GRAPHICS OVERVIEW
ln C128 mode, the Commodore 128 BASIC 7.0 language
provides many new and powerful commands and statements that
make graphics programming much easier. Each of the two
screen formats available in C128 mode (40 columns and 80
columns) is controlled by a separate microprocessor chip. The
40-column chip is called the Video Interface Controller, or VIC for
short. The 80-column chip is referred to as the 8563. The vie
chip, which provides 16 colors, controls all the highly detailed
graphics called bit-mapped graphics. The 80-column chip, which
also offers 16 colors, only displays characters and character
graphics. Thus, all detailed graphic programs in C128 mode must
be done in 40-column format.
Graphic Features
As part of its impressive C128 mode graphics capabilities, the
Commodore 128 provides:
• 13 specialized graphics commands
• 16 colors
• Six different display modes
• Eight programmable movable objects called SPRITES
• Combined graphics/text displays
All these features can be integrated to provide a versatile, easy to
use graphics system.
Command Summary
Here is a brief explanation of each graphic command:
BOX — Draws rectangles on the bit map screen
CHAR — Displays characters on the bit map screen
CIRCLE — Draws circles, ellipses and other geometric
shapes
COLOR — Selects colors for screen border, foreground,
background and characters
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