Output Devices

The output device displays the result of the processing of raw data that is entered in the
computer through an input device. There are a number of output devices that display
output in different ways such as text, images, hard copies, and audio or video

Categories of Output Devices

Output devices can be categorized into four main types based on the nature of their
output.

o Visual Output Devices: These devices display processed data as text, images, or video.
Examples include monitors and projectors, which allow users to view information on
screens or project it onto larger surfaces.
o Data Output Devices: These devices provide machine-readable output for further
processing or storage. Plotters and 3D printers fall into this category, allowing users to
create physical representations of data or objects.
o Print Output Devices: Printers produce hard copies of processed data, such as
documents, images, or graphics. They allow for physical documentation and distribution
of information.
o Sound Output Devices: These devices deliver audio output for listening or
communication purposes. Speakers and headphones/earphones enable users to hear the
sound, whether Music, speech, or other audio content.

Some of the popular visual output devices are:

1. Monitor
o CRT Monitor
o LCD Monitor
o LED Monitor
o Plasma Monitor
2. Printer
o Impact Printers
1. Character Printers
 1. Dot Matrix printers
2. Daisy Wheel printers
2. Line printers
1. Drum printers
2. Chain printers
o Non-impact printers
1. Laser printers
2. Inkjet printers
3. Projector

i) CRT Monitor

CRT monitors are based on the cathode ray tubes. They are like vacuum tubes which
produce images in the form of video signals.
Although LCDs have replaced the CRT monitors, the CRT monitors are still used by
graphics professionals because of their color quality.

ii) LCD Monitor

The LCD monitor is a flat panel screen that is compact and light-weight as compared to
CRT monitors.

Modern LCDs use active-matrix technology and contain thin film transistors (TFTs) with
capacitors. This technology allows pixels to retain their charge. So, they don?t make
screen blurry when images move fast on the screen as well as are more efficient than
passive-matrix displays.

iii) LED monitor

The LED monitor is an improved version of an LCD monitor. It also has a flat panel
display and uses liquid crystal display technology like the LCD monitors

Modern electronic devices such as mobile phones, LED TVs, laptop and computer screens,
etc., use a LED display as it not only produces more brilliance and greater light intensity
but also consumes less power.

iv) Plasma Monitor

The plasma monitor is also a flat panel display that is based on plasma display
technology. It has small tiny cells between two glass panels

Plasma monitors provide high resolutions of up to 1920 X 1080, excellent contrast ratios,
wide viewing angle, a high refresh rate and more. Thus, they offer a unique viewing
experience while watching action movies, sports games, and more.

Applications of Monitor
o Personal Computing: Monitors are commonly used in personal computers for everyday
operations such as online surfing, document editing, video viewing, and gameplay.
o Gaming: Gaming monitors give immersive experiences with high refresh rates
and short reaction times. Gamers use monitors to display fast-paced action,
colorful images, and fluid gameplay.
 o Education: Monitors are used in educational institutions, such as schools and
universities, to facilitate learning. They display educational content, multimedia
presentations, interactive learning materials, etc.

3) Projector

A projector is an output device that enables the user to project the output onto a large
surface such as a big screen or wall. It can be connected to a computer and similar
devices to project their output onto a screen. It uses light and lenses to produce
magnified texts, images, and videos. So, it is an ideal output device to give presentations
or to teach a large number of people.

A digital projector can be of two types:

1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) digital projector: This type of digital projectors are
very popular as they are lightweight and provide crisp output. An LCD projector
uses transmissive technology to produce output
2. Digital Light Processing (DLP) digital projector: It has a set of tiny mirrors, a
separate mirror for each pixel of the image and thus provide high-quality images.
These projectors are mostly used in theatres as they fulfill the requirement of
high-quality video output.

Applications of projectors
o Education: Classrooms and educational institutions make heavy use of projectors.
Teachers may use projectors to show large groups of pupils instructional materials,
presentations, movies, and interactive items
 o Home Theatre: Projectors are commonly used in in-home theatre systems. They
provide a cinematic experience for customers by projecting movies, TV shows, or
streaming material onto a huge screen.
o

o Impact Printers: They are of two types:

o Character Printers
o Dot Matrix printers
o Daisy Wheel printers
o Line printers
o Drum printers
o Chain printers
o Non-impact printers: They are of two types:
o Laser printers

Inkjet printers

A) Character Printers

Character printer prints a single character at a time or with a single stroke of the print
head or hammer. It does not print one line at a time. Dot Matrix printer and Daisy Wheel
printer are character printers.

o i) Dot Matrix Printer

o
o Dot Matrix Printer is an impact printer. The characters and images printed by it
are the patterns of dots.
o The print head of a 24 pin dot matrix contains more pins than a 9 pin dot matrix
printer, so it produces more dots which results in better printing of characters.
o ii) Daisy Wheel Printer
 It cannot be used to print graphics and is often
noisy and slow, i.e., the speed is very low around 25-50 characters per second. Due to
these drawbacks,these printers have become obsolete.

