Setting Framebuffer Preferences

You can use the framebuffer preferences to preview your work on a broadcast video monitor with the appropriate hardware installed on your system. When a framebuffer device is enabled, the broadcast video monitor always mirrors the currently selected viewport.

Framebuffer Support for Windows

On the Windows platform, combustion supports the following video output cards:

• Matrox® DigiSuite® family (including full DigiSuite™, LE™, LX™, and DTV™ models)
• Pinnacle Systems, Inc.® Targa™ 3000 (Visit Pinnacle Systems, Inc. at www.pinnaclesys.com for information and required drivers.)
• DPS® Reality™
• ViewGraphics® Videopump™ and Videopump HD™

Note: combustion also supports the QuickTime™ Video Output Component standard, which may provide compatibility with additional cards not listed here. Check with the hardware manufacturer for QuickTime framebuffer compatibility information.

Framebuffer Support for Macintosh

On the Macintosh platform, combustion supports the following video output cards:

• Apple® Built-In FireWire®
• Digital Voodoo D1 Desktop™
• Pinnacle Systems, Inc. Targa™ CinéWave™, Targa 1000, Targa 2000

Note: combustion also supports the QuickTime Video Output Component standard, which may provide compatibility with additional cards not listed here. Check with the hardware manufacturer for QuickTime Video Output Component compatibility information. In addition, many Macintosh cards are set up to use the video output as a second desktop display. This kind of video output is supported in combustion using the Monitors preferences.

Note: When using built-in Firewire, the DV or compatible device must be connected first; otherwise, it will not appear in the Framebuffer Type list.

To set framebuffer preferences:

1. In the Host category, click Framebuffer.

The Framebuffer preferences appear.



2. Select your video output card from the Framebuffer Type list. Use the Options button in the Framebuffer Preferences to configure settings for your specific hardware.

Note: The framebuffer preference options will vary depending on the specific hardware.

3. You can then set the following options, as required.
   
   

   Enable:	To:
   Overlay on Video	Use the alpha channel on supported framebuffers so that what is in the viewport is displayed over moving video with transparency.
   Use with RAM Player	Play frames cached in RAM on the framebuffer for quicker playback.
   Update Dynamically	Enable Update Dynamically to redraw objects in the preview monitor as you modify them. When this option is disabled, the monitor updates only after a setting is changed.