Plugable USB-C or USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter
SKU: UGA-HDMI-S
List Price : $44.95
Amazon Rating :
(69 Reviews)
Features
- Extended Display—USB 3.0 and USB C to HDMI adapter adds support for one HDMI monitor capable of extended or mirrored display with resolutions up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz—all through a single connection back to the host
- USB 3.0 or USB-C—USB to HDMI adapter for monitor featuring a hybrid 2-in-1 cable, easily connect to USB4, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, or USB 3.0 to HDMI. Because both connections are built into the HDMI converter, you’ll never be left looking for an adapter
- Windows or Mac—This HDMI adapter for monitors is compatible with Windows 10/Windows 11—more adapters can be added to connect up to 8 monitors. On macOS 10.14 or later, more adapters can be added to connect up to 3 monitors. Driver installation is required
- For Best Results—Ideal for web and productivity apps—like Google Docs, or the Windows Office Suite. USB-C to HDMI Adapter not recommended for gaming, graphics-intensive or design work. Doesn't support playback of HDCP-protected content like Netflix and Hulu
- 2 Year Warranty—We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to adding screens to your laptop, and that’s where things get complicated (and expensive). The Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C to HDMI Adapter (UGA-HDMI-S) keeps things simple. A one plug solution that adds one HDMI port to your computer, the UGA-HDMI-S leaves your other ports open for peripherals. And because this adapter doesn’t add on extra functionality, it’s a lot more affordable than a docking station.
Extend a Screen
With the UGA-HDMI-S, easily connect one HDMI monitor. Of course, adding an extra display is just the start. On Windows machines, combine multiple adapters to add up to 8 monitors. On a Mac, combine multiple adapters to add up to 3 monitors.
See It All
It doesn’t matter if you connect through a USB 3.0 port or a Thunderbolt 4 port, you can count on resolutions up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz—even when adding multiple adapters.
No Connection Complexity
A hybrid 2-in-1 cable takes the guesswork out of picking an adapter that matches your computer. The UGA-HDMI-S works with the ports you have now, and the ports you’ll have on your next computer—USB 3.0, USB-C, USB4, even Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. It’s compact, too, so it’s as portable as your laptop.
The Fine Print
Although ideal for users working with web and productivity apps—like Google Docs, the Windows Office Suite, and internet use in general—these adapters are not recommended for gaming, graphics-intensive, or design work. This adapter doesn't support playback of HDCP-protected content on sites like Netflix and Hulu. On Mac, screen rotation is not available and clamshell mode is only available on macOS 12 when the laptop is connected to its power adapter. Silicon Motion (SMI) driver download is required for Windows. SMI Instant View driver download is required for Mac.
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 |
 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
# of Displays |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Video Ports |
1x HDMI |
1x DisplayPort |
2x HDMI or 2x DisplayPort |
2x HDMI |
Resolution Supported |
1920x1080 @ 60hz |
1920x1080 @ 60hz |
2x 4K @ 60hz |
1920x1080 @ 60hz |
Laptop Connection |
USB 3.0, USB-C, Tunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4 |
USB 3.0, USB-C, Tunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4 |
USB 3.0, USB-C, Tunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4 |
USB 3.0, USB-C, Tunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4 |
Filter Help Articles and Frequent Questions by Category
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You can always contact support if you need help too!
Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?
No, this is not possible. Please note that DisplayPort to HDMI cables (as with most cables involving protocol/signal conversion) are not bidirectional adapters, which means they only work in one direction -- from a DisplayPort output to a HDMI input.
Connecting these type of cables backwards will not allow an HDMI output port (such as those on a dock) to function with a DisplayPort input on a monitor.
How to Configure/Adjust Multiple Monitors Using a Windows System
We have a produced a series of short videos that introduce the general concepts of multi-monitor setups in Windows, how to make changes to the way things behave, as well as how to solve common problems.
Direct links to the introductory videos our customers have found the most useful are:
- Introduction to Multiple Displays in Windows
- Common Multi-Monitor Problem—Spatial Orientation
- How To Make a Display the ‘Main’ Display in Windows
- Multi-Monitor Problem—Spatial Orientation Part Two
- Introduction to Display Scaling in Windows
We also maintain a playlist that contains all of the multiple monitor tutorial videos we have made .
No Sound? How to Change Your Default Audio Device to Your Plugable Product
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, it's common to add new audio devices to your computer.
Some examples of additional audio devices you may want to switch to include:
- Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and speakers
- Speakers built into a display, such as a TV or monitor
- A USB sound card, digital audio converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC)
- USB microphones
- Audio jacks on a docking station
These steps don't apply to the Plugable Performance NIX HDMI Capture Card (USBC-CAP60).
