can ask the OS to load the file for them without knowing anything about the file format
themselves. This can come in very useful if you want to read ISO-9660 CDs generated on
other computers (once you've upgraded your CD32 to a computer, of course).
DMA
Direct Memory Access. Allows other chips apart from the CPU to access the RAM, at the
same time as the CPU. This frees up the CPU for doing other work, whilst the Blitter is
copying memory for example.
Fast RAM
Random Access Memory available to the Amiga's CPU, but not the custom chipset, thus
faster for compute intensive tasks as no time sharing between the custom chipset and CPU is
involved. Adding fast RAM should almost double the speed of the CD32 for non-graphics
intensive work. The CD32 ships with no fast RAM, but third party expansion boxes may
allow for up to 8M of fast RAM expansion if you do not have the FMV cartridge, or 4M if
used with the FMV cartridge.
Flash RAM
RAM which can have data stored such that it survives being powered down. CD32 uses
flash RAM to allow saving high-scores or game position information for the next time you
play. Also known as NVRAM (Non Volatile).
FMV
Full Motion Video - just what it says. Full screen moving pictures. Often mis-used by
journalists to mean any picture, including those that have 10 colours and are around the size
of a postage-stamp, that's spooled from the CD-ROM.
FMV Upgrade
A plug in cartridge that gives the CD32 capability to play MPEG-1 encoded CDs such as
CD-i Digital Video (Star Trek VI, Top Gun) or Video CDs. Note: Only about 13,000 of
these cartridges where made (which means if you don't have one, you probably aren't going
to get one). If you find one for sale, expect to pay big bucks for it.
GIF
Graphic Interchange Format. GIF compression is a standard for storing still pictures with 8
bit colour (256 colours on screen at once) and no loss in picture quality. One of the few
formats that allow for 'transparency' colors as well.
HAM6 or HAM
An earlier version of HAM8, found on A500s, A2000s, and A3000s, that remains for
compatibility. This allows up to 4096 colours on screen at once.
HAM8
Hold And Modify - 8 bit. An Amiga screen mode which can have up to 262144 colours on
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