Difference Between XGA and SVGA

calendarMar 16, 2023 · 5 min read  ·
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As the clarity of an image depends on the number of pixels, this seminal difference between the two makes XGA images much sharper and detail-oriented than SVGA images.

XGA vs SVGA

The main difference between XGA and SVGA is that while XGA offers a higher resolution and renders a sharper image on the screen, SVGA boasts a lower pixel resolution strength and produces a weaker image on a screen.

Both XGA and SVGA have the same aspect ratio of 4:3, however, XGA has an effective pixel resolution of 1024 horizontal by 768 vertical pixels as compared to SVGA’s resolution strength of 800 horizontal by 600 vertical pixels.

Comparison Table Between XGA and SVGA

Parameters of ComparisonXGASVGA
Pixel Resolution StrengthXGA has a higher pixel resolution strength of 1024 horizontal by 768 vertical pixels.SVGA has a lower pixel resolution strength of 800 horizontal by 600 vertical pixels.
Year of ReleaseXGA was launched in 1999.SVGA was launched in 1989.
Clarity of ImageThe image created is sharp and detail-oriented.The image created is not very sharp due to the low pixel count.
CostProjectors and displays with XGA configuration cost higher than the ones with SVGA configuration.Projectors and displays with SVGA configuration are more cost-effective.
Internet WebpagesXGA can display the entire width of webpages.SVGA cannot display the entire width of webpages.
Official RecognitionXGA is recognized as the official replacement of the VGA format.SVGA is not recognized as the official replacement of the VGA format, although it preceded the launch of XGA.

What is XGA?

XGA is the abbreviation commonly used to denote Extended Graphics Array. The XGA format was originally designed by IBM in 1990 to replace the 1987 VGA (Video Graphics Array) display modalities. It is a display standard with a pixel resolution of 1024 horizontal pixels by 768 vertical pixels.

XGA maintains the same pixel aspect ratio of 4:3 as SVGA, but it supports 786,000 pixels per image, rendering a crystal clear image, that was previously absent.

This format is famed and recognized for its high definition images and detail clarity. XGA embodied significant improvements over its predecessor’s features. It also supports non-interlaced monitors- a feature hitherto missing from such formats.

What is SVGA?

SVGA is the abbreviation used to connote Super Video Graphics Array. SVGA was the unsanctioned successor to the older VGA model with a higher resolution and clearer images. SVGA was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) – a conglomerate of monitor and graphics manufacturers- in 1989.

It boasts several improvements over the VGA format like an improved pixel resolution of 800 horizontal by 600 vertical pixels.

Although the SVGA can support up to 16 million colors, the practical simultaneous display of colors is limited by the video memory of the operative system. Most systems can display 256 simultaneous colors.

Main Differences Between XGA and SVGA

  • The main difference between XGA and SVGA is in terms of the pixel resolution supported by each. While both share the same aspect ratio, the clarity of any projected image is derived from the effective pixel resolution of its projection. XGA overtakes SVGA in this category as it supports an enhanced resolution strength of 1024 by 768 pixels, while the SVGA supports a way lower pixel strength of 800 by 600. Hence the resolution offered by the former is effectively higher than the latter.
  • The difference in the pixel resolution strength of each has repercussions with regard to the clarity of a projected image. XGA produces clearer and sharper images with an acute detail orientation. However, due to its lower pixel resolution, SVGA produces softer images with a lack of attention to the details of an image.
  • Another difference is in terms of cost. While XGA empowered machines are usually costlier, the cost of a SVGA machine is comparatively on the lower end of the projector price spectrum. If budget constraints are an issue to be noted, one can choose the more cost-effective SVGA projectors and displays instead of the pricey XGA ones.
  • Another difference between the two is that while XGA is used to display the current width of all web pages, SVGA cannot be used to display the complete width of a web page. XGA screens are configured to display such widths easily- a feature absent from its SVGA predecessor.
  • SVGA is often considered as the unsanctioned successor to the VGA. This is because it was launched as an improvement on the older VGA resolution format in 1989. XGA was launched in 1999 and marketed as VGA’s official successor.

    • Conclusion

    XGA and SVGA are both famed projector and display resolution configuration models sharing the same 4:3 pixel ratio. However, these two variants are quite different from one another. The most seminal difference between XGA and SVGA is the pixel resolution strength each boasts. XGA has 60% more pixels than SVGA.

    The former has a power pixel resolution strength of 1024 by 768 pixels, while the latter has an introductory level pixel strength of 800 by 600 pixels. This implies that the images projected by XGA are sharper, with conspicuous details than the ones projected using a SVGA projector.

    The SVGA was an improvement over the VGA format. However, it was never publically announced or sanctioned as the official successor of the VGA format. This title too is held by the qualitatively superior XGA configuration model.

    The effective pixel resolution strength of each also determines the price point of such displays and projectors. Additional pixels producing superior quality images make the XGA much more expensive than the SVGA. It is also more suited for current usage than the SVGA format, as the latter is not attuned to loading the current width of webpages in their entirety.

    These differences can come in handy while selecting an appropriate projector or display monitor. However, over the years, there have been further improvements over the XGA format. The HD versions now available in the market produce much more sophisticated images. Hence, one may also extend the search radius to include the list of improved models available today.

    References

  • https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-111735753/battle-of-the-resolutions-svga-vs-xga-projectors
  • https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/3689/0000/SVGA-and-XGA-LCOS-microdisplays-for-HMD-applications/10.1117/12.352834.short

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