Mail Archives: djgpp/1997/04/14/13:00:55
Robert Vasquez <digital DOT fx AT worldnet DOT att DOT net> wrote:
>> Just like to point out that there is absolutely no need what so ever
>>Allegro to have "DirectX driver support." DirectX was made specifically
>> Windows95 to allow Windows95 programmers to have Direct access to the
>> computer's hardware, without writing any hardware spcific code. There
>> need for that in DOS becuase in DOS, one already has Direct access to
>> hardware. So, essentially, Allegro is kinda like DirectX for DOS
>> (except easier to use :).
>But Allegro dont have 3D accelleration for almost every card out there.
Exactly. Just in case anyone else missed the point, I'll post the
reply I send to Christ. Should clear things up a bit.
---- <SNIP> -----
Alas, but that isn't all. I'm totally 100% in agreement with you, but
I think you're missing the point. Currently, Allegro supports several
hardware-accellerated graphics cards, or at least I think so. Haven't
looked into it, but anyways, it at least *could*. My point is, that as
manufacturers create new and more brilliant accelerated cards, we
suddenly have a problem, and that has to do with standards. I'm *sure*
cards will come with VGA/SVGA/VESA2.0 emulation from now until
forever, however that doesn't mean Allegro will automatically be able
to take advantage of them. Unless somebody writes a driver, that is.
For Allegro. Which means, at the very best, you will have to recompile
Allegro and subsequently your code in order to take advantage of the
new card. But DirectX drivers are likely to be shipped supporting all
new accelerated cards: actually, this in itself has really opened up
the market for innovative new hardware manufacturers, since now they
not only can build a better mousetrap but have it be taken advantage
of by many, already existing games. This is the real advantage DirectX
has over DOS. Right now, things are still only really beginning to
move from SVGA to truecolor. SVGA is enough for me, right now, and
Allegro is brilliant at SVGA/VGA, of course, and hopefully soon enough
TrueColor, as well. But just think how wonderful it would be if
Allegro could take advantage of new accelerating hardware that comes
out simply by loading a driver already in existance...
That's where i'm coming from, at least. I see Allegro/DJGPP as being
this marvelous platform to develop games on right now, since
essentially they will run in DOS, Win31, WinNT, and Win95 all in full
blazing 32bits! yippie! And since linux support is slated, this opens
it up even more. If Allegro supported DirectX-compatable drivers, it
would be like pulling the rug out from underneath Microsofts feet;
they're big plan to take over the gaming industry, as well, would be
foiled. Of course, we'd start with DirectDraw, then DirectSound, then
Direct3D, then maybe DirectPlay.
The way I see it, information for creating DirectX-compatable drivers
has to be out there somewhere. If it is, what I propose is at least
possible, possibly even feasable, and hopefully not too painful.
- Calvin -
---- <SNIP> ----
So, it seems to be possible, no? If anyone can get me this, I will
give it a whirl:
1) Info on the directX driver format. Official if possible. As much as
you can is preferable. I've done a bit of looking, but I don't really
have time or knowledge to know what to look for.
2) A standard SVGA directX driver. This likely ships with DirectX. Or
else if there is some hardware acceleration my Paradise VGA card does
that I don't know about, send me an accelerated directX driver to.
We'll worry about sound later. Actually, when I'm finished DirectDraw
I'll let ppl know exactly how I accomplished what I accomplished, and
someone else can do DirectSound/Direct3D. I've never coded Sound or 3D
stuff, so I shouldn't try and mess with it. Let's just start with
DirectDraw. I'll make this work. Well, <laugh> maybe :)
If you can get me these, send them my way, and I'll see what I can do
without mauling Allegro too much.
- Calvin -
- Raw text -