How Graphics Adapters Work

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

By Jim Samposzi

When someone is checking out a video clip or entire video, he/she are typically unknowing of the forces working behind the cover to bring on the display of the video. There is good amount more than just reading, playing, and displaying the images to the screen. Whether it be a simple text animation or a complex 3-D rendering, video cards allow you to view videos and other media on the computer.

A computer video card is sometimes referred to as: display adapter, graphics card, or graphics accelerator card. In short, the machine picks up the information and sends it to the video chip card, in the on-board slot, to handle it and return a display to the monitor. This process happens rapidly before it is noticed; most video cards reduce flickers and dead spots.

With the functionality of computer video cards comes an output method, or, way to get the video into the computer. These ports basically connect the device to the computer so that it can send video to it for processing and display. Some of the most well-known ports include:

* Video Graphics Array (VGA) - A video graphics array and is not seen on machines today. It looks like a rectangle or circle slot with holes in the inside. This is the first kind of video input/output and is not used anymore because the quality is substandard.

* Video In / Video Out (VIVO) and S-Video - This type of ports generate 3-D rendering by transcribing this information into computer language. These sorts of inputs/outputs are more commonly used today and support a clear picture, LCD, and plasma. The socket round and contain dots in the inside. Most desktops label this as S video.

* High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) - This type of video input is a bit more robust and supports gaming and DVD playing. This type of connection also restricts copying of copyrightable materials.

* Display Port - This is the newest technology in video connection and is thought to be capable of putting all other connections to rest. It supports streaming video rendering that is clear and smooth.

Whichever the plug input/output used, computers all read and process video on a chip. The chip set of this card includes components that make it work. These components include: video bios, video memory, and RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter). The video bios exists as a simple outline of how the machine is to translate and display video. The video memory then kicks in to allow for streaming. Finally, the RAMDAC translates the analog signal to digital so the machine can show the video. Although some computers no longer need RAMDAC, due to the invention of monitors with this already in them,, though all PCs still need it to run the video clip.

Not all individuals that play videos know exactly how it is working. Most users value being able to access videos in seconds. The processes mentioned previously take place so quickly that it is impossible to see by the naked eye. However, there are so many actions taking place under the computer's cover.

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