CertiGuide to A+ (Core Hardware)  9  Chapter 1000:  Multimedia

Sound Card Specifications 1 VII  Chapter 1000: Test for Success Questions

In this chapter, you learned how the multimedia experience is created within a PC. We began by discussing how the video card of a PC is responsible for converting digital signals from the processor into analog signals that are sent to the monitor using a special chip called a DAC. You then learned how the screen resolution and color depth defines image quality.

We discussed the various components that make up a modern video card. You learned how the video processor, video chipset, video BIOS, frame buffer, and RAMDAC work together to create the images that are displayed on the monitor. You then learned about the evolution of video card interfaces from VLB to PCI to AGP and beyond.

We discussed the second component of the multimedia experience, sound.

You learned how the DAC and ADC convert analog sounds into digital signals and vice versa.

We discussed how the quality of digitally recorded sound is affected by the sample rate and sample resolution of the sound card. Finally, you learned how to interface a digital musical instrument with a PC using MIDI technology.

We discussed the two methods used in MIDI, FM synthesis and Wavetable synthesis.

There is much more to learn about multimedia and we encourage you to explore and continue your adventures.

Sound Card Specifications 1 VII  Chapter 1000: Test for Success Questions