After some typing, compiling and syntax error fixing, this was the 1st response of the video chip on the shield:

Initially I was scratching my head about what was going on, because page 24 of the datasheet says, the default value for the ID register is ABh, but page 49 tells the correct value of 2Bh and everything is hunky-dory.

Now comes the easy part of figuring out how to configure the video display controller. The first image will be amazing as my only device with video input is a 40" TV.