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From: bobl@pro-graphics.cts.com (System Administrator)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: Better Amiga Graphics and HDTV
Message-ID: <3484@crash.cts.com>
Date: 13 Jul 90 00:36:15 GMT
Sender: root@crash.cts.com
Lines: 47

In-Reply-To: message from akcs.clemon@wcbcs

> IMHO, CBm should be constantly developing new products.  They should
> never develop a "well, we could've used a 68040 but people will be content
> with the '030 for now" attitude.  Keep on the cutting edge.  We depend on
> CBM for the standards for the machine.  If a third party device doesn't
> conform, it probably won't succeed in an Amiga environment.  CBM should at
> least set some sort of standard for 24-bit that at least thrid-party
> developers can start (unless they have a better idea for it, then they could
> tell CBM).  If in three years, 24-bit graphics is ho-hum and the norm in the
> computer community, we can't have compatibility problems between boards.
> I'm not saying that all should be the same...the developers can enhance
> their performance and speed all they want but there should be a standard way
> to choose resolution and bit planes and display them.  Intuition and all
> existing programs would run under the 24-bit system, even if it didn't use
> all its capabilities.  This way 24-bit display could become standard on hte
> motherboard and all older, non-24-bit software would run.
> Craig Lemon              // |_|

Actually, if CBM is going to produce a graphics standard for the machine, it
should be a 32 bit standard instead of 24 bit.  Most of the real graphics
oriented machines utilize 32 bits of information for transparency, fog and
many other effects.  Why should the Amiga be limited to a 24 bit standard when
the Mac is currently supporting 32 bit quickdraw?

I'n not saying that CBM should make the built in graphics 24 or 32 bit, but
the system should be built around it so that we, as users, can pick a graphics
card to fit our needs, be that 8 bit on up to 32 bit.  That is the solution
for the people who are happy with HAM and the other Amiga resolutions
currently and also for those who have the money and the need for more
professional output.

I think that the best of both worlds at this point would be to at least update
the Amiga to a full 8-bit system at least in the current resolutions we do
have with overscan and interlace.  I would then expect Dpaint III to be
updated to support 8-bit color.  Just these two changes would go a long way to
fulfilling many users needs.  Of course it's up to EA to deal with Dpaint but
it is up to CBM to set the standard graphics routines and output.

-- Bob
________ Pro-Graphics BBS - It's better than a sharp stick in the eye! ________

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