# Newbie HDMI VGA question

**URL:** <https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/newbie-hdmi-vga-question/11174>\
**Category:** Support\
**Created:** [August 2, 2019, 10:38am UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/newbie-hdmi-vga-question/11174 "2019-08-02T10:38:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![chrispy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@chrispy](https://forums.pimoroni.com/u/chrispy)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2019, 10:38am UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/newbie-hdmi-vga-question/11174/1 "2019-08-02T10:38:41Z")

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Hello,  
Definitely a newbie question. I’ve bought a Pi4 / 4GB to explore as a summer holiday project for my 12 year old son. We have an oldish monitor which only has VGI input. I’d prefer not to buy a new monitor. Do I need to buy HDMI C to A plus HDMI A to VGA converters? Any other suggestions please?  
Chris

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**Author:** ![alphanumeric](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forums.pimoroni.com/alphanumeric/32/2729_2.png) [@alphanumeric](https://forums.pimoroni.com/u/alphanumeric)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2019, 10:52am UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/newbie-hdmi-vga-question/11174/2 "2019-08-02T10:52:51Z")

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You will need an HDMI to VGA converter.

> **[HDMI to VGA Converter – Pimoroni](https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/raspberry-pi-hdmi-to-vga-converter)**
>
> A high quality and high performance adapter which converts HDMI video signals into VGA.

  
And an adapter  

> **[Micro-HDMI to HDMI adapter cable – Pimoroni](https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/micro-hdmi-to-hdmi-adapter-cable)**
>
> Use this micro-HDMI (male) to HDMI (female) adapter cable to connect your Raspberry Pi 4 to a display using a standard HDMI cable. It's slim enough that you can use two side-by-side with your Raspberry Pi 4 to connect dual displays.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![alphanumeric](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forums.pimoroni.com/alphanumeric/32/2729_2.png) [@alphanumeric](https://forums.pimoroni.com/u/alphanumeric)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2019, 10:59am UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/newbie-hdmi-vga-question/11174/3 "2019-08-02T10:59:44Z")

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If that monitor has a composite input there is a composite output from the Pi via the tip ring ring sleve audio jack. I think the Pi 4 still has it. You need a special cable to make use of it.

> **[A/V and RCA (Composite Video, Audio) Cable for Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2881)**
>
> This A/V RCA Cable for Raspberry Pi is a great way to turn your Pi 3, 2, A+ or B+'s output into a full on composite video and audio device.  Simply connect the cable to your ...

> **[Raspberry Pi 4-pole Audio/Video Jack - Raspberry Pi Spy](https://www.raspberrypi-spy.co.uk/2014/07/raspberry-pi-model-b-3-5mm-audiovideo-jack/)**
>
> This article defines how the Raspberry Pi 3.5mm audio jack provides stereo audio and composite video. This is important information when choosing a cable to attach speakers or composite video devices. Not all cables will correctly match the 4-pole...

Some TV’s have these jacks on the back.