VGA Simplified

What is VGA?
VGA stands for Video Graphics Array and was introduced in 1987 by IBM. VGA is an analog signal with TTL level separate horizontal and vertical sync. The video outputs to a HD15 pin connector. VGA has a horizontal scan frequency of 31.5 kHz with a vertical frequency of 70 Hz (Mode 1, 2) and 60 Hz (Mode 3). The High Density or "HD" 15-pin VGA connector is common to most video cards, computer monitors, and HDTV sets that support VGA enabled devices. Occasionally, this connector is incorrectly referred to as a DB15 which refers to a different connector standard configured of 2 rows of pins instead of the three that HD15 VGA connectors have. VGA has a native pixel by line resolution of 640 x 480 with a color palette of 16 bits and 256,000 colors. VGA was officially superseded by IBM's XGA standard, but in actuality it was superseded by numerous different extensions that varied slightly to VGA  made by clone manufacturers that are known collectively as "Super VGA" which is 800 x 600. It was then extended to 1024 x 768 8-bit pixels, and well beyond that in the following years and computers made post the year 2000 are almost all SVGA  and beyond.

VGA Resolution Chart
Standard	Resolution	Aspect Ratio
CGA	640x200	16:09
VGA	640x480	4:03
WVGA	800x480	5:03
SVGA	800x600	4:03
WSVGA	1024x600	16:09
XGA	1024x768	4:03
WXGA	1280x768	5:03
WXGA	1280x800	16:09
SXGA	1280x1024	5:04
SXGA+	1400x1050	4:03
WSXGA+	1680x1050	16:09
UXGA	1600x1200	4:03
WUXGA	1920x1200	16:09
QXGA	2048x1536	4:03
WQXGA	2560x1600	16:09
QSXGA	2560x2048	16:09
QSXGA	2560x2048	5:04

Common Applications
The primary purpose of VGA cables and connectors are for carrying analog component RGBHV red, green, blue, horizontal sync and vertical sync) video signals, and a display data channel (DDC) digital clock and data. (The DDC is a collection of digital communication protocols between a computer display and a graphics adapter which allows the display to communicate its supported display modes to the adapter and adjust monitor parameters such as brightness and contrast from the computer.) VGA Connections can be found on computer monitors, desktop and laptop computers, video and data projectors, and many accessories like VGA switchers, VGA splitters, and more. How to choose the right VGA Cable for your application?

Today's modern computer products transmit bandwidth much greater than VGA's original 640x480, so what you are technically really shopping for are SVGA Cables although often they are still referred to as VGA cables so check the performance details. SVGA cables are capable of carrying higher resolutions but the resolutions the cable can handle can vary greatly depending upon the construction of the cable. For example, standard SVGA cables support only 800x600 due to being constructed with only very small gauge wires. Premium professional grade and super premium SVGA cables are constructed using three coax wires to transmit the Red, Green and Blue color data and can transmit resolutions of 1600x1200 and sometimes up to 2048 x1536. Well made SVGA cables will also feature additional shielding and can be used for distances up to 100 feet without the need for additional amplification.

Pay close attention to the type of shielding and choose cables with braided shields whenever possible (95% or better) for better performance (although they will cost more). 26 gauge is the professional standard while 28 gauge is common for less expensive SVGA cables. Cables with minimal shielding will sometimes use an external ferrite core to compensate.

All cables are not created equal-the gauge of the three coax cables and the shielding type(s) and shielding coverage will dictate the cables performance capability as well as the cost and resolutions supported can vary based on gauge, shielding and materials so be sure to compare "apples to apples".  Plenum SVGA cables have a fire-retardant outer jacket that confirm to fire codes for running the cable through walls and floors where no conduit is available.

Performance Levels

Economy Traditional VGA Cable
Usually constructed using very small gauge wires and resolution is limited to 800x600. Primarily for older equipment only.

Standard VGA/SVGA Cable
Standard Series VGA cables are usually 28 gauge construction (for three RGB coaxes) with a fair amount of shielding, usually spiral and/or foil shield or lower percentage (60-80% is common) braid shield. Perfectly suited for general purpose applications.

Premium Professional Grade SVGA/UXGA Cable
Premium Professional VGA cables are 26 gauge construction (for three RGB coaxes) with multiple shielding including individually braided shields on each coax is preferred. In better cables, an overall braided shield and foil shield will be used for additional performance enhancement. Recommended for systems integrators, digital signage, critical applications.   

Super Premium UXGA Cable
Super Premium VGA cables are 26 gauge or larger construction (for three RGB coaxes) with multiple shielding including individually braided shields on each coax is the standard. They also feature overall braided shields (usually 90% and above) as we as overall foil shields  for maximum performance. Recommended for heavy duty applications, rental and staging, systems integrators, digital signage, critical applications and long distances.