Here are the steps that you need to set a new default audio recording or output device on different operating systems.
Set Audio Output Device
Set Audio Recording Device
Set Default Playback Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
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Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Playback tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Output header
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Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 3.0 Silicon Motion docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as SMI USB Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Playback Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Output
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Playback Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Output Device', and change it to your preferred output device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
Set Default Recording Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Recording tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Input header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 DisplayLink docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Recording Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Input
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Recording Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Input Device', and change it to your preferred input device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off or Sleep. How Do I Fix This?
Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:
For Windows 10:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings
- From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.
For Windows 11:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.
Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.
The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:
- To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
- To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
- To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )
Silicon Motion InstantView Installation Instructions for macOS 10.15, 11, 12, and 13+
How to install the Silicon Motion InstantView application based on your macOS version.
If you are unsure of the macOS version you are using → Click on the Apple logo in the top left of your mac display and select ‘About This Mac’.
macOS 13.x and newer
***For macOS 10.15 through macOS 12.x please click here***
1. Download the Silicon Motion InstantView application for your version of macOS from here → Link
2. Double-click on the file you downloaded to start the application installer
3. Drag the macOS InstantView app icon to the Applications icon: (Please be sure to drag the 'macOS InstantView' application to the 'Application' icon inside of the 'macOS InstantView' window itself.)
4. Navigate to your Launchpad or Applications folder to locate the InstantView app and double click to launch it
5. Click Open
6. Click Open System Preferences. Note: this should automatically open the Security and Privacy section, but if it does not you can manually open the Security and Privacy settings
7. Click on the switch to enable screen recording for the macOS InstantView application.
8. If prompted, enter your password and click the ‘Modify Settings’ button:
9. You will be prompted to Quit and Reopen the InstantView application in order for the change to take effect. Please do so:
11. The software has now been installed and you may connect your graphics adapter or docking station
** Please note - The Silicon Motion InstantView application does NOT in fact record or store any information. This permission must be granted in order for the InstantView application to access the information it needs in order to generate the image shown on the Silicon Motion-connected displays. **
Using the macOS Silicon Motion InstantView Application:
12. Right Click on the InstantView icon that is now present within the Apple Menu bar at the top of your screen. This will reveal the InstantView quick access menu:
13. Click "Display before Login" to enable the Silicon Motion-connected displays to be activated at the macOS Login Screen
14. In order to receive automatic InstantView application updates you can ensure that the Auto Update setting is checked
15. Left click on the InstantView icon within the Apple Menu bar at the top of your screen. This will reveal the InstantView application
16. You can quickly disconnect the displays and you can quickly change your Silicon Motion-connected displays to Mirrored or Extended mode
macOS 10.15 through macOS 12.x:
(Please click on the below to expand the instructions.)
How to install the Silicon Motion InstantView application on macOS 10.15 through macOS 12.x:
1. Download the Silicon Motion InstantView application for your version of macOS from here → Link
2. Double-click on the file you downloaded to start the application installer
3. Drag the macOS InstantView app icon to the Applications folder in the window that opens:
4. Navigate to your Launchpad or Applications folder to locate the InstantView app and double click to launch it
5. Click Open
6. Click Open System Preferences. Note: this should automatically open the Security and Privacy section, but if it does not you can manually open the Security and Privacy settings
7. Click on the gold padlock at the bottom of the application window to enable changes.
8. If prompted, enter your password and click the ‘Unlock’ button:
9. Click to place a checkmark next to the macOS InstantView entry:
10. You will be prompted to Quit and Reopen the InstantView application in order for the change to take effect. Please do so:
11. The software has now been installed and you may connect your graphics adapter or docking station
** Please note - The Silicon Motion InstantView application does NOT in fact record or store any information. This permission must be granted in order for the InstantView application to access the information it needs in order to generate the image shown on the Silicon Motion-connected displays. **
Using the macOS Silicon Motion InstantView Application:
12. Right Click on the InstantView icon that is now present within the Apple Menu bar at the top of your screen. This will reveal the InstantView quick access menu:
13. Click "Display before Login" to enable the Silicon Motion-connected displays to be activated at the macOS Login Screen
14. In order to receive automatic InstantView application updates you can ensure that the Auto Update setting is checked
15. Left click on the InstantView icon within the Apple Menu bar at the top of your screen. This will reveal the InstantView application
16. You can quickly disconnect the displays and you can quickly change your Silicon Motion-connected displays to Mirrored or Extended mode
DeleteWhy Does Image Quality With My Silicon Motion Graphics Adapter or Docking Station Not Seem As Crisp As My Laptop Screen or Directly Connected External Monitor?
