vfc(1G)vfc(1G)NAMEvfc - compiler for video formats
SYNOPSIS
/usr/sbin/vfc [options] source
DESCRIPTIONvfc compiles a video format source program source into a microcode image
object file that you can load into hardware. This microcode image
generates the timing signals necessary to drive different video monitors.
Video format object microcode is not binary compatible between different
hardware types. Although vfc is indepdendently re-targetable to a number
of different hardware types, video format objects that were compiled to
run with one hardware architecture will not necessarily run on another.
For example, video format objects created for Infinite RealityTM will not
work properly on Impact.
On some hardware architectures, it is possible to load the video format
object file directly to the hardware using the setmon(1G) command.
However, some hardware architectures require you use an additional
validation and layout tool to load hardware; for example, the Infinite
Reality architecture requires use of the ircombine(1g) utility to build a
video format combination from individual video format object files.
Command line options are:
-a <option>,...
Performs an analysis of the video format source. Options are:
ascii=<file> Generate a textual description of the video format to
<file>.
highlevel (boolean) Do not perform automated frame analysis.
Instead, rely on the definitions of the vertical portions as
specified in the .vfs file.
postscript=<file> Generate a textual description of the video format
to <file>.
-c <option>,...
Specifies which configuration options should be used to compile the
video format source file.
chip=<chip-type> Specify the target chip architecture.
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vfc(1G)vfc(1G)
board=<board-type> Specify the target board architecture.
-i <command>
Specifies an alternate pre-processor to the standard c-language
pre-processor available with Irix (/lib/cpp). A typical alternative
<command> is "/usr/bin/cc -E", the c-preprocessor included with the
Irix Developer's Option. Any alternative pre-processor must produce
line identification directives compatible with /lib/cpp.
-o <file>
Specifies the file name of the microcode video format object file.
If you do not specify a name, the compiler creates the file a.vfo.
-p <string>
Specifies a parameter passed to the C-language pre-processor which
vfc uses to process its files. The <string> is passed directly.
You must use quotes to encapsulate the string if the string contains
spaces.
-s Prints internal compiler statistics.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC HARDWARE PLATFORMS
Infinite Reality Systems
You should use the following rules files:
chip=voc1.def
board=dg4.def
You should place your resultant files in the following directory:
/usr/gfx/ucode/KONA/dg4/vfo
After building your video format, you must use ircombine(1G) to create a
video format combination.
Note that it is possible to redirect ircombine to use formats not in the
proper directory. You can use this to evaluate the format for use;
however, if you neglect to move the format to the path specified above,
the load will fail with an X protocol error.
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vfc(1G)vfc(1G)DISCLAIMER
The vfc program is provided as a complimentary tool that allows
knowledgeable users to create custom video formats. Although SGI will
attempt to address bugs found in the operation of the program, there is
no tutorial or instructional support available for creating new video
formats. Support is limited to the book accompanying this product.
Moreover, SGI suggests caution when testing an unknown format on
vulnerable monitors; some monitors can be damaged when attempting to lock
to a video format other than which they were originally designed. SGI
cannot be held responsible for such damage.
SEE ALSOsetmon(1G), ircombine(1G), XSGIvc(3)
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