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2 total messages Started by Bing Bang Tue, 14 Oct 1986 14:19
Re: CGA vs EGA
#8336
Author: Bing Bang
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 1986 14:19
39 lines
2370 bytes
In article <> uchuck@ecsvax.UUCP (Charles Bennett) writes:
>
>We are currently getting ready to purchase new IBM PC/AT's for the
>programming staff here.  We utilize the machines in a variety of ways
>both for microcomputing and accessing mainframes via async communications
>and will be adding an IRMA-X type board for 3279 emulation.  We have a
>large investment in software, most of which uses color but not
>necessarily pure graphics.  The question is this; what, if any, are
>the incompatablities between the CGA board and the EGA board (with
>appropriate monitor, of course).  Rumor postulates two completely
>different circumstances; 1) CGA software does not run on the EGA, and
>2) CGA software runs on the EGA but in CGA mode without special
>intervention.  ????WHAT IS THE STORY????  !!!!PLEASE!!!!
>-- 
> 
> 
>                   -Chuck Bennett-
>                    919-966-1134
>...              ...!(decvax|akgua)!mcnc!ecsvax!uchuck

Here's what I have been able to find out on my own. Most EGA cards make
atleast a half-hearted attempt to be CGA compatible. Most maker will claim
BIOS compatibility, and they achieve this in varying degrees. This means
programs that are well behaved, i.e. use the BIOS calls to do everything will
most likely run on any good EGA board. However, there are many programs that
talk directly to the graphics board and if these programs talk to the EGA
board as if it were a CGA board, the result is a scrambled screen. I know of
only one EGA card that claims total hardware compatiblity with the CGA (and
MDA and hercules and platronics) board. I have it and it works great with all
the software I have so far. The board is made by Paradise Inc. called the
"Autoswitch EGA". I hope this helps out.


---
Bing H. Bang
Gun for Hire
"Have gun, will travel."

...akgua!galbp!bing
Re: CGA vs EGA
#8436
Author: Davidsen
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 1986 18:53
30 lines
2130 bytes
In article <689@galbp.UUCP> bing@galbp.UUCP (Bing Bang) writes:
>In article <> uchuck@ecsvax.UUCP (Charles Bennett) writes:
>>
>>We are currently getting ready to purchase new IBM PC/AT's for the
>>programming staff here.  We utilize the machines in a variety of ways
... most of which I deleted ...
>>                The question is this; what, if any, are
>>the incompatablities between the CGA board and the EGA board (with
>>appropriate monitor, of course).  Rumor postulates two completely
>>different circumstances; 1) CGA software does not run on the EGA, and
>>2) CGA software runs on the EGA but in CGA mode without special
>>intervention.  ????WHAT IS THE STORY????  !!!!PLEASE!!!!

There are two "CGA modes" on the IBM EGA and most compatibles. One is
selected by the hardware switches and is close to CGA. The other is
selected by a software program (I posted it to net.sources a few months
ago) which seems to get complete compatibility. I have yet to find a
problem with the IBM board, the Quadram, or the Video7 board. This
includes some *very* badly programs. Any hardware/software which
switches "automagically" will sooner or later do the wrong thing.
-- 
	-bill davidsen

	seismo!rochester!steinmetz!--\
       /                               \
ihnp4!              unirot ------------->---> crdos1!davidsen
       \                               /
        chinet! ---------------------/        (davidsen@ge-crd.ARPA)

"Stupidity, like virtue, is its own reward"
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