Computer Output Devices

A computer output device is a hardware device that receives data from the computer and converts it into a form that can be perceived by humans. Output devices can be visual, audio, or physical.

Visual output devices display text, images, and video on a screen. The most common visual output device is a monitor. Other visual output devices include projectors, head-mounted displays (HMDs), and data projectors.

Audio output devices convert digital audio signals into sound waves. The most common audio output device is speakers. Other audio output devices include headphones, earphones, and soundbars.

Physical output devices create a physical representation of the data on the computer. The most common physical output device is a printer. Other physical output devices include plotters and fax machines.

Output devices can be classified into two main categories: hardcopy output devices and softcopy output devices.

Hardcopy output devices create a physical representation of the data on the computer. The most common hardcopy output device is a printer. Other hardcopy output devices include plotters, scanners, and fax machines.
Softcopy output devices display the data on a screen. The most common softcopy output device is a monitor. Other softcopy output devices include projectors, HMDs, and data projectors.

Output devices can also be classified according to the type of data they output.

Text output devices display text on a screen or on paper. The most common text output device is a monitor. Other text output devices include printers and plotters.
Image output devices display images on a screen or on paper. The most common image output device is a monitor. Other image output devices include printers, plotters, and projectors.
Audio output devices produce sound waves. The most common audio output device is speakers. Other audio output devices include headphones, earphones, and soundbars.
Video output devices display video on a screen. The most common video output device is a monitor. Other video output devices include projectors and TVs.

Common Output Devices

Computer Output Devices by Sohel Parvez

Monitor

A computer monitor is a visual display device that shows text, images, and video. It is the main output device for most computers.

Monitors come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and resolutions. The size of a monitor is measured in inches diagonally, from corner to corner. The resolution of a monitor is the number of pixels it can display. A higher resolution means that the monitor can display more detail.

Monitors use different technologies to create images. The most common technology is liquid crystal display (LCD). LCD monitors are thin and lightweight, and they consume less power than other types of monitors.

Other types of monitors include:

Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors: CRT monitors are the oldest type of monitor. They are bulky and heavy, and they consume a lot of power.
Plasma monitors: Plasma monitors are brighter and have better contrast than LCD monitors. However, they are also more expensive and consume more power.
OLED monitors: OLED monitors are the newest type of monitor. They offer the best picture quality and consume the least power. However, they are also the most expensive type of monitor.

When choosing a monitor, you need to consider the following factors:

Size: The size of the monitor will depend on your needs and preferences. If you only use your computer for basic tasks, such as browsing the web and checking email, a smaller monitor may be sufficient. However, if you do a lot of work that requires you to view high-resolution images or videos, you will need a larger monitor.
Resolution: The resolution of the monitor will determine how much detail you can see. A higher resolution monitor will be able to display more detail, but it will also require more powerful graphics hardware.
Technology: The technology used by the monitor will affect its size, weight, power consumption, and price.
Features: Some monitors have additional features, such as built-in speakers or a USB hub.

Printer

A printer is an output device that produces a hard copy of electronic data. It can be used to create documents, images, and other files. Printers come in a variety of types, including inkjet printers, laser printers,thermal printers and dotmatrix printer.

Here are the different types of printers:

Inkjet printers: These printers are the most common type of printer. They use small droplets of ink to create images on paper. Inkjet printers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. However, they can be expensive to operate, as the ink cartridges need to be replaced frequently.
Laser printers: These printers use a laser beam to create images on a drum. The drum is then rolled over a sheet of toner, which is transferred to the paper. Laser printers are more expensive than inkjet printers, but they are also more efficient and produce higher quality prints.
Thermal printers: These printers use heat to create images on paper. Thermal printers are the most expensive type of printer, but they are also the most durable and produce the fastest prints.
Dye-sublimation printers: These printers use heat to transfer dye onto paper. Dye-sublimation printers produce high-quality prints, but they are also the most expensive type of printer.
Dot matrix printers: These printers use a print head with a row of pins to create images on paper. Dot matrix printers are the least expensive type of printer, but they also produce the lowest quality prints.

