[Open-graphics] Even TV needs jumpers or switches

[James Richard Tyrer]

Jack Carroll wrote:
> On Wed, Aug 30, 2006 at 08:38:19PM +0100, Peter TB Brett wrote:
>> Going back to the fixed frequency monitor controversy (sorry), from the 
>> customer's point of view it's much better to ask the reseller to set up the 
>> configuration they require.  That way, if it blows their monitor up it's 
>> clearly not their fault!  In addition, *I'd* much rather pay £5 for the 
>> reseller's services than pay £30 for a SPI programming board I'd use only 
>> once (better for the environment too).  Though I think some sort of SPI 
>> programming tool is definitely going to be useful, even if only for resellers 
>> and Hardcore Hardware Hackers.
> 
> 	That's a matter of very individual preference, as you suggested in
> your last sentence.
> 	A non-technical user who expects to set up for just one monitor and
> stick with it may very well prefer to have the local dealer set the special
> mode.  (A mail-order house probably wouldn't be willing to offer that
> service under any circumstances.)
> 	A user with an x86 box with a bootable CD drive and a spare VGA
> monitor (and without a wife who raises holy Hell if he brings another bulky
> piece of equipment into the house) might be fine with a live CD or
> self-booting floppy carrying a setup utility.  But that's a lot of ifs. 
> Been there, done that, didn't like the hoops I had to jump through at all.
> 	Someone who can read a monitor spec sheet and the Video Timings
> HOWTO may prefer to keep all future options open.  The DIP switch tool
> _always_ works.  Doesn't matter what kind of monitor, what kind of CPU
> architecture, what I/O devices, whether the CMOS settings are correct and
> will allow the machine to boot, or any other conditionals.  It works. 
> Period.  The peace of mind is worth £30.

Probably the tool makes some sense for VARs to use and they will 
probably be a significant distribution channel for our product.

OTOH, a person that has a fixed and non-standard sync frequency monitor 
is probably likely to the the type the either built his own system or 
had it built for him at the local White Box VAR.  If (s)he built it, 
then (s)he will probably have the tech knowledge to set it up with a VGA 
or TV.  If a White Box store built it, they need only hook it up to a 
VGA and program it for the customer since they need to test the system 
anyhow.

-- 
JRT