#I finally saw one!
48 messages in this thread
All,
I finally! got to play with a CD32. I just found a new dealer (yes, an
Amiga dealer opening!?!?!) in downtown Seattle, 3 blocks from my work.
I wasn't real impressed with the graphics on the games. It seems they're
all just ports to the CD32 and not re-written to take advantage of it's
capabilities. I think the best graphics I saw were on the CD prompt
screen. I wasn't too surprised. I'd heard that out here before. It seems
like the games did take advantage of the space available on CD for alot of
sampled audio.
He'll actually have some in stock next week. If C= can ever find the
Warrantee cards that someone forgot to include…we'll see how it all
turns out…
Robb
Robert,
You finally saw one? I've had one for at least 2 months. Exactly what games
did you see? Why should you be impressed? A CD32 is a 1200 in disguise. If
you want to see good graphics look at a decent game. Take a look at Microcosm
or even the cover CD from Amiga User International magazine.
Steve,
Yep, "I" finally did! I am actually amazed that I saw one 'in an Amiga'
store. I know you've had one for a while, but I hadn't seen any in this
area (Seattle, WA, USA).
The guy I was talking to was really hoping Microcosm would come in, soon!
Being over here, I don't believe I've ever seen a Mag with a CD on the
cover (although we do get quite a few Euro-mags with diskettes…I guess
we'll just see if it sells over here).
I don't remember the names of the games I saw, I wasn't impressed, I
didn't remember (the guy I've worked with for the last 7 years thought it
was pretty amazing though, and he's got kids with SNES etc…). Well,
maybe I was a little impressed by the sound samples but…
My girlfriend's 14 year old son is helping me make a case to buy one
(appearently he has heard about it through the game mags he reads)…it
isn't working on his Mom, though…I think I'll still wait 'til I see
something that really does the platform justice, then I'll just buy one.
That was a ramble!
In short, that's my point, I'd love to see a 'decent' game on the CD32!
Robb
I just picked up a copy of Amiga User with the CD at my local Amiga dealer
(KJ Computers in Los Angeles). Now, if they would only get the CD32 in,
I'd be all set. They had more than 15 titles, too. BTW, I just saw my
first copy of Amiga Zone, the "first Amiga game magazine". It is
excellent, with summaries of all the Euro-mag reviews, and *NTSC/PAL
compatibility* ratings. They also cover all CD32 games. I subscribed at
once. <G>
-Karl Speaking from the Rubble.
Sounds like I'll be looking for Amiga Zone…the NTSC/PAL ratings alone
may be worth the price.
And pondering a CD32 purchase. It would help if they actually had them to
buy…for some reason, when I actually buy something like this, I'd like
to support actual dealers (support later on etc.) and actually get a good
feeling from the person I'm buying it from rather than impersonal
mail-order. Having it actually in stores also says a tad about how serious
C= is in their attempt to market it here in the states.
I'll bet the dealer I was at wished he had 15 titles to sell…
Robb
Whoops, it's actually called "Amiga Game Zone". My first issue arrived
Saturday, although I had seen it at my dealer's. Well worth the money.
Especially the compatiblity ratings: PAL/NTSC, OS version(s), and HD
installable.
-Karl Speaking from the Rubble.
Karl,
I believe I've already replied to you on this message about Amiga Zone and
such…(I've been playing Frontier, damnit!, I don't have time for games
that take so much time…).
I talked to this dealer on 3/25 and he actually had his full order of 24
CD32's in the store! That sounds a lot different than the C= I've been
used to for the last 10 years! Actually delivering the product, roughly
when they said, and the entire quantity! Sounds rather promising…
Robb
Robert,
I agree we do need some great software for the CD32. Maybe the mother
would have been impressed if she had seen some educational programs
that could help her son out in school(that takes advantage of the-
audio, video, and multitasking of the CD32)…..a good football game
could have impressed the son ….and if it was really GOOD it would
have impressed you also.
