miller@intvax.UUCP (Dave Miller) (05/04/90)
Can someone please explain how the new ECS screen modes (including
super hi-res and productivity) will behave on a 2000 that has a
FlickerFixer once the new Denise and Agnus chips have been installed?
In particular, I have a Sony 1303 monitor on my system.
Thanks
Dave Miller
Sandia Labs
Albuquerque, NMpselver@ssi3b1.zone1.com (Peter Selverstone) (05/06/90)
In article <3004@intvax.UUCP> miller@intvax.UUCP (Dave Miller) writes: >Can someone please explain how the new ECS screen modes (including >super hi-res and productivity) will behave on a 2000 that has a >FlickerFixer once the new Denise and Agnus chips have been installed? >In particular, I have a Sony 1303 monitor on my system. I have been putting together a document, in question and answer format, on just this topic. My apologies for the length. ====================================================================== If I install the ECS, will flickerFixer stop working? No. It may be necessary to readjust the phasing when an old Agnus is exchanged for a new one, but the flickerFixer will work fine. See the manual for instructions on phasing adjustment and call MicroWay tech support at (508) 746-7341 if you need any help. flickerFixer will continue to operate exactly as before after the new chips are installed. What about the "new graphics modes"? Isn't flickerFixer obsolete? Not at all. When 2.0 and the new Denise are released, there will be two new modes. These are "superhires" and "productivity" mode. All the existing modes will be just as they are now. "Productivity" mode is a non-interlace 640 x 400 mode that, like the flickerFixer, requires a high scan rate monitor, It doesn't flicker, but it is limited to 4 colors from a palette of 64. Moreover, bandwidth limitations will cause significant chip memory interference when the mode is used with 4 colors. The slowdown will be similar to what is currently experienced in 16 color hi-res modes. To obtain performance equivalent to the current 4 color workbench, "Productivity" mode must be limited to 2 colors. Since flickerFixer has no color limitations and does not slow down the computer, "productivity" mode is NOT a replacement for flickerFixer and flickerFixer owners would generally not have a use for it. "Superhires" is a 1280 x 200 (non-interlace) or 1280 x 400 (interlace) mode that does not require a high scan rate monitor. It is also limited to 4 colors out of 64 and has the same performance problems as "productivity" mode when used with 4 colors. This mode will not display properly through the flickerFixer, it may appear to work, but actually only every other pixel is visible. This behavior is EXACTLY the same as the Display Enhancer in the Amiga 3000. If I plan on taking advantage of all of the new display modes will I have to give up my flickerFixer? No. You NEVER lose any capabilities when you install a flickerFixer in the Amiga 2000. It has a separate output connector and does not modify the signals on the standard Amiga 23 pin RGB connector. How can I use the new display modes if I have a flickerFixer? Just connect your monitor to the Amiga 23 pin RGB output. If desired, a standard 9-pin switchbox can be set up to switch a multiscan monitor between the flickerFixer and the Amiga output connectors. Check with your dealer (or Redmond Cable). What about the 640 x 800 "Interlaced Productivity" mode? This is just the interlaced version of the 4 color productivity mode. It requires a high scan rate monitor and it will flicker on that monitor. There is no way to cure this with standard 31.5 KHz monitors. Set up a switchbox if you want to use this mode. What about the new 1280 x 800 mode? It doesn't exist. Someone must have gotten confused. What about the new 1008 x 800 mode? This resolution isn't actually related to the ECS, but to the A2024 and Moniterm monitors. These are special scan converting monochrome monitors which are capable of 4 level grey scale. Since the Moniterm monitor uses a video slot card, it cannot be used with the flickerFixer. The A2024 monitor (also called the Hedley monitor) connects to the 23 pin RGB connector, so it will be possible to use it on a 2000 with a flickerFixer installed. Do I need a flickerFixer for an A3000? No. The Video Display Enhancer that Commodore built in to the A3000 is very similar to the flickerFixer and performs the same functions. -- Peter Selverstone ...{mit-eddie,pyramid,datacube}!mirror!ssi3b1!pselver Spy Pond Systems pselver@ssi3b1.zone1.com Arlington, MA BIX:pselverstone PLINK:pselverst CIS:72527,2652