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Power Tools 1993 November - Disc 2
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Power Tools Plus (Disc 2 of 2)(November 1993)(HP).iso
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1992-11-12
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SLIDE 1 - THE POWER TO SEE THE JOB THROUGH
PERFORMANCE
+ PA-RISC provides the highest performance platforms
+ closely coupled graphics for additional performance on high level
graphics functions
+ industry leadership in X Window System performance
+ software packages designed to maximize system power and take
advantage of distributed computing
OPEN SYSTEMS BASED ON STANDARDS
+ Portability
+ Interoperability
+ Scalablity
+ Access to new technology
+ Ease of use
INVESTMENT PROTECTION
+ graphics designed with system growth in mind
+ "Performance scaling" provides increase in performance with CPU
upgrade
+ software improvements make the most of your system
+ strong focus on industry standards
SLIDE 2 - THE RIGHT GRAPHICS FOR THE RIGHT PRICE
Here are the topics we want to cover. Let's start looking at HP's
solutions with the entry-level systems which provide a full range of
graphics capabilities at an entry-level price.
SLIDE 3 - ENTRY LEVEL GRAPHICS
Here we look at the entry-level graphics systems the 8-plane
greyscale and color capabilities. In the 715/725 models this
capability is built in to the base system. In the other models this
is through the GRX or CRX single board option.
These entry-level systems are ideal for personal productivity tools
as well as less graphics intensive commercial and technical
applications. The scalability of these systems also allow the
entry-level Series 700 graphics systems to perform in an even wider
range of applications.
Additionally, PowerShade provides a software implementation of
advanced functionality on entry-level color configurations. This
allows infrequent users access to the more advanced functionality
such as dynamic lighting and shading so that, rather than invest in
hardware that will be under-utilized, an occasional MCAD user can
render a completed design in shaded 3D with hidden surface removal.
The addition of double buffering in the application again increases
functionality by enhancing display performance for animation.
+ integrated greyscale and color provide 4/4 double buffering
+ GRX and CRX provide 8/8 double bufering
Furthermore, with the distributed capabilities of Shared X and
PowerShade 2.0, you can share the graphics capabilities of **higher
end** systems.
SLIDE 4 - HP DISTRIBUTED GRAPHICS COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT
In order to provide computing services from the desktop to the data
center and do so efficiently, tools are needed to allow communication
between various groups and between co-workers. Two of the strongest
tools in the cooperative computing environment are SharedX and
PowerShade 2.0's Virtual Memory Extension to X (VMX).
SharedX allows users to view the same 2D image. The images can be
shared with any system running an X server, including an X terminal.
With the introduction HP Powershade 2.0 and HP-UX 9.0, capabilities
such as VMX and support for transmitting data over Ethernet, the HP
700/RX family of X stations can now interactively display 3D graphics
applications.
VMX performance with HP 700/RX stations is very good due to the
outstanding networking code of the HP 700/RX. Performance using HP
Powershade 2.0 with HP X stations is as much as 40% faster than
competitive X terminals when receiving images.
How VMX Works
HP Powershade 2.0 has added the VMX capability in which the graphics
rendering is output to a portion of the host system (HP 9000) memory.
It is then converted to the X Window System protocol and transmitted
over the network to an HP 700/RX station. To help reduce network
traffic, VMX incorporates a bounding box algorithm which only sends
portions of the viewed image that have changed since the last view
down the network.
Where VMX is Applicable
The VMX extension to HP Powershade 2.0 is limited in performance by
the speed of today's Ethernet networks. Applications that exceed
these limits will cause a degradation in use response times. Any
existing applications that support Starbase, Phigs, and/or Pexlib
(future) should operate with an HP 700/RX.
SLIDE 5A - ENTRY-LEVEL GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE
Use this slide to discuss a range of competitors. Use slide 5B for
SGI-only comparison.
All data is normalized to the performance of the HP system.
The 33 Mhz Model 715 with integrated 8-plane color is compared to the
SGI Indigo R3000 with entry level graphics, The DEC M25 PXG and the
Sun SPARCStation 10 Model 30 with GX graphics. The 3D measurements
for the 715 require the use of PowerShade software.
Note the excellent 3D performance that PowerShade provides. Also note
that the Sun system cannot deliver 3D graphics and hence no number is
available for lighted, shaded quads.
Of these systems, the HP is also the lowest cost.
SLIDE 5B - ENTRY-LEVEL GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE
Use this slide to disucss SGI only. Use slide 5A for a range of
competitors.
Note that all data is normalized to the performance of the SGI system
being compared.
The 33 Mhz Model 715 with integrated 8-plane color is compared to the
SGI Indigo R3000 with entry level graphics, also an 8-plane color
option. The 3D measurements for the 715 require the use of PowerShade
software.
