[Coco] CoCo3FPGA Video Modes (Was: Re: CoCo-X is funding)

[Joel Ewy]

On 03/26/2013 07:17 PM, Allen Huffman wrote:
> On Mar 26, 2013, at 1:20 PM, Gary Becker <Gary_L_Becker at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>   
>> Now is the time to show your support for the next generation of Tandy Color Computer.
>>   
>> http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/854038380/coco-x-the-next-generation-of-tandy-color-computer
> First, let me say that the concept of a replacement motherboard that gives some compatibility with existing hardware is a great thing. I would assume, just like CoCo folks used to repack their machines in IBM-PC cases, there will also be that possibility for those who don't want a CoCo to look like a CoCo.
>
> Does the CoCoFGPS implement any additional video modes not found in a stock GIME?

Yes.  Honestly, it's been a while since I did any work with that, but I 
started trying to modify the 'view' program to be able to use some of 
the new graphics modes.  If I recall correctly, the palette registers 
now offer 12 bits of color resolution instead of just 6, so you can 
select 16 of 4096 colors instead of 16 of 64.  That can make a 
significant difference in the recognizability of, say, a digital photo 
quantized down to 16 colors.  Less color error.  There is also a 256 
color mode (fixed palette) at 160 pixels horizontal resolution -- the 
same as the 8-bit artifact color 'mode' on a stock CoCo 3 with a 
composite monitor.  Probably not the same 256 colors, but similar enough 
resolution that I could well imagine games and other programs targeting 
both.  Finally, I believe CoCo3FPGA has the option to double the 
vertical resolution of any standard GIME graphics mode.

JCE
>
> The first project I would want to do on the CoCo-X is add some form of ethernet support so the machine could be placed on a home network. I have been planning an ethernet project lately for the CoCo using Arduino-style devices -- with the goal of allowing a CoCo to do some basic things like FTP files, or HTTP get files from web servers.
>
> Exciting times.
> -
> Allen Huffman - PO Box 22031 - Clive IA 50325 - 515-999-0227 (vmail/TXT only)
> Sent from my MacBook.
>
> 22nd Annual "Last" Chicago CoCoFEST! April 27-28, 2013. Lombard, IL. http://www.glensideccc.com - And check out the CoCo-X project: http://kck.st/16fAwkf
>
>
> --
> Coco mailing list
> Coco at maltedmedia.com
> http://five.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/coco
>