VGA

Video Graphics Array

An analog computer display standard originally developed by IBM in 1987. VGA is used to describe a specific display resolution of 640 pixels horizontally by 480 pixels vertically (640×480) and the physical 15-pin D-subminiature connector commonly used to connect computers to monitors.

The VGA standard became one of the most versatile and widely used graphics standards for personal computers through the late 1980s and 1990s. Despite its analog nature, VGA can deliver good picture quality at higher resolutions and display millions of colors. However, the number of colors and the resolution can be limited by the video memory in the computer using the VGA hardware.

In some cases, VGA connectors and cables are used to carry analog video signals and line-level (low-voltage) analog audio, although audio-over-VGA is not a standard feature. The VGA interface is not hot-swappable, meaning the device should not be connected or disconnected while the host device is running.

Although it has been largely superseded by newer digital standards like HDMI and DisplayPort, VGA is still used in many legacy systems. It can be found in various applications where newer technologies have not yet been adopted.

The persistence of VGA is partly because it’s compatible with a vast number of devices, and the technology does not require licensing fees, making it cost-effective for educational and business environments that have not upgraded to newer digital connections.

• Abbreviation: VGA