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1987-06-19
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542 lines
/*
Athena Digital Video BIOS (T) Version 3.01
Copyright (C) Athena Digital, 1986, 1987. All rights reserved.
2351 College Station Road, Suite 567, Athens, Ga 30605
404/354-4522
This feature file dated May 29,1987
*\
/*
*** Trademarks / Owners ***
Athena Digital Video BIOS / Athena Digital
Microsoft, MS-DOS, CodeView / Microsoft Corporation
IBM, BASICA / International Business Machines Corporation
Hercules, RamFont, FontMan, InColor / Hercules Computer Technology
*\
/*
*** What is Athena Digital Video BIOS ? ***
Athena BIOS is a new software system designed to replace the
original Video BASIC INPUT / OUTPUT SYSTEM (BIOS) in IBM PC
compatible computers. There are many reasons for doing this.
IBM's original Video BIOS was an excellent program in it's day.
New video adapters and better versions of the old ones have
strained the capabilities of the original BIOS, but it is still
the only one available - and all of your application programs use
it. Athena Digital created this new BIOS to help computer users
and programmers get the most from today's AND tommorrow's video
hardware.
*\
/*
*** Athena BIOS Versions ***
This demo is an introduction to Athena's Video BIOS for MS-DOS
computers and MS-DOS application software. Two basic products
will be discussed. The first is the Device Driver for use by non-
programmers on MS-DOS machines. The second is Athena Video BIOS
Libraries for Programmers. Both products share the same program
"core", but the Library BIOS can be integrated with your own
application program, while Drivers are installed by the computer
user to support any application program.
*\
/*
*** What is a Device Driver ? ***
Device Drivers are control programs which automatically load and
become active when your computer starts up. In this case, Athena
BIOS automatically takes over from your existing Video BIOS to
give you faster screen display, allow you to run Color Graphics
programs on a Hercules Graphics Card, and numerous other features
highlighted below.
*\
/*
*** What is a Programmer's Library ? ***
Programmers have the option of creating every piece of a program
they write or creating only the parts that make it unique and
saleable. In most cases, low level support of special video
adapters is something programmers would prefer not to do because
it is not their specialty. Low level video support, on the other
hand is Athena Digital's specialty. Now programmers have the
option of allowing Athena Digital to handle the low level chores.
Athena Libraries allow Color Graphics applications to run on
Hercules Graphics Cards (among other things) just like the Device
Driver does.
*\
/*
*** Businesses Universities Institutions ***
Do all of your PC stations really need a Color Monitor ? Do you
already have a number of Hercules Graphic PCs or Leading Edge
computers ? Did you know you could run Color Graphics software
for only 35.00 per station or less ?
Athena Digital will provide sites such as yours with the BIOS in
bulk packaging at a substantial discount. Contact us about
details. Your bottom line will appreciate it.
*\
/*
*** Accelerate Application Programs ***
If you don't program - you still need the BIOS. The device driver
BIOS gives you faster screen output and eliminates flicker while
scrolling on modern Color Graphics Adapters. On Monochrome text
or Hercules Adapters, it can give you a display output speed
increase from 30 to 50%, not to mention running CGA programs on
your Hercules - even if it uses the Mouse.
Consider the cost of a Color Graphics Adapter and Display
Monitor. If functionality and quality text are your object, then
you may not NEED a color monitor and graphics card.
*\
/*
*** Especially for Programmers ***
You don't have to wait for everybody to boot with Athena BIOS.
You can have it now. If you are using this demo on a Hercules
Graphics Card, you have already seen one thing it can do for you.
This short demo was written entirely in QuickBASIC Version 2.00
(except the logo in true Hercules mode) and linked with the
Athena Library. Read on for a list of features and further
information about obtaining the BIOS for inclusion in your own
programs. Libraries are also available for "C" and the Macro
Assembler with others on the way.
*\
/*
*** What About Existing Applications ? ***
The Library is provided as an MS-DOS object file and comes with a
source file to get your application up and running in nothing
flat.
All that is necessary to convert existing program code to run
with Athena is to call an initialization subroutine at the
beginning and a detachment subroutine before exit.
*\
/*
*** What QuickBASIC Functions Will Work With Hercules ? ***
The BIOS QuickBASIC Library is compatible with BCOM or BRUN. ALL
of QuickBASIC's standard text and graphics functions work with
Athena BIOS, whether the display used is the Hercules adapter (in
Emulation mode) the Color Graphics adapter or the EGA adapter.
The source code to this demo is provided with the BIOS as an
example of use, an includable source file to get you up and
running, as well as complete BIOS documentation.
*\
/*
*** What if a Device Driver is Already Installed ? ***
The Libraries have a means by which to inhibit a resident Athena
Device Driver. This would be desirable if the Library BIOS is a
later version. If the resident Driver is a later version, the
Library will use it.
The decision is carried out automatically and ensures that your
program will always use the latest Athena BIOS available whether
it is the one you linked with or not.
