Display, Optical Media, Graphics Cards, Expansion Cards, Monitors + Projectors

Question 1

What are the purposes of putting in an additional expansion card?

Answer 1

Expansion cards are primarily installed to add additional capabilities to your computer, such as adding another connector type for a second monitor, or adding another network connection.

Question 2

Which display technology creates images by shining a light through liquid crystals?

Answer 2

LCDs (liquid crystal displays) work by shining a backlight through liquid crystals to create an image on the screen.

Question 3

As a technician, you are presented with an LCD laptop with a dim, flickering screen. What malfunctioning part is the most likely cause of this?

Answer 3

A flickering or dim screen can be caused by a faulty inverter. The inverter is located behind the LCD panel and converts DC current into AC current.

Question 4

compact disk (CD)

Answer 4

• used to store 1’s and 0’s read by a laser
• speed and capacity is measured in minutes
• can’t hold a lot of data (650-700 MB/megabytes worth)

Types of CDs are: CD-ROM (read only), CD-R (recordable), CD-RW (rewritable)

Question 5

DVD (Digital video disk)

Answer 5

stores from 4.37 to 15.9 gigabytes (GB)

Question 6

Blu-ray recordable erasable (BD-RE)

Answer 6

this type of disk has large capacity for playing high-definition movies

store 25-50 GB

Question 7

How do you install an expansion card?

Answer 7

1. Unpackage the card and only touch the metal part of the card.
2. Get out the power connector and the optical media card and set it to the side.
3. Unscrew the thumb screw with a screwdriver.
4. Apply power, data connections, and dongles as you need them.
5. Install the card and screw the screws back in.
6. Boot up the computer and ensure OS recognizes the new expansion card.

Question 8

You’re installing a new expansion card and there’s some problems. What do you do?

Answer 8

• Update drivers by finding the manufacturer online.
• Make sure the device and the card are compatible.
• Make sure everything is connected correctly.

Question 9

pixel (picture element)

Answer 9

• uses 3 elements that use green, blue, and red light to make up about any color in the rainbow for a display.
• a monitor display is composed of pixels across and down to create the resolution.
• when electricity is on - the element is clear and light can go through it so color can show.
• when electricity is off - the elements turn opaque so the light doesn’t go through it and colors don’t show.

Question 10

LCD (liquid crystal display)

Answer 10

• a frame and a very fragile piece of liquid crystal panel that makes up a display of pixels.
• The working part of any monitor with a preset resolution.
• a passive device, which means it doesn’t produce any light to display characters, images, video and animations. But it simply alters the light traveling through it.
• does not make its own light and has to have backlighting (CCFL or LED).

Question 11

What are the two types of backlighting when it comes to LCD monitors?

Answer 11

1. LED (light emitting diode)
2. CCFL (code cathode fluorescent light)

Question 12

IPS (in plane switching)

Answer 12

an electronic screen display technology used in LCDs (liquid crystal displays). IPS changes the behavior of an LCD’s liquid crystals to produce a sharper, more accurate picture with a wide range of view

more expensive

Question 13

twisted nematic (TN)

Answer 13

• a type of LCD (liquid crystal display) that is usually reserved for smaller screens
• inexpensive
• good speed

Question 14

How is resolution of a screen expressed?

Answer 14

the number of pixels up x pixels down.

Question 15

What value expresses the measure of light, or the brightness of a screen?

Answer 15

nit (nt)

200-500 nits is for a good LCD panel.

Question 16

What is the persistence of vision when talking about a monitor screen?

Answer 16

how long it takes for the pixels to turn from black, white, and then black again.

Question 17

What is an Organic Light Emitting Diode? (OLED)

Answer 17

• This type of screen makes its own light, so it doesn’t need a backlight.
• OLED screens are used for thin monitors like smartphones and tablets.

Question 18

DLP (Digital Light Processing)

Answer 18

Tiny mirrors that are set up to define the resolution and shine through the color wheel to create an image.

Question 19

CCFL (code cathode fluorescent light)

Answer 19

• white-light screen used to backlight liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and acts as a reflector.
• only CCFL screens need inverters that convert the power from DC to AC (LED backlights do not need inverters).

