DOCSLIB.ORG

MGA (Matrox Graphics Architecture) MGA ATLAS Specification

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
MGA (Matrox Graphics Architecture) MGA ATLAS Specification MGA (Matrox Graphics Architecture) MGA ATLAS Specification Revision 1 April I, 1994 Manual No. 10348-MS ER GRAPHICS Trademarks Ma&#’ is a registered trademark of Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. MGA,N ATLAS,‘” TITAN,m ATHENA,m , STORMF DUB/Cm MGA Marvel,m MGA VideoPro,” OCDPm MGA Dynaview,TM Pixe/TOUCH,m MGA Control Panel,TM ModeSWITCH, TM ConsistentColor,m and WinSgueeze.m are trademarks of Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. IBM,@ VGA,@ CGA,@ 8514/A,@ and MDA@ are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation; Micro Channel (MCA)m is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation Hercules@ is a registered trademark of Hemules Computer Techndogy Inc. lntefs is a registered trademark, and 386,TM 486,TM Pentium,TM and 80387 TM are trademarks of Intel Corporation Windowsm is a trademark of Microsoft Cotporation;Microsof* MS-DOS,@ and OS/p are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation AutoCAD@ is a registered trademarkof Autodesk Inc. RAMDACTM is a trademark of Brook&e All other nationally and internationally recognized trademarks and tradenames used in this manual are hereby acknowledged. This document contains confidential proprietary information that may not be disclosed without written permission from Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. @ Copyright Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd., 1993, 1994. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: Matmx Electronic Systems Ltd. reserves the rfght to make changes in specir%ations at any time and without notice. The information provided by this document is believed to be accurate and reliable. However; no responsibility is assumed by Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. for its use; nor for any infingements of patents or other nghts of third parties resuiting from its use. No license is granted under any patents orpatent rights of Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. Matrox Confidential Contents Chapter 1: MGA Product Overview 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ l-2 1.1.1 MGA Chipset ................................................................................................................................... l-2 1.1.2 Features............................................................................................................................................ l-3 1.1.3 Driver Support ................................................................................................................................. l-3 1.1.4 Windows Support ............................................................................................................................ l-3 . 1.1.5 Video Support .................................................................................................................................. 1-4 1.1.6 Documentation ................................................................................................................................ l-4 Chapter 2: ATLAS Overview 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 2-2 2.1 .l Bus Interface.................................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.1.2 VGA ................................................................................................................................................ 2-2 2.1.3 Bus Interface FIFO (BFIFO) .......................................................................................................... .2-4 2.1.4 Address Processing Unit (APU) ..................................................................................................... 2-4 2.1.5 Data Processing Unit (DPU) .......................................................................................................... .2-4 2.2 Frame Buffer....................................................................................................................................... 2-4 Chapter 3: Operation Modes 3.1 VGA Mode ......................................................................................................................................... 3-2 3.1.1 FlexFont ........................................................................................................................................... 3-2 3.1.2 Enhanced Modes ............................................................................................................................. 3-2 3.1.3 Display Adapter Support ................................................................................................................. 3-3 3.1.4 Differences Between ATLAS Ports and IBM VGA Display Adapter Ports ................................... 3-3 3.1.4.1 Hercules Mode Port Differences ..................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.4.2 CGA Mode Port Differences ........................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.4.3 EGA Mode Port Differences ............................................................................................ 3-3 3.1.4.4 VGA Mode Port Differences ........................................................................................... 3-3 3.2 Power Graphic Mode.......................................................................................................................... 3-4 3.2.1 Memory Configurations ................................................................................................................. .3-4 3.2.2 Pixel Format .................................................................................................................................... 