Steve,
I have a question. How in the H#$% did you get the Demo of Microcosm
to work with your CD32? The Amiga CD! disk on the cover of AUI is a PAL
disk so I booted my CD32 in PAL. Then after loading the demo I watched
the great Intro, then just as game play was about to begin I got a green
screen and a loud siren sound. Any Ideas?
Peter
Peter M. D'Angelo
Cruising on AutoPilot over NY
Peter,
Hmmm … thanks to you I now know that I don't have a defective CD32 as I have
the same symptoms <grin>.
I booted my CD32 in PAL mode (mouse in port 2, hold down both mouse buttons,
power on CD32, select Display Options). That helped for some things (like the
Frogger game … I can actually see the frog now). Didn't help much with
Microcosm, but, my dealer has Microcosm in stock (it's a pricy title! Suggested
Retail is $89.95) so if I get the urge I'll go get it from him.
Can any of you use the PAL modes with a TV, or do they only work with a
monitor?
-Karl Speaking from the Rubble.
No idea … I've got my CD32 hooked up to a 1702 composite monitor.
Yes, with a PAL TV. 🙂
NTSC TVs don't like PAL inputs.
— Dale L. Larson, Intangible Assets Manufacturing
— INTERNET:dale@iam.com
Few American TVs will display a PAL signal. My Magnavox does, my little
Emerson doesn't.
The Maganavox-manufactured 1084 monitors are the only ones that handle PAL
well too. Must have something to do with Philips/Magnavox being so big in
Europe.
Steve,
Guess what? I got the Microcosm demo to run. It was an amazing
thing too. Didn't have to boot PAL or anything like that. All I did was
clean the CD it came on. I read somewhere that the MPEG video disks
faulted when they were dirty so I thought that mabe regular CD32 disks
were effected similarly. Eureka! It was worth the time (30 seconds).
Now I see the great Intro and the less then great game play of Microcosm.
Peter M. D'Angelo
Peter M. D'Angelo
Cruising on AutoPilot over NY
Hello Peter!
I have the AUI CD and I had the same problems with the Microcosm demo. I found
a way to play the demo without the interruption after the intro. You have to
start your CD32 without a CD in it, you wait until the AMIGA CD32 logo and the
music have appeared, then you put in the AUI CD. Now you must listen to the
whole intro and the talking (dont interrupt them) and go directly to the
Microcosm demo, now it should work. At my AMIGA CD32 it worked. By the way I
have bought Microcosm in the meantime and play the whole game, I bought it for
107,00 DM. The graphics and sounds are excellent. At the beginning it was a bit
boring, because it is very difficult to stay alive in the game, but after a
time I got to use with the control. It is getting really interesting and it is
hard action.
Many greetings from Germany
Stephan
Stephan,
I tried your method and got thru the intro and the game demo without the
green screen. Thanks! Now I know that my CD32 is okay and the AUI CD is
screwy.
-sja
It seems, according to AUI, that the demo is bugged, and won't work
properly… BTW, some users have been able to make it run by doing a cold
boot… Some other have booted other software, then the AmigaCD! disc and
had it run ok. Sorry, I have no real clue, but patience and trials are the
keys |-) Your machine is not faulty 🙂
The final sales Microcosm ain't bugged anyway…
Fred.
Frederic Botton from Paris, France
fbotton@cix.compulink.co.uk
Frederic,
We have a copy of the CD32 demo here and it works fine. Could have been the
master CD that may have been defective during duplication. Carelessness I
would say.
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
I think you're lucky that the AUI coverCD(!) works fine, because all the
people I've talked to did have problems. It doesn't always happen…
I share your enthousiasm about the CD32, even if C='s situation ain't
really good… But as far as I remember, they always managed to escape
such situations 🙂
Cheers,
Fred.
