Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!sdd.hp.com!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!aero!huebner From: huebner@aero.aero.org (Robert E. Huebner) Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga Subject: Re: 24 bit color boards Keywords: Video Master 32, PP&S Message-ID: <93505@aerospace.AERO.ORG> Date: 5 Dec 90 17:16:09 GMT References: Sender: news@aerospace.aero.org Reply-To: huebner@aero.aero.org (Robert E. Huebner) Organization: The Aerospace Corporation Lines: 72 Okay, since it seems we have a lot of graphics-terms experts on the net, perhaps you can clear up some abiguities regarding a recent press release for the Progressive 32-bit board. All text is quotes is directly taken from the literature. All brakets are my own comments: "Video Master 32 offers dual frame buffers, each with resolutions of up to 1024x1024 in 24 bits with 8 bit overlay [apparently this, not alhpa channel, is where the 32-bit figure comes from?]. The frame buffer can display out in resolutions up to 800x600 and 1024x512 in over 16 million colors" So what good is a 1024x1024 frame buffer is its maximum output resolution is 1024x512? I find this very misleading. "Video Canvas 24, a real-time 16 million color paint program is included. The Video Canvas updates the display instantaneously as the user paints. Video artists may use the Video Canvas 24 to create graphics in a scrollable area 1024X2048 pixels." So if this is a frame buffer, how can it provide real-time feedback when painting and scrolling. Unless the scrolling is handled by the internal processors (TI 34082 and 34020). "The Video Master 32 offers optional real-time 24-bit video digitizing in all Amiga video resolutions up to 752x525 [I suppose this is PAL interlaced overscan], including overscan." A frame buffer that digitizes video. Seems rather toaster-ish. "The Video Master 32's design includes a programming and data RAM storage area of 1 Megabyte, expandable to 8 megabytes. This area may be used to run blindingly fast custom 34020 applications, such as 3-D rendering, animation, ray-tracing, image processing, and ADO effects generation software." What isn't explained is- how much RAM is needed for features and resolutions mentioned elsewhere. Later it states that the 1 Megabyte model can only handle 1 frame buffer instead of two. Also, what are these "custom 34020 applications". Do they exist? Will PP&S develop them, or are they included (doubt it). "The Video Master's 8-bit overlay allows for operating system windows and menu displays in up to 256 colors, overlaying the 24-bit video image. This design eliminates palette selection problems and allows for easy editing and painting in 24 bits" This is interesting. So this means the mouse pointer and workbench screen can appear over the 24-bit graphics? Will this allow for directing painting on the frambuffer screen? "All configurations available in NTSC of PAL" Overall, I begin to think that the claim of 1024x1024x32 bits is a bit misleading, since the rest of the article stresses its ability to output to video using a 1024x512 (Which is nice, but is only half what they claim earlier on) screen. Overall, this sounded like an exciting product, second only to the Video Toaster in terms of "drool-factor". No price mentioned, and availability listed as first quarter 91. My basic question is- is this a true 24-bit framebuffer like the Firecracker board? How does this differ from the toaster? I don't believe the toaster uses any on-board RAM, but I could be wrong. If anyone can clarify these points, I'd appreciate it ----- Robert Huebner huebner@aerospace.aero.org The Aerospace Corporation Computer Security El Segundo, CA -----