dot-matrix
Old printer technology
Dot-matrix describes a method of forming images or characters from a grid of individual dots.
A dot-matrix printer creates text by striking pins against an inked ribbon, producing characters made of tiny dots rather than solid lines.
The term evokes 1980s computing, when dot-matrix printers were standard equipment: The dot-matrix printout was faded but legible.
Dot-matrix displays work similarly, illuminating dots in patterns to show numbers or letters.
Machine producing paper copies
- printheadInk-depositing mechanism
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- ribbonSlender ornamental strip
- inkWriting fluid
continuous · paper · perforation · sprocket · carriage · platen · pin · head
Evoking recent past
- vintageQuality from past eras
- nostalgicLonging for the past
- 8-bitVintage computing standard
- lo-fiImperfect audio quality, informally
pixelated · blocky · coarse · jagged · aliased · crude · mechanical · industrial
Smallest display unit
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- addressableAble to be contacted
- rasterGrid of pixels
- halftoneDot-based image reproduction
dithering · grayscale · monochrome · bitmap · character · font · grid · array
printer
Machine producing paper copies
- printheadInk-depositing mechanism
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- ribbonSlender ornamental strip
ink · continuous · paper · perforation · sprocket · carriage · platen · pin · head · draft
retro
Evoking recent past
lo-fi · pixelated · blocky · coarse · jagged · aliased · crude · mechanical · industrial · receipt
pixel
Smallest display unit
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- addressableAble to be contacted
- rasterGrid of pixels
halftone · dithering · grayscale · monochrome · bitmap · character · font · grid · array · pattern
noisy
Producing much sound
- loudHigh in volume
- buzzingLow vibrating hum
- chatteringQuick, repetitive sounds
whirring · clacking · grinding · slow · rhythmic · mechanical · vibration
dot-matrixlaser
Concentrated light device
inkjet · laser printer · thermal · inkjet printer · thermal printer
dot-matrixhigh-resolution
Showing minute visual detail
crisp · sharp · smooth · professional-grade · publication-quality