The main task of an output device is to convert the machine-readable information into human-readable form, which may be in the form of text, graphics, audio or video.
The different types of output devices are:
1. Monitor
2. Speaker
3. Projector
4. Plotter
5. Printer
Output devices generate computer outputs in the following two types.
a) Soft-copy output: A soft-copy output is temporary in nature because it does not appear on a paper, but it can be carried on the same material for showing to others. For Example, The display monitor, voice output system, projector.
b) Hard copy output: A hard copy output is permanent in nature because it appears on a paper, or it can be used in filing and use later when he/she is not using a computer. For Example, output produced on paper by a printer or plotter is hard copy output.
i) Display Monitor
Display Monitor is the most commonly used soft copy output devices. It is a piece of computer hardware that displays the video, text, graphics, generated by the computer through the video card. Monitor can support many fonts and colors. It is a device used for observing, checking or keeping continuous records of something. Monitors are built in as part of the computer system in laptops, tablets, notebooks and all combined in a desktop machine. Monitors are in a wide screen format and range in size from 17 inches to 24 inch or more. The different types of monitors are:
a. CRT (cathode ray tube): CRT monitors has high contrast ratio and color depth because many graphic designers prefer this type of display monitors. It occupies a lot of space on the desk. It also consumes a lot of power and produces a large amount of heat.
b. LCD (liquid crystal ray): LCD monitors uses liquid crystal technology to display images. It is small and lightweight, and occupies less space on the desk. It needs less power. It has weak color quality as compared to a CRT monitors.
c. LED (light emitting diode) LED monitors are thinner, lighter and suitable for both portable and non-portable computer system. User prefer because they occupy less space and consume less power and mostly used for 7 segment display.
ii) Plotter
A plotter is a device used to print high quality graphics and images. It prints on paper based on commands based on computer. A plotter is the best output devices for architects, engineer, city planners who need to generate high quality hard copy, and graphics output of varying sizes. Plotters can work on very large sheets of paper. They can print on a wide variety of flat material including plywood, aluminum, and sheet steel, plastic. Plotter allows the same pattern to drawn thousands of time. Plotters are quite large when comparing to printers. It is expensive than printers.
iii) Projector
A projector is a device that is connected to a computer or video device for projecting an image from the computer or video device onto a big screen. The images projected by a projector are large as compared to the original image so that a group of people can view it simultaneously. It is very useful for making presentation to a group of people with direct use of a computer. Projector are used in classroom for instruction and slide presentation, also in business meeting projects and also used in showing films.
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