CompuServe Messages

clarriSSA uses only one technique to create animations which are generally faster and smoother than the ANIM formats. Magic Lantern has over 10 algorithms to ensure fast playback. ML has the ability to 'mix cocktails' (algorithms) to find the best way to achieve speedier results. This does not mean that clarriSSA is too slow to use, but you don't have very many options to try and get better speeds. On the plus side, clarriSSA has a bunch of built-in effects to add zip to the anims. It also has built-in support for VLab control. The special SSA format that it uses is also dramatically smaller than standard ANIM7/8 formats. I made one animation that came out at around 6 mb, when it was over 12mb in ANIM7 format. The GUI has multiple windows with many features, but it takes awhile to get to learn about all of them. ML has one general GUI, and the options are pretty much straight forward for editing animations and adding sound effects. clariSSA is selling for $150 in the US mail order houses, while ML can be had for less than $100. Personally, if I could afford it, I'd get both programs. For now, I have a UK disk magazine's earlier version of clariSSA. Are they both worth the money? Absolutely. Try and get that performance out of any 486, and you'll come away rejuvinated that your Amiga is still an IBM *ss kicker. Not only that, but ADOS 3.1 should really help alot, also. -= Vance =- Image Master Flying high on Imagine and Imagemaster R/t!