[net.micro.68k] New Motorola 68k graphics processor?

ravi@eneevax.UUCP (Ravi Kulkarni) (01/30/86)

I just heard that motorola introduced a graphics processor with
a 68000 core. Anyone know any more information? Any idea whether
existing 68000 systems such as the mac or atari 520ST can be
retrofitted with this chip. Thanks for any info.

-ravi

-- 
ARPA:	ravi@eneevax.umd.edu
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dlnash@ut-ngp.UUCP (Donald L. Nash) (01/30/86)

> I just heard that motorola introduced a graphics processor with
> a 68000 core. Anyone know any more information? Any idea whether
> existing 68000 systems such as the mac or atari 520ST can be
> retrofitted with this chip. Thanks for any info.
>
> -ravi
>
> -- 
> ARPA:	ravi@eneevax.umd.edu
> UUCP:   [seismo,allegra]!umcp-cs!eneevax!ravi

Motorola was coming out with a graphics processor as part of the M68000
family, but it was cancelled recently.  The chip was being designed at
the Motorola facility in Austin, Texas by someone I know very well.  I
will not go into the reasons for the cancellation, since I don't want to
get in trouble with Motorola, but according to this person I know, the
reasons were more political than practical.

Disclaimer:  I don't work for Motorola.  The opinions expressed here are
mine.  Motorola may release some "official" reason for the cancellation
which may or may not agree with what my contact told me.

BTW, from what I was told, the chip was pretty sharp.  Resolution on the
order of 1K by 1K, 8(?) bits of color (256 colors overall) from a
virtually unlimited palette, bit blitting, etc.  I can't remember what
else.  It was a really hot ticket.

					Don Nash

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