Guru
Joined: 09/06/2011
Location: AustraliaPosts: 512
| Posted: 06:52pm 25 Jun 2011 |
I don't know what's available out there and if it would be suitable to do what you are suggesting. I agree, 8 digital colours is pretty low tech but I'm looking at the maximite for what it is.... and isn't.
Do we need 24 bit graphics on the MM?
In order to keep such a project low cost and keeping a perspective at what the MM is actually going to be used for, I think 8 digital colours would be fine. Maybe add the ability to define an intensity bit (like old RGBI) and have 16 colours but that would be enough for this project I feel.
This idea doesn't add much more burden to the video generation software. Remember, adding more colours will eat up more RAM and run the system slower (this is a software driven video chip remember).
I assume that the video is using 1 byte (8 bits) for 8 screen pixels. Thats's 25K of RAM just for the monochrome display. Multiply that by 3 and 75K is a lot of RAM to manipulate. Maybe an Amiga HAM mode could be created but this is all adding complexity and cost.
The MM's main appeal is low cost and simplicity and my idea of a plug-in device may be the most appealing. Also means software is compatible for both colour and non colour setups.