C-1
Monitor terminology
As you read the documentation that came with your monitor and the monitor information provided in this chapter, you might find
a few technical terms. If you change your monitor settings, refer to the following table to understand some of the terms used to
describe monitor characteristics.
Table 15: Monitor terms and definitions
Term Definition
display mode
A resolution setting associated with a vertical frequency setting (and
sometimes a color setting). For example, 640x480 at 75 Hz, 256
colors.
horizontal frequency
Rate (in kilohertz [kHz]) at which each line on the screen is drawn.
interlaced
Method of producing an image by drawing only alternating lines until
the entire image is completed.
noninterlaced
Method of producing an image by drawing each line, one after the
other, until the entire image is completed. This method produces less
flicker than the interlaced method.
pel (or pixel)
A picture element. A small rectangle or portion of an image that
together with other pels make up the entire image.
resolution
The number of pels required to display an image horizontally and
vertically. For example, 640x480 means 640 pels horizontally and
480 pels vertically.
SVGA
Super video graphics array. A video standard that provides some of
the higher text and graphics resolutions.
vertical frequency/
refresh rate
Rate (in hertz [Hz]) at which the entire image is drawn on the screen.
Also called “refresh rate.”
v65xahb.book : app-c.fm Page 1 Friday, January 16, 1998 4:27 PM