3-8 3.2.3 Overview of Drawing Operations ................................................................................................. 3-11 3.2.4 DMA and Pseudo DMA ................................................................................................................ 3-12 3.2.4.1 DMA .............................................................................................................................. 3-16 3.2.4.2 Pseudo DMA.................................................................................................................. 3-18 Matrox Confidential Contents i 3.2.5 Programming the CRTC for Power Graphic Mode....................................................................... 3-20 3.2.5.1 Registers ......................................................................................................................... 3-20 3.2.5.2 Interlace Modes .............................................................................................................. 3-20 3.2.5.3 Hardware Panning .......................................................................................................... 3-20 3.2.5.4 Hardware Zooming ........................................................................................................ 3-20 3.2.5.5 Programming Constraints ............................................................................................. 3-21 3.2.5.6 Frame Buffer Alignment ................................................................................................ 3-22 3.2.5 7 Overscan ......................................................................................................................... 3-23 3.2.6 Interrupts ........................................................................................................................................ 3-23 3.3 Access Restrictions to Some Resources ........................................................................................... 3-24 3.4 Initialization and Configuration ........................................................................................................ 3-25 3.4.1 Configuration Elements ................................................................................................................. 3-25 3.4.2 Booting in VGA Mode .................................................................................................................. 3-25 3.4.3 Booting in Power Graphic Mode................................................................................................... 3-25 3.5 Mode Switching ................................................................................................................................ 3-26 3.5.1 Switching From VGA Mode to Power Graphic Mode.................................................................. 3-26 3.5.2 Switching From Power Graphic Mode to VGA Mode.................................................................. 3-26 3.6 Power up and Reset........................................................................................................................... 3-28 3.6.1 Hard Reset ..................................................................................................................................... 3-28 3.6.2 Soft Reset ....................................................................................................................................... 3-28 3.6.3 Configuring ATLAS in a Board-level Design ............................................................................... 3-29 3.6.3.1 Special Considerations for PCI ...................................................................................... 3-31 3.6.4 Reset Field Definitions .................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Multimedia Systems DCAP303
    Multimedia Systems DCAP303 MULTIMEDIA SYSTEMS Copyright © 2013 Rajneesh Agrawal All rights reserved Produced & Printed by EXCEL BOOKS PRIVATE LIMITED A-45, Naraina, Phase-I, New Delhi-110028 for Lovely Professional University Phagwara CONTENTS Unit 1: Multimedia 1 Unit 2: Text 15 Unit 3: Sound 38 Unit 4: Image 60 Unit 5: Video 102 Unit 6: Hardware 130 Unit 7: Multimedia Software Tools 165 Unit 8: Fundamental of Animations 178 Unit 9: Working with Animation 197 Unit 10: 3D Modelling and Animation Tools 213 Unit 11: Compression 233 Unit 12: Image Format 247 Unit 13: Multimedia Tools for WWW 266 Unit 14: Designing for World Wide Web 279 SYLLABUS Multimedia Systems Objectives: To impart the skills needed to develop multimedia applications. Students will learn: z how to combine different media on a web application, z various audio and video formats, z multimedia software tools that helps in developing multimedia application. Sr. No. Topics 1. Multimedia: Meaning and its usage, Stages of a Multimedia Project & Multimedia Skills required in a team 2. Text: Fonts & Faces, Using Text in Multimedia, Font Editing & Design Tools, Hypermedia & Hypertext. 3. Sound: Multimedia System Sounds, Digital Audio, MIDI Audio, Audio File Formats, MIDI vs Digital Audio, Audio CD Playback. Audio Recording. Voice Recognition & Response. 4. Images: Still Images – Bitmaps, Vector Drawing, 3D Drawing & rendering, Natural Light & Colors, Computerized Colors, Color Palletes, Image File Formats, Macintosh & Windows Formats, Cross – Platform format. 5. Animation: Principle of Animations. Animation Techniques, Animation File Formats. 6. Video: How Video Works, Broadcast Video Standards: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, ATSC DTV, Analog Video, Digital Video, Digital Video Standards – ATSC, DVB, ISDB, Video recording & Shooting Videos, Video Editing, Optimizing Video files for CD-ROM, Digital display standards.