*\
/*
*** What About The Hercules Graphics Modes ? ***
The first QuickBASIC Library (Version 23.01) allows you to
support the Hercules Cards with the standard BASIC graphics
functions at the CGA screen resolution. It also makes it easy for
you to support Hercules high resolution graphics through
QuickBASIC's standard text functions, and pixel-oriented graphics
through Athena BIOS functions. Future versions will offer
extended graphics support for Hercules Graphics screen
resolutions ... thus, Athena gives you a natural upward migration
path to bring your programs up to date and keep them there.
*\
/*
*** What About Other Languages ? ***
The Library is intrinsically compatible with any language
supporting object files and assembly language subroutine calls.
"C" and the "Macro Assembler" interfaces will probably be
released by the time you read this.
If you work with these or other popular languages and would like
to be able to include Athena BIOS with your product, then drop us
a line and tell us so. We will notify you when your language
interface becomes available.
*\
/*
*** How Effective Is The Emulation Capability ? ***
The list of compatible software includes programs like BASICA,
CodeView, QuickBASIC's Editor and about 95% of all others. It
will even run CGA text applications which ordinarily hang up the
computer unless a CGA is present AND programs which use Microsoft
Mouse or software compatibles.
The few which are least likely to work are certain games, so if
your use is serious, chances are better than good that you won't
encounter an application that won't run on your Hercules with
Athena BIOS.
*\
/*
*** Will It Work on Any Hercules Card ? ***
All (8) CGA 40 column or (4) 80 column text pages work on ANY
Hercules Graphics Adapter including the new Hercules Plus in
4K RamFont mode (with your favorite font loaded).
The 40 column CGA graphics mode even appears in shades of amber
(or green or white depending on your monitor).
*\
/*
*** Will It Do Anything Besides Emulate ? ***
Athena provides BIOS support for the High Resolution Hercules 350
vertical by 720 horizontal modes, and a new 350 vertical by 360
mode with three intensities and 4 logical pixel colors.
Athena provides ALL of the Standard BIOS call support for these
new modes including character generation, scrolling, pixel
write/read, BIOS string functions and Microsoft Mouse support.
New functions support adapter switching, context saves, and
multiple simultaneous character fonts in Hercules Graphics modes.
*\
/*
*** What Else ? ***
o Supports a new 8 page 80 column text mode for All Hercules
Cards including Mouse support for all 8 pages.
o Provides extended equipment, system capability information
for applications. It even detects whether or not a CGA
supports Hercules page switching and what model Hercules is
installed.
o Supports faster video operation in ALL modes than Standard
ROM BIOS.
*\
/*
o Simple replacement for "buggy compatible" BIOS.
o Easily upgraded as features are added by simply changing
Drivers. This means it won't become obselete as ROMs will.
o Installs as a Device Driver for MS-DOS version 2.10 or later
o Adds PC-AT BIOS print string functions to the PC or
compatibles.
o Supports Flicker-Free scrolling on modern Color Graphics
Adapters.
*\
/*
o Offers CGA software programmers the ultimately simple
upgrade to support the Hercules Graphics Card with their
existing code. (Libraries)
o Fully Compatible in all standard modes and in CGA Emulation
modes with Hercules' new 4K RamFont cards.
o Supports multiple simultaneous text fonts in Hercules Graphics
modes (such as italics, bold, reverse, underline, etc.) by
allowing external font tables.
*\
/*
*** What Comes in the Package ? ***
Device Drivers come on a 5 1/4" IBM format diskette, with the
Users Guide and a "Buss Terminator".
Programmer's Libraries come with everything that the Device
Drivers do, plus the selected Library files, Library Reference,
and the Athena Video BIOS Programmer's Reference.
Software will be supplied on 3.5" diskette if requested.
*\
/*
*** So What's a Buss Terminator ? ***
The one inch tall "Buss Terminator" is a proprietary device which
is largely responsible for Athena's Emulation success rate. It is
designed to fit a PC slot ordinarily made useless by accessory
cabling or piggy-back cards and is only required if you will use
Emulation modes with applications that are un-aware of Athena BIOS.
Applications linked with Athena BIOS or applications which
communicate with an Athena Digital Device Driver are expected to
play by the rules .. so no Buss Terminator is ever required for
them to run in Emulation mode or otherwise.
*\
/*
*** What About Installation ? ***
Software installation is a matter of copying the Athena Device
Driver to your boot disk, and inserting a one line command in
your MS-DOS config.sys file:
DEVICE = ATHENA.SYS [/switches]
The Buss Terminator is about as difficult as a printer card,
except it needs no screws and no cables.
