Super VGA (SVGA) refers to a computer signal that is of a higher resolution than the standard VGA resolution of 640 x 480.

SVGA is used to define a specific resolution image. The resolution is defined by the number of points an individual who uses the screen to display an image. These points are called pixels. An SVGA display has 800 horizontal pixels and 600 vertical resolution giving a total of 480,000 pixels on the screen individual.

For example, an SVGA projector has 800 pixels from side to side and 600 pixels from top to bottom for a total of 480,000 pixels. More pixels means a higher 'pixel density' and a crisper image. Below are two charts with the most common resolutions and their pixel densities.

SVGA Film:

Beyond the CRT, LCD and DLP have a resolution that only "true", most projectors are VGA resolution (640 x 480). To project an image of 800 x 600 VGA to a projector, the original 800 x 600 VGA to be compressed. This is done by interpolating the information, and trying to deploy the best of the information with only two thirds of the pixels (307,000 vs 480,000). The resulting image gives us a page-size SVGA, but with some sacrifices in picture quality. For the vast majority of persons with SVGA laptops or desktops, will have much more satisfactory results by removing the VGA signal to a VGA projector.

SVGA resolution projectors will save you several hundred dollars over XGA resolution projectors. If you will be projecting small to medium sized type, or very detailed images, SVGA resolution projectors may not be for you. However, if the majority of your projector presentations will be PowerPoint presentations with large text and images, SVGA resolution may work, and will save you plenty over a comparable XGA resolution projector.