CompuServe Messages

Greetings all. I'm going to be suppying some generic animations generated on a Mac for PC users and I'd like to get some advice as to suitable formats with their advantages and limitations. SOURCE FILES: Of variable size, from 64×64 to 240×320, frame rates generally 10 to 15 fps. All content will be 8 bit windows palette. They'll contain from 10 to 60 frames of animation. They currently exist as either Raw QuickTime or PICS files (Macintosh formats). FLC: I understand that these are frame differenced, and can be of any size. My main question is whether applications that can use .FLCs can use a matte colour – uhm, I'll illustrate: <g> Say I have a 20 frame loop of a flag fluttering gently. It's in 8 bit, and the flag is on a white background (IOW the first cell in the CLUT). If I save this as a PICS file, I – and other users – will be able to put this loop onto any background by using the white bgd as an alpha channel (aka key channel). I don't have to pre-matte it onto a particular background. The penalty is a minimal performance hit, but the animation is very modest to start with, so to all intents and purposes it just sits there and animates. So, if I convert from PICS to .FLC, will .FLC users be able to matte it onto their work, or will I have to do it for them? Are there any "Gotcha's" I should be aware of in using FLC. files? How about frame differencing (does it or doesn't it)? What about trail inks (unsure of yr specific name for this <g>)? Many thanks in advance, Matt Davis Director, Graphics & IT Project Multi Media Ltd Internet: MattDavis@ProjectM.Demon.Co.UK C$: 100137,1175