[Coco] New CoCo3FPGA version...

[Joel Ewy]

I haven't seen it mentioned on this list yet, but Gary Becker announced 
a new version of CoCo3FPGA over the weekend that includes new graphics 
modes:  256-colors (essentially a fixed palette) at 1/2 horizontal 
resolution (160 pixels wide), 12-bit (4096 color) palettes for the 
regular CoCo 3 modes, and double vertical resolution (450 pixels high 
instead of 225).  This is for the DE-1.  I've got a Spartan 3 board, so 
I'll have to wait for the forthcoming Spartan version (and further 
modify my board for 12-bit color).

Spatially, the 256x192/200/225 8-bit mode matches the 8-bit artifact 
color mode, though the color palettes aren't likely to be the same.  
Still, it means that a game employing 8-bit color could use the same 
sized pictures and graphical elements and run on an unmodified CoCo 3 
with a composite monitor or TV, and an FPGA CoCo 3 with a VGA monitor.  
You would just have to map the images to two different palettes, and set 
up the video modes a little differently.  But moving chunks of video 
memory around would be just the same.  One byte = one pixel.  Timing 
issues are still different between the CoCo 3's 6x09 and the FPGA's 
CPU.  But if it wasn't an action game with critical timing constraints 
-- say a graphical adventure game, or a sim-type game, or a puzzle game 
-- that need not be an issue.

So.  Which of the DE-1 owners will be able to demo a picture viewer in 
160x450x256 at the CoCoFest.

Allen, have your video camera ready!

JCE