Silicon Motion technology uses the Silicon Motion software driver on Windows and Silicon Motion InstantView application on macOS to generate a "virtual desktop" image that is sent over a USB connection to the adapter. These pixels are rendered by the Silicon Motion chip within the adapter to then send a video image to the connected monitors.
Because of the amount of data being sent the software driver must compress the data being sent so it can pass through efficiently over USB connections. This is why some images may not appear as "crisp" using a Silicon Motion adapter or docking station.
In our testing, Red colors are primarily affected where they can appear pixelated or blurry when viewed closely.
Blue Light Reduction Applications Are Not Working While Connected to my Silicon Motion USB Dock or Adapter
The Silicon Motion driver does not currently support this type of color adjustment. As a result, applications like f.lux, Night Shift or Night Light will not affect displays connected to a Silicon Motion-based docking station or video adapter.
I Can't Use My Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD/ATI Graphics Utility to Manage the Monitors Connected to My Silicon Motion-Based Docking Station/Graphics Adapter. Why?
The graphical software utilities provided by Intel, NVIDIA and AMD/ATI are designed to only recognize and work with graphics adapters made by their respective manufacturers. As a result, they will not recognize USB-attached displays connected to a Silicon Motion-based docking station or graphics adapter.
It is recommended to use the facilities built-in to Windows to manage the connected displays. These would be the ‘Display Settings’ application on Windows 10 and ‘Screen Resolution’ application on Windows 8.1 and 7. Both of these applications are available by right-clicking on empty space within the Windows desktop and selecting the appropriate choice from the context menu that appears.
Why Doesn't the "Display Color Calibration" Tool in Windows Affect the Display(s) Attached to My Silicon Motion-Based Docking Station/Video Adapter?
The Silicon Motion driver does not support color calibration functionality of any kind. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
Are Plugable USB Video Adapters or Docking Stations Based on Silicon Motion Technology Compatible With Touchscreens?
Touchscreens that do not require drivers and use the host’s operating system’s built-in USB Human Interface drivers (HID) to record touch inputs can be made to work with our products, however Plugable does not provide support for doing so due the complexity of multi-monitor touch screen setups.
If I Add a Silicon Motion-Based Docking Station or Graphics Adapter to My System, Will That Prevent My System’s Built-In Video Outputs From Working?
No, the Silicon Motion device's presence on your system will not preclude the use of any of your system’s built-in video outputs.
Can I Adjust the Brightness of a Display Connected to My Silicon Motion-Based Docking Station or Video Adapter via the Windows ‘Display Settings’ Application?
Windows does not have the ability to adjust the brightness of a display connected using Silicon Motion technology. We recommend making use of the display’s internal on-screen menu options in order to adjust the display's brightness.
Do Silicon Motion Graphics Adapters and Docking Stations Work on macOS?
Our Silicon Motion-based graphics adapters and docking stations are supported with macOS, albeit with potential limitations that one would expect with a directly connected external monitor.
| Supports closed-display mode (aka clamshell mode) | - No with macOS 10.15 Catalina and macOS 11 Big Sur on Intel based systems - Yes with macOS 12 Monterey on Intel based systems (an external power source must be connected to the Mac) - Yes with macOS 11 Big Sur and macOS 12 Monterey on Apple M1 based systems (an external power source must be connected to the Mac) |
| Supports display ‘rotation’ | - No with Intel based systems. - Yes with macOS 11 and newer when using an Apple M1 or M2 based systems, and when using the Silicon Motion InstantView app version 3.13 R02 or newer. Download available here. |
| Supports macOS ‘Login screen’ | - Yes, by enabling "Display before Login" in the settings menu |
| Supports Blue Light Reduction / Night Shift | - No, Night Shift and other blue light reduction software is not supported |
Applications That Use OpenGL Such As Google Sketchup or Google Earth Do Not Work As Expected When Connected to a Silicon Motion-Based Graphics Adapter or Docking Station
Graphics adapters and docking stations based on Silicon Motion USB video technology are in essence a 'virtual' graphics adapter that relies on the host laptop's CPU and internal physical graphics processing unit (aka as GPU) to generate the information shown on the Silicon Motion-attached displays.
In rare instances, Windows applications that use a technology known as OpenGL to draw the image shown on the display will attempt to direct OpenGL related tasks to the Silicon Motion-based virtual graphics adapter, and not to the 'real'/'physical' GPU within the laptop.
Since the adapter or dock is not a physical GPU that supports OpenGL, this can sometimes cause applications that make use of OpenGL (such as Google Earth or AutoCAD) to not work as expected or result in various types of error messages.
