PA-RISC information - since 1999

HP Visualize PA-RISC Graphics

Overview

The HP Visualize line of graphics adapters were used in a large number of PA-RISC workstations integrated onto the mainboard and in expansion cards of various types. HP Visualize were the designated successors to HP HCRX graphics adapters.

HP Visualize
© 1995 Hewlett Packard

Visualize architecture

HP integrated parallel PA-RISC floating point technology from the PA-7200 processor (FPU) into Visualize graphics boards to increase scalable performance and speed up the graphics pipeline. Two FPU cells were added to the -8 and -24, and six cells into the -48. This was heralded as quite interesting and good but unusual.

HP Visualize-8 HP Visualize-48 HP Visualize-48XP
Visualize-8 + 3D, Visualize-24 + 3D, Visualize-48XP © 1997 HP

All Visualize provide 2D hardware acceleration, used by HP’s X11 server on HP-UX. Visualize 3D hardware acceleration is available with Starbase, PHIGS, PowerShade or PEX APIs. Visualize cards have HD15 VGA or EVC connectors.

Visualize video cards

Device Resolution
max
Color
max
Double
buffer
3D Bus and part number
Visualize-EG
base
1280×1024 8-bit Software - onboard with 2MB memory
GSC: A4450A
HSC: A3519A
PCI: A4977A with 4MB SGRAM
PMC: A4979A
Visualize-EG
dual
1280×1024 8-bit Software - GSC: A4451A
Visualize-EG
ext. mem
1600×1200 8-bit Software
Hardware
- GSC: with A4452A
Visualize-8 1280×1024 8-bit Hardware yes GSC: A4441A
Visualize-24 1280×1024 24-bit Hardware
Software
yes GSC: A4442A
Visualize-48 1280×1024 24-bit Hardware
Software
yes GSC: A4244A
Visualize-48XP 1280×1024 24-bit Hardware
Software
yes GSC (dual): A4246A
HSC: A4455A

Part numbers

Part numbers of Visualize for PA-RISC:

HP VisualEyes

Interestingly, HP very briefly called these cards HP VisualEyes before renaming and marketing them under HP VISUALIZE as successors to the HCRX line of adapters.

Prices

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Documentation

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