Vector vs. Bitmap

From: lisard_at_zetnet.co.uk <(lisard_at_zetnet.co.uk)>
Date: Tue Mar 3 17:09:58 1998

max eskin...
   :I have heard enough on this topic without understanding what it
   :meant! What is the difference between vector and bitmapped graphics,
   :and who was first to use each? Why are vector graphics
   :stereotypically used in mainframes and bitmapped used in cheap
   :weenie "home computers"?

dunno about first - but in vector graphics, you have a crt under direct
control of the computer, and you tell it to go to a point, switch the
beam on, go to another point, maybe switch the beam off, etc. etc. very
high resolution, but refresh speed is inversely proportional to the
number of lines on the display. in bitmapped graphics, you use a
conventional rasterised display (the horizontal lines) and a map of
bits which correspond to each line of the display and say whether the
beam is on or off at that point. unless you count williams tubes, vector
graphics came first, because you could use any old oscilloscope and
memory was precious. now memory is cheap enough to make bitmaps viable
in even the smallest computers, and monitors are readily available. the
price paid is blocky lines.


--
Communa (together) we remember...             we'll see you falling
you know soft spoken changes nothing             to sing within her...
Received on Tue Mar 03 1998 - 17:09:58 GMT

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