    [Show full text]
  • Video-7 VEGA Manual (Pdf)
    Full-service, independent repair center -~ ARTISAN® with experienced engineers and technicians on staff. TECHNOLOGY GROUP ~I We buy your excess, underutilized, and idle equipment along with credit for buybacks and trade-ins. Custom engineering Your definitive source so your equipment works exactly as you specify. for quality pre-owned • Critical and expedited services • Leasing / Rentals/ Demos equipment. • In stock/ Ready-to-ship • !TAR-certified secure asset solutions Expert team I Trust guarantee I 100% satisfaction Artisan Technology Group (217) 352-9330 | [email protected] | artisantg.com All trademarks, brand names, and brands appearing herein are the property o f their respective owners. Find the Video-7 VEGA at our website: Click HERE S E R I E S Users Manual =====I Video-7 Enhanced Graphics Adapterfor the IBM PC family fuRy campatihle with 256K EGA, CGA, MDA, and Hercules. Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com VIDE0-7 INCORPORATED reserves the right to make improvements in the product described in this manual at any time and without notice. This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from VIDE0-7 INCORPORATED. (C) 1985 by VIDE0-7 IN CORPORATED 550 Sycamore Drive Milpitas, CA 95035 FCC ID:D2A62L VEGA Certified to comply with Oass B limits, Part 15 of FCC Rules. See Instructions if interface to radio reception is suspected. Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com Radio and Television Interference The equipment described in this manual generates radio- frequency energy.
    [Show full text]
  • Computer Peripherals Video Card Voice Card Modem And
    COMPUTERCOMPUTER PERIPHERALSPERIPHERALS VIDEOVIDEO CARDCARD VOICEVOICE CARDCARD MODEMMODEM ANDAND FAXFAX PREPARED BY : MOHD FADHIL BIN RAMLE a circuit board installed in computer to increase the capabilities of that computer. The card must be match to the bus type of the motherboard (example : install a PCI network card only into a PCI expansion slot). WHATWHAT ISIS ADAPTERADAPTER CARD?CARD? Commonly called video card. To allow the computer to display information on some kind of monitor or LCD display. Responsible to converting the data sent to it by the CPU into the pixels, addresses and other items required for display. Sometimes, video cards can include dedicated chips to perform certain of these functions, thus accelerating the speed of display. With today’s motherboard, most video cards are AGP and, with increasing popularity, PCIe expansion cards that fit in the associated slot on a motherboard. VIDEOVIDEO CARDCARD History of video-display technology: ◦ MDA (Monochrome Display Adapter). ◦ HGC (Hercules Graphics Card) ◦ CGA (Color Graphics Adapter) ◦ EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter) ◦ VGA (Video Graphics Array) ◦ SVGA (Super VGA) ◦ XGA (Extended Graphics Array) MDA, HGC, CGA, EGA or MCGA was obsolete. All current display adapter that connect to the 15-pin VGA analog connector or the DVI analog/digital connector are based on the VGA standard. VIDEOVIDEO CARDCARD VIDEO DISPLAY ADAPTOR Unlike earlier video standards, which are digital, VGA is an analog system. Most personal computer displays introduced before the PS/2 are digital. This type of display generates different colors by firing the RGB electron beams in on-or-off mode, which allows for the display of up to eight colors (23).
