#WIN Morph
37 messages in this thread
Hi Ben,
Just thought I would stop by with a couple of posers and comments. I
just obtained my copy of Winimages Morph last week.
GREAT PROGRAM!!! I was debating as to whether I should drop you a note in
this forum, or over in the GraphDev morphing section. I opted for this forum
as it took me over an hour to dig myself out from underneath the flying fur and
feathers, the last time I browsed through that forum 🙂 . Now to nit-pick a
little. I have no objection to an on line manual, especially if it saves me a
couple of bucks , but your manual is somewhat spartan. This is my first
contact with a morphing program, and after reading through the documentation I
had more questions than answers. Some hints and tips scattered through the
document would be very helpful to first time users. When I open up the program
and select distortion morph and load the start frame, the program loads the
same image in the end frame. If I try to enter a point on the image I get the
error message (both start frame and end frame must be loaded ok?) I then have
to go to the file menu and load the end frame eventhough the program has
already done this. Is this the way the program is supposed to work or is this
what is known as a BUG (or as software publishers like to say, Undocumented
Feature)? 🙂 Also the flyer that came with the software hinted at future
programs that would be released to run under WinImages. How about a hint as to
what is coming. Thanks.
Glad you like it – glad you posted here, too.
One of the *big* advantages about that manual is that we can improve it
and get it to you at a *very* minimal cost, while a printed manual takes
more time *and* money and usually is less timely right from the printer
(IE already out of date unless you release a fossil program). So, if you
have suggestions on the manual, send 'em along and we'll see what we can
do to improve those issues – we're *very* receptive to comments and in no
way consider the manual (or the program) "finished".
Regarding the distortion morph error message you report, sounds definitely
like a bug – call the tech support people and they'll take *very* good
care of you – have you fixed up in a jiffy.
The next product is "WinImages: F/x", which will offer a number of other
cool and useful image manipulation tools. We've got the most advanced
imagae manipulation system available on *any* platform now running on the
Amiga; we're working quite diligently to bring more of those effects to
the Windows 3.1 world.
When we do, I hope you'll be pleased with our efforts.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ben,
I'm interested in hearing more of your products for Windows, if I hear correct.
Is the Graphdev the right place for this?
Joe
Actually, this is the best place for it presently, if you have questions.
GraphDev is just a programmer's haven – there's a "morphing" section I've
been looking in on for a few months, and where a demo of the Windows
morphing s/w is uploaded, but it's not any kind of an official presence.
The only place I promise to watch is right here – there are times I turn
off the other Amiga fora when I run out of bandwidth, so to speak, but I
*always* watch our section here in AmigaVendor, and will be pleased to
answer any of your questions here.
I'll also be happy to answer any philosophical issues – concerns about our
presence in the Windows market, or in the Amiga market.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Hi, Ben!
Quicky question. Are there any plans in the forseeable future for BBS to
develop a virtual memory utility? Seems like there aren't enough on the
market to choose from.
Vance
No – we think CBM should be doing that. They know we think that (as do
many, many other developers). There's a lot of pressure from the
developers to do it, and now that not one but several developers have
already done it, CBM's likely to do it too. They were saying it was too
hard for a while, but now that they've had their nose rubbed in it, so to
speak, we know THEY know it isn't all that hard.
This is definitely something that should be in at the "bowels" level of
the OS software.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
I've only heard of GigaMem, ImageFX' VM and the Shareware HDMem.
Have you tried HDMem? I couldn't get it to work on my A3000T, so I gave
up. Does GigaMem noticably cut into rendering speeds, or is it only
noticed when loading/saving?
Vance
P.S. Here's to hoping that CBM will pick up on VM. Seems like every other
platform is into it.
I have not tried HDmem. And I've not extensively used GigaMem, I have to
disable my main memory to do it – I've got about 40 mb of ram, and so
don't ever need GigaMem myself; all the office machines also have lots and
lots of ram.
