Frequently Asked Questions About VGA Monitors
VGA, also known as Video Graphics Array, is a type of analog connection that became standard in the late 1980s. It can be identified by the three-row 15-pin metal D-sub connector and interface. These monitors all come with a VGA connection, and they are available on eBay.
How do you choose the right VGA monitor?That depends on the features you are looking for on eBay. Some of the possible features include full stereoscopic 3D, a built-in speaker or TV tuner, a security lock slot, and anti-glare technology. If youre worried about viewing angles, then you should look for a tiltable, rotatable, or wall-mountable monitor. A touchscreen monitor offers the ability to interact directly with the display. Besides these features, you should also consider the following specs:
- Resolution: VGA monitors can span many different resolutions, from 480p standard definition to 1080p high definition.
- Refresh rate: Measured in hertz, the refresh rate is the number of times the monitor updates its image every second. Standard monitors have a 60 Hz refresh rate, but some monitors can go as high as 144 Hz or 240 Hz, resulting in a smoother image, especially during fast motion.
- Response time: Measured in milliseconds, the response time determines how quickly each pixel on the screen can change its color. If the pixel takes too long to change, then it can result in blurring and a "ghosting" effect in which an older image briefly remains on the screen. A lower response time is generally better, although gamers are the main beneficiary of anything less than 5 milliseconds.
Over the past few decades, these have been the most common types of VGA monitors:
- Cathode ray tube: An older legacy monitor with a vacuum tube inside. Although most are bulky, a few CRT monitors have a slimmer profile.
- Plasma: Flat-panel plasma screens consist of small cells with electrically charged ion gasses. They tend to have high contrast ratios, wide viewing angles, and reduced motion blur.
- Twisted nematic LCDs: Twisted nematic is one of the most common types of LCD technologies. These monitors tend to have a fast response time but overall a lower color reproduction and reduced viewing angles compared to other LCDs.
- In-plane switching LCDs: An IPS display allows plenty of light to pass through, so it has better viewing angles and color reproduction. However, the response times might be slightly higher.
- Vertical alignment LCDs: A vertical alignment display also has higher contrast ratios, improved color, and wider viewing angles compared to twisted nematic, though not quite as wide as IPS.
If you have a non-VGA interface on your computer such as HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort, then you will need an adapter to connect them together.