    [Show full text]
  • Installation Guide
    Installation Guide . l!ID DIGITAL RESEARCH@ Installation Guide [j]] DIGITAL RESEARCH® COPYRIGHT Copyright© 1987 Digital Research Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Digital Research Inc., 70 Garden Court, P.O. Box DRI, Monterey, California 93942. DISCLAIMER DIGITAL RESEARCH INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTENTS HEREOF AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Further, Digital Research Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make chan­ ges from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of Digital Research Inc. to notify any person of such revision or changes. NOTICE TO USER This manual should not be construed as any representation or warranty with respect to the software named herein. Occasionally changes or variations exist in the software that are not reflected in the manual. Generally, if such changes or variations are known to exist and to affect the product significantly, a release note or READ. ME file accompanies the manual and distribution disk(s). In that event, be sure to read the release note or READ.ME file before using the product. TRADEMARKS Digital Research, its logo, and GEM are registered trademarks, and GEM/3, GEM Desktop, GEM 1st Word Plus, and GEM Desktop Publisher are trademarks of Digital Research Inc. Postscript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Owner's Manual Hercules Graphics Card (GB101)
    • f I • I '! ( w ....,(]) (]) Contents b/J;>, ....,o.l ....,o.l :...o.l ""(]) W. ~~~Q)~ il<~:s~,~o (]) .::: zz::::.:io 1 Getting Started What is the Hercules Graphics Card? 1 Inventory Checklist 1 How to install the Graphics Card 2 The Graphics Card's "Software Switch" 3 HBASIC 5 2 For Advanced Users Configuring the Graphics Card 8 ~ bJj Programming 9 ~ 0 U 1"""""4 Interfacing the Graphics Card 9 ><- 0 Display Interface 9 ~ ...:l s::: ~ ...c: Printer Interface 13 ~ ~ ~ Generating Text 15 ~ 1"""""4 ~ ~ Generating Graphics 16 ........ ~ ro C\l <l.) 0 (]) C\l (]) ...j..J 00 w A Appendix ~ w (]) ~ ~ o :... Z ~ ']}oubleshooting 17 I"""""4 "" 1 ~ t: ""~ S <l.) ::S ;>, 2 Register Descriptions Table 18 ~ 0 ~ fj 0 3 Application Notes 19 il< '@ ""il< W. W. 4 Modifying the Diagnostics Program 22 (]) <l.) ...., ,....0 W. w. ~ (]) w. 1"""""4 (]) t- <l.) :... ~ ~ ...., Ol Index 23 ...:l w. "'"o.l . .......s::: U ti ~ ;>, (]) ..s::...., (]) '2 W. E-< b/J ~ Q) :... W. o.l <l.) Ol ...., 0 ..>:: ~ ~ w I.Q :... ~ ...... 0 I.Q (]) "'@ ~ r:... il< ~ C\l ~ U 1 Getting Started What is the Hercules Graphics Card? The Hercules Graphics Card is a high resolution graphics card for the IBM PC monochrome display. It replaces the IBM monochrome display/printer adapter and is compatible with its software. The Graphics Card uses the same style high resolution monochrome character set and comes with a parallel printer interface. The Hercules Graphics Card offers two graphics pages each with aresolution of 720h x 348v. Software supplied with the Graphics Card allows the use of the BASIC graphics commands.
    [Show full text]
  • Hardware Pro Pocítacovou Grafiku
    Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Grafické adaptéry Odkazy Hardware pro pocítaˇ covouˇ grafiku Pavel Strachota FJFI CVUTˇ v Praze 24. záríˇ 2020 Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Grafické adaptéry Odkazy Obsah 1 Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ 2 Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ 3 Grafické adaptéry Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Grafické adaptéry Odkazy Obsah 1 Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ 2 Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ 3 Grafické adaptéry Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Grafické adaptéry Odkazy Obrazovky CRT 1/2 CRT - Cathode Ray Tube Princip cernobíléˇ televize: 1 svazek elektron˚uz elektronového delaˇ (katoda - vysoké napetíˇ cca 15-20kV) 2 je zaostrenˇ (konvergencníˇ mechanismus) 3 svazek je odklonenˇ magnetickým polem (cívky) na správné místo na stínítku 4 dopad elektron˚una luminofor („fosfor“) na stínítku vyvolá emisi svetlaˇ s exponenciálním útlumem intenzita elektronového svazku (pocetˇ elektron˚u) ∼ intenzita svetlaˇ elektronový paprsek vykresluje obraz po rádcíchˇ (vertikální) obnovovací frekvence (refresh rate) - pocetˇ snímk˚u(=pr˚uchod˚upaprsku celým obrazem) za sekundu horizontální obnovovací frekvence - pocetˇ vykreslených rádk˚uzaˇ sekundu Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Grafické adaptéry Odkazy Obrazovky CRT 2/2 Schéma cernobíléˇ televize Klasická zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Moderní zobrazovací zarízeníˇ Grafické adaptéry Odkazy Barevná CRT 1/2 3 druhy luminofor˚uusporádanéˇ do mrížky:ˇ Red, Green,
