Per pixel

from WinCustomize Forums
This is probably something that all computer users ought to know, but I was hiding somewhere (obviously *not* in "graphicsland) when the dictionary update was distributed.

What does "per pixel" mean?

I've seen it used several times, and people seem to be using it in different ways. It is a requirement for Aero (the GUI part of Vista) but Microsoft doesn't define it either (no surprise there).

I have a graphics card that says it supports it (NVIDIA Quadro) but the do-you-really-think-your-silly-little-computer-won't-need-to-be-upgraded "compatability check" by Microsoft says I don't have it.

Is it analog, or digital? Meaning, do you either have it or not, or are there degrees so that you can some, but not enough?

And what happens if you don't have it (or enough of it) and you load a customize file that uses it?

Thanks.

Roy
2,503 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"Per Pixel" refers to the ability to render graphics with each pixel possessing it's own degree of translucency.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hmm, I'm trying to remember which episode of Under The Skin (Link) we talked about this on... The number escapes me, but we do make it clear on there.
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

For Aero under Windows Vista you need a card capable of Pixel Shaders 2.0.