Question 20

What does a backlight panel do for a monitor screen?

Answer 20

Distributes the light emanating from the CCFL or LED backlights throughout the screen.

Question 21

GPU (graphics processing unit)

Answer 21

• a specialized processor originally designed to accelerate graphics rendering. GPUs can process many pieces of data simultaneously, making them useful for machine learning, video editing, and gaming applications.
• They store what’s on the monitor at any time.
• GPU competitors include: Nvidia, ATI/AMD, Intel.
• Lots of CPU’s already have GPU’s built in to handle all the pixels on the screen (an APU includes a CPU and GPU).

Question 22

video graphics array (VGA)

Answer 22

• computer chipset standard for displaying colour graphics. With the widespread availability of high-definition monitors, VGA was replaced by HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface).
• Has 15 pins on 3 rows, and usually a blue connector.
• Transmits analog signals (NOT digital signals).

Question 23

DVI (digital video interface)

Answer 23

• DVI cables are most commonly used to transmit audio + video data (digital signals) from older PCs to older monitors.
• DVI transmits digital signals, while VGA transmits analog signals.
• Dual-link connectors can support higher resolutions and multiple monitors.
• DVI can support analog or digital signals.

Question 24

HDMI (high definition multimedia interface)

Answer 24

• is the most frequently used HD signal for transferring both high definition audio and video over a single cable. Sends digital audio + video data; replaced analog solutions (VGA).
• can support products that use DRM (digital rights management) to protect copyrights. Has DRM built into it.

Question 25

You want to install multiple graphics cards. Where would you go to boot up with a specific one?

Answer 25

CMOS (system settings)

Question 26

What's a riser card?

Answer 26

Anything that gives you extra graphics and fills in a graphics card slot.

Question 27

Almost all graphics cards use ____ PCIe slots and ____ PCIe Power connectors.

Answer 27

16-lane PCIe slots; 1-2 PCIe power connectors "Almost all graphics cards use 16 lane PCIe slots and 1-2 PCIe power connectors."

Question 28

What things do you have to make sure of when installing graphics cards?

Answer 28

1. The graphics card you're installing is the same native resolution as your monitor (set resolution to native). 2. The OS recognizes the addition of a graphics card. 3. Your video drivers are updated. 4. Adjust any font sizes.

Question 29

What two kinds of projectors can you buy?

Answer 29

1. DLP (digital light processing) 2. LCD (light crystal display)

Question 30

What is DLP with a projector?

Answer 30

* DLP projectors operate in a standalone manner, typically for education in classrooms and business settings. Comprised of chipsets, DLP itself relies on optical micro-electro-mechanical technology that involves the use of a digital micromirror device, or a myriad of tiny mirrors. A DLP chip is vital in the capture and projection of your media files, and a spinning color wheel shines red, blue and green light to create patterns that translate into the intended images being projected. * Image projection is smooth and shake-free. Grayscale linearity and geometry are impressive. * The light source is easily replaceable by comparison, therefore the lifetime of the projector may also be longer. * Active and passive 3D projection is affordable and achievable. * Non-liquid components allow for greater screen size versatility. * Color spectrum has a wider range. A DLP projector can process up to seven colors and get the closest to true black. * DLP projectors are virtually maintenance-free.

Question 31

LCD projectors

Answer 31

offer more contemporary options for showing video, still images or digital files and data than its predecessors. The LCD projector channels light first through a metal-halide lamp and then through a prism or group of dichroic filters (the "liquid crystal") that divide the light into a trio of panels to handle the red, blue and green elements in the display. Polarized light moves through the panels and opened and closed pixels determine whether light goes through or is blocked. This series of open and closed pixels generates a rainbow effect of colors in the projector's output. * LCD projector lamps can deliver high light capacity even within a small zone. * Any flat surface serves well as a screen for viewing purposes. * These projectors often offer compact and highly portable solutions for viewing slideshows, movies, video and stills on the fly. * LCD projectors remain popular among hobbyists and the DIY crowd. * LCDs tend to have a higher contrast ratio than DLPs. * Perceived contrast is similar if not better than that of DLP projection. * Similarly, 3LCD projectors have three chips instead of one, offering less electricity consumption and higher brightness than the standard LCD projectors. * 3LCD projectors also tend to be the quietest models in most cases. * LCD projectors tend to be less expensive. However, they also require more maintenance and upkeep, particularly with changing out filters and preventing dust buildup.

