XGA Full Form

What is the full form of XGA?

The full form of XGA is Extended Graphics Array. XGA is the most widespread resolution of the screen and as the name suggests, the graphics shown on the screen are in an extended form. It has a resolution of 1024 X 768 px, which is quite impressive as it provides a more realistic feel on the screen. The developers of XGA enhanced the resolution to 64K colours which, earlier, were just 256. This gives the viewer a vibrant quality, better light efficiency and viewing experience. When the display's resolution is higher, the photo or video quality is sharper.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of XGA?
2. Information about the Extended Graphics Array (XGA)
3. Various video standards
4. Characteristics of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)
5. Components of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)
6. Advantages of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)
7. Shortcomings of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)

Information about the Extended Graphics Array (XGA)

Every computer display is made of picture elements. Picture elements are nothing but a rectangular array of pixels. The more the number of pixels in a given amount of space, the more detailed information on the screen. The colour depth of each pixel is displayed as a distinct number.

Earlier, we were limited to a standard resolution of only 640 X 480 px with only 16 colours, and the quality of content looked not so good. Later, the IBM developers, the same as the developers of XGA, introduced an Extended Graphics Array. It was introduced in 1990. XGA was launched under a patent to replace the Video Graphics Array (VGA) standard. The refinement in the picture quality this upgrade provided to users was extreme. Later on, the XGA format kept evolving into newer and more modern standards such as WXGA (Wide Extended Graphics Array), which provided better quality and is suitable for high-definition and low-end devices. In 1992, IBM upgraded its XGA chips to XGA-2.

XGA was an upgradation to VGA with two models, XGA-1 and XGA-2.

XGA-1 supports 16 bits per pixel for 65,536 colours, while XGA-2 supports 8 bits per pixel for 256 colours.

With the improved hardware and users getting advanced day by day, video modes tend to be ungraded towards greater colour depth and higher resolutions.

Various video standards

1. VGA (Video Graphics Array)

2. SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array)

3. XGA (Extended Graphics Array)

4. WXGA (Wide Extended Graphics Array)

5. SXGA (Super Extended Graphics Array)

6. UXGA (Ultra Extended Graphics Array)

Characteristics of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)

1. Pixels - Earlier, XGA supported 256 colours which is now upgraded to 64K. The pixels before were interlaced and had the text mode of 80 columns extended to 132 columns, and pixels are not interlaced anymore.

2. Compatibility - The Extended Graphics works well with all multimedia formats, be it a video of any format or any image. Not only that, but they are also working well with PowerPoint presentations, financial reports, spreadsheets and more.

3. Efficiency - Even with better quality and efficiency with light, it consumes less power.

4. Flexibility - Considering the outstanding quality of the image and videos it provides, the pricing is not too high for general users.

Components of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)

Here are the following components used -

1. CRT and Memory Controller

2. Co-processor

3. Video memory

4. Attribute controller

5. Sprite controller

6. System bus interface

7. Sprite buffer

8. Palette

9. Alphanumeric (A/N) font

10. Serializer

11. Video digital-to-analog (DAC) converter

Advantages of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)

There are some major advantages of XGA-

1. Images are sharper as compared to VGA, with enhanced display quality.

2. XGA standards are supportable with both laptops and computers.

3. The working of XGA standards in the projection systems also is incredible.

4. The installation is pretty easy and convenient.

5. The XGA projectors are affordable for users.

Shortcomings of Extended Graphics Array (XGA)

Here are the following limitations XGA standard gives-

1. The contrast ratings it offers in business products are lower.

2. Not all XGA modes with a 4:3 aspect ratio hold for certain standard VGA.