CompuServe Messages

Christophe <continued> >> Are the VTR controllers on a separate board next to the framebuffer>> a vtr controller can be a seperate board, like the Diaquest DQ422+ or Videomedia's Animax, or it can just be a software program and a serial cable, like SoftVTR. I, personally, like the Diaquest but it is very expensive and I have always used _other_ people's Diaquests – I haven't bought one <g>. >> Does the framebuffer only do what it says, keep the picture in buffer memory until it is ready to give through to the VTR, or does it also function as display device for your PC monitor?? >> The framebuffer just holds the image in VRAM, ready for you to record. It is a seperate display from your main (vga or computer) display. Sometimes it is possible to overlay vga graphics on the framebuffer using the vga pass-through connector. Usually, you would have a 2 monitor setup. 1 monitor for your vga display and 1 monitor or TV for your frambuffer display. The framebuffer is usually, but not always, at a frequency for NTSC or PAL for recording. >> What is Quickpass or Fastpass?? >> This is a method that the vtr controller companies have developed to speed up frame-by-frame output to tape. Normally, each frame would need a 5 second preroll of the tape, a postroll, and a rewind of the vtr – very slow. Quickpass/fastpass just allows more than one frame (up to 10 frames per pass) to be output in each pass, or preroll sequence. For example, the first pass of a 300 frame sequence might be frames 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300. The second pass would be 1, 61, 121, 181, 241 etc. This just makes it a lot faster and causes less wear and tear on the vtr. I know nothing about model numbers of European (PAL) versions of vtr's. Sorry 🙁 >> BTW we should give a price every month to the best provided support on 3DS in this forum, from a non-commercial person. I'll vote for you for this month Martin!!! >> That's very nice, but just send me a 6-pack of Stella Artois and I'll be a happy man <g>. I had a lot of fun in Belguim. I went through Belguim many times going to Germany – from Oostende to Koln, Germany through Bruges and Bruxelles in the early 80's (what fun). Everybody was always on strike (industrial disputes), but the trains and the beer were great. Are you a French speaker or the other language (forgot what it's called). I need some sleep now after answering your questions – it's 2:40am here in Southern California <g>.