VM is a last-ditch solution, no matter how it's implemented; more ram is a
much better answer, always, on a modern Amiga. Progressive sells 64mb
cards… :^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Well, I have to get my motherboard filled first before I get PS&S's 64mb
ram card. I guess I'd better fork over for more ZIP's. I've heard they're
not that expensive anymore… *8>
You do realize, that in telling me about your 40mb of ram, you have
reduced me to the netherworlds of envy?! Have pity, man! *8)
Vance
Uh, sorry. :^)
Would it help to tell you that my 4000 only has MB memory, and that I
regularly dream about those 64mb cards?
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Yup, it softened the blow a little… *8D
Vance
…Virtually Hangin' In…
Ben,
"VM is a last-ditch solution, no matter how it's implemented; more ram is a
much better answer . . ."
True. But the reality in today's world is that real RAM is still far too
expensive and VM is the only workable solution for lots of us no matter what
the other options are.
I am frequently asked to handle 11 x 17, 300 dpi, 24 bit CMYK files. A file of
an image that size is approximately 67 megs itself. As you know, the memory
requirements of the machine are 4 to 5 times the image size. We currently
handle such tasks on a Mac Quadra with a 600 meg HD acting as the VM space.
Real RAM is just not an available option for this kind of setup.
I would dearly like to have a Crosfield or Scitec high end system which _does_
handle the whole image in RAM (I am told), but million dollar systems are a
little beyond my present pocket book's limits. 8)
Rich
Ouch. :^) Still, an Amiga 4000 with about 10-20k of $$$ invested in ram
could do it no sweat…
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ben,
I dream of having a 4000 with 128 megs of RAM. Maybe by the end of 1993.
Rich
Doc,
11 x 17 x 300dpi x 24bit == 50,490,000 bytes. lesse, that's
50megabytes. Even at $100/megabyte that's only $5000.
Vic,
An 11 x 17 x 300 dpi x 24 bit image _is_ technically speaking 50,490,000
bytes. But it very quickly becomes 67,320,000 when converted from the 24 bit
RGB raw data into a 32 bit CMYK image that I need to work with.
Then the computer needs 4 to 5 times that much memory/VM for image
manipulation _in addition to_ the memory for the image itself, _plus_ memory
for the OS and the application program(s). 128 megs of real RAM in a 4000 would
be a nice starting point.
Memory prices today are $30-50 per meg in either 1 meg or 4 meg simm packages.
To cram 128 megs into a 4000 would require using 16 meg simms. 16 meg simms are
still a little pricey. About twice the price of the lower density chips. That
places 128 megs at between $8000-12,800. <gulp>
Rich
Ben, What type of Ram Chips does that 64 mb Ram card for the A3000 use?
16 meg Simms?
I'm bummed, still no IM 9.5 yet boo hoo boo hoo
I dunno – I think the card comes stuffed…
No 9.50? Hmmm. They're outa here, for sure – call 800 852 6442 and make
sure you didn't get lost in the shuffle, ok? We really ran around crazy
here for about a week… extra help and all.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
I'm pretty sure the 64 mb RAM card for the A3000 does NOT come with ANY
ram on board.
I just called and was told that it shipped the 23rd which was a mere 2
days ago so it's too early to PANIC hehehehehehe I guess I'll get it by
Monday/Tuesday. Thanx Ben.
Vance,
I've just downloaded HDmem. The docs refer to a registration doc to order the
complete program (which allows more than the small amount of VM in the demo
version). My download has no registration doc. Do you know how to register
HDmem?
Thanks,
Rich
Richard,
The registration info for HDMemis in the copyright notice:
To register, send DM 50,- or $35 to me in one of the following manners:
1. Cash – US dollars or Deutsche Marks to my address. (This is not
the best way)
2. A transfer check to my bank:
Nassauische Sparkasse Oberursel, Germany
BLZ 510 500 15, Konto no. 259 019 877 (This is a german account)
Don't forget that your bank AND my bank press charges when trans-
ferring money from a foreign bank. I DO NOT WANT TO PAY THEM, YOU
HAVE TO!. Please tell this to the bank clerk.
