CompuServe Thread

#Mediator Boards

11 messages in this thread
#6727From: Aaron WeintraubDec 13, 1991 8:24 PM
Anyone know anything about a graphics board called Mediator? It's supposedly Targa Compatible/Clone. I'm running 3ds now on plain old SuperVGA, and I was considering getting a Targa. I've been looking for prices for a while, it's kind of hard since I live in Canada and there are no authorized Truevision Dealers in the country. The only way to get one is to order direct from Truevision, kind of a pain. Well, anyway, a friend mentioned to me about the Mediator boards. I don't know any specifics about the board(s), but I was just wondering if anyone here has heard of them. I may just get one of those if there is no difference, since they ARE sold in Canada.
#6738From: sherwood egbertDec 14, 1991 12:08 AM
the only mediator i know of is the videologic mediator that takes a vga signal and outputs a ntsc or s-vhs signal with genlock and a host of other goodies. its not a board but an external device. sherwood
#6751From: Aaron WeintraubDec 14, 1991 12:43 PM
Hmm.. Any idea how much one costs? What kind of other goodies? Is it a Genlock, or does it require one?
#6764From: sherwood egbertDec 14, 1991 9:47 PM
the mediator is not a frame buffer but a convertion device for the vga signal. it will handle up to 640x480x256 and convert it to a vhs signal or s-vhs with genlock,over or under scan,gamma correction, brightness, screen alignment, ntsc test pattern screen,pal output, and a couple of others i can't remember right know since im at home and not at the office. the cost of the unit is 3000. i have been very pleased with the results of the unit. i tried other cheap solutions for 500 to 1000 but was never really pleased with the results. there is a better one by rgb spectrum but i think it lists for around 17,000 and i think the only difference is that it takes rgb input also. which kind of defeats the purpose, you might as well go out and get a targa frame buffer and a ag7750 tape for that and have enough left over for an animation controller. sherwood
#6772From: Aaron WeintraubDec 15, 1991 9:58 AM
Ok. Thanks.. I'll take a look at it. Where does it get the VGA signal from though? Does it take it direct from the VGA card output on the top of the card? Or just a regular add on expansion card?
#6827From: sherwood egbertDec 16, 1991 4:43 PM
it takes the signal directly from the vga from the output and your monitor plus into the mediator unit from there you can also plug in a tv or vcr that takes s-vhs or vhs. sherwood
#6757From: CSA/CADec 14, 1991 3:44 PM
Aaron, Please avoid such blatantly incorrect statements ("I live in Canada and there are no authorized Truevision dealers in the country"). I know of a few. Here's one of the best, although they may not be on the same side of the country as you: Mainframe Computer Graphics (416/391-4500, near Toronto). Also, Tech Export represents Truvision in Canada, and should be able to refer you to a dealer (they're in Burlington, MA @ 617/229-6900). Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
#6771From: Aaron WeintraubDec 15, 1991 9:54 AM
Oh. Sorry about that.. I've been calling around for a while and haven't found anyone that deals Targa. Sorry if I caused any problems for anyone or any stuff like that. I live in Toronto, so I'll take that number and see what I can do. Thanks.
#6766From: Jeff RichardsonDec 14, 1991 11:47 PM
Aaron, where in Canada do you live? If you are in the west, I can direct you to our Truevision dealer. -Jeff
#6773From: Aaron WeintraubDec 15, 1991 9:59 AM
I live in Toronto. CSA just told me about a dealer near me. Know of any othrs?
#6790From: Jeff RichardsonDec 15, 1991 9:30 PM
Sorry, Aaron, I can't help you with too much down East, but if you're ever in Sask. give me call! -Jeff