3DLABS Oxygen VX1 - Manual (Page 48)

Terms and Definitions
39 3Dlabs Oxygen VX1/GVX1 User’s Guide
SDRAM
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) is a cost-effective solution to
improve bandwidth to and from memory, resulting in increased graphics performance.
SGRAM
Synchronous Graphics Random Access Memory allows data to be written in a single
operation, rather than a (slower) sequence of operations. It also handles background and
foreground image fills effectively.
SDTP
Super Desktop Publishing. SDTP runs at 1600 x 1200.
Stencil Buffer
Similar to stipple masking, the stencil buffer assists with the creation of transparent effects.
Stipple masking
A technique that spatially creates transparent effects by rendering an object through various
patterns.
Streaming SIMD
An instruction set developed by Intel for Pentium III-processor based systems. Streaming
SIMD can improve 3D vertice transformation and lighting, among other operations.
SVGA
Super Video Graphics Array. SVGA runs at 800 x 600.
Tessellation
The initial part of the 3D pipeline where the object is described by a set of triangles.
Texture Mapping
A technique that enables 2D graphic images to be “wrapped” around or “pasted” on to a 3D
primitive. Perspective correction and lighting calculations allow for added realism.
Transformation
The change in rotation, size and perspective of an object in 3D space.
Transparency
A function that refers to the rendering of transparent (non-opaque) objects. Transparency is
generally accomplished on a polygon rendering system using either screen-door transparency
or alpha blending.
Vectors/second
Lines drawn per second.
VGA
Video Graphics Array. VGA runs at 640 x 480.
VHR
Very High Resolution. VHR runs at 1280 x 1024.
VRAM
Video Random Access Memory is an expensive, fast type of RAM that is used as display
memory on high-end graphics boards.