I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your last issue
of CD32bits (June '94).  I'm an american, and I don't have a CD32 quite
yet, but I hope to have one soon.  I'll be getting the FMV cart too, not
because I want it, but because I may be developing for CD32.

    Question: Does the FMV cart give CD32 another meg of FAST RAM?  I've
heard this as a rumor, and if it's true I'll be delighted to buy it.  A
meg of FAST RAM would really speed up 3D games on CD32.  Kind of expensive
just for a meg of ram tho.

    Keep up the good work.

Carmen Rizzolo - Crazed Artist
CarmenR@cup.portal.com

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Hi Carmen,

Right, as for the FMV module..  AFAIK, the module comes with 2Mb of
Fast Ram on board, but this can not be used by the CD32 when the cart
is not being accessed!!!  A great shame, I know.  For the extra RAM,
your best bet is going to be to get the SX1 expansion slot when it is
released (should be soon).  This will allow you to have 8 megs of Fast
on board, although you can only have another 4 if you have the FMV
attached!!  You will also be able to attach an IDE HD, external
floppy, keyboard and Genlock if you wish..

That unit should be available in the next few months.  It would have
been out ages ago, but the company (Microbotics) that was producing it
has sold out to another company (Paravision).  At the moment, there is an
alternative called the CD32x which gives you all the same features as
the SX1, but does not look anywhere as nice. For 1140ukp, you can get
The CD32, FMV, Expansion Dock, and A Genlock.  The Dock on it's own is
450ukp, which is much more expensive than the projected price for the
SX1.

There should be a complete review if the SX-1 expansion slot in next
months CD32Bits, as it was released too late for review!


        Matt