Multi-Channel Option

VTX and RealityEngine Graphics

The Multi-Channel Option, available for systems equipped with industry leading VTX, RealityEngine, and RealityEngine2 graphics subsystems, provides a cost-effective solution for customers requiring multiple outputs. Rather than purchasing multiple systems and genlocking the outputs together, the Multi-Channel Option allows users to drive up to 6 independent channels all from a single computer.

Ideal for Virtual Reality, Entertainment, Visual Simulation, or any application requiring multiple viewports, the Multi-Channel Option offers users a flexible approach in configuring an environment that best matches requirements and budgets.

The Multi-Channel Option is the second generation of multiple video output technology available from Silicon Graphics offering a greater number of channel outputs, a wider variety of output formats, lower transport delays, and the capability to simultaneously drive two different formats.

Features

• Up to 6 channels of output per Multi-Channel Option

• Support for multiple Multi-Channel Option Boards in a single system equipped with more than one RealityEngine graphics subsystem

• Simultaneous display of two different formats

• Low Additive Transport Delay of < 0.5 milliseconds

• Wide range of formats ranging from multiple high resolution (1280 x 1024) to lower resolution outputs such as VGA and RS170

• Provision for genlock to external reference signals

• Simple "setmon" system command selects desired format

• Graphical user interface available for custom calibration

• Support for Crimson, PowerSeries, and Onyx compute platforms equipped with VTX, RealityEngine, and RealityEngine2 graphics subsystems

The Multi-Channel Option is designed specifically for users requiring multiple viewports from within an application. Tightly coupled to the graphics subsystem, the Multi-Channel Option converts digital information stored in the graphics framebuffer into a variety of multiple analog video signals (or channels) which can then be displayed on additional monitors and/or projection devices.

Because the Multi-Channel Option is an integral part of the graphics subsystem, no special programming interface (library) is required for operation. Silicon Graphics supplies several combinations of formats with the Multi-Channel Option (see table on reverse side for details). Using standard system commands (setmon), a user specifies which format combination the Multi-Channel Option will use when the graphics is restarted. The Multi-channel Option requires no other adjustment and will continue to boot with the configuration chosen.

For applications requiring sensitive customization, the Multi-Channel Option includes a graphical program that allows users to change video H-Phase calibration, enable video pedestal, make monitor-specific gamma corrections, and enable or disable sync.

Because the The Multi-Channel Option is architected to be tightly integrated to the graphics subsystem and is treated as a full-fledged member of the graphics subsystem, it does not suffer from lengthy transport delays.

System Requirements

• VTX, RealityEngine, or RealityEngine2 Graphics

• Requires VME Slot

  
  

R,G,B              3 BNC

Composite Sync     1 BNC

Horizontal Sync    1 BNC

Vertical Sync      1 BNC

Genlock            2 BNC         I/O for External Sync Source

The I/O panel is used to provide the physical channel connections. Since different chassis platforms have varying I/O panel configurations the maximum channel configuration are as follows:

• Up to 4 channels in Deskside Chassis

• Up to 6 channels in Rack Chassis with one graphics subsystem

• Up to 8 total channels in SkyWriter configurations with two Multi-Channel Option boards installed (e.g. combination of 6/2, 4/4, or 2/6)

• Up to 16 total channels in Onyx RealityEngine2 with three Multi-Channel Option boards installed

Qty   Resolution    Qty     Resolution      Timing Comments

2     1280 x 1024                           60 Hz non-interlaced    Requires RealityEngine Graphics with
                                                                    2 or 4 Raster Managers (RM). 4 RM's
                                                                    provides anti-aliasing.

1     1280 x 1024    2    640 x 480 (VGA)   60 Hz non-interlaced    Requires RealityEngine Graphics with
                                                                    2 RM's. 4 RM's provides anti-aliasing.

3     1024 x 768                            60 Hz non-interlaced    Requires RealityEngine Graphics with
                                                                    2 RM's. 4 RM's provides anti-aliasing.

6     640 x 480 (VGA)                       60 Hz non-interlaced    4 Channel maximum with VTX graphics.
                                                                    Requires 2 RM's with RealityEngine
                                                                    graphics for 6 channels. 4 RM's
                                                                    provides anti-aliasing.

For more information please call

U.S. 1(800) 800 -7441
Europe (41)22-798.75.25
North Pacific (81) 3-5420.71.10

South Pacific (61) 2-879.95.00
Latin America 1(415) 390.5828
Canada 1(416) 674.5300

Corporate Office

2011 N. Shoreline Boulevard
Mountain View, CA 94043

Copyright 1993 Silicon Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Silicon Graphics, the Silicon Graphics logo, and IRIS are registered trademarks, and IRIS Crimson, Indigo, Indigo2, IRIS Graphics Library, IRIS GL, Open GL, ImageVision Library, IRIX Performer, CASEVision, Elan Graphics, IRIX, Reality Engine, Onyx are trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc. MIPS and R3000 is a registered trademark, and R4000 and R4400 are trademarks of MIPS Technologies, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.