B) Line Printers:

Line printer, which is also as a bar printer, prints one line at a time. It is a high-speed
impact printer as it can print 500 to 3000 lines per minute. Drum printer and chain
printer are examples of line printers.

i) Drum Printer:
Drum printer is a line printer that is made of a rotating drum to print characters.
The drum rotates at a very high speed and characters are printed by
activating the appropriate hammers. Although all the characters are not
printed at a time, they are printed at a very high speed. Furthermore, it can
print only a predefined style as it has a specific set of characters. These
printers are known to be very noisy due to the use of hammering
techniques.

Chain printer :The chain rotates at a very high speed and when the desired
character comes at the print location, the corresponding hammer strikes the
page against the ribbon and character on the chain.They can type 500 to
3000 lines per minute. They are also noisy due to the hammering action.

Non-Impact Printer:
They print characters and images without direct physical contact between the paper and
the printing machinery. These printers can print a complete page at a time, so they are
also known as page printers. The common types of non-impact printers are Laser printer
and Inkjet printer:
i) Laser Printer:

A laser printer is a non-impact printer that uses a laser beam to print the characters.
The laser printers use powdered toner for printing instead of liquid ink and produce
quality print objects with a resolution of 600 dots per inch (dpi) or more.

ii) Inkjet Printer:

The inkjet printer is a non-impact printer that prints images and characters by spraying
fine,ionized drops of ink

It is capable of printing high-quality images with different colors. It can produce print
objects with a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (dpi).

Applications of Printer
o Printing and Publishing: Printers are critical in the publishing and printing
industries. They're used on a massive scale to print publications, including
newspapers, brochures, flyers, and other published goods.
o Advertising and Marketing: Printers are employed in the advertising and
marketing industry to create promotional materials such as posters, banners,
flyers, business cards, and product labels.

Some of the popular sound output devices are:

4) Speakers
Speakers are important output devices that transform electrical impulses into audible
sounds. They're essential to many modern devices, including computers, televisions,
music players, and mobile phones. The audio system improves the multimedia
experience by providing high-quality audio output, whether listening to the song,
viewing films, playing video games, or participating in virtual meetings.
Types of speakers
o Stereo Speakers: Also known as 2.0 speakers, stereo speakers comprise left and right
speakers. They are the most fundamental speaker, typically found in desktop computers,
laptop computers, and tiny audio installations. Stereo speakers offer a simple yet
efficient method of reproducing sounds and creating a spatial audio experience.

o Surround Sound Speakers: Surround sound speakers provide immersive audio

commonly used in home theatre systems. For a surround sound experience, many
speakers are carefully positioned around the room.
o

Applications of Speakers
o Entertainment: Speakers are used in entertainment systems such as home theatres,
game consoles, and music players to playback audio. They provide immersive sound
experiences, letting users enjoy high-quality audio in movies, Music, and gam
 o Music Production: Speakers are crucial in music production studios and
recording environments. They are used for tracking and playback of recorded
audio, ensuring correct sound duplication and quality manipulation during the
production technique.

Types of Headphones/Earphones
Headphones and earphones come in various types and designs, catering to different
preferences and audio needs. Here are some common types:

o Over-Ear Headphones: Over-ear headphones feature large ear cups that fully envelop
the ears. They deliver exceptional sound quality and isolate noise, making them ideal for
immersive music listening and studio monitoring

On-Ear Headphones: On-ear headphones rest on the outer ear without fully
enclosing it. In comparison to over-ear headphones, they're smaller and
additional compact. Even as they do not supply the same quantity of noise
isolation as over-ear headphones, they will often be extra lightweight and
less hard to use for prolonged intervals.

Wireless Headphones/Earphones: They communicate with different gadgets

thru Bluetooth or different wireless generations. Wi-Fi headphones let you
circulate spherical freely without being confined via the use of cables. They
come in loads of fashions, together with over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear
designs.

Applications of Headphones/Earphones
o Personal Music Listening: Headphones/earphones are frequently utilized for personal
music enjoyment. Headphones/earphones allow you to listen to your favorite Music
privately and clearly, whether you're on the road or resting at home.
o Communication: Headphones/Earphones with built-in microphones are used for voice
calls, video conferencing, and online gaming. They provide clear audio input and output,
enabling effective communication over voice and video platforms.
Types of Plotters
Plotters come in different types, each with its own unique features and applications.
Here are some common types of plotters:

Inkjet Plotters: Inkjet plotters work similarly to inkjet printers but are designed for large-
format printing. They are frequently used in industries that need large-scale printing, such
as architecture, engineering, and signage.

Laser Plotters: Laser plotters use a laser beam to create high-resolution prints on various
media. Laser plotters are known for their high precision and can produce detailed and
intricate graphics. They are used in industries such as prototyping, architectural modeling,
and graphic arts, where precise and complex designs are required..

Applications of Plotter
o Engineering and Architecture: Plotters are extensively used in engineering and
architecture for creating detailed technical drawings, blueprints, and floor plans. They
can produce accurate and scaled drawings on large sheets of paper or other materials.
o Fine Art & Graphic Design: Plotters are used by artists and graphic designers to
generate large-scale artwork, posters, and drawings. They can reproduce fine details and
beautiful colors, letting artists communicate their ideas on a larger scale.