#New IM owner
49 messages in this thread
Ben,
Just recieved my new Imagemaster today! After hearing all the talk
and hubbub, I am really looking forward to trying this puppy out! My
main use will be hobby with moprhs, anims, and DCTV. One question
though: the version I recieved is 9.23, I know this is ancient and
that the current version is somewhere around 9.52 or so…Are there
any problems with 9.23 concerning the areas I am outlined above? I
obviously want to use my one free upgrade to my best advantage, and
would like to hold out for v.10. (I realize that even my free upgrade
to 10. is a little beyoond your intentions and probably will have to
`feed the kitty' a little for this one (maybe not?!?!)). As a
hobbiest it would be hard to justify the autoupgrade program, and
probably will get a new ver every 6 months or so. Enough rambling:
what is your advice re upgrading with all the above considered?
As I am a rookie with this you'll probably get tired of hearing from
me! And any plans on rendering straight to DCTV?
…Steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
I'd suggest the upgrade be used for 9.51, or, if you've got a week or
two of patience, for 9.52 which is in testing now. 9.52 is
retargetable and has some bugs stomped.
v10 will not be available with that sheet at all, although as an IM
owner, you will certainly have an opportunity to save some bucks when
we release it. Holding your breath is not advised, however, unless
you like deeeep blue. :^)
Straight to DCTV isn't possible in the current v9 architecture; we
can only retarget v9 to gfx hardware that support overlaid Amiga-mode
screens, as do the FC24, ham-e, Opalvision and of course other AMiga
native modes. When DCTV is running, you can't see normal Amiga
screens; so there's no way.
I won't get tired of hearing from you as long as you stay patient with me.
:^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ok, will wait a couple of weeks before I upgrade…. when I send in my
registration form there is nothing on the form to designate what version I
have, should I put that in the comment area and something to the effect
that you said I should get a maintenence upgrade?
I know it was wishfull thinking on the upgrade to v10 but I can still
wish! BTW your post hinted that maybe rendering straight to the DCTV may
be available with v10, or did I read something into that!
It will be a little bit before I can start to play with IM as I am
having some hardware probs at the moment:-(, but am counting on the
good folks in AmigaUser to come to my recue.
Looking forward to a long relationship with BBS!
…Steve
v10 should have no problem rendering right to DCTV; the DCTV.library
contains everything you need to do a (slow) operate-in-place as long as
you plan for it.
What it doesn't have – unfortunately – is an "update rectangle" command;
that would REALLY make it practical, and fast! Maybe someday.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
The person at BBS I talked to the other day said that the next release
of IM will combine IM and IP together. I thought this wasn't going to
happen until v.10.
It wasn't, back when the plan was to have v10 replace the current
software. However, we're no longer going to do that – v9 will remain a
product and as such we will continue to support it fully.
The IP/IM combination isn't exactly what happened, though it certainly was
an issue (IP costs a HUGE amount to maintain separately… and as it was
distributed for free for a long time, that was expensive to us).
Whta DID happen was that 9.52 is retagetable to any display device
that allows Amiga displays to be overlaid in the usual cool Amiga
manner. So, IM 9.52 will work with std Amigas, AGA Amigas, HAM-E
equipped Amigas, OpalVision equipped Amigas and FC24 equipped Amigas.
You just select what you want to use at the moment in the display
control panel and bingo, you're working on the device you picked.
This helps is with regard to IP in that there is no longer a separate
program to maintain; and with this change, only one distribution
channel for the software, as it is commercial. Upgrades to IP
customers will be IM instead of IP next time they get one, and they
will probably be tickled pink. :^)
By the way – if anyone knows of any other display devices that allow
overlaid Amiga displays, let me know and we'll see that they are added
to the v9 retargeting code, assuming only that the manufacturer of
said hardware co-operates. Most hardware manufacturers do, of course.