3. Sending a check(only for german users, please).
In all three cases, please send a letter with your precise order to
me. Write your address clearly, I want to be able to decipher it. By
the way, here is my address:
Stefan Rompf
Stichwort: virtual memory
P.O.Box 1864
D-W-6370 Oberursel 1
Germany
If you are loading kickstart into 32 bit memory, you will have to
temproraily remove it before HDMem will work, I use a script for this that
goes like this:
cpu nofastrom
wait 2
c:cx/hdmem dh6:swapfile 63 8 -5
wait 1
cpu fastrom
wait 3
endcli
This unloads Kickstart, runs hdmem, then reloads kickstart. I usually
launch this from ToolManager. Your paths may be different.
Hope it works out for you.
…Steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
Steve,
Thanks for the HDmem info . . . and by the way. Does that 68030 inside hurt
much?
I think I know where you can have it removed . . . and replaced with an 040,
of course! 8)
Rich
Rich,
Seeing as how your are a `MD', can you surgicaly remove my 68030 and
relplace it with a 68040? :^)
…Steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
Have you thought of subscribing to the way CIS handles software registration?
Type GO SWREG ( I think that is what it is) to check it out. What happens is
CIS bills the users CIS account, and sends you the money. Since CIS is an
international company perhaps it has ways of getting you the money easier than
your listed methods.
Joe,
I am not the author of the program in question. I just happen to use
it and Richard couldn't find where to send the shareware fee. I just cut,
copied and pasted the info I had so that he could register it.
I do LOVE the SWREG feature of CI$! I have already registered a few
programs that I probably would have taken the effort to without it, I
think all authors here should use it. I bet if you check with the ones
who do, they will say that registration of their programs have increased
because of it.
…Steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
Vance,
HDMem will not work correctly if you load kickstart in to high memory
1st. I wrote a small script using kickrom option of setcpu to unload KS
from mem, run hdmem and then reload KS. I activate the script from
ToolManager. Takes all of 15 seconds. Hope this helps.
…steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
Thanks very much! Now I can finally test it out!
Vance
I tried your script and still got an "MMU initialisation failed!".
Vance
Vance,
Are you using C= cpu command or Dave Haynies SetCPU? I seem to remeber
having problems with SetCPU where C='s CPU command worked fine. If that
is not it I have no idea.
…Steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
No, I'm only using the C= CPU, so I guess I'm just stuck.
Oh well, I'd better start looking for some ZIPs.
Vance
Well, then — I checked out the Graphdev forum, downloaded your WinMorph
program and fell in love. Is it currently in release form for the IBM?
Kudos for moving into the Windows marketplace, I think that is a smart
financial move for Black Belt systems. I know alot of folks are worried about
Amiga developers moving over to the IBM world — but I think there's room for
both. Especially with the new AAA chip set of the Amiga, and what I've heard
about it… the Amiga will quickly move into the forefront of the graphics
world.
What other products are you working on for the Windows environment? Anything
interesting? Similar to IP perhaps?
Joe
Yes, it's shipping at this time – we just added targa alpha channel
support to it, in fact. :^)
We're not moving out of the Amiga marketplace at all – but we are moving
to encompass some other platforms. It wouldn't be out of line to think of
it as Windows sales helping to finance Amiga developments for the future.
The next Windows product is called "WinImages: F/x" and will have a number
of Imagemaster's more unusual image manipulation tools… the two taken
together will approximate Imagemaster's power on the Amiga.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
How much is the Win Morph product for the IBM? Are there any special deals for
existing HAM-E owners? (Always looking for them deals!).
Joe
Nope, no cross-platform deals have been setup so far. It sells for $199.95
retail.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ben,
I for one appreciate you supporting the windows version of your
morphing package here in AmigaVen. It will get some of those PC types
around here to see what is happening in the Amiga World. It also allows
us to keep tabs on you as to letting your windows development getting
ahead of the amiga 🙂
…Steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
Yah, yah. :^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Re-reading your message, let me be a bit more specific:
The distortion morph should load the image into both the start and the end
frames. That part is ok. However, it certainly should then let you plop
points in the start frame and then move 'em in the right frame. That it
will not seems to clearly be a bug (a very surprising one, too…).
Before you call us, please verify that you are:
In distortion mode; adding points to the staart frame.
Thanks!
–Ben
…via AutoPilot