Orchid Graphics Adapter

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Orchid Graphics Adapter
Release date1982; 42 years ago (1982)
Cards
Entry-levelOrchid Graphics Adapter
History
PredecessorMDA
Simulated Orchid Graphics Adapter image without aspect ratio correction
Simulated Orchid Graphics Adapter image with correct aspect ratio as would be seen on a 4:3 monitor

The Orchid Graphics Adapter is a graphics board for IBM PC compatible computers, released in 1982 by Orchid Technology.[1][2]

It was intended to provide high resolution (at the time) monochrome graphic abilities to computers limited to text displays. It was aimed at the business market and one of the three first third party graphic boards for PCs (the others being Plantronics Colorplus and Hercules Graphics Card).[3]

It offered a monochrome 720 × 350 pixel resolution (similar to Hercules Graphics Card)[4] and required an existing MDA board to function.[5][3] The board also offered an IBM PC joystick adapter.[5]

No software, other than GSX-86[6][2] and that supplied with the board (Dr. Halo by Media Cybernetics),[7][8][3] offered support for the hardware. Graphic routines could be called from FORTRAN, PASCAL or IBM BASIC.[5]

Output capabilities[edit]

  • 720 × 350 monochrome graphics, pixel aspect ratio of 1:1.55.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Zussman, John (October 11, 1982). "IBM PC compatibility is focus at PC+1 convention". InfoWorld. pp. 3, 5.
  2. ^ a b Elliott, John (January 2023). "Miscellaneous Video Cards - Orchid Graphics Adapter". John Elliott's homepage. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
  3. ^ a b c Machrone, Bill (July 1983). "Three Alternative Graphics Boards". PC Magazine. pp. 435–438.
  4. ^ Pointing, Bob (June 26, 1989). "High-Resolution Standard Is Latest Step in DOS Graphics Evolution". InfoWorld. p. 48.
  5. ^ a b c "PC owners - don't get left behind... expand your horizons ! (Orchid Graphics Adapter Advert)". PC Magazine. October 1982. p. 203.
  6. ^ "CP/M86 1.1 IBM-PC software". 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
  7. ^ "SOFT - Media Cybernetics Inc. Dr. Halo". Computerworld. August 27, 1984. p. 63.
  8. ^ "A colorful HALO". PC Magazine. September 1983. p. 67.


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