Plotter

A plotter is a computer output device that is used to create high-quality drawings and maps. Plotters use a pen or pencil to draw lines on paper, and they can be used to create a variety of different types of drawings, including architectural plans, engineering drawings, and technical diagrams.

Plotter can be classified into two main categories: drum plotters and flatbed plotters.

Drum plotters: Drum plotters use a rotating drum to move the paper. The pen is attached to a carriage that moves along the drum, and the carriage can be moved up and down to create different heights of lines.
Flatbed plotters: Flatbed plotters use a flat surface to hold the paper. The pen is attached to a carriage that moves along the surface of the paper, and the carriage can be moved up and down to create different heights of lines.

Plotters are typically used in engineering, architecture, and other fields where high-quality drawings are required. They are more expensive than other types of printers, but they can produce much higher quality output.

Here are some of the advantages of using a plotter:

High-quality output: Plotters can produce high-quality drawings and maps with very fine lines and sharp text.
Large format: Plotters can print on large sheets of paper, up to 100 feet long in some cases.
Accuracy: Plotters are very accurate, and they can be used to create drawings with precise dimensions.
Durability: Plotters are durable and can withstand heavy use.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using a plotter:

Cost: Plotters are more expensive than other types of printers.
Size: Plotters are large and bulky, and they can take up a lot of space.
Speed: Plotters are slower than other types of printers.
Maintenance: Plotters require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing the pens.

Overall, plotters are a good choice for businesses and organizations that need to produce high-quality drawings and maps. However, they are not a good choice for home users or businesses that need a printer for everyday tasks.

Projector

A projector is a computer output device that projects an image onto a screen or wall. Projectors can be used to display presentations, movies, and other visuals for large audiences.

A Projector use a variety of technologies to create images, including:

DLP (Digital Light Processing): DLP projectors use a digital micromirror device to create images. The DMD is a chip that contains millions of tiny mirrors. Each mirror can be turned on or off to create a pixel.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): LCD projectors use a liquid crystal display to create images. The LCD is a panel that contains millions of tiny liquid crystals. Each liquid crystal can be turned on or off to create a pixel.
LED (Light Emitting Diode): LED projectors use light emitting diodes to create images. LEDs are small, energy-efficient lights that can be turned on or off very quickly.

Projectors come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and resolutions. The size of a projector is measured in inches diagonally, from corner to corner. The resolution of a projector is the number of pixels it can display. A higher resolution means that the projector can display more detail.

Projectors can be connected to a computer using a variety of input ports, including HDMI, VGA, and USB.

Here are some of the advantages of using a projector:

Large screen: Projectors can create a large image, which is ideal for presentations and other presentations.
Portability: Projectors are becoming more portable, making them a good choice for businesses and organizations that need to present on the go.
Cost-effectiveness: Projectors are a cost-effective way to display images to a large audience.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using a projector:

Brightness: Projectors can be bright, which can be distracting in some environments.
Image quality: The image quality of a projector can be affected by the ambient light in the room.
Maintenance: Projectors require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing the bulbs.

Speaker

A speaker is an audio output device that converts digital audio signals into sound waves. Speakers can be used to listen to music, watch movies, and play games.

Speakers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and power outputs. The shape of a speaker determines how it will sound. Speakers with a large cone will produce more bass, while speakers with a small cone will produce more treble. The size of a speaker determines how loud it can be. Speakers with a larger cone can produce more sound pressure, which is measured in decibels (dB). The power output of a speaker determines how much power it needs to operate. Speakers with a higher power output can produce louder sound.

Speakers can be connected to a computer using a variety of input ports, including:

3.5mm audio jack: This is the most common type of audio port. It is found on most computers, laptops, and smartphones.
USB: USB speakers are becoming increasingly popular. They are more convenient to connect than speakers with 3.5mm audio jacks, and they often offer better sound quality.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth speakers are the most wireless type of speaker. They can be connected to a computer or other device without the need for any cables.

Output devices are an important part of any computer system. They allow us to see, hear, and print the results of our work on the computer.