Hercules Graphics is a now-iconic graphics display system for PCs that was first offered in 1982 as an alternative to IBM’s MDA system which produced high-resolution monochrome text but lacked graphic capability.
What is the Hercules Graphics Card?
The Hercules Graphics Card (HGC) is a computer graphics controller that combines IBM’s text-only MDA display standard with a bitmap graphics mode. This groundbreaking invention allowed HGC to display both high-quality text and graphics on a single card, making it a popular choice for IBM PC compatibles. In fact, the HGC standard continued to be used long after more technically advanced systems became available, especially in dual monitor systems.
Who Invented the Hercules Graphics System?
The Hercules Graphics System was developed by Van Suwannukul, founder of Hercules Computer Technology. Suwannukul created the system when he realized there was no way to write his doctoral thesis on PC equipment in his native language, Thai. The original Hercules system filled a gap left by IBM’s MDA system and produced both high-resolution text and graphics for monochrome monitors.
Is the Hercules Graphics System Still Relevant Today?
The Hercules Graphics System has been largely overshadowed by more advanced graphics systems, but it still holds a special place in the history of personal computing. It paved the way for the development of more advanced graphics systems and is still appreciated by many retro computing enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Hercules Graphics System will always hold a special place in the history of personal computing. Its groundbreaking addition of bitmap graphics capability to IBM’s text-only MDA display standard made it a popular choice for IBM PC compatibles in the 80s and 90s. While it has largely been surpassed by newer and more advanced graphics systems, it is still remembered and appreciated by retro computing enthusiasts today.
FAQ
What was the Hercules Graphics System?
The Hercules Graphics System was a graphics display system for PCs developed by Van Suwannukul, founder of Hercules Computer Technology. It was first offered in 1982 and produced both high-resolution text and graphics for monochrome monitors.
What is the Hercules Graphics Card?
The Hercules Graphics Card (HGC) is a computer graphics controller from Hercules Computer Technology, Inc. that combines IBM’s text-only MDA display standard with a bitmap graphics mode. This allows the HGC to display both high-quality text and graphics on a single card. HGC was very popular and became a widely supported de facto display standard on IBM PC compatibles.
Who Invented the Hercules Graphics System?
The Hercules Graphics System was developed by Van Suwannukul, founder of Hercules Computer Technology.
