VGA cables retire from UB classrooms

A faculty member using a laptop, teaching a class.

Published August 11, 2023

The VGA cables that once linked your devices in the classroom are fading away, as more modern alternatives take their place. 

Why change?

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Canfield photo.

Michael Canfield joined UB in January 2023 as an IT Communications Specialist for UBIT. A former newspaper reporter with a background in higher ed communication, Michael is also a volunteer firefighter. When he’s not writing or learning about all things UBIT, Michael likes to spend time with his wife and two English bulldogs, Franky and Grace. He’s also an avid student of the Battle of Gettysburg and a (sometimes) hockey writer.

Support for VGA cables is becoming harder to find. Multiple manufacturers have discontinued their support of VGA cables, and new laptops have abandoned VGA ports, favoring more advanced options like HDMI, DisplayPort, Lightning, and USB-C. These newcomers offer smoother, high-quality connections for your classroom technology needs.

Removal of VGA cables began in UB classrooms during Summer 2023 and will continue throughout the academic year. Wireless presentation is still available in all central UB classrooms. 

Older laptops

For those still holding onto older (pre-2015) laptops, there's a workaround: VGA to HDMI adapters. These nifty devices bridge the generation gap, ensuring your laptop can still shine on the big screen.

Other benefits

Moving away from the VGA cables reduces clutter and maintenance, and increases reliability. 

This simple change lets you focus on what you do best – teaching – while creating a cleaner, more organized teaching environment. 

Learn more about UB classroom technology

For more information about technology in UB classrooms, visit buffalo.edu/ubit/classroom.

Get help

Check out UBIT’s classroom technology support options.

For assistance with any technology at UB, contact the UBIT Help Center at 716-645-3542, by email at ubithelp@buffalo.edu, or online at buffalo.edu/ubit/help.