Video CardVideo Card

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Lesson 10

Translates computer information of binary digital data into visual information that the monitor can understand.

The video card and monitor must support the same video standards.

Video CardVideo Card

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1. Video Memory - RAM used to store video Video Memory - RAM used to store video information.information.

2.2. BIOS extension ROM - contains software to BIOS extension ROM - contains software to change the information stored in the video change the information stored in the video memory to information that can be displayed memory to information that can be displayed on the monitor.on the monitor.

Common CharacteristicsCommon Characteristics

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3.3. Video Output Connector - 9 or 15-pin Video Output Connector - 9 or 15-pin connector that supplies necessary signals to connector that supplies necessary signals to drive the monitor.drive the monitor.

4.4. Microcontroller - control logic that is Microcontroller - control logic that is responsible for the independent operation of responsible for the independent operation of the video card.the video card.

5.5. Digital to Analog Converter (Optional) - Digital to Analog Converter (Optional) - present in video cards that utilize VGA present in video cards that utilize VGA (video graphics array).(video graphics array).

Common CharacteristicsCommon Characteristics

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Video Display standardsVideo Display standards

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Original IBM video system Displayed text in one color Video card contained 16K of memory 80 columns and 25 rows No graphics capability Digital signaling

Monochrome Data Adapter (MDA)Monochrome Data Adapter (MDA)

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First video adapter to display graphics 16 shades of gray Card contained 32K of memory 80 columns and 24 rows Digital signaling

Hercules Monochrome Data Hercules Monochrome Data Adapter (HMDA)Adapter (HMDA)

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First video adapter to provide color Pixel - picture element or one dot of light on

the monitor screen. 16 colors at 320 x 200 pixels Video card had 64K of memory Digital signaling

Color Graphics Adapter (CGA)Color Graphics Adapter (CGA)

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Increased resolution to 640 x 350 Limited color display to 16 colors First adapter to switch from digital to analog

Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA)Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA)

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All analog signaling 640 x 480 with 256 colors

Super VGA (SVGA) 1024 x 768 pixels with 16.7 million colors. Cards contain 1 MB+ memory.

XGA or PGA (Extended or Professional Graphics Adapter).

S3 or Accelerator - special version of VGA increases speed of video.

Video Graphics Array (VGA)Video Graphics Array (VGA)

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Small foot print

Very energy efficient

Good image quality

All solid state construction, no cathode ray tube.

Lightweight

Analog and Digital interfaces available

EXPENSIVE

Support XGA and PGA Graphic modes

Flat Screen MonitorsFlat Screen Monitors

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