glennl@budda.UUCP (Glenn Le Vernois) (03/21/89)
Howdy,
I need some help PC monitors and displays. I'm contemplating the
purchase of a new monitor and display adapter, but don't want to
make the mistake I made the last time (thinking a monitor was upward
compatible to VGA when it wasn't).
I would like to have a monitor which will support VGA in extended
modes (800x600) and possibly 8514/A. At the current time extended
VGA will suit my needs, but I'd like a monitor that will handle 8514
when controllers become reasonable.
Using a multi-frequency monitor (NEC Multi-Sync II, Mits
Diamond-Scan, etc), one connect a single monitor to any number of
controller cards (CGA, EGA, etc). Most of these multi-frequency
monitors have a TTL (digital) and an analog connector. The digital
connector works for display adapters below VGA. If you want to run
VGA (>256 colors), you need use an analog interface. Most VGA
cards will have a digital connector, but will only support up to EGA
modes with a digital signal.
I'm starting to get a little fuzzy here, so please feel free to jump
in if I'm incorrect.
A VGA adapter is downward compatible. That is, it will support CGA,
MDA, EGA, and VGA modes (and some others, I believe).
Now, the questions:
1. Using a VGA monitor and VGA adapter in analog mode, I can
run any software package supporting any existing standard, VGA
and below. Do I need a multi-frequency monitor in the above
application, or can I use any VGA analog monitor (MultiSync 2A)?
2. Is the "multi-frequency" part of a monitor just limited to
the digital compatibility, or does it apply to both digital
and analog modes.
3. If I purchase a analog monitor for VGA today, will it be
compatible with 8514/A tomorrow? If not, what are the specs
required for 8514/A?
With all the turns in technology, it's getting difficult (and
expensive) keeping up with the latest and greatest. I believe that
800x600 will wet my whistle for some time.
If you have any pearls of wisdom you would like to share with me,
please respond via E-Mail. If there's enough interest, I'll post a
summary.
Thanks,
Glenn
--
Glenn C. Le Vernois ...!tektronix!tessi!bucket!budda!glennl
Ryte Byte, Inc. "No matter where you go, there you are!"
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