Note the excellent 3D performance that PowerShade provides.
SLIDE 6 - THE RIGHT GRAPHICS FOR THE RIGHT PRICE
Let's step up a level to the mid-range desktop graphics and take a
look at true color systems.
SLIDE 7 - MID-RANGE DESKTOP GRAPHICS
The CRX-24 board moves graphics functionality into the scientific and
advanced commercial markets providing true color capabilities.
In addition, by adding PowerShade software the CRX-24 board becomes
capable of displaying solids. With the addition of PowerShade, the
CRX-24 can perform dynamic lighting and shading as well as fast
volumetric rendering (alpha blending).
The CRX-24's 12/12 double buffering again increases system
functionality by enhancing display performance for animation.
SLIDE 8A - MID-RANGE GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE
Use this slide to disucss a range of competitors. Use slide 8B for
SGI-only comparison.
Data is normalized to the performance of the HP system.
For mid-range systems let's compare the 50 Mhz Model 715 CRX-24Z with
the SGI Indigo R4000 XS/24Z, the DEC M200 with PXGT+ and the Sun
SPARCStation 10 Model 30 with GS graphics.
The HP performance is superior on every count.
Of these systems, the HP is also the lowest cost.
SLIDE 8B - MID-RANGE GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE
Use this slide to disucss SGI only. Use slide 8A for a range of
competitors.
Note that data is normalized to the performance of the SGI system
being compared.
For mid-range systems let's compare the 50 Mhz Model 715 CRX-24Z with
the Indigo R4000 XS/24Z.
SLIDE 9 - THE RIGHT GRAPHICS FOR THE RIGHT PRICE
For the high-end, graphics intensive application, capabilities are
key. But capability without performance is only part of the picture.
We can deliver both.
SLIDE 10 - ADVANCED GRAPHICS
Building on the functionality of the entry and mid-range systems, the
Z buffered graphics subsystems provide the full range of graphics
capabilities.
Powershade software is bundled with the CRX-24Z and CRX-48Z boards
providing high- performance lighting and shading capabilities for
surface rendering while maintaining fast data animation capabilities.
The 12/12 double buffering capabilities of the CRX-24Z provide
enhanced display performance for animation for non-true color
applications. The CRX-48Z allows full true color double buffering for
interactive animation rates.
While the advanced graphics systems are powerful in their own right
they can also be used to increase the power of entry and mid-range
graphics systems through the VMX capabilities of PowerShade 2.0
discussed earlier. Likewise, the power of PHIGS and PEX software can
be used to full benefit on these advanced systems and to enhance the
graphics capabilities of more modestly configured systems.
SLIDE 11 PEX - THE OPEN GRAPHICS STANDARD
The industry is at a crossroads in the graphics marketplace. The need
to reduce development costs and increase portability, along with the
availability of high-performance, low-cost workstations that support
3D graphics, is pressuring applications developers to standardize on
a single 3D graphics programming tool. The choice entails significant
investment. There are several viable third-party libraries that meet
specific customer requirements, but the major contenders for
standardization are PHIGS, PEXlib, and OpenGL.
Why has HP chosen PEX? By choosing PEX as your strategic graphics
library, you gain the ability to track the mainstream of computer
graphics library development, eliminating the need for future porting
and avoiding maintenance of multiple versions of source code.
PEX provides:
PORTABILITY
- developed by the MIT X Consortium, PEX follows the same open
model as X Windows
- runs a full range of applications on a wide range of hardware
- provides binary portability because it is an extension to the X
protocol
- PEX provides for portability by using the ISO/ANSI standard
PHIGS API and the PEXlib low-level API is defined by multiple
vendors
INTEROPERABILITY
- open, standards based, client-server model
- widely supported by workstation vendors which ensures
interoperability
- guaranteed portability ( Siggraph and interop labs)
- portability and interoperability is ensured by the PEX
Interoperability Center and SIGGRAPH interoperability
demonstrations
ACCESS TO NEW TECHNOLOGY
- seamless integration of user interface and graphics
- the ability to add 3D graphics to existing X applications
- integration with X allows for future expansion
EASE OF USE
- improved development productivity, familiar API's reduce
development costs and time to market
- strong feature set available through multi-level APIs (PHIGS,
PHIGS+, PEXlib)
- network distributed graphics provide instant application
availability
- full 3D client server performance
- proprietary API's do not mean the best performance any more
Here is what the analysts have to say:
"We believe that PEX, along with ... PHIGS, will become the de facto
standard for CAD display applications by 1995 (0.7 probability)...
