The correct answer is an HDMI to VGA active adapter. This is required because VGA transmits an analog signal, while HDMI outputs a purely digital signal, so a passive cable cannot bridge the two technologies—only an active adapter contains the necessary circuitry to convert the digital HDMI stream into the analog VGA format that the legacy projector can interpret. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of display interface compatibility and signal conversion, often appearing alongside topics like USB-C alternate mode and DisplayPort. A common trap is assuming a simple passive cable will work, but remember: digital to analog always demands an active converter. For a quick memory tip, think “D to A needs active”—just like a digital-to-analog audio converter, video requires the same active transformation.
220-1201 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is tasked with connecting a legacy projector that only has a VGA input to a modern laptop that has only HDMI and USB-C outputs. Which adapter should the technician use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HDMI to VGA active adapter
Since VGA is analog and HDMI is digital, an active converter is needed. A USB-C to VGA adapter can work if the laptop supports video over USB-C, but an HDMI to VGA adapter is also an option if the laptop has HDMI. The best answer is an HDMI to VGA active adapter, as it directly converts the digital signal to analog.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
USB-C to VGA passive adapter
Why it's wrong here
A passive adapter may not work because VGA requires an analog signal, and USB-C output is digital; an active converter is needed.
✓
HDMI to VGA active adapter
Why this is correct
This active adapter converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA, allowing the laptop to connect to the projector.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
VGA to HDMI cable
Why it's wrong here
This cable would connect a VGA source to an HDMI display, which is the opposite of what is needed.
✗
USB-C to HDMI adapter
Why it's wrong here
This would output HDMI, but the projector only has VGA input, so it would not work without further conversion.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A passive adapter may not work because VGA requires an analog signal, and USB-C output is digital; an active converter is needed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HDMI to VGA active adapter — Since VGA is analog and HDMI is digital, an active converter is needed. A USB-C to VGA adapter can work if the laptop supports video over USB-C, but an HDMI to VGA adapter is also an option if the laptop has HDMI. The best answer is an HDMI to VGA active adapter, as it directly converts the digital signal to analog.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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