Install and Configure Display Devices
VR Headsets
A Virtual Reality (VR) headset is a device that fits over your eyes and ears. It aims to replace sights and sounds from the real world with images and noises generated by a computer application. The headset also comes with handheld controllers to allow you to move the avatar representing you in the virtual space and interact with the virtual environment.VR is mostly used for games but has other obvious applications for meetings and social networking that is likely to see it more widely adopted in business networks in the next few years. There are two main types of headsets: tethered VR headsets are self-contained devices, whereas mobile VR headsets are designed to use a specific smartphone model (or range of models) to provide the display.Tethered headsets, such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, require an HDMI port plus a number of USB ports on the host PC. While not current at the time of writing, it is likely that most systems will adopt a single USB-C cable in the near future.
Multiple Displays
A computer can be set up to use two (or more) display devices. In terms of hardware, the PC requires a graphics adapter with multiple display ports, multiple graphics adapters, or monitors with input and output DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connectors for daisy-chaining. Note: The adapter and monitors must support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to use daisy chaining. To set up the chain, connect the first cable from the graphics adapter port to the "IN" port on the first monitor. Connect a second cable from the "OUT" port on the first monitor to the "IN" port on the second monitor. Dual monitors can be used in one of three modes, configured via Windows display properties:
= DVI to HDMI
DVI is not supported on many consumer devices so you may use this type of adapter to connect a laptop to a TV set. There is no signal conversion involved so this can be performed by a passive cable
DVI Ports and Connectors
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video cable type designed for flat panel display equipment. While popular for a short period after its introduction in 1999, DVI is now being phased out in favor of better-established technologies, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt. You are unlikely to see DVI used on new display devices or computers. There are five types of DVI, supporting different configurations for bandwidth and analog/digital signaling. The pin configuration of the connectors identifies what type of DVI is supported by a particular port. DVI-A DVI-D (single link) DVI-I (single link) DVI-D (dual link) DVI-I (dual link)
Show only
Display the desktop on one device only—select either Show only on 1 or Show only on 2. Note: In Windows 10, you can select a multi-monitor mode quickly using Windows + P. This causes a prompt to appear on the right side of the primary display listing the options PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only.
Extend these displays
Display the desktop over both devices—select Extend these displays (this mode makes more screen "real estate" available and is useful for design, publishing, and programming work). Drag the displays in the box to position them correctly. You can put them to the left and right or above and below one another.
Duplicate these displays
Display the same image on both devices—select the Duplicate these displays option (this mode is useful for delivering presentations).
HDMI Ports and Connectors
HDMI v1.3 introduced the Mini HDMI connector (Type C) for use on portable devices, such as camcorders. This is more compact but has the same number of pins. HDMI v1.4 also introduced the even smaller Micro HDMI connector (Type D), still with 19 pins.HDMI cable is rated as either Standard (Category 1) or High Speed (Category 2). High Speed cable supports greater lengths and is required for v1.4 features, such as 4K and 3D. HDMI version 2.0 and 2.1 specify Premium High Speed (up to 18 Gbps) and Ultra High Speed (up to 48 Gbps) cable ratings.HDMI is backward-compatible with DVI-D using a suitable adapter cable. This means that (for example) a DVI-D graphics adapter could be connected to an HDMI port on the display device.
HDMI Ports and Connectors pt 2
HDMI v1.3 introduced the Mini HDMI connector (Type C) for use on portable devices, such as camcorders. This is more compact but has the same number of pins. HDMI v1.4 also introduced the even smaller Micro HDMI connector (Type D), still with 19 pins.HDMI cable is rated as either Standard (Category 1) or High Speed (Category 2). High Speed cable supports greater lengths and is required for v1.4 features, such as 4K and 3D. HDMI version 2.0 and 2.1 specify Premium High Speed (up to 18 Gbps) and Ultra High Speed (up to 48 Gbps) cable ratings.HDMI is backward-compatible with DVI-D using a suitable adapter cable. This means that (for example) a DVI-D graphics adapter could be connected to an HDMI port on the display device.
