[Virtualacorn-list] Enhancing the RISC OS experience

[David J. Ruck]

On 18 Oct 2008 ralph_valmai at ntlworld.com wrote:
> 1) Would it be possible to use the host to render images that RISC OS
> cannot do? RAW images might be an example. Are there any other host
> resources that might be used in this way?

Yes, lots. Native image decoders could easily incorporated in to 
Select's ImageRenedering API. Similarly native video codecs could
be utilised.

> 2) Would it be possible to write some modules using the host
> instruction set and simply have the emulator pass parameters to the
> module and receive the results? The modules given this treatment would
> have to be such that a significant time saving would result.

Yes, there is the Red Squirrel (VRPC's orginal name before it was 
commercialised) SDK, which allows you to write native DLL's which
can easily communicate with RISC OS modules. RISC OS modules can also 
make direct calls in to host OS APIs. VRPC's HostFS and Networking 
code already employ this mechanism, as I assume does RO 6.10's VRPC 
video driver.

> 3) What other uses of the host are there that might enhance the
> overall performance of the VA in a significant fashion?

Apart from many issues similar to images and video, removal of 
emulation of legacy Risc PC hardware, and altering the RISC OS code to 
talk directly to hardware on the host system.

> It is possible that some of those who have left RISC OS might be
> tempted back if VA became known as the RISC OS you knew and loved but
> with enhancements that RISC OS on the old 'native' machines never had
> and never could have had.

I doubt it, but it would make VRPC far more useful for those that 
already use it.

> Greatly improved disc i/o via hostfs is a significant selling point at
> the moment. The more enhancements of this kind that can be
> implemented, the more attractive VA could become and the longer RISC
> OS could be available and useful.

The big question is whether any developers consider it worth the 
effort to utilise the host OS from within RISC OS, and any users
would use it in preference to the more sophisticated applications 
running on the host system.

Cheers
---Dave

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David J. Ruck   Phone: +44- (0)7974 108301   Email: druck at druck.org.uk
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