A video digitizer for the Amstrad CPC from Rombo Productions.
Scanning Modes
The software supports 3 modes (at hardware side, there are only 2 modes):
- Mode 2 - 640x200x1 - true hardware mode
- Mode 1 - 320x200x4 - true hardware mode
- Mode 0 - 160x200x16 - special mode: the software performs sixteen Mode 2 scans (with different brightness settings in each pass), and combines them to a 16-color image. Obviously, this method works only with still images (camcorder aimed at still image, or VCR with "freeze picture" mode). Moreover, the CPC with CTM640/CTM644 colour monitor can't display 16 grayscales so the picture will look like crap, however, it will look pretty much perfect on a GT64/GT65 green monitor.
Reviews
- ACU Issue 12, 1986, page 49-50
- Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 4 page 8-11 (Danish)
- Amstrad Action, Issue 115, 1995 page 19
Pictures
The VIDI video digitizer
Intern VIDI
Vidi Disc
Example of VIDI digitizing
Example of VIDI digitizing
Example of VIDI digitizing
Mode 0 on GT65
Mode 0 on CTM644
Publicity
- Vidi
Publicity 1
Publicity 2
Review in Amstrad Computer User
Manual
- VIDI Manual (pdf)
- VIDI Manual (txt)
Download
- Rombo Video Digitiser.zip (DSK for Emulators)
Software was available on cassette, disc, and (as an upgrade option) on ROM. The latter one requires an external ROM BOX to be of any use (the Vidi board doesn't include a ROM socket).
See also =
- ARA Video Digitizer - another video digitizer (Jagot & Leon)