PEX has a good technology foundation evolving in the right
direction. Users evaluating design systems should consider PEX
support as a future requirement [and] begin pressuring vendors to
support the PHIGS API so that graphics choices can be narrowed down
for better manageability in the future"
- Gartner Group, Midrange Computing Strategies, August 15, 1991
"In time, we expect it [PEXlib] will become the dominant 3D
interface."
- The Anderson Report, February 1992
"In CAD, PHIGS is today's choice while PEXlib will emerge as a leader
in the future."
- Gartner Group, Inc., Computer Integrated Manufacturing, April 27,
1992
SLIDE 12 - ADVANCED DESKTOP GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE
Data is normalized to the performance of the SGI system.
Note that CRX-24Z graphics were used in mid-range desktop performance
comparison on a 715 base. Here we compare the CRX-24Z graphics on a
Model 735 with the SGI Crimson R4000 XS/24Z. By taking advantage of
"performance scaling", the ability to gain additional graphics
performance by just a CPU upgrade, the CRX-24Z does double duty as a
component of a mid-range or advanced graphics system.
For this advanced graphics comparison HP outperforms in each category.
Note also that SGI's graphics solution requires increasingly large
amounts of exotic graphics hardware, "Geometry Engines," along with
the additional graphics boards, to solve what is a straightforward
problem if you have sufficient CPU power. In contrast, HP focuses on
the essentials: high performance vector drawing, high performance
polygon fill, Z-buffer hardware and 24-bit true color.
SLIDE 13 - ADVANCED GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE
Data is normalized to the performance of the SGI system.
For advanced systems let's compare the HP Model 735 CRX-48Z with the
SGI Crimson Elan. HP outperforms in each category.
Note also that SGI's graphics solution requires increasingly large
amounts of exotic graphics hardware, "Geometry Engines," along with
the additional graphics boards, to solve what is a straightforward
problem if you have sufficient CPU power. In contrast, HP focuses on
the essentials: high performance vector drawing, high performance
polygon fill, Z-buffer hardware and double buffered 24-bit true color.
SLIDE 14 - THE RIGHT GRAPHICS FOR THE RIGHT PRICE
Let's take a look at the whole graphics family and see how the
advantage of PA RISC architecture translates into a graphics
advantage.
SLIDE 15 - THE WHOLE PICTURE
One of the strengths of the HP product offering is in providing
additional graphics capabilities through the graphics subsystem only.
No additional "graphics engines" are required to increase your
graphics functionality.
Moving from the GRX greyscale graphics through the high-end CRX-48Z
the user increases graphics functionality from wireframe all the way
up to interactive animation of 3D true color solid models.
In addition, by adding PowerShade software even the CRX and CRX-24
boards are capable of displaying solids.
+ Adding PowerShade to CRX or integrated color systems allows
dynamic lighting and shading
+ With the addition of PowerShade, the CRX-24 can perform dynamic
lighting and shading as well as fast volumetric rendering
+ Powershade software is bundled with the CRX-24Z and CRX-48Z boards
providing high-performance lighting and shading capabilities for
surface rendering while maintaining fast data animation
capabilities.
The addition of double buffering in the application again increases
functionality by enhancing display performance for animation.
+ integrated greyscale and color provide 4/4 double buffering
+ GRX and CRX provide 8/8 double bufering
+ CRX-24 and 24Z provide 12/12 double buffering
This scalability allows the Series 700 graphics family to perform in a
wide range of markets.
To complement the comprehensive graphics products family, HP offers a
range of software products. The software products include 2D and 3D,
proprietary and open, standards based packages, high-level API's and
low-level API's. Their aim is to provide full performance and the
functionality to get the job done quickly and cost-effectively.
X Window System -
The X11 network protocol is the de facto standard in the workstation
industry. The X11 display calls provide the most portable 2D graphics
in the world. And HP provides the fastest performance available.
Shared X -
SharedX allows users to share 2D images to any system running an X
server. This is a primary building block of collaborative computing.
VMX -
Just as SharedX allows you to share 2D images to any system running an
X server, VMX (Virtual Memory X) allows you to share a 3D image with
any X system. This provides you with 3D display capability on an X
terminal. VMX is integrated with PowerShade and SharedX.
Starbase -
Starbase is HP proprietary 2D/3D graphics API which gives the software
developer access to a wide range of graphics functionality.
PHIGS -
The ANSI/ISO standard for 2D/3D graphics distributed on X. HP's
PHIGS implementation provides the user with performance comparable to
the proprietary Starbase API.
PEX/PEXlib -
PEX (PHIGS extension on X), the emerging industry standard, defines
the protocol and low-level API for distributed 3D graphics. PEX has
been endorsed by most of the major workstation manufacturers.
PowerShade -
3D visualization on any Series 700 color workstation is possible
through the PowerShade software. Capabilities include lighting, smooth
shading, and volumetric modeling (alpha blending).
