3 ms·
Basically you have some CPU cycles in the "horizontal blank" part of each line that you can use to change chip registers for that line. The TIA had some delay
by tenebrisalietum 4y ago
Basically you have some CPU cycles in the "horizontal blank" part of each line that you can use to change chip registers for that line.
The TIA had some delay bits/latches so you could write player 1 data and player 2 data on alternate lines, but with one delayed so they'd appear on the same line.
Your actual game code was expected to run in VBLANK.
You can of course alter registers while the line is being drawn, if your timing is precise and your data is prepared, and that's the basis of doing advanced things like 6 digit scores and non-symmetrical playfields.