Frederic Botton from Paris, France
fbotton@cix.compulink.co.uk
Here at Scala, we have two NTSC versions of the CD32. One has the FMV (Full
Motion Video) MPEG video cartridge. Commodore should have sent the
participating dealer a CD32 demo disk which contains upcoming or released
games. This includes "Jurrasic Park" and a demo version of "Microcosim" which
is currently out for the PC. There are a number of movie releases for the
CD32, including "Star Trek VI", "Black Rain", etc. Pick up the latest issue of
"Amiga World" or "Amazing Computing" for the latest titles available.
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
I think you're a bit behind the times. I got an NTSC CD32 a couple of months
ago. Microcosm has been out for CD32 for a couple of weeks … my dealer has
10-12 copies in stock. All "white book" videoCD titles will run on CD32 if
you've got the FMV module (I don't) and there are 30 or so available now with
an explosion of releases due this summer..
So much for being on top of things! Thanks for the info Steve!
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
Actually the movie disks are not really released for CD32, but are
actually disks that have been released that follow the Phillips CD-i video
disk format which the CD32 is compatible with.
I have about 10 different movies in stock.
I am not really picking nits, just pointing out that these disks are now
readily available and may well be in Blockbuster for rent. Phillips owns
a portion of Blockbuster.
-mark=
Otto Pilot Engaged..
Oh, the Grand SYSOP is now a perfectionist!!! ;-}
I knew that… really, I did! Don't believe me? Mike W. may be giving you
call to get some of the titles. Any recommendations?
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
If you can stand Cruise.. Top Gun is excellent.
Is the Weaver-unit back from NAB yet?
-mark=
Otto Pilot Engaged..
Hey Mark,
"Top Gun" it is. Mike W. is scheduled to arrive today. I expect him to be in
on Monday. As you may know hosting a booth at NAB imposes a killer schedule.
They have morning meetings that start at 7am then attending the booth between
9am and 6pm and then evening meetings that may last till 11pm. Glad they were
there and not me!
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
I'm even amazed that C= is (or that authorized distributor over in Florida
or where ever) is even 'promising' shipping this small, new, dealer, ANY
CD32's (as I've seen comments out here about C= only doing
whatever-mart-stores). The only reason this guy can afford to run a store
around here is because he's into video production and rents the space in
the first place so, he thought, why not use a few feet, hire one person,
and use it as a store front? I doubt he'd be high on the list for a demo
FMV. He does have the lastest stuff, unlike (the very few) other dealers,
within driving distance, around here, but he's not Scala!
I've got the lastest AW, the only Amiga specific subscription I have, and
I don't want to see titles in a mag I want see a noticable effect from the
screen I'm looking at. This guy's got a hard road just trying to run a
business effectively for the Amiga platform, but you'd think they could
get "Microcosm" or whatever. They have orders in. They are waiting…
They're still waiting on the CD32's as well (huh, have I heard that
before? Nah, must've been somewhere else…).
Robb
Robert,
The latest issue of "Amiga World" should contains ads from Amiga mailorder
companies that are selling the CD32 based games. "Microcosm" may not be
listed, but you may want to give them a call to see if they recently got it in
stock.
Commodore has a strict criteria for dealers who wish to sell CD32 units.
Indeed, it is no secret that Commodore is working hard to negotiate deals with
several retailers to sell CD32 and software titles. As you may know, its
important that Commodore close these deals with these retailers. This will
make game development more profitable for everyone involved. CD32 is a fairly
big success in Europe, but the American market is the biggie!
What Commodore wants to insure, is that the MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested
Retail Price) and advertised price of the CD32 is not eroded between the Amiga
dealer network and these new retailers. I don't think the larger retailers
(e.g. Walmart) are going to sell CD32 initially. The price point is still to
high.
