running OpenGL programs

virtual GLX (VGL) mode

virtual GLX (VGL) mode

Virtual GLX (VGL) defines a special transparent mode within hp's implementation of OpenGL that allows an hp client to render through OpenGL to X servers and/or X terminals that do not support OpenGL or the X server extension for GLX.

This mode is implemented by emulating the X server extension within the OpenGL API client-side library and using the hp Virtual Memory Driver (VMD) to perform Xlib rendering.

VGL provides flexibility for OpenGL users, but does not provide the same level of performance as is available to servers supporting GLX.

visual support for the VGL mode

In VGL mode, the visual capabilities incorporated in glXChooseVisual() and glXGetConfig() are synthesized from the list of X Visuals supported on the target X Server and the capabilities of the Virtual Memory Driver (VMD). Table 1-5 in Chapter 1 lists the X Visuals that are supported through the OpenGL Extension to the X Window System (GLX) in the Virtual GLX (VGL) mode.

special considerations

When you are in the VGL mode, you will notice the following differences between it and the GLX mode.

•VGL deals with X servers that do not support replicated X visuals that provide extended GLX capabilities. This results in a GLX visual list that is synthesized from available X visuals. This list is assigned the maximum set of capabilities supported by the Virtual Memory Driver (VMD) for each particular visual. For example, if a visual is found to be supported by the Double-Buffered Extension (DBE), then it will be reported as having the capability of doing double-buffering. Note that there will not be a counterpart for the GLX visual with the same type and depth that is single buffered. Such visuals are locked to either single buffer or double buffer mode, based upon the first access. In VGL, to utilize one visual for both single and double buffered operation, two separate X display connections must be opened.

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Chapter 3