The advancement of computational science, and the related hardware, moves forward with a general increase in information handling capabilities. At the end of the process is a presentation of the data, whether it is in text, numeric, visual, and/or audio forms.
The visual analog to higher powered computers, networks, and storage devices is High Definition (HD) video technologies. NCSA is building an HD facility which is flexible enough to encompass the already high-resolution displays users are accustomed to in workstations, along with alternative display resolutions and new HDTV, recordable video resolutions. The equipment will be hard-wired into the HIPPI network being established for all of NCSA's high-performance machines.
The CRAY Y/MP, CONVEX C3380, Thinking Machines' CM-5, and SGI Onyx computer systems will eventually all be on the HIPPI network and have PsiTech drivers installed for users to work with.
Maximum resolution is 2048 x 2048 pixels, at 60 Hz, progressive scan refresh rates. This is a much higher resolution than any current HDTV standards or proposals. Being multiresolution, however, both the frame buffer and projector can be used at various resolutions, from 1280 x 1024 at 120 Hz on up. Any new standards for American HDTV production can be programmed into the PsiTech in the future.
Other forms of HD workstations, whereby HD displays are used as the main interface to oneีs workstation, are also being explored.
To facilitate integration of our onsite resources, a comprehensive infrastructure is being planned, including video routing, scan conversion (between numerous video standards), recording, and display devices.
Users are invited to visit the facility and explore the ways they might use this High Definition facility. Contact Vincent Jurgens, by phone at (217) 244-1543 or by electronic mail at vjurgens@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Internet).