Value added resellers and integrators (many of which are Amiga dealers) should
be interested in the CD32 for multimedia purposes. Depending on what authoring
tools are available, or what will become available, the CD32 is an excellent
platform for interactive multimedia training systems, kiosks, commerical
insertion systems (local cable advertising), etc. A CD32 (MSRP $399) and the
MPEG FMV (Full Motion Video) Cartridge (MSRP $199) makes a very powerful
delivery platform for multimedia communications. I really think that this year
CD32 will be the C64 that Commodore was hoping for.
I recently received a letter from CEI (Creative Equipment International), the
Amiga dealer distributor for CD32, stating that deliveries of the units have
already started for those dealers who fall within the Commodore specified
criteria.
Dealer Inquiries for CD32 should call CEI at (305) 266-2800 or fax at (305)
261-2544.
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
I should point out that Microsphere also is a distributor for CD32. CEI
does NOT have a lock on the US market, though I am sure they would like
everyone to think they have. 🙂
As far as strict criteria goes.. all you have to have is the ability to
pay for CD32s from the distributor. I should add here that the $399
retail price will indeed be in place considering the cost figure that I
have recieved for CD32. For once in Commodore history the mail order
companies can't afford to sell it cheaper than I do. We shall see if that
holds however. 🙂
The warranty cards are now at the distributors all the distributors (CEI
included) is waiting for the software bundle from Commodore. Understand
that Commodore is _not_ putting the actual physical packages together,
rather the distributors are. That means Commodore ships this stuff
piece-meal to the distributor. The distributor puts it together as a
package. Commodore says they do not have the man power.
Kinda cool huh? (grin)
By the way.. still no word on A1200s being manufacturered even though
Commodore has promised them. Medhi Ali has indicated that there was
problems at DeWou (sp) with the picture tubes of the monitors and that is
the reason the March 15th delivery day was not kept. Expect monitors in
the first week of April. I leave it up to the reader to decide as to
whether you believe Medhi. (grin)
I agree with you on one major point though John–CD32 is/will be the best
kiosk machine ever built. 🙂
-mark=
Otto Pilot Engaged..
Mark: I thought you might be interested in a posting from Jerrell
Nickerson of Eagle Tree Software concerning a CD32 development system
based on their Multimedia authoring system "Helm":
"No kidding, the CD32 version of Helm will be out by the end of May. Well,
actually it is a version to create CD32 applications. It will cost a lot
more than the standard version of Helm. It has support for the game
controller, CDXL, MPEG, CD audio, the nonvolatile memory, and a more
sophisticated autobrowse system for moving the focus around the page with
the controller. It also takes into account some of the nuances of creating
an application that must juggle CD audio or video as it moves from page to
page with only one laser.
You might have seen a press release for a serial cable to connect an Amiga
computer to the CD32. The cable will come with Helm books that allow you
to play audio and video CD's from the Amiga. There is also a miniature
bulletin board system integrated in the books. You type in messages,
select the effect, pen colors, speed, and background transparency on the
Amiga side. Then you press a button and send a script over to the CD32
which updates the messages. MPEG video streams can play behind the text.
It effectively gives you an simple offline editing system for a bulletin
board. It is not as sophisticated as InfoChannel but it works and only
requires the cable and a CD32. Not only that you can play Star Trek
behind the text. <g> The best part is that I created the entire system in
a couple of weeks and had a blast inventing new Helm features to get it to
work. With the communications facilities of the next Helm, I now see a lot
of possibilities for interactive books communicating over serial cables
and by telephone. People will be able to create their own custom
information systems that use CD32's (or any other Amiga) for remote units.
Because information is passed in the form of Helm scripts, it is easy to
send and receive information from the remote units. The remote units could
consist of a CD32, serial cable, modem, optional FMV cartridge, monitor,
and some sort of input device (probably a touch screen). Not bad when you
see the enormous cost of creating a kiosk on other platforms that have
integrated video and CD quality audio. Of course, 3D0 and CDI are capable
of coming close in cost, but the Amiga has some advantages in existing
software development tools.
