing performance that the Perimac HDMI to VGA converter performs for us: The small adapter box works right away without any problems - plug it in and off you go. Owners of a high-quality, older projector with a VGA connection can handle an expensive new product
