subject: VGA Cable - 15 Pins, One Picture [print this page] Video Graphics Array was first introduced in the late 1980s. This type of connection is more commonly known as VGA. When one thinks of VGA they might go directly to thinking of those cables with the connectors that have fifteen pins in them which are commonly found on computer monitors and now even some high definition televisions. Within those fifteen pins, colour and the connection between the monitor and video output device is controlled.
Throughout the years the VGA cable has held to the test of time and is still in use today. It has even been transformed into a mini version of itself to be able to properly function in smaller devices such as laptop computers.
When looking at a VGA cable and at the connector that controls the exchange of digital media one can understand how it works by visually numbering each pin beginning at the top right and moving to the left until counting all fifteen. Within three of the pins, the basic RGB (red, blue and green) colour signals are carried. Two of the pins carry the horizontal and vertical sync signals. Also within the pins are data and clock signals as well as multiple ground signals. On either side of the connector there are screws which allow for the user to secure it into place in the socket. These cables can support a variety of resolutions that can range from 640x400px to 2048x1536px.
When using VGA cables, one will notice that there no actual standards of quality. However, it is easy to pick out higher-quality cables because of the obvious thickness brought about by the coaxial wiring and insulation. Also, in a quality cable ghosting (signal crosstalk) will not occur. This happens when unwanted currents are induced by one wire to the adjacent wires. Another quality that is sought after in purchasing cable is length. A shorter length means that signal degradation is less likely to occur. This is why you should always opt for the shortest length when purchasing a monitor cable.
It is important to understand that the VGA cable is still in use today. The cables are available in a wide range at differing prices. Some of the features available are gold plating and interference shielding. It is still up to the consumer to decide whether a signal produced by VGA is as good as the digital signal sent by various other methods. However, if the model of television or computer allows for an input of VGA, it is worth the time and the money one can save by trying.
