SVGA vs. XGA vs. WXGA: Projector Resolution

Been planning to bring the highest resolution projector home? Well if you have, you would be made to choose between SVGA, XGA, and WXGA.

Since projectors are supposed to display content in higher resolution, it’s important to invest in the right option.

To be able to choose between SVGA, XGA, and WXGA, you should be able to compare the three options.

SVGA, XGA, and WXGA are all made to display content differently and serve different needs, therefore here is what you need to know;

SVGA

SVGA is a general term that stands for Super Video Graphics Array. SVGA is also referred to as Ultra Video Graphics Array, however, Super Video Graphics Array is a widely accepted term.

The oldest projector resolution named SVGA covers a wide range of display resolution standards.

To be more specific, SVGA: 800 x 600 pixels, 4:3 aspect ratio, 480,000 pixels. Since SVGA displays content in 480,000 pixels, it offers a decent amount of details for basic applications.

XGA

The widely used and accepted term “XGA” stands for Extended Graphics Array. It is the same resolution standard that we were not even willing to try just because SVGA was serving the needs satisfactorily.

XGA offers 1024 x 768 pixels, a 4:3 aspect ratio, 786,000 pixels. As you can see XGA equates to 786,000 pixels rendered at a given time, it offers greater detail and makes the content appear sharper.

WXGA

WXGA stands for Wide XGA. The WXGA is introduced lately with a lot of improvements in display technology to meet the demands of today’s world.

It focuses on more details and supports a widescreen display.

WXGA offers 1280 x 800 pixels, 16:10 aspect ratio, 1,024,000 pixels.

Surprisingly, this is worth considering resolution standards do not just offer a clearer picture, focus on detail but also come with the cheapest price tag.

SVGA vs XGA vs WXGA: Which Resolution is Best?

To be able to understand which resolution standard delivers a better picture, we need to develop a better understanding of how an image is created on screen.

The image that appears on the screen is made of tiny dots, these tiny dots are called pixels. It is believed that the more dots or pixels, the better picture.

Image quality

SVGA, the oldest and probably the first resolution standard has 800 x 600 pixels which equates to a total of 480,000 pixels.

480,000 pixels is enough to form a decent picture over a standard size projector screen. However, on a wider and bigger screen, SVGA might not be able to develop an impressive image.

XGA was introduced after SVGA, therefore it came out with a lot of improvements.

The XGA or Extended Graphics Array’s pixel count is 1024 x 768 equating to a total of 786,000 pixels. So, it can be said that it has brought a revolutionary improvement in the image.

To be more specific, it makes the image appear sharper and clearer as compared to the SVGA resolution standard.

WXGA is the latest resolution standard that has left the SVGA and XGA behind. It features 1280 x 800 pixels, translating to a total of 1,024,000 pixels.

It is the same resolution standard we find in most modern projectors. WXGA does not just form a breathtakingly clear and sharp image on a standard screen but a wider screen as well.

Useability

SVGA is still relevant. It offers satisfactory pictures for classroom projections and PowerPoint presentations.

XGA is a non-widescreen resolution standard however it offers HD pictures. Therefore, XGA is highly suitable for gaming and movie projections.

WXGA is known as the most advanced resolution standard that goes well with the widescreen as well.

It forms a clear, brighter, and sharper enough image for all professional purposes, gaming, and movies.

Price

It might already have become obvious SVGA is the cheapest of all and WXGA being more advanced is more expensive than XGA.

In short XGA and WXGA are both expensive, WXGA for all the right reasons is more costly than the other options.

Conclusion

In brief; SVGA, XGA, and WXGA are all resolution standards. SVGA is the oldest XGA and WXGA is the newest ones. SVGA offers satisfactory, XGA better, and WXGA breathtakingly good image quality.

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