![[Multi-Channel Option]](apps/mco1.jpg)
The Multi-Channel Option (MCO) from Silicon Graphics is a flexible,
cost-effective solution for multiple video outputs or channels. The
MCO enables you to drive from two to six independent video outputs -
all from a single RealityEngine, RealityEngine2 or VTX graphics
pipeline - rather than purchasing multiple computer systems and
integrating the outputs. The MCO consists of a single circuit card,
associated cabling, system software, and an external breakout box.
Ideally suited to support visual simulation, virtual reality, or
interactive entertainment applications, the MCO allows you to
configure the environment which best matches your hardware
performance requirements to your budget.
Unprecedented Configuration Possibilities
The polygon and pixel processing capacity of the graphics pipelines can now be shared among multiple channels as never before. With the MCO installed, the standard monitor video is redirected to provide multiple outputs available for connection to monitors or other types of display devices at the breakout box. Up to six video outputs can be provided from a single graphics pipeline. Rack Onyx systems support up to three RealityEngine2 graphics pipelines, providing a total of 18 video outputs from a suitably configured system.
Independent views can be generated for each display, permitting contiguous genlocked panorama displays, or 2D data can be displayed in selected channels with 3D data in others. This is ideal for visual simulation or entertainment applications in which both out-the-window and heads-down displays must be generated simultaneously.
Reconfiguration Has Never Been Easier
The MCO gives you unparalleled flexibility for system reconfiguration. A large library of video output formats is included with the MCO system software, enabling you to customize applications to program requirements and available system resources. A standard system command is used to change system resolution, video format, or the number of channels by selecting a format combination from the existing format library. No hardware changes are required.
A Wide Range of Video Resolutions and Formats
Resolutions in the video output format library have been selected to support standard display devices as well as maximize use of the graphics hardware. Most formats are non-interlaced, although limited support is available for interlaced as well as field-sequential video. Two channels of VGA field-sequential video can be generated to support many new helmet-mounted displays for virtual reality and visual simulation. (See Table.)
Low Additive Transport Delay
Visual simulation and virtual reality applications require very low transport delays. Because the MCO is tightly incorporated into the graphics subsystem, less than one half millisecond is added to the total system delay.
Simplified Configuration, Adjustment and Calibration
Applications requiring sensitive customization can use a graphical user interface to change the video horizontal phase calibration, enable video pedestal, make monitor-specific gamma corrections, and enable or disable sync.
Technical Specifications
The table specifies available video formats for the MCO and identifies the RealityEngine raster manager configuration required to support various levels of antialiasing.
Multi-Channel Option Multi-Sampling Support Video Output Format Raster Managers Channels Resolution Timing 1 2 4 2 640x480 60Hz non-interlaced M L L 4 640x480 60Hz non-interlaced S M L 6 640x480 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 2 640x480 Field sequential RGB n/a L L 2 640x486 30Hz interlaced M L L 4 640x486 30Hz interlaced S M L 6 640x486 30Hz interlaced n/a S M 4 640x640 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 6 745x224 60Hz non-interlaced 4 720x544 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 3 800x600 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 4 960x620 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 2 960x680 60Hz non-interlaced n/a M n/a 3 960x680 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 3 850x850 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 2 1025x768 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 3 1025x768 60Hz non-interlaced n/a n/a S 2 1200x900 72Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 2 1280x1024 60Hz non-interlaced n/a S M 2 1280x1024 50Hz non-interlaced n/a S M Key: S supports small pixels for non-antialiased imagery M supports medium pixels for 8 sub-sampled antialiasing L supports large pixels for 16 sub-sampled antialiasing n/a not supported
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Copyright 1994 Silicon Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. Silicon Graphics, IRIS, and the Silicon Graphics logo are registered trademarks, and RealityEngine, Reality Engine2, VTX, and Onyx are trademarks, of Silicon Graphics, Inc. All other products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
MCO DS (10/94)