Display Screen

Nintendo 64 games will be displayed on various types of television systems. Therefore, the following cautions should be observed.

9-1 Safety Frame Size (Recommended)

Caution
Anticipate that a user's TV will not display data on the edge of the TV screen. Important information (data) should be displayed in a manner which avoids the edge of the TV screen.

Discussion
Some TVs cannot display data on the edge of the TV screen. For specific values of the safe frame setting on various televisions, refer to Developer News 1.3, Section 3: Safe Frame. Determine the location of the displayed information after considering the importance of the message.


9-2 Excessive Flicker (Recommended)

Caution
It is recommended that developers avoid unnecessary flickering or flashing on the screen.

Discussion
Visually-induced seizures, seizures precipitated by flashing lights and patterns, may occur in some individuals who have a pre-existing susceptibility called photo- or pattern sensitivity. While photo- and pattern sensitivity in the general population are extremely rare, persons with either of these conditions may experience seizures as a result of watching some kinds of television pictures or playing certain video games. Therefore, we suggest avoiding excess flickering or flashing.


9-3 Screen Boundaries (Recommended)

Caution
Data which exists directly outside of the frame buffer boundaries should not appear on the television screen.

Discussion
Screen boundaries vary from one TV to another. If data directly adjacent to the frame buffer is not clipped by the Video DAC, some televisions may display the data as lines of "static", which appear at the top or bottom of the screen.

Using standard video modes, this problem should not appear. However, if a video mode has been altered in any way, the boundaries of the frame buffer display should be checked to ensure that no extra data is being displayed outside of the intended region.


© 1999 Nintendo of America Inc.
Release Date: March 1999