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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Dr_Righteous on May 07, 2003, 01:22:38 PM

Title: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: Dr_Righteous on May 07, 2003, 01:22:38 PM

I know some of yawl have upgraded your A4k's with Mediator PCI boards, and Voodoo3 video cards... I was wondering how you've handled the problem of non-RTG games and apps.

I was thinking a sd/ff and a video switcher would keep me from having to use  two monitors... But if anyone has a better solution, I'd like to hear it.

(note, I haven't upgraded yet, but with the free shipping deal making it cheaper to buy one direct from Elbox, I'm seriously considering getting a Mediator 4000Di)

Thanks!

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: ikir on May 07, 2003, 01:36:43 PM

I use my Amiga for work and i don't need old games non-rtg.

Do you have an scan-doubler? You can buy a monitor switch an use it to see AGA and Voodoo3 on the same monitor.

All modern games and apps use rtg

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: KennyR on May 07, 2003, 01:45:06 PM

You already mentioned the two best options - two monitors or a scandoubler and monitor switcher. You could also get a monitor with built in switcher. Or, you even use a 2nd computer with a TV card and connnect the Amiga to its input - but be warned, the picture isn't so good (since TVs suck for computer gfx, generally).

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: xeron on May 07, 2003, 01:54:59 PM

Quote

KennyR wrote:
You already mentioned the two best options - two monitors or a scandoubler and monitor switcher. You could also get a monitor with built in switcher. Or, you even use a 2nd computer with a TV card and connnect the Amiga to its input - but be warned, the picture isn't so good (since TVs suck for computer gfx, generally).

You can use the TV card in the amiga to display the AGA output onto the Voodoo monitor. That way you get one computer, one monitor, and both AGA and Voodoo displays without having to buy a scandoubler/flickerfixer and monitor switcher. If you make an Amiga 23-pin RGB to S-Video adaptor (maybe by doing this (http://www.starnet.com.au/davem/overclock/A520.html)), the picture will actually be pretty good.

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: MrZammler on May 07, 2003, 02:16:10 PM

Is the RTG display still there when the Amiga switches to AGA?

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: AmiDelf on May 07, 2003, 02:27:59 PM

oki.. my dad is someone I kinda disslike.. he threw out my Microvite monitor.. hehe..

Now I am stuck with my lcd monitor wich DOSEN'T sync down to PAL even :) and this makes me mAd when trying to play Super Stardust or ANY other nice Amiga game.

Is there any producents today.. yes in 2003, wich produces Microvitec alike monitors. Please help me and lots of others.

Regards,
AmiDelf, www.amigaworld.org

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: xeron on May 07, 2003, 05:10:40 PM

Quote

MrZammler wrote:
Is the RTG display still there when the Amiga switches to AGA?

Yeah. If you turn off the displaychain feature, when AGA screens are used, the last shown Picasso96 screen remains on the SVGA monitor, and the TV card continues to work even if the program takes over the operating system.

This is because the TV card works using PCI DMA completely independantly of the CPU.

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: Dr_Righteous on May 08, 2003, 11:58:48 AM

Well, I do have a WinTV PCI card... BT848 based... I don't remember if it has an S-Video input on it or not, but it would certainly be a way around using two monitors... Don't really care about video quality since chances are the only problems I'll encounter will be with games anyway.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: Damion on May 08, 2003, 12:12:15 PM

@AmiDelf

I highly recommend the internal SD/FF from DCE...
it has an excellent picture quality and would
be cheaper than a new monitor.

I have heard of people that have LCD's that
sync down to 15khz nicely...I don't know the
brand/etc but I'll see if I can find the page
where I read about it.

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: Dr_Righteous on May 08, 2003, 12:30:11 PM

Actually a monitor isn't the issue... I have one already... C=1962 I believe (I'll have to look when I get home). But that won't cut it on output from my Voodoo3, and I'd rather not use two monitors.

I'm thinking my best bet would be a SD/FF and video switcher tho... Trying not to have to buy more hardware than is necessary.

P.S. The TFT screens are the Samsung SyncMaster 150MP/151MP/170MP/171MP models.

Title: Re: Mediator PCI for A4000 non-RTG question
Post by: Effy on May 13, 2003, 07:33:34 PM

A videoswitcher for pc's and an Amiga monitor like the 1940 or 1438/1538 or other multiscan monitors. They have got a vga connector that connects to to switcher, in the AGA output you put then a vga adapter that connects to the videoswitcher too, and then of course the gfx card and then you can use two outputs on one without the use of a scandoubler !! :-D