CompuServe Messages

Terru, re your questions about HAM-E anims, etc: 1) prefering HAM-E 256 color (Register) over HAM-E 262,000 color (HAM-E). Register usually plays faster in large change anims, as long as the palette is optimized. HAM-E is much more likely to generate larger delta files, and slower anims. But that may be partly due to the fact that there is currently no way to guarantee the same base palette in different HAM-E mode images. That may help (when they put that option in); I won't know till I see it. For now, the Register mode is easier to use for large change anims. When doing DPaint style anims (ie with basically static backgrounds, and animated brushes), however, I haven't seen much speed difference. (HAM-E Paint software has a wonderful ARexx-based animation program that makes this style anim easy) As in all ram-based anims, keeping the delta changes to a minimum speeds things up. How small do you have to be? I don't know. I have no problems with several 1/2 screen brushes moving at once (get 15fps or so), but I have an 030. I don't find it any real limitation at all, except that a full screen anim with tons of changes (ie scrolling background, etc) is going to be slow regardless. I have seen DCTV, first at AmiExpo, and lately at a local dealer. Of the two I prefer HAM-E considerably. Aside from all the questions of recording quality, etc (which Ben or someone else is better qualified to answer than me), there is the software question. I currently use the HAM-E paint and IP software, and it is spectacular. I guess I wonder if DCTV will be able to match that software performance. I've always claimed that the software is only as good as the artist using it, and I suppose I could extend that to say that the hardware is only as good as the software supporting it. DCTV may be the right choice for you, for many reasons. But, as in all things, I'd advise seeing both, trying both, thinking hard about that $300-500, and then deciding. Hope this helps. –jp–seattle– [ MORE ]