The VGA is one of the most used standard connectors on computers today. The Video Graphics Array connector is an extremely common standard connection used for computer graphics output. Originating with the late 1987 IBM PS/2 and integrated with the video card, the VGA has gone on to become nearly ubiquitous on desktop computers, projectors and HDTV sets, as well as most other monitors. It is also widely used in high-end video game consoles. A standard VGA connect is used for connecting a computer keyboard, mouse and monitor to the computer.
D-Sub Connectors are used with multimedia devices such as DVD players and game consoles. The standard VGA connect works with most multimedia devices as long as the player or console uses an appropriate video card to communicate with it. With the advent of high-definition consoles, particularly Blu-ray, the need for a standard VGA connect has become minimal. DVI and HDMI connections are more commonly used in high resolution gaming systems.
An analog interface is widely used for digital information transfer. An analog interface generally offers better compatibility and performance than a digital connection but has less speed than the fast connection provided by the VGA. An analog VGA generally operates at a single speed which makes it unsuitable for use with slow computers or with network applications that depend on fast transfers. An analog VGA is often combined with an analog signal interface (Analog-to-Digital Converter) for use in medical imaging systems and printers.
An interesting fact about VGA connections is that they can be used to connect DVI devices and standard computers in a manner not previously seen with other connector technologies. Many computer monitors today include a special type of VGA connect known as DVI-D connectors. These types of computer monitors use a different VGA connector compared to other types of computer monitors. For example, DVI-D connectors usually include an adapter for connecting DVI video components to a normal VGA monitor.
DVI-D converter boxes are popular products that use VGA to DVI conversion technology. Some of these boxes have built-in scanners to maintain the quality of the signal. In addition, some of the converters available have additional features such as digital video card support, hardware video card decoding and encryption, and headphone output capabilities. However, DVI-D converter boxes are usually only compatible with certain types of video cards.
One type of VGA connector that is also being used to connect DVI video components is the Pinnacle PCV bridge. The PCV bridge uses an innovative technology called Mini Display Port that provides compatibility with all popular computer monitors including LCD TVs, projectors, HDTVs, and game consoles. The PCV bridge connects to VGA multimedia components such as VGA input devices and Video Express adapters. A standard VGA to DVI-D converter box or a VGA to DVI-D converter box can be used in tandem with an appropriate graphics card, digital television or computer monitor.