DisplayPort Ports and Connectors
HDMI was principally developed by consumer electronics companies (Hitachi, Panasonic, Sony, and so on) and requires a royalty to use. DisplayPort was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), the organization largely representing PC graphics adapter and display technology companies. It is a royalty-free standard intended to complement HDMI.Unlike other video and audio standards, it transmits packetized data, in the same sort of way as PCI Express. Like PCI Express, bandwidth can be allocated in bonded lanes (up to 4). Each lane can be given a different data rate. In v1.2 of the standard, each lane can be allocated a 1.62, 2.7, or 5.4 Gbps data rate. The maximum data rate for a 4-lane link is 17.28 Gbps. Like HDMI v1.4, there is support for 48-bit color, 3D, 4K/UHD, and HDCP. There is also an auxiliary channel that allows (for example) a microphone-enabled display to feed the audio signal back to the PC without additional cabling. DisplayPort supports both copper and fiber-optic cabling. DisplayPort-certified copper cable must be capable of supporting 2560x1600 (WQXGA resolution) over 2 m. It also supports multiple monitors "daisy-chained" on the same cable.DisplayPort uses a 20-pin connector. A DP++ port allows a connection with DVI-D and HDMI devices (using a suitable adapter cable). There is also a mini DisplayPort format (MiniDP or mDP), developed by Apple and licensed to other vendors.
Thunderbolt and USB-C Ports and Connectors
Historically, computer video used dedicated cable types such as HDMI or DisplayPort. Modern computer display equipment is quickly adopting the USB-C connector interface. USB-C can carry HDMI or DisplayPort signaling (with an adapter cable) but would usually be used with Thunderbolt 3 signaling for video support.
Video Adapters and Converters
Many video cards provide support for older display standards. It might be that the video card itself is quite old but it can be useful for newer video cards to support interfaces that might only be found on older monitors and projectors. If there is no port common to both the computer and the monitor, you may be able to use a converter or adapter cable to connect them. It will often be the case where the graphics adapter comes with a physical interface that is not supported by the display device. In this scenario, you can use a converter cable or adapter plug to connect the devices:
Support for Display Interfaces
Modern cards will support at least one digital interface (DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt). Some cards may support other interfaces, such as VGA, but such support for analog display interfaces is increasingly unlikely. Having multiple connectors on the card also allows for the attachment of multiple display devices, even if the connectors are different types.
DVI or HDMI to VGA
Older flat panels may only come with VGA ports so this type of converter can be used to connect them up to newer computing devices. Unless going from DVI-I (analog) to VGA, this type of converter requires an active Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) chip. Note that the converter will not be accepted by HDCP-protected content. For instance, a VGA to DVI-I adapter would carry an analog signal only, while an HDMI to VGA converter cable converts between digital and analog inputs or outputs.
Configuration Tools for Display Devices
Once the adapter card has been installed and the monitor connected via a suitable cable, Windows should detect the devices and make them available for use via Plug and Play.If the computer has an onboard adapter, you may need to disable it via the system setup (BIOS) program after installing an add-on card. In some cases though, the utility supplied with the adapter will support selecting the default input and specifying use of a particular adapter for a particular task or process. Basic display settings, such as the resolution, can be configured via a built-in operating system tool, such as Windows Settings or Windows Control Panel. Alternatively, an adapter card might ship with a dedicated management utility. You would normally access this via an icon in the notification area.You may also need to use controls on the monitor itself to adjust the image or select the appropriate input channel. For example, if there is no image on the screen, check that the monitor is set to use the HDMI port that the computer is connected to, rather than an empty DVI port. These On-Screen Display (OSD) menus are operated using buttons on the monitor case. As well as input control, you can usually find settings for brightness, color/contrast, and power saving.
Install and Configure Display Devices OBJECTIVE COVERED Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes.
Output devices are those that transmit information from the computer system to the user, whether as video/graphics (display), audio (speakers), or hard copy (printer). The video subsystem is the main type of output provided with a PC. Graphics output is provided by some sort of display unit or monitor plus a video card, which generates the signals to drive the monitor.
VR Headsets pt 2
Tethered VR headsets have substantial system requirements for the CPU, graphics adapter, and system memory.A Virtual Reality (VR) headset is a device that fits over your eyes and ears. It aims to replace sights and sounds from the real world with images and noises generated by a computer application. The headset also comes with handheld controllers to allow you to move the avatar representing you in the virtual space and interact with the virtual environment.VR is mostly used for games but has other obvious applications for meetings and social networking that is likely to see it more widely adopted in business networks in the next few years. There are two main types of headsets: tethered VR headsets are self-contained devices, whereas mobile VR headsets are designed to use a specific smartphone model (or range of models) to provide the display.Tethered headsets, such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, require an HDMI port plus a number of USB ports on the host PC. While not current at the time of writing, it is likely that most systems will adopt a single USB-C cable in the near future. Tethered VR headsets have substantial system requirements for the CPU, graphics adapter, and system memory.