Question 32

What is "throw" with a projector?

Answer 32

The distance of the projection from the projector itself. Ex. Is it a small classroom or a football field, or somewhere in between?

Question 33

What are the differences between keystone, pincushion, and skew in a projector display?

Answer 33

* Keystone shape: trapezoid-like shape that isn't lined up in any of the corners * Skew: like a rectangle that isn't lined up with the corners - vertically or horizontally. * Pincushion: corners are lined up, but edges are pushed in

Question 34

What are the causes of an overheat shutdown with a projector?

Answer 34

1. You're using a high-end video card or the card load is too high. 2. You have a bad or broken cooling fan. 3. The video card is packed in too tight and not getting enough ventilation.

Question 35

You're experiencing dead pixels (areas of non-functioning color) on your LCD monitor. What do you do?

Answer 35

First of all, LCD displays are the only ones that have dead pixel problems. The manufacturer does have a certain number of dead pixels they'll allow, but you'll probably need to get a new monitor.

Question 36

You're experiencing pieces of things show up on your screen that were there before, but they don't actually belong there (artifacts). What do you do?

Answer 36

For artifacts: - You look at the video RAM and your extra graphics card. - If it isn't the extra graphics card, it's the RAM on the video card and you should buy a new one.

Question 37

You're experiencing incorrect color patterns on your display. What do you do?

Answer 37

- Check your cable connection (especially if it's a VGA connection). - This is usually caused by loose or failing connectors.

Question 38

You're experiencing a dim image on your display. What do you do?

Answer 38

1. Check to see if your screen has the low brightness setting on (easiest fix). Turn brightness up. 2. Could be caused by a failing inverter 3. Could be a failing CFL (cathode fluorescent lamp) or the LCD monitor itself. 4. Buy new parts.

Question 39

Your display is flickering on the screen. What do you suspect?

Answer 39

The cable is loose, not connected correctly, or failing.

Question 40

Your monitor has a distorted image. What's the first thing you do?

Answer 40

You make sure you're running your display at the resolution of your monitor (native resolution).

Question 41

You're experiencing a lot of image persistance (fixed image that stays on the screen for a while). What do you do?

Answer 41

Change it to something else, put different screens on it, and it will go away on its own.

Question 42

You have oversized images and icons on your monitor display. What do you do?

Answer 42

Change the settings in Windows to adjust the images and icon size. Settings --> Display

Question 43

vertical alignment (VA)

Answer 43

A type of screen that is designed as opposed to IPS (in plane switching) with a narrower view but higher contrast 3x that of IPS. VA panels have narrow viewing angles. You will only be able to have an immersive experience when you sit straight opposite the display. The wider angles will not provide you the same experience. The VA panels are great for gaming as generally, you will straight opposite to the monitor while playing games More affordable option, but has a slower response time and lower color range.

Question 44

What does "incorrect data source" mean?

Answer 44

means that the input source for the viewing device and the input source selected for the computer are not the same. Viewing devices, such as monitors and projectors, can have multiple data ports on them, including HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA.

Question 45

What are manifestations of physical cabling issues with projectors and display?

Answer 45

no image being produced or an image that appears and then disappears

Question 46

If you have a burned out bulb, you -

Answer 46

buy a new one!

Question 47

You're getting a fuzzy image on the display device?

Answer 47

Fuzzy images can be caused by different problems depending on the display device. With a projector, check the focus mechanism. With an LCD screen, fuzzy images can be caused by external interference, cabling issues, or resolution settings.

Question 48

You're experiencing a flashing screen. What does this mean?

Answer 48

Often, a malfunctioning screen will either flash or flicker. A flickering screen is most likely caused by a failing backlight. Replace the backlight. With a flashing screen or a screen that turns on and off, the most likely cause is a bad connection cable.