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