–Jerrell"
Although Helm doesn't have the sophistication of Infochannel and Scala
MM300, it looks like a nice addition as a tool for developers. I just
purchased Helm a couple of weeks ago and in the process of developing some
applications. The one thing I like about Helm compared to Scala or CanDo
is that there is no dongle, or stupid PD licensing agreement. If you
create an application with Helm, you can use it for Shareware, PD,
commercial, or whatever.
// John – (Flying via AutoPilot)
\X/ Mercury@ins.infonet.net
John,
Very interesting. Very interesting indeed!
While I understand your frustration with the dongle and SCALA I must say
that because of the dongle and the way SCALA works the margins on the
product is maintained and SCALA has been able to grow in the rather
non-expanding Amiga marketplace.
Helm does sound interesting–the author purchased his Amiga 1200 from us
last summer by the way.
-mark=
Otto Pilot Engaged..
"Very interesting. Very interesting indeed!
While I understand your frustration with the dongle and SCALA I must say
that because of the dongle and the way SCALA works the margins on the
product is maintained and SCALA has been able to grow in the rather
non-expanding Amiga marketplace.
Helm does sound interesting–the author purchased his Amiga 1200 from us
last summer by the way."
I understand Scala's decision to use a dongle, but I just have a personal
distaste for any professional software that is protected in such a way. I
would dearly like to have Brilliance, but I don't for the same reason.
Just my own personal preference.
Jerrell is really a nice person. He maintains a constant presence on Genie
where he is very active with tips, information, and other news concerning
Helm. He also has a weekly online conference along with a couple of Helm
guru's to answer questions. So his level of support is hard to match.
// John – (Flying via AutoPilot)
\X/ Mercury@ins.infonet.net
Thanks, John. By the way, I also check in here daily but there are fewer Helm
users here. A few subscribers to GEnie became excited about Helm last summer.
Their enthusiasm became infectious and resulted in a large number of very
active users over there.
Jerrell Nickerson Eagle Tree Software
Hehe! It's a small world Jerrell <g>. I don't think I've ever seen you
here on CompuServe, so I didn't think there would be any reprecussions
from my comments. Now I know I'll have to be careful not to say too many
nice things about you so your ego won't get too out of line <g>. Maybe
once I get into doing more with Helm, we can get a little infectious
enthusiasm started over here as well. So how is the CD32 version coming
along, any projected release dates or additions since your posting on
Genie?
// John (Speeding on the Information Superhighway)
\X/ Mercury@ins.infonet.net
Hey, tech support calls alone keep my ego in check. <g>
I plan on releasing the CD32 version of Helm by the end of May. It is coming
along great. Right now, I'm trying to figure out a way to make object names
dependent on the system language so you don't have to create language specific
versions of a book. In general, Helm is going through a lot of dramatic changes
these days because I'm trying to simultaneously create Helm 2, Helm for CD32,
and Windows Helm out of the same core source code.
Jerrell Nickerson Eagle Tree Software
Golly, what an awful sentence.
Let me try again:
"While I understand your frustration with the dongle. I feel that the
dongle has protected SCALA's investment into the Amiga marketplace. I
know this to be true on the InfoChannel product."
How is that.. I gotta get over this chest/head cold! (grin)
-mark=
Otto Pilot Engaged..
Mark,
I agree completely with your statement about the dongle. I might have resorted
to one myself but Helm is used a lot for general applications and for
interactive presentations that need to be distributed; it just wasn't an
option.
Concerning Helm for CD32: it is a lot of fun to develop stuff for CD32 because
there is a base system with 2 megs of chip memory, a ton of storage, and the
inexpensive option of full motion video. Beats a 1 meg 500 with no hard drive
any day. And though I didn't intend it, Helm was structured in a way that made
it a natural for CD32 type applications. It is page based and automatically
loads only the page and resources that are necessary at any one time; this
helps when you are creating a massive application to take advantage of the CD's
storage capacity. Also, Helm has an autobrowsing system for joystick selection
of objects that was easily transformed into a browsing system for the CD32's
game controller.
