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    Understanding VGA Out.

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by catacylsm, Jul 18, 2009.

  1. catacylsm

    catacylsm Notebook Prophet

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    Hey everyone, pretty basic question here.

    Ive been looking at many good priced monitors (16:9 ratio but i can live with that).

    The problem is the ratio is 1600x900 and the interface is VGA out? It was previously my understanding that VGA only really went up to 13** or so, so im quite puzzled as of now.

    Could anyone enlighten me on the maximum resolution output of the VGA interface? Thanks

    Cata
     
    catacylsm, Jul 18, 2009
    #1
  2. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    VGA can output 1920x1200.
     
    Mastershroom, Jul 18, 2009
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  3. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    VGA can output higher resolution than DVI/HDMI if you use proper cable. Those cables that you buy at a dollar store won't be able to go beyond 1080P.
     
    jackluo923, Jul 18, 2009
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  4. catacylsm

    catacylsm Notebook Prophet

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    Oh, i didnt realise, thats a relief.

    Thank you very much guys!
     
    catacylsm, Jul 18, 2009
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  5. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    I will just say that 1920x1080 through VGA looks rather crap on a large LCD screen, though it is completely possible.
     
    namaiki, Jul 19, 2009
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  6. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well.. not really if you have proper cable. I hook my desktop computer to my hdtv. I can't tell the difference between VGA and Displayport/DVI/HDMI. They all look the same with my plasma TV when I watch 1080P content.
     
    jackluo923, Jul 19, 2009
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  7. chris-m

    chris-m Notebook Evangelist

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    I've always thought that high priced digital cables were a bit of a gimmick because either the signal is getting through or it isn't. I can see how analog cable quality could matter more.

    What's an example of a good quality vga display cable? That would be useful to know. If you don't want to endorse a specific one, two examples would work, too. :D
     
    chris-m, Jul 19, 2009
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  8. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well.. these are the things to look for for analog cables.

    -thicker the better
    -more shielded the better
    -gold plated contacts preferred, but non-rusted surfaces will work too

    Usually I would buy VGA cable that's about as thick as your pinky or about 1cmx1cm in thickness. Also, a properly shielded cable is a must as well. Thicker VGA cables are probably properly shielded.

    With those 2 requirements met, it can reproduce picture quality equal to HDMI/DVI digital signals. With proper VGA cables, it's possible to get resolution above 2500P easily while you need dual-link DVI for those kind of resolutions.

    Also.. keep in mind to get the shortest VGA cable that fits your need. The signal will deteriorate if the cable quality is bad or the cable is too long. If you need very long VGA cable, you'll need to get an amplifier for it.

    e.g http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5168
    http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10277
     
    jackluo923, Jul 19, 2009
    #8