Converters, Extenders, & Switchers
Explore our selection of Converters, Extenders, and Switchers for popular signals like USB, HDMI and more!
Converters, Extenders, and Switcher FAQ's
Learn More About Converters, Extenders, and Switchers
What does a USB converter do?
A USB converter transforms the signal from a USB port to another type of connection, allowing compatibility between devices that do not have the same port type. For example, a USB to Ethernet-converter enables a connection to two networks where Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable. Similarly, a USB-to-serial converter might be used in industrial settings where equipment requires serial connections for data transfer.
Do I need a converter or just an adapter?
While both converters and adapters allow you to connect different types of ports, a converter changes the type of signal being transmitted, which is necessary when you are bridging two completely different standards. An adapter typically changes the connector type but doesn’t alter the signal type, which is useful for simple compatibility fixes. For instance, connecting a VGA monitor to an HDMI port would require a converter to change the digital HDMI signal to an analog VGA signal, whereas connecting a USB-C device to a USB-A port would typically just require an adapter.
How do I switch USB devices between computers?
To switch USB devices between computers without constantly reconnecting them, you can use a USB switcher. This device allows multiple computers to share a single USB peripheral, such as a printer or scanner, by manually switching or using software to change the active connection. This is particularly useful in office environments where multiple workstations need access to shared resources without the hassle of physical reconnections.
What is the difference between a USB hub and a USB switcher?
A USB hub allows you to connect multiple USB devices to one computer, expanding the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously. In contrast, a USB switcher enables multiple computers to share a single USB peripheral. The hub expands connectivity for a single computer, while the switcher provides peripheral sharing between computers.
How do I extend my USB distance?
USB extenders can be used to increase the distance between a USB device and a computer beyond the typical cable length limitations (which is about 5 meters for USB 2.0). These extenders use various technologies, such as Cat5, Cat6, or fiber optic cables, to transmit USB signals over much longer distances. Sometimes up to 100 meters or more.
What does a HDMI switcher do?
An HDMI switcher allows you to connect multiple HDMI sources, like cameras and computers, to a single HDMI port on your display screen or monitor. This is especially useful when your display device has a limited number of HDMI inputs. An HDMI switcher can seamlessly switch between devices without constantly unplugging and replugging cables, facilitating a smooth and professional experience for video conferencing and other multimedia applications.
Does HDMI switcher affect quality?
Generally, a high-quality HDMI switcher does not degrade the video or audio quality. It simply routes the HDMI signal from selected inputs to the output without altering the original content. However, poor-quality switchers can introduce noise or cause signal loss. To ensure optimal performance and maintain signal integrity, it is advisable to invest in a switcher that supports the latest HDMI standards and features, such as HDMI 2.1, which offers higher bandwidth and better handling of 4K and 8K resolutions.
What is the difference between a HDMI splitter and a switcher?
An HDMI splitter takes on an HDMI source and duplicates the signal to two or more displays. In contrast, an HDMI switcher connects multiple input devices to one output display and allows you to choose which input to display. Essentially, a splitter ‘splits’ the signal, while a switcher ‘selects’ between multiple signals.
What does a HDMI converter do?
A HDMI converter changes the HDMI signal into another type of video signal, such as VGA or DVI, facilitating the connection of devices with different input and output ports. This is useful for connecting newer HDMI devices to older monitors or projectors that do not have an HDMI port.
How do I connect my USB to my TV with HDMI?
To connect a USB device to a TV via HDMI, you’ll need a USB-to-HDMI converter. This converter takes the data transmitted over USB and converts it to an HDMI signal that your TV can display. This is useful for viewing photos, videos, or other media stored on USB flash drives directly on your TV.