Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!cpqhou!robk
From: robk@cpqhou.uucp (Rob Kiesler)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics
Subject: Re: Can a 34010 emulate a 8514/A?
Message-ID: <1990Dec03.164556.24590@cpqhou.uucp>
Date: 3 Dec 90 16:45:56 GMT
References: <1990Nov29.132641.11209@santra.uucp>
Organization: Compaq Computer Corporation
Lines: 26

in article <1990Nov29.132641.11209@santra.uucp>, c37189h@saha.hut.fi (Harri "Haba" Suomalainen) says:
> 
> As IBM did not release documentation to the hardware at the start, most 
> programs (all i've run in to) do not use 8514 on the hardware level.
> Even the original 8514 was used as the beginning (as fortunately still is)
> used via the device driver software. As there are many software compatible
> cards available by now, i think it would be extremely stupid to write a 
> program using 8514 only on hw level.
> 
> -hs
It would be stupid, except:

1) Apps which use AI will be slower than those going direct to the hardware,
given that the app writer knows what he's doing.

2) AI is only available for Real Mode environments (Read: MS-DOS). AI is
NOT available for protected mode environments! I doubt that it will ever be 
available in protected mode. At the very least, a massive rewrite would be
in order, since an app talks to AI using a software interrupt.


Rob Kiesler
Compaq Computer

"Is that a real poncho, or is that a Sears(TM) poncho?"
			- FZ


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