What is an SVGA Cable Used For?

A Super Video Graphic Array (SVGA) cable is responsible for carrying analog signals and supporting video resolutions for your desktop computer. You can shop Cables.com for your VGA and SVGA cables and related A/V products for your home entertainment setup.

If you're using a desktop computer at home or at the office, you might have a different set of expectations than what you'd want from a laptop. The differences in hardware affect the way you receive output from your computer, and in terms of visuals you want to be sure your connection to your monitor is something you don't have to worry about. In fact, you may not think about it at all! But the cable connecting your monitor to your hard drive is doing a lot of work, and it's important to make sure that it's the right cable - at the right cost - for the job.

VGA vs SVGA Cables

We've talked a bit about VGA and SVGA cables in the past, and today we're going to revisit when and why you might want to invest in an SVGA cable. A Video Graphic Array (VGA) cable is responsible for carrying analog signals and supporting video resolutions for your desktop computer. In 1987, VGA was first created by IBM, and it quickly became the industry standard for A/V connections in offices, classrooms, and homes. With as basic as the technology was, it only allowed for up to 256 colors at 320 by 200 resolution. In 1990, IBM went on to produce the Extended Graphics Array (XGA). This was later followed by XGA-2 which provides 16 million colors at a resolution of 800 by 600 pixels, as well as 1024 by 768 resolution in 65,536 colors.

SVGA came on the scene in the late 1980s, when it was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). This type of monitor was able to use 16 million colors no matter the resolution, and it would quickly outshine VGA as the favorite for A/V setups. So what does the "S" stand for, and how does it make an SVGA cable different from a VGA cable? Super Video Graphic Array cables earn the "Super" for a reason. While VGA cords support resolutions of up to 640 x 480, their "super-powered"  counterparts support a far higher resolution than even their purported 800 x 600 standards. 

When Do You Need an SVGA Cable?

VGA cables are largely considered obsolete these days. But that doesn't mean you won't encounter one out in the wild. In fact, they're still quite common!  While that might make you worry about the quality of the graphics your desktop is capable of, I have good news - SVGA cables are backwards compatible for VGA. Whichever you're looking for, though, Cables.com is on hand with the right cables for your hardware needs.

Cables.com offers the highest quality SVGA cables supporting displays of up to 1024 x 768 in a variety of lengths and configurations. As is standard, our SVGA cables feature a three-row 15-pin HD15 connector intended to work with display devices like computer monitors, TV sets, video cards, and projectors. 

One thing to keep in mind when shopping SVGA cables is that typically they're intended for visual connections, not audio. However, at Cables.com we offer Premium Triple Shielded SVGA HD15 and 3.5mm Stereo male to male cables as well, which are equal to Extron 26-490-03 VGA-A M-M MD/12 cable and has you covered for video AND audio, featuring a male HD15 connector on one side and a female HD15 connector on the other.

What if your connection needs are more complicated than the standard? At Cables.com you can find high-performance SVGA Sharing Splitters and Amplifiers that will allow you to split signals from one monitor to up to eight monitors! You can use them for VGA to SVGA setups as well. 

Shop SVGA Cables at Cables.com

As you can see, there's a lot to keep in mind when shopping for VGA and SVGA cables. You might not know exactly what you're looking for, or are having difficulty finding the right cables for your analog signal needs to your computer. Keep in mind that Cables.com offers Custom Cables in every length, color, and configuration you can imagine. If you think a Datacomm cable might be the right fit for you, you can Contact Us to further discuss your options! We're here to help. 

SHOP NOW: SVGA Splitters and Amplifiers - 3ft VGA Male to VGA Female PC Monitor Extension Cable - 35ft VGA Male to SVGA Female PC Monitor Extension Cable