multiple monitors - is VGA to HDMI cable is same as HDMI to VGA cable?

I want to use my TV with HDMI port as screen for my laptop with VGA port.i have searched over internet to know the price for the same.But every time when i search VGA to HDMI cable, it is showing results for HDMI to VGA.Does it make any difference? if i buy HDMI to VGA, can i use it for my need? Thanks for all the help.

Answer

Because an active conversion is required between HDMI (digital) and VGA (analog), the direction does matter.

In theory you could probably create a converter that detects the direction automatically, though I doubt anyone will bother.

Here’s an appropriate adapter that looks like it’ll do. It even supports audio.

Also, do not buy adapter cables without an active converter. They cannot work. They claim that “special outputs” will know what to do, but I have yet to see one. It’s essentially a fraud.