*\
/*
*** What Computers Are Supported ? ***
Athena Digital Video BIOS Drivers and Libraries are compatible
with a variety of MS-DOS computers, including the PC, PC-XT, PC-
AT, Leading Edge, and most any other hardware compatible as long
as it has PC or PC-AT compatible Buss Slots. If yours won't work
and you are using supported video hardware, we will find out why
and correct it or refund your money. Microsoft Mouse and software
compatibles are also supported. Athena BIOS supports a variety of
display adapters including the Color Graphics Adapter, Monochrome
Card, Hercules Graphics Card, Enhanced Graphics Adapter, Hercules
InColor Card, and Hercules Graphics Card Plus.
*\
/*
*** What if I Have More Than One Adapter ? ***
Athena BIOS will correctly detect and handle adapter switching
for the following multi-adapter combinations:
Hercules Graphics
Hercules InColor EGA Color*
Hercules Plus WITH CGA
Mono Text Only Hercules Color
EGA Monochrome*
* EGA Color and EGA monochrome cannot be used together.
*\
/*
*** Controlling Athena BIOS After Installation ***
With the Device Driver, you are provided a utility which allows
you keyboard control over Athena's variety of modes. With this
utility, you can:
o Select Active Adapters.
o Disable and Reset the BIOS so you can change hardware modes
on multi-mode adapters.
o Obtain installed equipment and status reports.
o Freely Enter and Exit Emulation Mode.
*\
/*
*** What Does It Cost ? ***
The Athena BIOS Device Driver is currently 35.00 direct from Athena
Digital. Of course, prices are subject to change as time goes on
and this demo becomes outdated.
Athena Digital Video BIOS Libraries are currently 100.00 each
with no distribution royalties. There are certain distribution
restrictions which do not affect application programs, but do
restrict distribution for resident utilities, shells, and program
compilers.
*\
/*
*** How about Hardware or Software OEMs and Dealers ? ***
Dealers, OEMS, and those desiring Site Licenses are welcome and
encouraged to contact Athena Digital about sub-license, quantity
discounts, special programming requirements, or special hardware
support.
*\
/*
*** Why So Much About Hercules ? ***
The Hercules video standard was the third available for the IBM
Personal Computer and the first which offered truly high graphics
resolution. It was also the first to support graphics on the TTL
monochrome display.
Today, Hercule's standards are universally accepted as the
optimum display adapters for TTL monochrome PC systems and
Hercule's development continues.
*\
/*
*** What do you Have Against Color ? ***
Absolutely nothing, but we do feel that computer users who don't
want and don't need color deserve full BIOS support as well. They
should have at least the same tools and software available for
their equipment as is available for color equipment.
Athena BIOS provides this support.
It is long past time for Hercules and others to become an
integral part of the Personal Computer system BIOS.
*\
/*
*** But I Prefer and Need Color ! ***
Athena Digital supports color too. The display resolution and
quality of the Hercules Graphics Card is now matched in color by
Hercule's InColor RamFont standard. It is also approached by EGA
and challenged by VGA. Each of these standards provides demanding
users with superb color graphics resolution where it is desired
or required.
The BIOS is compatible with InColor and EGA. It provides InColor
owners with CGA software support just as it supports the other
Hercules Cards. It is also compatible with the EGA modes of VGA.
*\
/*
*** What About other Adapters ? ***
The scope of Athena Video BIOS includes all display adapters. Our
initial release is Hercules - oriented because we started Athena
Digital based on response from a lesser program which was
dedicated to partial Emulation.
The fact is that all video adapters can have a place in Athena's
Video BIOS for Personal Computer systems. Athena Digital is
making a major effort to help users and programmers get the most
from the hardware that supports us.
*\
/*
*** Acknowledgments ***
We would like to thank those who contributed to an early Freeware
version of Athena Digital's Emulator "HGCIBM". Though it provided
no substantial funds, it was instrumental in encouraging us to
create the Video BIOS.
Thanks to IBM for creating the Personal Computer.
(cont'd)
*\
/*
*** Acknowledgments ***
We owe a special Thanks to Hercules Computer Technology for
creating the Graphics Cards and for the direct cooperation and
support they have given Athena Digital during development of
these products.
*\
/*
*** Athena Digital's History ***
In June of 1986, Athena Digital released a simple "Freeware"
Emulator for Hercules cards which supported only the 200 by 640
Color Graphics card mode (HGCIBM.COM Version 1.11). To our
knowledge, this was the first such program publicly released.
Response was widespread. This response inspired Athena Digital to
create a "Shareware" Emulator (HGCIBM.COM Version 2.00) which
expanded on the original program to provide a better Emulation.
*\
/*
We also started development of what is now Athena Video BIOS.
Initially the objective was optimum performance and effectiveness
of Hercules Emulation and BIOS support for Hercules Graphics modes.
With those objectives met, It was quickly realized that we could,
through our BIOS, solve many of the incompatibility problems
plaguing hardware and software developers. With this in mind we
added CGA and EGA to the BIOS supported hardware list and
development continues toward the objective of supporting all
popular hardware.
Thanks!! for reading .. you will return to the menu now.
*\