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From: pierre@pro-graphics.cts.com (Pierre Altamore)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.hardware
Subject: 8*24/Toast
Message-ID: <4373@crash.cts.com>
Date: 12 Sep 90 08:16:03 GMT
Sender: root@crash.cts.com
Lines: 52

Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.hardware
 
On 8/9/90 21:59:21 GMT amc4919@cec2.wustl.edu (Adam Michael Costello):
 
>What exactly is a frame buffer?
 
It's basically a memory card designed to hold and display large (24-bit in
the case of the Toaster and Mac 8*24 GC) images.  They may or may not
contain graphics processors to speed up display and manipulation. 
 
>What would you call a card that gave you the same capabilities as the
>on-board chip set, but with 24 bits per pixel?
 
A miracle!  (or an Iris)
 
>What are the capabilities of the 8*24 GC video card for the Mac (which will
>list at just under $2000 when it's released), and what is or will soon be
>available for the Amiga which can compete with (or beat) it?
 
While I haven't seen ToasterPaint or LightWave, if they are anything like
the DVE software for the Toaster they will kick serious 24-bit butt.  The
Toaster competes and easily beats the 8*24 in terms of features for the
price.  The Toaster gives you TWO 24-bit frame buffers, a broadcast
genlock, 7 channel video switcher, 24-bit character generator AND great DVE
(Digital Video Effects).  All this for $1600
 
The 8*24 is a different animal.  It has an onboard 30MHz Am29000 RISC
processor for speeding up Mac SlowDraw.  Expandable RAM for 'other graphics
techniques' (haven't been able to translate this to english.. hehe).
Anyway, it's basically (supposed to be) a fast 24-bit card since Mac 24-bit
has been know to be quite slow.  All(?) this for $2000 (so say you), not a
bargin to say the least.
 
I don't know how the Toaster compares as far as update speed, etc..  But
I do know (and have seen) the Toaster load a 24-bit image in 3 seconds
from a hard drive and 1/5 sec. from RAM (I didn't measure the speed, but
it loads 24-bit images FAST). 
 
>I've overextended myself by buying an A3000 (which should be arriving in
>1-4 weeks), and it will be a while before I can afford any add-ons anyway,
>but I'm curious and tend to shop far in advance (I chose the 3000 2 years
>ago!)
>Thanks!
 
Save up your bread for a Toaster!
 
 


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