IBM Aptiva, Handbook

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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 16: 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 Rate (in hertz [Hz]) at which the entire
image is drawn on the screen. Also
called “refresh rate.”
Table 16: Monitor terms and definitions
Term Definition
Appendix D