ARTCore
ARTCore is a device independent libraary that allows you to produce
photo-realistic images. It provides precise and realistic rendering of
complex geometric relationships, materials and lighting effects.
ARTCore utilizes radiosity and ray-tracing technology.
SLIDE 16 - HP GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE
Note that data on slide is normalized to CRX graphics.
Scalability of graphics functionality is also demonstrated through
performance. Because the graphics architecture is designed to
accelerate functions too complex for the general purpose CPU, you can
see the clear performance benefit to the higher graphics functions
from the CRX-24Z and 48Z boards. Note the extraordinary increase in
performance for such elements as 3D triangles and lighted and shaded
quadrilaterals.
One of the true strengths of the HP graphics product offering is
"performance scaling." This means that, in addition to the performance
benefit to higher level functions, you can expand graphics
performance for all classes of graphics objects with a CPU upgrade,
protecting your graphics investment.
SLIDE 17 - THE WHOLE PICTURE CLOSE UP
Comprehensive graphics offering across all platforms plus addition of
new high-end 48Z provides the appropriate system for any market.
Graphics performance scales with the CPU. The graphics architecture
was designed to be tightly coupled with the extremely fast PA-RISC
processors, accelerating only those graphics routines too complex to
be handled by a general purpose CPU.
New EISA versions of CRX graphics boards for Scorpio differ from
previous versions in form factor only which ensures that applications
will move transparently to the new entry level 3D systems.
Multi-monitor, single-user configurations provide expanded screen real
estate.
DATA SHEET
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Integrated Greyscale
platforms : 715, 725
conifguration : integrated 8-plane greyscale with 4/4 double
buffering
features : fast X window performance, entry level price
markets : desktop publishing, CASE, info management and
retrieval
Integrated color
platforms : 715, 725
conifguration : integrated 8-plane color with 4/4 double buffering
features : fast X window and vector performance, entry level
price
markets : EDA, 2D mechanical CAD and drafting, 2D AEC, CASE
GRX
platforms : 720, 730, 735
conifguration : modular 1 board, 8-plane greyscale with 8/8 double
buffering
features : high performance, low cost
markets : desktop publishing, CASE, info management and
retrieval
CRX
platforms : 720, 730, 735, 750, 755
conifguration : modular 1 board, 8-plane color with 8/8 double
buffering
features : Leading X performance, extremely fast vectors,
solids with PowerShade
markets : EDA, mechanical CAD, low-end mech. CAE, financial,
GIS, sci. analysis
CRX-24
platforms : 715, 720, 725, 730, 735, 750, 755
conifguration : modular 1 board, 24-plane or 12/12 double
buffering, 8 overlay planes
features : true color for solid modeling
markets : sci. analysis, visualization, imaging, earth/energy
resources, GIS
CRX-24Z
platforms : 715, 720, 725, 730, 735, 750, 755
conifguration : 1 board w daughter card, 24-plane or 12/12 double
buffer, 8 overlays
features : antialiasing, h/w Z buffer, accelerated shading,
volumetric rendering
markets : mechanical CAD/CAE, solid modeling and analysis
CRX-48Z
platforms : 715/50, 725, 735, 755
conifguration : external cabinet with 1 slot interface board,
48-plane or 24/24 double buffer, 8 overlays
features : antialiasing, h/w Z buffer, accelerated shading,
volumetric rendering
markets : mechanical CAD/CAE, scientific visualization and
analysis, AEC
The following multi-monitor, single user systems are available with 2
or 4 monitors and 1 keyboard
+ Dual CRX on 720, 730, 735, 750 and 755 provides two 8-plane color
displays from one board. With the addition of a second CRX board
on the 750 or 755, four 8-plane displays are possible.
+ Entry level 715/725 dual monitor with CRX-24 provides one 8-plane
color display and one 24-plane (12/12 double buffered) display
with the addition of one board
+ Two CRX-24 boards on 750 or 755 offers two 24-plane displays and 8
overlay planes
SLIDE 18 - THE POWER TO SEE THE JOB THROUGH
PERFORMANCE
+ PA-RISC provides the highest performance platforms
+ closely coupled graphics for additional performance on high level
graphics functions
+ industry leadership in X Window System performance
+ software packages designed to maximize system power and take
advantage of distributed computing
OPEN SYSTEMS BASED ON STANDARDS
+ Portability
+ Interoperability
+ Scalablity
+ Access to new technology
+ Ease of use
INVESTMENT PROTECTION
+ graphics designed with system growth in mind
+ "Performance scaling" provides increase in performance with CPU
upgrade
+ software improvements make the most of your system
+ strong focus on industry standards