HDMI Ports and Connectors
The High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the most widely used graphic device interface. It is ubiquitous on consumer electronics, such as televisions and Blu-ray players, as well as computer equipment. HDMI supports both video and audio digital streams, plus remote control (CEC) and digital content protection (HDCP).HDMI cabling is specified to different HDMI versions with different bandwidth capabilities. Notably, version 1.4 adds support for 4K (4096x2160@24Hz). 4K is the format used in digital cinemas and consequently represents something of a Holy Grail for home cinema enthusiasts. The Ultra HD (3840x2160) format is often also branded "4K."Version 1.4 also allows the controller (typically a computer) and display device (an IP-capable TV, for instance) to establish a Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) network link over an HDMI With Ethernet cable.Version 1.4 also introduced the Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature, which can send audio from a TV "upstream" to the AV receiver using the HDMI cable. Several methods can be used to transfer audio from a PC via HDMI, including video cards, since HDMI is a combined standard for both audio and video.At the time of writing, HDMI is on version 2.1. This supports 48 Gbps bandwidth, or up to 10K at 120 Hz.HDMI uses a proprietary 19-pin (Type A) connector. There is a Type B connector (29-pin) to support dual-link connections but it is not widely used.
VGA Ports and Connectors
The distinctive blue, 15-pin Video Graphics Array (VGA) port (HD15F/DE-15) was the standard analog video interface for PC devices for a very long time. Up until a few years ago, even new video cards and monitors usually included it, though it is starting to be phased out completely now. The connector is a D-shell type (HD15M) with screws to secure it to the port. The screws very frequently become stuck or the housing bolt comes undone when you try to unscrew the connector. The interface is analog, meaning that it carries a continuous, variable signal for Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) component video. Better quality cables (generally speaking, the thicker the better) use shielded coaxial wiring and support longer lengths at better resolutions. Low quality cable may only be able to support 800x600. The cable may be marketed with the highest resolution it can support—UXGA (1600x1200), for instance. Most VGA cable does not exceed 5 m but a good quality cable might be able to support sub-HD resolutions at lengths of up to 30 m.
Video Cards
The video card (or graphics adapter) generates the signal to send to the monitor or projector. The video card may make use of the system CPU and memory, but most add-in cards are highly sophisticated pieces of equipment, essentially computers in their own right. Note: Be aware that the terms video, graphics, and display are used interchangeably to refer to these adapters (or cards).Low-end graphics adapters are likely to be included with the motherboard chipset or as part of the CPU itself. This is also referred to as an onboard adapter. If a computer is to be used for 3D gaming, Computer Aided Design (CAD), or digital artwork, a better quality adapter is required. This can be installed as an add-on card via a PCIe slot. Most graphics adapters are based on chipsets by ATI/AMD (Radeon chipset), nVIDIA (GeForce and nForce chipsets), SiS, VIA, and Intel.
DisplayPort/Thunderbolt to DVI
This type of adapter would allow you to connect a computing device of a "certain age" to newer display devices (or vice versa). No signal conversion is involved so only a simple passive cable with appropriate connectors on each end is required.
Graphics APIs
To work with 3D games and design applications, graphics cards need to be compliant with the specified version of one of the major graphics application programming interfaces (APIs): DirectX—Microsoft's specification. DirectX also specifies sound and multimedia APIs. OpenGL—developed by Silicon Graphics.
Augmented Reality (AR)
is a somewhat similar technology to VR. Rather than provide a completely simulated environment, AR projects digital artefacts onto "ordinary" reality. This could be as simple as providing context-sensitive notes, messages, or advertising or as complex as generating digital avatars within the real world. This latter technique is exploited by popular smartphone camera games, such as Pokémon Go, which enables you to locate collectible cartoon characters in unlikely real world locations through your smartphone camera. Another use case is an app like Samsung's AR Emoji, which transforms people captured in the viewfinder in various unsettling ways.There are also some AR devices, though they have not gained a very large market yet. Smart glasses were pioneered by Google with their Google Glass range and Google is rumored to be working on a more sophisticated AR headset (codenamed Google A65 at time of writing). Other AR-like devices are made by Microsoft (HoloLens) and AiR for industrial applications. Figure: Example of smart glasses.Network connectivity and pairing with other mobile devices is provided by Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. Most AR headsets or smart glasses also come with a camera, and there are issues arising due to the potential invasion of privacy or breach of confidentiality such a relatively concealed recording device could pose.Input methods allowing the user to control the software running on the glasses include buttons, eye tracking, natural language voice input, plus gesture controls.
Clock speed
—as with the CPU, the clock speed is the basic measure of performance, but the internal architecture (pipeline) of the GPU is another important factor. .
Shader units
—support the special effects built into games and other software. These units perform calculations that allow for 3D shading, realistic shadows and lighting, surface textures, translucency, and so on.
Frame rate
—the basic test for a GPU is the frame rate it can produce for a particular game or application. 25 fps is about the minimum to make a game playable
