VGA – Video Graphics Array

Video Graphics Array (VGA) is a standard display interface introduced by IBM in 1987. It was one of the first widely adopted graphics standards for displaying video on computer monitors. VGA became the de facto standard for computer displays in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, and it remained in widespread use for many years.

Here are some key features and characteristics of VGA:

1. Resolution: VGA supports a resolution of 640×480 pixels with 16 colors (4 bits per pixel) or 320×200 pixels with 256 colors (8 bits per pixel). While these resolutions may seem limited by modern standards, they were sufficient for the computer displays of the time.
2. Analog Interface: VGA uses an analog interface to transmit video signals between the graphics card and the monitor. The analog nature of VGA signals made them susceptible to interference and degradation over long cable lengths, which could result in image distortion or ghosting.
3. 15-Pin Connector: VGA cables use a 15-pin connector with three rows of pins. The connector carries separate signals for red, green, and blue (RGB) color channels, as well as horizontal and vertical synchronization signals.
4. Refresh Rate: VGA typically operates at a refresh rate of 60 Hz, although higher refresh rates were possible depending on the capabilities of the graphics card and monitor.
5. Compatibility: VGA became widely adopted due to its compatibility with a wide range of computer hardware and operating systems. It was supported by virtually all PCs and compatible hardware during its heyday.
6. Legacy Support: Even as newer display interfaces such as DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort became popular, VGA remained in use for many years due to its widespread compatibility and legacy support. However, as technology advanced, VGA gradually became obsolete, especially in newer computing devices and displays.

While VGA has largely been replaced by digital display interfaces offering higher resolutions and better image quality, it played a crucial role in the early days of personal computing and helped establish standards for graphics and display technology.