PORT & CABLE / FIELD GUIDES / 06 / VIDEO CABLES AND CONVERTERS
Four direction-sensitive paths distinguish active conversion, passive adaptation and source-labelled cabling. Reverse operation needs its own evidence.
Each PDF includes two pages: the chart, then source notes and a reused visual. Downloads work in the native site and full offline preview. Evidence dates remain unchanged.
01 / KEEP THE LIMIT BESIDE THE ANSWER
| Label / exact scope | What the evidence establishes | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| DVI-D source → VGA displayStarTech DVI2VGAE | Active, video-only conversion; USB power support is described for low-powered DVI ports. Do not infer: Reverse VGA-to-DVI operation and audio are not established. | Read the exact input/output, power and supported timing requirements. |
| DVI-I source → VGA displayStarTech DVIVGAMF | Passive adapter for a DVI-I output and VGA display. Do not infer: The passive model is not a DVI-D digital-to-analog converter. | Verify analog output support on the actual source. |
| HDMI source → HDMI displayHDMI LA active-cable class | Distinct source and sink ends; Cable Power needs support from source and cable. Do not infer: The active-cable direction rule does not establish direction for every passive cable. | Read both end labels and the exact cable power instructions. |
| USB-C video source → HDMI displayVESA Alt Mode converter class | USB-C-to-HDMI accessories are described as DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol converters. Do not infer: A USB-C connector alone does not establish video support or reverse conversion. | Verify source Alt Mode and the named converter direction, power and display timing. |
StarTech DVI2VGAE
StarTech DVIVGAMF
HDMI LA active-cable class
VESA Alt Mode converter class
02 / SEE THE DISTINCTION
No registered source-observed physical view is selected for this chart. A concept has not been substituted or counted as a specimen.
03 / THE EVIDENCE STAYS ATTACHED
Compiled 2026-10-11 from inherited observations. A compilation date is not a new source inspection. Expand a row for its original claims, dates and source locators.
Example scope: StarTech DVI2VGAE
StarTech DVI2VGAE is an active adapter with DVI-D input and VGA output; the hardware table lists no audio.
Named direction and video-only conversion. The pictured DVI connector is a dual-link form; pin loading is not a resolution guarantee.
Original claim verification: 2026-10-11. Status: source_checked. No independent hardware approval.
The DVI2VGAE instructions describe a DVI source feeding a VGA monitor or projector and include USB power support for low-powered DVI ports.
Named conversion direction. VGA-source-to-DVI-display operation and audio carriage are not established.
Original claim verification: 2026-10-11. Status: source_checked. No independent hardware approval.
S493 · StarTech.com — DVI2VGAE active DVI-D to VGA datasheet
PDF pages 1–2: direction, low-powered-port note, Hardware / AV Input / AV Output / Audio; page 2 visually inspected. · Source record checked 2026-10-11
Example scope: StarTech DVIVGAMF
StarTech DVIVGAMF is a passive DVI-I-to-VGA adapter; its instructions refer DVI-D users to a separate converter.
Named adapter for a DVI-I output and VGA display. The source does not approve arbitrary DVI-I devices, modes or mechanical pairings.
Original claim verification: 2026-10-11. Status: source_checked. No independent hardware approval.
S494 · StarTech.com — DVIVGAMF passive DVI-I to VGA datasheet
PDF pages 1–2: DVI-I use note, DVI-D referral, passive classification and pictured adapter. Visually inspected. · Source record checked 2026-10-11
Example scope: HDMI LA active-cable class
HDMI Cable Power requires support from both the active cable and the HDMI source. HDMI LA specifies source/sink direction for active cables and a separate power connector for sources without Cable Power support.
HDMI Cable Power feature scope; follow the exact cable’s instructions. Not monitor power or a universal converter-power rule.
Original claim verification: 2026-10-11. Status: source_checked. No independent hardware approval.
S518 · HDMI Licensing Administrator — HDMI LA — Active cable power and direction
HDMI Cable Power requirements, direction paragraph and separate power connector · Source record checked 2026-10-11
Example scope: VESA Alt Mode converter class
VESA describes USB-C to HDMI accessories as DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol converters, with the USB-C end attached to the video source.
Described converter class and direction; do not assume passive rewiring, reverse operation or HDMI Alt Mode.
Original claim verification: 2026-10-11. Status: source_checked. No independent hardware approval.
VESA states that an Alt Mode display receives no image when connected to a USB-C port that does not support DisplayPort over USB-C.
Native DisplayPort Alt Mode path only; USB graphics devices are a different technology.
Original claim verification: 2026-10-11. Status: source_checked. No independent hardware approval.
S519 · VESA — VESA — DisplayPort FAQ
DisplayPort 2.1b certification minimum, DP over USB-C, no-video case, direction and DSC sections · Source record checked 2026-10-11