    [Show full text]
  • ATI VGA Wonder Manual
    I OPERATION MANUAL OEM VERSION First Edition - July 1988 - Reference# VGAW8MAN. ATI reserves the right to make changes to this manual without prior notice. © Copyright 1988, by: A TI Technologies Inc. 3761 Victoria Park Avenue Scarborough, Ontario MIW3S2 Tel: (416) 756-0718 Fax: (416) 756-0720 Telex: 06-966640 (A TI TOR) All rights reserved, including those to reproduce this manual or parts thereof in any form without the express written permission of A TI Technologies Inc. Trademark Acknowledgements. Trademarks, registered or otherwise, used in this manual are: • VGAWONDER - ATI Technologies Inc. • IBM PC, PCIXT, PC/AT, PS/2 Model 30, 8514, CGA, EGA, VGA, - International Business Machines • Multisync - NEC Home Electronics Inc. • Hercules - Hercules Computer Technology Inc. • Windows, OS/2, Microsoft - Microsoft Corp. • GEM - Digital Research Inc. • 1-2-3, Symphony - Lotus Development Corp. • Ventura Publisher - Xerox Corp. • AutoCAD, AutoShade - Autodesk Inc. • SmarTerm - Persoft Inc. • VTerm - Coefficient Systems Corp. • WordPerfect - WordPerfect Corporation • WordS tar - Micropro International Inc. • Newviews - Q.W. Page Associates, Inc. VGAWONDER Manual U SOFTWARE INSTALLATION A number of changes have been made to the v1.02 disks shipped with VGAWONDER. The information given here replaces that given in 7 of the VGAWONDER USER'S GUIDE. The major changes are: README Extensively revised. Please read this file before installation. VSETUP.COM A choice for NEC VGA has been added to ANALOO SELECTION, which specifies a NEC Multisync 2A or equivalent monitor. is a new feature to adjust grey scale on a TIL monochrome monitor. Note each menu choice in VSETUP, you must EXIT, then power-off to write the to the EEPROM.
    [Show full text]
  • Video Seven Vega Deluxe Video Card.PDF
    changing the mode once your program is up. It's a feature called AutoSelect. What's more, VEGA Deluxe includes higher resolution drivers for Microsoft Windows' and software that enables the use of the graphics adapter with bootable CGA games. But that's not all. If, for any reason, the VEGA Deluxe does not work with software created for the MGA, CGA, HGC and EGA—Video-7 will fix it or refund the purchase price. We call it our Compatibility Guaranteed Program and all you do is call us at (408) 943-0101. Request a Return Materials Authorization #. Explain what the trouble is, including the version # of your software. And let us work on it for 30 days. By then, if we haven't figured it out, just send us the board along with a sales receipt and we'll send you a check by return mail. FEWER ICs FOR GREATER RELIABILITY VEG Video-7's proprietary EGA Integrator' chip and surface- mount technology give the VEGA Deluxe the lowest IC count of any EGA board. The chip reduction means All the advantages of the original lower power consumption and reduced heat build-up, making for long-term reliability. It also means that there VEGA", plus a 37% increase in is more room on the board so we added a second oscillator resolution. Video-7 takes you higher. for even better resolution. Add that to our two year warranty and you've got the EGA board that everyone 37% BETTER. will be trying to copy next year. The beauty is that you This year, there is an EGA card that does more than can have it all right now.
    [Show full text]
  • AST-3G Plus IITM
    Graphics Products I AST-3G plus IITM Users Manual FCC WARNING This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to a computer that complies with Class B limits. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. When connecting to a peripheral device, a shielded 1/0 cable is required to ensure compliance with FCC rules. Instructions to User This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B .~, computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient the receiving antenna. • Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver. • Move the computer away from the receiver. • Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.
