Is a laptop's LCD connected digitally? Is it equal to desktop LCDs?

[Heifetz]

What kind of a connection do laptop lcds use? Since they're integrated, I would assume that its digital. Does anyone know if its comparable or equal to DVI connection? Also, how do laptop lcds compare to desktop lcd screens in terms of video quality and performance (refresh rates, pixel size, etc)

I'm looking at my dell inspiron 8000 right now, and my samsung 753DF connected via the second video out on the laptop, and the quality difference is dramatic. While the lcd is running at 1400x1048, it is still much clearer than the samsung, which is running at 1024 x 768.

Heifetz

 

[nightowl]

I am not sure but my guess is that it is a digital connection. What size screen do you have on your Inspiron 8000. I have a 15" in mine and there is a huge difference between the LCD and my NEC FE700. Also don't you mean 1400x1050 for the resolution, at least that is what mine is set to.

 

[vegetation]

I'm pretty sure it's a digital connection. There is no way an analog connection could give the images it needs on something like the I8000. Also, remember that desktop LCDs are usually inferior in quality to laptops (15"'ers at least).

 

[Bozz]

Yes it is a row and column matrix that is decoded by the microcontroller on the LCD. It is sent up in a parallel data stream going from the mainboard after being encoded by the video GPU and the microcontroller on the LCD panel decodes all the row&column info to illuminate the individual transistors.

The difference between a microprocessor (uP) and a microcontroller (uC) is a uP is simply the "brain" and it requires external componetry for the IO operations and it requires its inputs and outputs translated to perform functions. A uC has all of the external stuff embedded onto the one IC so external componentry is kept to a minimum. The uC has actual inputs and outputs on it to directly drive devices and receive data/information from devices without requiring any form of translation.

Cheers

EDIT: Typos