Mini-VGA explained

Apple Mini-VGA
Type:Analogue computer video connector
Superseded:VGA connector
Superseded By:Mini-DVI
External:yes
Data Signal:I²C data channel for DDC information
Num Pins:14
Pinout Caption:A female Mini-VGA connector
Pin1:GND
Pin1 Name:GND
Pin2:N.C.
Pin2 Name:VSync
Pin3:N.C.
Pin3 Name:HSync
Pin4:GND
Pin4 Name:Red Return
Pin5:S-Video (C)
Pin5 Name:Red video
Pin6:GND
Pin6 Name:Green return
Pin7:S-Video (Y)
Pin7 Name:Green video
Pin8:+5 V
Pin8 Name:+5 V
Pin9:Composite video
Pin9 Name:Blue video
Pin10:DDC data
Pin10 Name:DDC data
Pin11:DDC clock
Pin11 Name:DDC clock
Pin12:GND
Pin12 Name:GND
Pin13:Cable detect
Pin13 Name:Cable detect
Pin14:GND
Pin14 Name:Blue return
Pinout Notes:Left column indicates VGA mode, right column indicates television output mode.
Samsung Mini-VGA
Type:Analogue computer video connector
Manufacturer:Samsung
Superseded:VGA connector
Superseded By:Mini DisplayPort
External:yes

Mini-VGA connectors are proprietary and non-standard alternative video connectors that were used on some laptops and other computer systems in place of a standard VGA connector. Apple,[1] HP,[2] and Asus[3] each introduced separate connectors using the same moniker of "mini-VGA", but which are otherwise physically incompatible with each other (though all of them are compatible with standard VGA using the correct adapter).

Apple's mini-VGA ports may be found on some older Apple computers, including iBooks, eMacs, certain PowerBooks (e.g.: 12-inch), and some iMacs (e.g.: the iMac G5). In addition to a more compact form-factor, Apple's mini-VGA ports also have the added ability to output composite as well as S-Video, in addition to VGA signals, through the use of EDID. When used for S-Video, S-Video's chrominance (C) and luminance (Y) signals replace VGA's red (R) and green (G) channels, while for composite video, the signal is output through VGA's blue (B) channel. (The horizontal and vertical sync pins of VGA are left unused.)

HP's version of mini-VGA can be found in HP Minis and HP TouchSmarts. Samsung Chromebooks, as released in June 2011, feature their own implementation of mini-VGA.[4] Various other Samsung laptops, such as the Series 7 and Series 9, also featured this new connector.[5] Mini-VGA ports can also be found on several laptops previously manufactured by Sony.

With the introduction of mini-DVI, as well as Mini DisplayPort, mini-VGA connectors were largely superseded in favor of these newer, more versatile connector types.

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8639G/A VGA Display Adapter - Apple Store (U.S.)
  2. http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/computer/categories/mini/1/accessories/FY828AA HP Official Store - Buy the HP Mini VGA cable direct from HP
  3. http://www.asus.com/Peripherals_Accessories/Cable/Connectivity_Combo/ ASUS Connectivity Combo
  4. Web site: Google Chromebooks - Laptops, detachables and tablets.
  5. Web site: Samsung Notebooks All Samsung Netbooks Samsung.