>>the author purchased his Amiga 1200 from us
And not a minute's trouble. I'm pretty sure you are my local dealer. Now if you
only had a branch store that is a couple of hours closer. <grin>
Jerrell Nickerson Eagle Tree Software
Reference DeWou (sp) should be Daewoo. Thanks for the updated information.
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
I guess I should do the cut and paste thing here, but I don't feel it's
required and causes a bunch of extra bytes. Anyone using AP has the option
of a parent in thier history file if they choose. So now that that is
done…
I've still not looked for "Microcosm" in AW 'cause I'd rather support a
local dealer, if possible (and reasonable). I don't have a CD32 anywho
(but I just might come monday eve).
I hope (!!!!!!!) they do well with the CD32 in the USA, but was also
amazed that I heard (out here on CI$) that they weren't planning on
dealing with Amiga dealers! I'm even more amazed that I can walk 5 blocks
from work and buy one at a small, new, Amiga dealership.
From what these guys say they really are trying to keep the MSRP in line
across the board. That's good for the select Amiga vendors. It would be
great if the CD32 re-enforced the 'isn't that a game machine' concept and
actually took the SNES, say-guts, etc. market by storm but… People are
finally realizing the power of platforms with graphics capabilities. The
general user will soon see the power. I hope C= is not too late.
As I implied above, this dealer does have his full order in stock
(Hmmm…I wonder if they take Amex…). They are really here!
Robb
Robert,
The MSRP marketing policy of Commodore does make sense… its been a long time
since I said that. Anyway, its good that Commodore does some distribution of
the product. The ultimate potential of the CD32, other than a game machine, in
other areas is the future of the Amiga technology.
You may have seen that the the Panasonic "Real" 3DO unit has been drastically
reduced in price. However, the cost to develop titles for the platform is
fairly expensive (approximately $25,000 per workstation). To develop a title
for CD32, you simply need the development kit, AGA based Amiga and programming
language of your choice (approximately $5000 per workstation).
Software publishes have a plethora of games that will work on the CD32 and
could easily do "Mega" CD32 game titles that may have as many as 10 to 20 games
per disc. Reviving old games to work on CD32 for a totally new market is also
possible.
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
Of course, there is some extent to which you get neater tools for
developing 3do apps. But you get to pick your own tools with cd32.
— Dale L. Larson, Intangible Assets Manufacturing
— INTERNET:dale@iam.com
Dale,
I suppose so, from the reports I have recieved, the development tools are
pretty cool. However, I would prefer to use my own tools and resources for
production.
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
It kinda sounds to me like Commodore's approach to the CD32 in the US
actually is making sense, when I see the product on the selves and the
dealers and customers are happy with the price and supply! (That just
seems plain wierd that I just typed that)
Hopefully, the developer cost situation will help…?
A "Mega" CD32 games CD would be good, but I'd really like to see more
games take advantage of the resources available with the CD32. I decided
not to get one yesterday…maybe soon…
If I had the time to get back into serious Amiga programming…
Robb
Robert,
Indeed things are looking good for the CD32 here in the U.S. From what I
gather, CD32 distribution into several retail chains is about to roll. New and
existing Amiga titles in "mega" game collections should be arriving in the new
quarter.
Warmest Regards,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
It seems things are looking good for CD32. I just hope they're here for a
while. The stock situation sounds rather bleak.
Forever the optimist, I'm thinking about buying some Commodore stock while
it's so low. Of course, I guess that it would have to start trading
again.
Robb
Robert,
I suspect that there is a lot more going on that meets the eye. Yes, I'd say
go for purchasing some of the Commodore stock while its cheap.
Sincerely,
John Chang
Technical Support Manager
Scala, Inc.
John,
If Commodore stock was, actually, on the market, perhaps I would.
Robb
(Amiga optimist)