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220-1201 Practice Question: A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K TV…
A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K TV for a movie marathon. They have a USB-C port on the laptop but the TV only has HDMI. Which accessory is required?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that any USB-C adapter can carry video, but the trap here is that only USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode (or Thunderbolt 3/4) can output video, and candidates may incorrectly choose a DisplayPort adapter thinking it will work with an HDMI TV via a separate cable.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A USB-C to HDMI adapter.
USB-C supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which allows video signals to be transmitted over the USB-C connector. A USB-C to HDMI adapter converts the DisplayPort signal from the laptop into an HDMI signal compatible with the TV, enabling 4K video output. This is the standard solution for connecting a USB-C laptop to an HDMI-only display.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to DisplayPort adapter would transmit a DisplayPort signal, which is a digital video interface distinct from HDMI. Since the television only has HDMI inputs, a direct DisplayPort connection is incompatible without an additional active adapter to convert the DisplayPort signal to HDMI. This adapter alone would not allow the laptop's video output to be displayed on the HDMI-only TV.
- ✓
A USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Why this is correct
A USB-C to HDMI adapter is the correct solution because it directly converts the digital video signal transmitted over the USB-C port, typically using DisplayPort Alternate Mode, into an HDMI compatible format. This allows for a seamless connection to an HDMI-only television, ensuring both video and audio transmission. It leverages the versatility of USB-C to provide the necessary output for the display device.
- ✗
A USB-C to VGA adapter.
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to VGA adapter is unsuitable for connecting to a modern television, as VGA is an older analog video standard that does not support high resolutions like 4K. Furthermore, contemporary televisions predominantly feature digital inputs such as HDMI and lack the physical VGA port required for this type of connection. Attempting to use a VGA adapter would result in no display due to both signal incompatibility and missing input ports.
- ✗
A USB-C to Ethernet adapter.
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to Ethernet adapter is designed exclusively for providing wired network connectivity to a device that lacks an integrated Ethernet port. This adapter facilitates internet access and local network communication, but it does not transmit any form of video or audio signal. Therefore, it is entirely irrelevant for the purpose of connecting a laptop to a television for display output.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
Universal Serial Bus
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standard interface that allows you to connect devices like keyboards, mice, storage drives, and printers to a computer for data transfer and power delivery.
Key term
Universal Serial Bus Type C
A small, reversible 24-pin USB connector that supports high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and video output, used in modern devices.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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