The true root cause of this behavior can vary, and ultimately lies outside of the adapter, docking station or its associated Silicon Motion driver. In some cases the root cause lies within the Windows driver for the host system's physical GPU and in rarer cases within the Windows operating system itself.
In some cases updating either the driver for the system's internal GPU or updating Windows itself (when Microsoft provides such updates) can help, however that is unfortunately not always the case.
If updating those components does not help, in most cases there are two possible workarounds.
The first is to configure Windows to have the ‘Main’ display set to a display directly connected to the host system's built-in internal GPU, whether that is an internal laptop display or another external display connected to one of the system's built-in video outputs (a quick guide to doing so is here -> https://youtu.be/7nnKztRZXsw).
If the first option does not prove a suitable workaround, the second option is to boot the system without the adapter or dock connected, launching the affected application, and then connecting the adapter or dock may also help.
Legacy macOS Silicon Motion Driver Installation Instructions
'Legacy' Silicon Motion Driver installation for macOS 10.14 Mojave
** Before you begin **
If have installed a previous version of the Silicon Motion driver, please uninstall it and then reboot your system before proceeding.
1. Download the latest driver for macOS 10.14 Mojave from here -> Link
2. Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on the Silicon Motion driver download
3. The disk image of the driver will mount, and automatically open the Silicon Motion Installer main landing page
4. Double-click on the ‘SMI USB Display Driver Installer.pkg’ file. The SMI USB Display Driver Installer page will open
5. Click ‘Continue’ at the Introduction step
6. Click the ‘Continue' at the Read Me step.
Note: This Read Me step mentions that the Silicon Motion software must be allowed in the macOS Security & Privacy settings - this is an important step starting in Step x of these instructions
7. Click ‘Install’
8. Enter your system password and click the ‘Install Software’ button
10. Click 'Continue Installation'
11. Click on the ‘Open Security Preferences’ button
12. Click the ‘Allow’ button at the bottom of the window to grant permission for the extension to be loaded.
** Important note – this approval must be granted within 30 minutes of the driver installation or the process will not work. A fresh installation must be performed to reset this timer. **
There is also a chance that the warning message about the blocked System Extension will not appear, but macOS may still block the extension. After the driver installation completes, please double-check that the necessary approval was granted by clicking the ‘System Preferences’ icon (the gear) and then clicking on the ‘Security & Privacy’ icon. From the window that appears please ensure the Silicon Motion driver is Approved by clicking the ‘Allow’ button.
12. Close the ‘Security and Privacy’ window. The Silicon Motion installation should now complete
13. You may also elect to move the Silicon Motion driver installer to the Trash Bin by clicking 'Move to Trash' or you may keep it by clicking 'Keep'
'Legacy' Silicon Motion Driver removal for macOS
1. Download the Silicon Motion driver package for macOS 10.14 Mojave from here -> Link
2. Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on the Silicon Motion driver download
2. Double-click on the 'SMI USB Display Driver Uninstaller' to begin the uninstallation wizard
3. Click the ‘Uninstall’ button
4. Enter your account password and click ‘OK’
5. After a few moments the process will complete. Click the ‘Restart’ button to complete the removal process.
Can Silicon Motion and DisplayLink-based Docking Stations and Graphics Adapters Work Together?
Yes! As long as the software drivers for both Silicon Motion and DisplayLink-based products are installed on the same computer these two USB graphics solutions can work together and be used at the same time.
My Silicon Motion-based USB Docking Station or USB Video Adapter Is Not Working As Expected
When a Plugable Silicon Motion device is not working as expected with a Windows system, the best practice is to disconnect the device from the host system (and remove it's external power source, if it has one) and perform a manual installation of the latest version we recommend of the required Silicon Motion software driver to help ensure both are in a good state. To do so, please follow these steps:
- Disconnect the Plugable Silicon Motion USB docking station or video adapter from the host system. If the product you are using has an external power adapter (for example a USB docking station), please also disconnect the power adapter from the product so that the unit resets. Please keep everything disconnected until prompted
- Uninstall any and all software with 'Silicon Motion' in the title that is present from within the Control Panel > Programs and Features (Apps and Features in Windows 10). If an entry is not listed in the Programs and Features application, the driver was likely installed automatically by Windows Update. Please then move on to the next step of installing the latest recommended driver
- Once the uninstallation has completed running, restart the host system (even if not prompted to)
- Download and install the latest version (that we recommend) of the Silicon Motion software driver
- If you disconnected the power adapter from your product in step one, please reconnect it so the device powers on, then reconnect the product to the host system. If the product is still not working as expected, please restart the host system one more time.
If, after having completed this process, your Plugable Silicon Motion device is still not working as expected, please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com with the output of our PlugDebug diagnostic utility and we will be happy to help
