Currently their is a 40 to 50 FPS loss difference with the DMD code in the Pinmame.DLL. Tho this is still in Beta, and Destruk hasn't Cleaned it into the code yet, and disabled the LCD DMD within it. I would say that after Beta is done, and the LCD DMD is removed from the Code, you will see a GREAT increase in FPS.
Not to mention that you can run both your Playfeild, and your Backglass on one GPU.
The only issue I see with the alfa numeric numbers is having both the DMD and the BS2 running at the same time. Hopefully There will be away to edit the pinmame, or have it call to a file that says to run the DMD or not for certain games. That as a end user can control, so that we can avoid a double score board. And update the Pinmame.DLL based on what games have been completed with the BS2 system.
I can personally say that the Real DMD is night and day, compared to the LCD DMD. And those waiting for a COLOR DMD, they are just using a LCD in full color for it. Not to mention that your Going to be waiting at least 3 to 5 years to get your hands on it, unless we as a community redo it ourselves.
Stern is coming out with a NO DMD system, and replacing the backglass with a LCD ( what most of us cab owners already have ) And the scoring will be taking place on the backglass LCD.
This is good for two reasons... One, the Stern Sam Systems games will be available for us in the not to far distance future. Two, and those of us with a Real DMD, and a LCD backglass will be future proof with sterns new system, when and if they are available.
Bottom line, Get this DMD while you can, you wont regret it. Also Russ is a great person to deal with, and has so far addressed every issue that has come along. ( Mind you I'm still beta testing it )
It's H4CK3R Approved,
H4CK3R