Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!unmvax!uokmax!drtiller
From: drtiller@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Donald Richard Tillery Jr)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.emulations
Subject: Re: SVGA emulation with 24 bit boards
Message-ID: <1991Apr9.235825.15107@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu>
Date: 9 Apr 91 23:58:25 GMT
References: <1991Apr8.220628.26119@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu> <1991Apr9.165826.21137@news.iastate.edu>
Organization: Engineering Computer Network, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Lines: 31


>   Several months ago, I brought up the idea of enhancing the Janus 
>software to allow the A2410 to emulate an SVGA card whenever the A2410
>is used on an Amiga in conjunction with a BridgeBoard.  This would 
>allow the A2410 to be used for more than just UNIX.  Unfortunately,
>I have know idea whether or not Commodore is working on this because
>they are obviously not talking.

Not a bad idea.  This is similar to what I have in mind.  My real suggestion
is that the required calls be generic in form so that each vendor could write
their own library to support them for their particular board.

>   I do not think any of the other video products would be very 
>satisfactory in emulating an SVGA card.  The reason is that all of the
>graphics-enhancement boards available for the Amiga -- except for the
>A2410 -- flicker horribly.  SVGA cards are not used for video work,
>so to emulate one requires a flicker-free display, with none of these
>video cards offer.

The Harlequin board also offers flicker-free video, FYI.

However, if I was interested in perfect SVGA, I would get one for use with
a bridgeboard.  In the interest of _EMULATION_ however, the cost of utilizing
a 24 bit board that I will already have is much more palettable.  If I wanted
speed, I would also forego emulation in lieu of an actual IBM.  The same may
be said for flicker.  I will put up with such flicker in the interest of
emulation and I think that those who would put up with slow emulation would
feel the same...just an assumption based on those folks locally who run their
own emulators.

Rick Tillery (drtiller@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu)