This is an archive of CompuServe forum messages from 1985 to 1995, as saved in transcripts by John Foust.
Search Results (767 messages)
John, Thank you for the compliments. I can tell you that most of our engineers would probably NOT work for Microsoft. Then again if they offered terrific stock options and paid major league baseball salaries. Maybe. ;-} Nah! Regards, John Chang
I've worked in the computer industry for a relatively short term, about 8 years. Indeed, there are some aspects of the market that baffle me. Like why does the majority believe that an IBM compatible with Windows is the cats meow. ;-} >Did you know that Paramount is integrating computer…
Jim, >and mixed video modes. Indeed, a very important feature that I overlooked. Indeed, the Windows '9X will allow you to switch to different modes without resetting, however, I know of several VGA card manufacturers that include drivers that will do the same. In fact, Binar Graphics has a DLL…
Ed, I do talk about MMOS and Scala MultiMedia MM100 for the PC in a forum message that I posted yesterday. Check out the message I left for John Bennett. If you have any additional questions, I'll tell you what I can. Regards, John Chang
At least 3 million SGI workstations. Right?
Actually, CEI is doing something close to the $99.00 deal and this time, its legitimate and with our blessings. Check out the message I sent to Leslie B.
Daniel, Er, I think the GVG100 protocol is based on an EDL standard developed by the Grass Valley Group. Regards, John Chang
Rusty, >Watching QuickTime movies on PCs and Macs gives you a keen appreciation of what real multimedia is. Geez Rusty, if you think QuickTime movies IS multimedia, you've been viewing it with blinders on and eating out of a feed bag! ;-} QuickTime or for that matter, any digital video…
In essence, yes, we are making our own operation system, called MMOS (Multimedia Multitasking Operation System). The MMOS microkernel will sit on top of MS-DOS and will work in the 32-bit protected mode. This means that our software does not inherit most of the problems associated with MS-DOS based programs.…
Leslie, >John, if you want to sell me a copy of MM300 for $100 or IC for $300 I ->PROMISEof you! (Star Trek: Voyager is a week away!) I wish I could! I'd be in some serious wonton soup if I did! ;-} Sorry my friend, but I'll have to…
Richard, Thank you for the compliments. Which version of the software are you working with? Regards, John Chang
John, We have an MPEG decoder called MD100, in its final testing stages and now awaits FCC approval. I'll let you know. Regards, John Chang
Jerry, Well, at least you all are human. Unlike lawyers… or the IRS (think Borg). ;-} Regards, John Chang
The Scala MultiMedia MM200/A3000P version that sold for $99.00, promoted by Creative Computers in CA, were debundled (illegal) and sold seperately from a Commodore A3000 promotion two years ago. I doubt if any "new in box" copies are still floating around. You may want to place a classified in the…
From what I understand, the Windows API makes it difficult to playback double-buffered animations. Indeed, I do recall Toolbook had some sort of "double-buffering" scheme. It could be that they are running the animation through system RAM as opposed to playing the animation directly to the VGA display. Thus the…
Ed, You said and I quote, "I'm not real sure what you're saying about MMOS, but it sounds like you are retaining some part(s) of MSDOS (maybe file services?) while creating other OS services (replacements?) to allow one to conduct SCALA style multimedia. Say, isn't that what Windows does?" Regarding…
While WinNT can run 32-bit apps, its code is closer to Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups 3.11, than we like. Indeed WinNT is no multimedia friendly than Windows, although you can make it friendlier by using a gung ho RISC processor. Windows '95, if it ever comes out in…
Steve, Aw, jeez! You really want me to earn my paycheck this week, eh? ;-} OK. let bring out the list, hang on a sec… found it. Lets see…Sentara Health Systems, Automatic Data Processing (ADP), Ford Motor Company, General Motors, JCPenney, EDS, Bell Core, Prudential, Xerox, Harrahs Casino & Hotel,…
Jerry, Oh boy! I'm hanging around some real sickos around here! ;-} Now, now DJ. Get that stupid grin off your face… PUT DOWN THAT RUBBER CHICKEN! ;-} Regards, John Chang
Jonathan, No I had not! Could you elaborate? I'd greatly appreciate any information you could provide. Thanks in advance. Regards, John Chang
Brad, Oh, I'm not upset at you my friend. Indeed, I happen to know several Klingons. An old boss comes to mind. ;-} Regards, John Chang
Fremer, The Amiga comes close, however, like the other platforms there are pros and cons. For example, the Amiga does not have a standard digital video format like QuickTime. Our answer is MPEG. If you have the time, I would strongly suggest going to visit our Netherlands office. Its well…
#Conspiracies
Message #180848
Jerry, I did read, in that same PC Magazine article, that the Packard Bell support center in Chatsworth, CA was destroyed in an earthquake. Since then, they have a new support center somewhere in Colorado and supposedly have a staff of 700. Probably the transition of the support center and…
Mr. Popcorn
Message #180847
Jim, No, he wasn't handing out any freebies. I believe he was on his way to some convention in Dallas after spending a quiet Christmas in Evansville. What annoyed me was that his Grandson was with him, yet it was I who helped Mr. Redenbacher on and off the shuttle…
Amiga clones
Message #180846
Jerry, Well, do what I do. Next time you have to go the can to do the number 2, take our materials and read through them again. Its amazing how peaceful and quiet it can be and how well you can concentrate and understand what you are reading. ;-} Regards,…
Amiga clones
Message #180845
Arthur, Ah, I wish I was that confident. Like all software, we crash occasionally. Not as much as some of my Windoze applications though. Grumble, growl, wreken, freshen, meshen… Regards, John Chang
#Flyer Specs
Message #180844
Daniel, Good to hear that you are working on some sort of EDL "log" utility. Nothing terribly fancy, just an EDL that follows standards like GVG100 lists. Regards, John Chang
Andrew, You said and I quote, "Unfortunately, the animation flickers a lot because Director doesn't use double buffering like the Amiga (which I think is a HW thing)." From what I've been told it is not a hardware thing, its a Windoze thing. ;-} MM100 will support double-buffered animation. Regards,…
Ed, We don't do "Windoze"! Scala MultiMedia MM100 for the PC will work in the 32-bit memory protected mode. This means no 640KB DOS limit, HMA, UMB, XMS and EMS nonsense to deal with. We are adding our own microkernel layer on top of MS-DOS called MMOS (Multimedia Multitasking Operating…
You said and I quote: "Here's another of my inane examples: If Scala (who are already undercutting the market) sold Scala300 for $100 and InfoChannel for, say, $300 the market would say "hey, there's something wrong here, Scala must be junk". They might not buy it because it is cheap.…
Thanks for the compliments. Let me know if you have questions. I have all the answers. Well, most of them at least.
Indeed it is unfortunate. A positive growth in the Amiga's development and market will be necessary before we do new products for the platform. We are keeping an open mind and hopeful wish that the situation will turn out well. In the meantime, we must continue to put our time…
#1290-
#Frame Rate
Message #1316
Brad, >We can stand the little window INDEO gives us, but we have to figure out how to get the video size >down to something that makes people talking look like they are speaking English, not Chinese! Hey, watch it now! ;-} Maybe not Chinese, more likely Klingon! Regards, John…
Nathan, I seem to recall a generic model release form printed in a "VideoMaker" magazine article sometime ago. I'll have to go looking. If I come up with it, I'll let you know. Regards, John Chang
The Macrosystems Development Warp Engine solves many performance problems found in the A4000. The Warp is a replacement CPU module. Therefore, you can buy a version that has a 28, 33 or 40 MHz 68040 processor and replace the entire '030 module. Your existing 4MB 1×32 72-Pin SIMMs can be…
#180223-
No 68060?
Message #180247
John, The Macrosystems Development Warp Engine solves many performance problems found in the A4000. The Warp is a replacement CPU module. Therefore, you can buy a version that has a 28, 33 or 40 MHz 68040 processor and replace the entire '030 module. Your existing 4MB 1×32 72-Pin SIMMs can…
Jerry, >I'd love to some production for access, but finding the time is a major killer. That's the beauty of InfoChannel (IC). You can do content development from your studio or home with the IC Master software and transmit it via modem to the IC Player at the cable headend.…
Andrew, >I suspect that Scala is probably pretty good [Tech Support] I think we do a fairly good job. ;-} Regards, John Chang
Andrew, >Anyway, nothing incideous was ment by it (such as "breaking" the copy-protect dongle) I assure you. I wasn't thinking of that. ;-} However, there are some problems with MM300, which we hope to address in a maintenance upgrade. We have workaround solution for the most serious bug. See SCALAFIX.LHA…
Daniel, I suppose that and EDL is not necessary for the "creative" editing environment of the Flyer, however, it would be convenient for those who only have conventional editing equipment to modify a Flyer created video clips. There has got to be a way to make a "log" of events…
Jerry, >Hehehehehe – you should see the disparaging report on public access my Cable Commission >sub-committee authored. Hmm, I'd like to get a copy of that report if I may. Well, this is your opportunity to exhibit your skills at multimedia and television production. Regards, John Chang
>Lemme see here. In the Circuit City ad I'm looking at, a Packard Bell P60 with 420Meg HD, CD-ROM, >8Meg RAM, monitor and stuff is $1,999.94. My P90 box from an integrator had a base of $1,625. with >250Meg HD, 8Meg RAM, SVGA and the other basics. To illustrate your…
Jerry, >Apple has one of the worst records for consistently failing to match production with demand. No, it was Commodore aka Medhi Ali that had the worst. ;-} Regards, John Chang
Larry, ROFL-PA! Repent! Repent! Regards, John Chang
Ed, >And John keeps going and going.. Yup! And trying to avoid the wrath of DJ's rubber chicken! (Enter main theme from Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back) ;-} Regards, John Chang
Dale, Hey, good idea! Should have thought about that myself, but then that's why I have you around! ;-} Regards, John Chang
Mr. Popcorn
Message #180088
Hello All, I had a wonderful Christmas in Evansville, Indiana and I certainly hope that you and yours had a very merry one too! Now that everyone is sated after eating more than they can eat, thanking everyone for their presents and saying hello to relatives you've never met or…
As to authoring programs, itsa coming, itsa coming! Especially as we gain experience in our Interactive Television authoring and playback tool developments. I believe some people were having problems with the MicroTouch driver used on AGA based machines. CEI sells a complete MicroTouch touchscreen kit with monitor (CEI 1962). FYI,…
>Your points about doing this on the Amiga are some of the major >reasons I "force" the Amiga solution for my multimedia endeavours and >believe SCALA has even capitalized on it! Yes indeed we do, especially with users like you! ;-} Happy New Year Ed! Regards, John Chang
Ed, Glad you like the software. Bare in mind that despite its somewhat "magical" capabilities, it is not a full-fledged authoring program. Well, at least not yet. ;-} We've heard of problems using the AmigaVision drivers with certain touchscreens. CEI is an authorized Microtouch reseller and has an excellent driver…
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