Artifacts
More commonly known as a digital artifact, when referring to
computers and electronics. An artifact is any error or glitch
that occurs during a signal transmission or interpretation. Some examples of
where you may encounter artifacts include: artifacts generated when taking a
picture with a digital camera, artifacts that randomly occur during the
transmission of a digital image or audio, and artifacts created from the
compression of a signal or data. In the picture to the right, is an example of
a laptop display crashed with digital artifacts.
What to do when getting artifacts?
This can depend on where you're encountering the artifacts. Below are some general suggestions in troubleshooting artifact related issues.
- Check connections. Disconnect and re-connections to ensure firmly connected.
- If you're playing video games and after playing the games for a while you get artifacts and the computer reboots or crashes it's likely your video card has driver issues or more likely that your video card is getting too hot.
- If your computer monitor is always displaying artifacts regardless of what program you're in try a different monitor on the computer. If same issues persist make sure you've got the latest video drivers and that your video card is firmly connected into the computer.
- If you're digital camera is generating artifacts in your pictures make sure you quality is set to the highest possible quality. If all settings are set to their highest quality and all pictures you take have artifacts it's likely a digital camera limitation or issue with the camera.
- If you're getting artifacts when compressing or changing a video from one format to another try a different format.
- If you're getting artifacts on your TV display and have cable or a satellite connection make sure you're getting a strong signal. Often it's best to contact your provider to verify your connection is good and strong.
Also see: Compression, Drift, Error, Jaggies, Noise, Video definitions