From: paulg@tplrd.tpl.oz.au (Paul Gittings)
Subject: Re: OpalVision Video Board
Originator: paulg@sydrd19
Organization: Telectronics Pacing Systems
Date: Thu, 09 Apr 92 07:40:41 GMT


In article <1992Apr5.230056.17800@sol.UVic.CA>, mmcalees@cs16.UVic.CA (Michael McAleese) writes:
> In article <1992Apr3.172519.29590@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca> rickan@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca (Mark Rickan) writes:
> >According to the April edition of Amiga Computing, the 24-bit OpalVision
> >graphics board will reportedly be available in late May. The system is being
> >marketed as a joint venture between Centaur Development and Opal Technology.
>  (specs deleted)
> 
>    Isn't this the Colourburst board (or an updated design)?  I seem to 
> recall the designer saying that after the M.A.S.T. fiasco he was re-designing
> it as Opalvision and getting someone else to market it.

The OpalVision card was featured in a local rag down under "Professional
(what a joke) Amiga User magazine" Feruary/March 1992.  The designer
of the board is Gary Rayner (I think he designed the ColourBurst).

Here are editied highlighs from the articles in "PAU" pages 2,3,62

   OpaLVision is the core unit of a new 24-bit, real colour graphics and
   video processing system for the A2000 and A3000 which will ship this
   side of July.

   The core unit features full 24-bit display ... wide range of
   resolutions upto a maximum of  768x580.

   OpalPaint will be bundled in - real-time 24-bit paint and image-processing
   ... Image file formats include IFF24, JPEG, HAM and alll Amiga IFF files.
   VIRTUAL MEMORY MANAGEMENT allowing editing of 24-bit images with
   resolution up to 32,768 x 32,768.  Has smart edge detection for picking
   up brushes from cluttered backgrounds.

   Other software will be bundled (slide show, 24-bit screen backdrops and
   other utilities).

   RGB output specification in excess of broadcast.  ... Configures to PAL or
   NTSC.

   OpalVision can be expanded with plug-in modules; genlock, FrameGrabber,
   real-time video processing and scan rate conversion for 24-bit non-
   interlaced, flicker free images.

   Core unit (OpalVision) is expected to retail for about AUSTRALIAN
   $995 (you Americans can knock off about 15-20 percent to convert to
   real dollars).

   Units should be available in the next two months, with the add on boards
   to soon follow [all together now RSN].

   FrameGrabberFeatures:
     - 256 level transparency mask for OV or amiga images
     - Genlock fully software controlled for fading, switching etc
     - Instantly freeze and save video frames, or freeze a section of the
       screen and save it as a brush.
     - accessible form within OpalPaint
     - Real time vidoe processing effects
     - Input and output RGB, S-VHS, Hi-8, composite 
     - Plugs into OV main card, no external wiring or power required.
     - expected retail $795

   OpalVision Video Roaster
     - Real time processing and morphing of live video and effects;
       smooth page turns, caling, skewing, flipping and abitary morphing
       such as warapping onto the surface of a cube, sphere, or wave.
     - software supplied to sequence transitions and effects, with a library
       of useful wipes, dissolves, wraps etc.
     - module plus into socket on OpalVision board, requires OpalVision
       genlocak and FrameGrabber module
     - Expected retail of $345

   OpalVision Scan Rate Converter
     - Display all of OV output as a non-interlaced, flikcer-free image on
       a Multi-sync monitor
     - Also, acts as an independent 24-bit frame buffer
     - Plugs into OV main card
     - expected price $1,195

OpalVision can be contacted at (2) 899-4322 that's in Oz.

I have no connection with OpalVision or Proffessional Amiga User Magazine.
Hope this is of use to somebody.

Cheers,
Paul Gittings
Telectronics Pacing Systems- 7 Sirius Rd, Lane Cove, NSW 2066, Australia
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