    [Show full text]
  • VEGA VGA Automatically Switches Between Modes, Eliminating the Need for Any Software Emulation Program, Whether on Diskette Or in ROM
    Or any programs you may already have for the Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA), Color Graphics Adapter (CGA), Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA) or Her- cules Graphics Card (HGC). Plus, for the first time, this compatibility exists at the hardware level. That means that the VEGA VGA automatically switches between modes, eliminating the need for any software emulation program, whether on diskette or in ROM. SUPPORT FOR YOUR MONITOR. The VEGA VGA has both analog and digital connec- tors, so it can support both old and new generation monitors. With a variable frequency monitor, you get a resolution of 640 x 480 and an additional high resolution of 800 x 600, both with a choice of 16 on-screen colors from a palette of 64. With an analog monitor, you get a palette of 262,144 and can select 256 simultaneous colors The VEGA Deluxe brought you with a resolution of 320 x 200, or 16 simultaneous colors extra-high resolution. This VEGA with resolution of 640 x 480. SUPPORT FOR YOUR SOFTWARE. can give it to you up to 400% faster. The VEGA VGA comes with high-resolution drivers for Windows, AutoCAD and Lotus 1-2-3 graphics, as well as FASTER GRAPHICS. LESS DISTORTION. a 132-column x 43-line format for 1-2-3, Symphony, MORE COLORS. VIDEO SEVEN IS MAKING YOUR COMPUTER LOOK WordPerfect and WordStar. Many other popular BETTER ALL THE TIME. packages are supported in VGA resolution, such as Pagemaker, Ventura, Harvard Graphics, GEM and You don't have to buy a new computer to enjoy the advantages of the new Video Graphics Array (VGA) Publisher's Paintbrush.
    [Show full text]
  • CHAPTER15 Video Hardware 16 1738 Ch15 7/30/04 10:31 AM Page 868
    16 1738 ch15 7/30/04 10:31 AM Page 867 CHAPTER15 Video Hardware 16 1738 ch15 7/30/04 10:31 AM Page 868 868 Chapter 15 Video Hardware Video Display Technologies Along with the mouse and keyboard, the video display is a vital part of the user interface of any computer. Actually, it is a latecomer to computing; before CRT monitors came into general use, the teletypewriter was the standard computer interface—a large, loud device that printed the input and output characters on a roll of paper. The first CRT displays used on computers were primitive by today’s standards; they displayed only text in a single color (usually green), but to users at the time they were a great improvement, allowing real- time display of input and output data. Over time, color displays were introduced, screen sizes increased, and LCD technologies moved from the portable computer to the desktop. The latest trends, large-screen plasma displays and LCD/DLP projectors, reflect the increasing convergence of entertainment and computer tech- nologies exemplified by developments such as Windows XP Media Center PCs. Today, PC video displays are much more sophisticated, but you must be careful when selecting video hardware for your computer. A slow video adapter or monitor can slow down even the fastest and most powerful PC. Incorrect monitor and video adapter combinations can also cause eyestrain or be unsuit- able for the tasks you want to accomplish. The video subsystem of a PC consists of two main components: ■ Monitor (or video display). The monitor can be a CRT or an LCD panel for desktop use, or a wide- screen LCD TV, plasma display, or projector using LCD or DLP technology.
    [Show full text]
  • Orasoft Training Institute
    ORASOFT TRAINING INSTITUTE BCS 6th Semester Subject: Computer Graphics Handout # 7 Video Display Standards: Since there are many different ways to specify a video card's capabilities, and so many potential resolutions, colour modes, etc., video standards were established in the early years of the PC, primarily by IBM. The intention of these video standards is to define agreed upon resolutions, colours, refresh modes, etc., to make it easier for the manufacturers of PCs, monitors, and software to ensure that their products work together. In recent years, IBM's fall from dominance has left the video industry without any clear leader to set standards. This, combined with the desire by various manufacturers to develop newer and faster cards, has left the current market with a plethora of different standards. The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) was formed to define new standards and has had some success in creating widely accepted new standards. This section takes a look at standards in use in the video industry. In the beginning, there was one, one model of IBM Personal Computer and one display type. You had one choice of screen colour, green, and no options. Your screen showed text or crude block graphics, but that was all. Monochrome Display Adapter: In that all of the other IBM video standards have become know by their initials, the monochrome Display Adapter has earned the nickname MDA mostly by default even though its official name is the Monochrome Display and Parallel Printer Adapter. As with most lengthy compound names, the MDA’s epithet is quit descriptive.
    [Show full text]