16värinen

16värinen is a Finnish term that translates to "16-color" in English. It most commonly refers to a graphics mode found in older personal computers, particularly those running MS-DOS. This mode, often referred to as CGA (Color Graphics Adapter) graphics, allowed for the display of 16 distinct colors on a screen.

The 16-color palette of CGA was a significant advancement over earlier monochrome displays, offering a greater range of visual expression. However, the quality of these colors was often considered rudimentary by modern standards, with colors appearing somewhat washed out or limited in their vibrancy. Specific color combinations and resolutions were available within this mode, such as 320x200 pixels with 4 colors or 640x200 pixels with 2 colors. The 16-color mode itself typically offered limited palettes for specific resolutions.

In the context of retro computing and emulation, "16värinen" evokes a sense of nostalgia for the graphical capabilities of early home computers and arcade games. It represents a specific era in digital graphics development, where even a limited set of colors could create engaging visual experiences. While superseded by more advanced graphics technologies, the 16-color mode remains a recognizable and important part of computing history.