Stream: BCA 1st sem

Unit – 3 | 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 three main types based on the nature of
their output.

1) Visual Output Devices : These devices display processed data as text, images, or
video.
2) Print Output Devices : Printers produce hard copies of processed data, such as
documents, images, or graphics.
3) Sound Output Devices : These devices deliver audio output for listening or
communication purposes.
1) Visual Output Devices :

➢ Visual output devices are components of computing systems that enable the visual
presentation of processed data.
➢ Some of the popular visual output devices are:
1. Monitor
2. Projector

1. Monitor :

• The monitor is the display unit or screen of the computer. It is the main output
device that displays the processed data or information as text, images, audio or
video.
• The types of monitors are given below :

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.
• Cathode rays tube produces a beam of electrons
through electron guns that strike on the inner
phosphorescent surface of the screen to produce
images on the screen.
ii) LCD(Liquid Crystal Display) Monitor :

• The LCD monitor is a flat panel

screen that is compact and light-
weight as compared to CRT
monitors.
• It is based on liquid crystal display
technology which is used in the
screens of laptops, tablets, smart
phones, etc.

iii) LED(Light-Emitting Diode) 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.
• The difference between them lies in the
source of light to backlight the display.
• Modern electronic devices such as mobile
phones, LED TVs, laptop and computer
screens, etc.

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.
• These cells contain mixtures of noble
gases and a small amount of mercury.
• Thus, they offer a unique viewing
experience while watching action movies,
sports games, and more.
2. 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.

2) Print Output Devices :

• Print output devices are essential components of computing systems that enable the
generation of hard copies of processed data.
• Two types of Print output devices :
1. Printer
2. Plotter
1. Printer :

• A printer produces hard copies of the processed data. It enables the user, to print images,
text or any other information onto the paper.
• There are two types of printers –

i. Impact Printers
ii. Non-Impact Printers

i. Impact Printers :
• Impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon, which is then
pressed on the paper.
• These printers are of two types −
A. Character printers :
• Character printers are the printers which print one character at a time.
 ➢ Dot Matrix Printer(DMP) :
▪ Dot Matrix Printer is an impact
printer.
▪ The characters and images printed
by it are the patterns of dots.
▪ These patterns are produced by
striking the ink soaked ribbon against the paper with a print head.
▪ The print head contains pins that produce a pattern of dots on the
paper to form the individual characters.
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.

ii. Non-Impact Printers :

• Non-impact printers print the characters without using the ribbon.

• These printers print a complete page at a time, thus they are also called as Page
Printers.
• These printers are of two types −
A. Laser Printers :

• A laser printer is a non-

impact printer that uses a
laser beam to print the
characters.
• The laser beam hits the
drum, which is a
photoreceptor and draws the
image on the drum by
altering electrical charges on
the drum.
• The drum then rolls in toner,
and the charged image on
the drum picks the toner.
• The toner is then printed on the paper using heat and pressure.
 B. Inkjet Printers :

• The inkjet printer is a non-impact

printer that prints images and
characters by spraying fine,
ionized drops of ink.
• The print head has tiny nozzles to
spray the ink. The printer head moves back and forth and sprays ionized
drops of ink on the paper, which is fed through the printer.
2. Plotter :

• A plotter is a device that prints high-

quality graphics in a variety of color
formats.
• It works in a similar way to a printer,
although it has more advanced features.
• It is used to print large maps, architectural
drawings, large-format printing, and
create pictures, 3D postcards, advertising
signs, charts, and various designs of the
internal structure of building machines, as
well as create pictures, 3D postcards,
advertising signs, charts, and various
designs of the internal structure of
building machines.

2) Sound Output Devices :

• Sound output devices, which allow users to listen to audio material, are a significant
component of computing systems.
• Speakers and headphones, for example, facilitate sound reproduction and improve
the whole multimedia experience.
• Some of the popular sound output devices are:
1. Speakers
2. Headphones/Earphones
1. Speakers :

• Speakers are important output devices that transform electrical impulses into
audible sounds.
• From simple two-speaker output devices to surround-sound multi-channel sets,
speakers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

• 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.
• They help ensure that consumers enjoy audio material with clarity and depth by
contributing to clean and clear sound reproduction
 2. Headphones/Earphones :

• Headphones and earphones are personal audio devices worn over the ears or
inserted into the ear canal, respectively.

• They deliver Music to the user directly, giving a private and immersive listening
experience.
• Earphones are tiny and fit within the ear, whereas headphones have two speakers
that cover both ears.

1. Speech Generating Device

A speech-generating device (SGD) is an assistive technology used to help individuals who are unable to speak

or have difficulty communicating. These devices allow the user to generate speech through text input or

button presses. They are commonly used by individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, ALS

(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), or other speech impairments.

Key Features:
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 • Text-to-Speech (TTS): Converts written text into spoken words.
• Alternative Inputs: Users may interact with SGDs using switches, touchscreens, eye gaze, or even head
movements.
• Portable and customizable: SGDs can be customized to suit the user's specific communication needs and are
available in portable forms such as handheld devices or smartphone apps.

Common Examples:

• Tobii Dynavox: A popular brand offering a range of devices for communication.

• Proloquo2Go: A software-based speech-generating app for iOS.

2.Computer Output Microfilm (COM)

Computer Output Microfilm (COM) is a method of converting digital data from a computer into a microfilm
format. This technology was widely used before digital storage became more advanced, allowing businesses

and government organizations to store large amounts of data in a compact and durable form.

Key Features:

• Data Storage: COM was primarily used for storing large databases, documents, or archival information.
• Compact Format: The microfilm format is much smaller than the original document, allowing for efficient
• storage.
• Accessing Information: Specialized microfilm readers are used to view the stored data.

Uses:

• Libraries and Archives: For long-term storage of government records, newspapers, and documents.
• Business Records: Used in some companies for storing records, especially in the pre-digital era.

Drawbacks:

• Limited Accessibility: Microfilm requires specific hardware (readers) to access data, and the image quality can
degrade over time.
• Obsolete: With the advent of digital storage, COM has become outdated.

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 3. Google Glass

Google Glass is a wearable computer developed by Google that provides an augmented reality experience

through a pair of eyeglasses. It integrates a small display screen that allows users to access information, take
photos and videos, send messages, and interact with apps, all hands-free.

Key Features:

• Heads-up Display (HUD): A small transparent screen in the glasses that displays information, such as
• navigation, messages, or calendar events.
• Voice Control: Users can control the device using voice commands, making it highly interactive and
• convenient for hands-free operation.
• Augmented Reality: Google Glass can superimpose digital information over the user's view of the real world,
• such as directions or notifications.

Applications:

• Enterprise: Google Glass is used in various industries for tasks like assembly line work, hands-free access to
documentation, and medical assistance.
• Consumer: While initially aimed at consumers, Google Glass has found more use in business, education, and
healthcare fields due to privacy concerns and limited mainstream adoption.

Challenges:

• Privacy Concerns: The built-in camera raised concerns about surreptitious recording and privacy.
• Limited Adoption: Initially hyped as a revolutionary consumer product, Google Glass faced challenges such
• as high cost and limited functionality, leading to its eventual pivot to enterprise markets.

These three technologies represent key areas in the intersection of computing, accessibility, and innovation:

1. Speech Generating Devices enhance communication for those with speech impairments.
2. Computer Output Microfilm offers a method for storing and preserving data in the past.
3. Google Glass explores the potential of wearable computing and augmented reality.

These are important milestones in the evolution of computing, each addressing unique user needs and
technological challenges.

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