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From: hrlaser@crash.cts.com (Harv Laser)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.graphics
Subject: Re: DCTV - quick overview
Keywords: DCTV
Message-ID: <7456@crash.cts.com>
Date: 7 Feb 91 19:19:41 GMT
References: <7426@crash.cts.com> <11813@helios.TAMU.EDU>
Organization: Crash TimeSharing, El Cajon, CA
Lines: 61

In article <11813@helios.TAMU.EDU> n350bq@tamuts.tamu.edu (Duane Fields) writes:
>Thanks for the report on DCTV! A few questions come to mind:
>1) 3000 support??
Should work fine. A number of folks on Plink have DCTV. Louis Markoya
has one and has a 3000 and I *think* that's where he has his hooked up.
I have a 9 Meg A2500/20 and have no problems. 

>
>2) I have a Misubishi Diamond scan 800x600 multisync monitor, in VGA
>   I have the unavoidable border, am I to assume that the signal that
>   is generated by DCTV is a standard, borderless video signal?
I'll have to beg off on this. I have only tried DCTV on my A1080 monitor.

>
>3) How many colors does it actually show? I mean, the total pallette
>   is 16.7 million right? So honestly, how does it look to a 'true' 
>   24 bit card such as firecracker, or like a Targa or MacII? Please
>   also describe any fuzziness or such encountered due to the NTSC
>   instead of RGB output.
DCTV displays NTSC video. Just like television. I have heard NTSC is
capable of from 4-8million colors max. I'm no engineer. It is NOT a
"true 24 bit card" - Impulse's Firecracker is the ONLY "true 24 bit
RGB video display card" you can currently buy for and install in an Amiga.
NTSC, by its very nature, is slightly "fuzzy". Totally depends on the
source material and how you process it. I can make GREAT DCTV pictures
that'll knock your sox off and I can make really crappy looking
pictures (on purpose, or by accident :-)

>
>4) Are these publicly available in large amounts, or are there like 2
>   in existence.
DCTV is shipping. Quantities. Available to the public. It's not vaporware,
it's not "beta." Creative Computers in Lawndale, CA (again, the Amiga
shop closest to me, and this is not an endorsement for them) must have
a couple dozen DCTVs in their store. Couple dozen VToasters too. (They
buy and sell in huge qty).

>
>5) Finally, warrenty and upgrade info.
>
Warranty..hmm.. lemme check der manual.."For a period of ninety (90) days
from the date of delivery, Digital Creations warrants to the original
purchaser that the equipment and software described herein shall be
free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and
service."  [later...] "All seals installed during mfr must be intact or
the warranty becomes VOID...DC may elect not to service equipoment 
that has had its warranty voided or it may charge a premium rate
to do so...Units damaged by user error with the seals intact will be
charged a standard rate for repair....no loaners will be provided during the
repair period..."  

So... install it as instructed and don't open it up. :)


>
>| Duane Fields              |     Friends don't     |  President, aTmiga club |



Harv Laser                                      {anywhere}!crash!hrlaser
"Park and lock it.  Not responsible."           People/Link: CBM*HARV