VGA is an abbreviation for Video Graphics Array. It is a typical requirement for video output that uses analog signals as compared to digital signals. VGA connectors have 16 pins structure and each pin contributes to how the colors are blended on the screen. VGA is an analog interface between monitor and PC that was extensively used in older days, prior to DVI, HDMI, and Display Ports.
IBM originally designed the VGA standard and introduced it in 1987. They had designed the standard for 640×480 displays.
In no time, non-IBM vendors took up the market and boosted resolution and colors, and this time they called it “Super VGA (SVGA)”. Later on, IBM launched XGA with standards (1024×768), and with the passage of time, more resolutions were added.
What is Super Video Graphics Array (Super VGA or SVGA)?
Super Video Graphics Array (Super VGA ) is a high-resolution that is normally used to channel video data into a compatible visual output device – usually a computer monitor.
Initially, it was just an extension to the VGA standards, and it was a purely IBM-defined standard also known as ultra video graphics array (UVGA)
Most modern standards use digital signals for video. Therefore, with the enhancement in the technology, VGA cables are going off the track or we can say growing less and less popular. But still, there are some monitors, video cards, older laptops, and televisions that feature VGA ports only.
How does VGA Connector look?
It is a trapezoids shape arrangement of a male VGA Cable connector and a female VGA port. On either side, two screws of the male connectors, which correspond to two screw holes on the female port. Within the trapezoid, there are 16 pins that correspond to 16 holes in the female connector for them to work.
One main issue with this design is the numerous possibilities of failure points. If the copper pin will be bent, the trapezoid will also bend along with it, or if a screw breaks it will make the connector impossible to use.
Can VGA Connections Support High Resolutions?
Your computer’s video card determines the resolution of your VGA monitor. As of now, 2K is the highest resolution that is offered through VGA ports. In theories, it may be possible that the VGA port could support higher resolutions. But, do make a note that the computer needs to convert the digital signals to analog in order to be transmitted through a VGA cable. This process requires a lot of the computer’s processing ability.
Therefore, VGA connections aren’t best for high resolutions. Most of the video cards that support VGA offer only 1080p resolution. The cables themselves do not affect the resolution, whereas older devices won’t support higher resolutions. The exact resolution of VGA ports varies from computer to computer.
VGA is the oldest of the connections. It’s a matter of around decades ago, going back to the days of heavy, thick CRT monitors. VGA can also be referred to as “RGB connection” or “D-sub”. While VGA can in theory gives output to 1,920 x 1,080. The problem is that it’s an analog connection, so you push the resolution higher to get image degradation as the signal is converted from analog to digital.
Difference between HDMI and VGA?
HDMI uses digital signals. And the use of digital signals means that HDMI will be able to transfer its data more efficiently than VGA. Since it is the digital world the computer’s data is digital and it doesn’t take extra processing power to transfer the data through an HDMI Cable.
HDMI 2.1 Version supports higher resolutions, such as 8K at 120hz. Since VGA does not have a bandwidth limit. It is limited only by the source of the video and how the video is converted to an analog signal. HDMI cables can be longer than VGA cables and it is not an issue as the digital signal does not degrade over distances.
HDMI: The best TV to PC connection
HDMI, or “High-Definition Multimedia Interface” is one of the most frequently used video connections. You must have come across it on your laptops, tablets, television, games consoles, and set-top boxes. HDMI is unique among the many other connection options, because of the ability to carry both uncompressed audio and uncompressed video. This makes it the connection of choice for most multimedia devices as it’s a one-cable solution for all.
What is the Future of VGA?
Looking at the current scenario and as discussed, companies don’t feature VGA connections on modern devices. It is unlikely that VGA will see a comeback in recognition. However, there are still a lot of users who are still using older computers and monitors that have VGA ports. So, the VGA system is not going to be completely outdated.
