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Video Generation with propeller, tuts? — Parallax Forums

Video Generation with propeller, tuts?

logan996logan996 Posts: 281
edited 2010-09-03 22:28 in Propeller 1
Hi all, I was thinking about all the nice prop books out there and realized that some key features are not really touched too much on. I was thinking that maybe parallax could get some of the best programmers and make a whole book on how to do VGA video generation and RCA video generation and maybe on how to make sounds/audio, how to use the PS/2 inputs and maybe some other things. I dont know if they will do this but It would be a cool idea, i mean every newbie loves a full scale easy step by step tutorial right? I mean i'm 13 and i am having trouble learning the prop, having a neat little book like that would be great! (also maybe a section on using the microphone and having the whole book centered around the Prop demo board) Also: added poll, just interested with what you guys think, and if we get enough votes parallax might consider it maybe!

Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2010-09-03 16:10
    A lot of these topics are already covered in the Hydra book.

    -Phil
  • localrogerlocalroger Posts: 3,452
    edited 2010-09-03 16:13
    The Hydra book is about as complete a guide to most of those things as you could want. It gets forgotten sometimes outside of the gaming enthusiast circles but that was the first major book on Propeller programming and it's by a guy with a lot of experience, and is worth every penny. The only problem is that the default Prop architecture has drifted more towardd the Demoboard layout than the Hydra layout for things like the video and PS/2 pins, so there is some adaptation required to move between Hydra and Demoboard ways of doing things, but getting used to that is also good practice for really being used tothe Prop's versatility and the many ways it can potentially be used.
  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-09-03 16:42
    Well buying the Hydra is kinda expensive, I would love a hydra but i just down have the money and i had other ideas for my birthday. It would kinda just be nice for the Prop demo board, you know what i mean? The hydra book is also like $30! the book itself is... some money!
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2010-09-03 16:50
    If you take a walk down the isle of your local bookstore (Borders, etc) you'll see that compared to other computer books the Hydra book is well inline (if not less) than many other computer books. However, you can't just go by the cost. It is an excellent book and went you consider the content you get a lot of information (details for dollar) compared to other books and it is a good value.

    Robert
  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-09-03 16:54
    I know, i know, but seeing as im a kid and i dont have enough money to buy it right now, if i do get it i want to get the whole kit so, yea.. and i do agree the hydra book does look really good!
  • Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL) Posts: 1,720
    edited 2010-09-03 17:49
    @ Logan re :i know, but seeing as im a kid and i dont have enough money to buy it right now,

    The theory in the Hydra book is good for all boards. You just have to make a few changes to programs before you run them.

    I uploaded some info for you. It was posted sometime ago for the Hydra but you can apply that theory to your demo board and it should fit your budget.... it's FREE :)

    A_50_line_graphics_driver_for_the_Hydra.zip
    zip
    zip
    A_50_line_graphics_driver_for_the_Hydra.zip
    250K
  • localrogerlocalroger Posts: 3,452
    edited 2010-09-03 18:05
    logan, you don't actually need to buy a Hydra game system. I am using the Prop for work and get most of my stuff paid for by my boss, and I still don't have a Hydra even though it was the deal of the day recently and I could probably have got away with expensing it.

    But I do have the Hydra book, which is available separately from the Hydra system itself and as Robert says, isn't out of line from the cost of similar books on other topics. It's the answer to most of the questions you were asking, and if there were a different answer it would probably cost about the same.
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2010-09-03 19:04
    Perhaps an open sourced book using the wiki could be a good idea.

    (I have not registered a vote)
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2010-09-03 21:15
    Logan,

    Why not post a want ad for the Hydra book on the Classifieds forum?

    -Phil
  • potatoheadpotatohead Posts: 10,261
    edited 2010-09-03 21:31
    Well, since you are a kid, you have lots of time, but not always lots of dollars.

    You can:

    Get one of the simpler video drivers, and the one posted is not a bad start, and spend a few solid days, just parsing it line by line. That means reading each instruction, then tracking down all the things it impacts, then sorting those to understand what it does.

    That's how I learned about video things. One week solid, and you can write those things, but it's not easy. (fun though)

    Or...

    Work for the Hydra Book.

    Beg for the book.

    Trade for the book.

    Borrow the book.

    Sell some of your other stuff for the book.

    :)

    The good news, is you've got a lot of options!
  • HollyMinkowskiHollyMinkowski Posts: 1,398
    edited 2010-09-03 22:28
    I really need to order a copy of that Hydra book....
    Everything I hear about it sounds good.
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