Everyone but NewTek. :^)
Thanks for the 9.52 info. Are you saying v10 has been delayed and is
one of the changes in that version a change in interface? Will version 10
fall within the range of a fresh auto-upgrade?
v10 is going to take quite a bit longer than we planned, yes. It will be
quite a bit better than we planned, too. :^) It offers a completely
different method of interface – it's user configurable, you can design
your own if you like and then share them. It can be modal or non-modal,
graphic or text, run hidden with no interface at all, etc. Very flexible.
v10 will have it's own autoupgrade program; users under v9 that are
current on the autoupgrade program will be able to transfer that
membership to the v10 autoupgrade program at no extra charge for the
program itself. Changing to v10 will involve a one-time fee, about which I
can't be specific at this time.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Have you concedered making v10 a completely different program with a
new name? I really like the idea of making the interface configurable and
I hope it will be able to chain tasks without being an AREXX programmer.
(Maybe a program that generates an AREXX script?) Will version 10 be a
2.XX/3.XX program only?
Geez, how many versions of 9.XX will come out before we reach v10?
v10 will almost certainly have a new name. In fact, Imagemaster has a new
name! The next release that sees the light of day will be newly christened
"Imagemaster R/t", a handle which (hopefully) will remind the users of
it's inherent retargetability. We'll start with 1.00 again <grin> and work
onwards.
v10 will indeed be able to "chain tasks" without scripting of any kind.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
An Arexx generator would be incredibly usefull. Something that records the
actions that you are doing as you call up operations and manipulate files.
Another feature would be rembering mouse positions and button clicks and
dragging.
I beleive something like this would thrust IM as the be-all, end-all
imaging program for PC's.
–Paul < Motorola Inside >
Actually, we've got something a lot better than that… :^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
MIssed one of your questions – v10 will be at *least* 2.0/3.0 only; even
Imagemaster is now 2.x/3.x only – it no longer runs under 1.3 at all, nor
will it ever again.
"If you know someone who is still using 1.3, suggest they see a doctor
immediately"
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
->"If you know someone who is still using 1.3, suggest they see a doctor
immediately"
Aww, don't be too hard on 1.3 owners. The people that bought A500's
and mainly play games are doing okay with it. It is the power/semi-power
users that need 2.XX at least for now.
BTW, when will there be a new release for Notebook? I'm looking foward
to NB being super configurable!
We've kind of got our hands full right now; NB won't get any attention
beyond bugfixes for probably 60-90 days. Out of warm bodies that can
program. :^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
-> NB won't get any attention beyond bugfixes for probably 60-90 days.
Out of warm bodies that can program. :^)
Rats! I'm really looking foward to the new Notebook. Out of bodies,
huh? If I were any good at programming and lived in Montana I'd be glad
to give you a hand. <g>
That's just it. Imagemaster is not for the typical gamers. Those who
want to continue to play old games, let them use 1.3ks. Those that want
to use current product, they must upgrade. It is pretty cheap you
know…
-Jonathan
Ben:
So are you saying that if I choose NOT to continue the autoupgrade program
for v9.x that when v10 comes out I can call, order the v10 upgrade, and at
that time get a new autoupgrade? Would it be advantagous for me to do it
the otherway, renew my current autpupgrade, or will there be no
difference?
// -Mike Schiller
\X/ AMIGA! On AutoPilot in sunny Fort Lauderdale
If you are on the autoupgrade program, and you decide to move to v10,
or whatever we're calling it then, your autoupgrade will, without
extra cost, change to the v10 product. If you are *not* on the
autoupgrade program at that time, you can expect to pay somewhat
dearly for it if you still want it.
So yes – there is a clear advantage to being on the AU program when
v10 ius released, if you want AU for v10. If not, won't matter at
all.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
>v10 will have it's own autoupgrade program; users under v9 that are
>current on the autoupgrade program will be able to transfer that
>membership to the v10 autoupgrade program at no extra charge for the
>program itself. Changing to v10 will involve a one-time fee, about which
>I can't be specific at this time.
Does this mean a one-time fee to get the v10 while under the auto upgrade
plan, or a fee to convert the auto upgrade for future v10 auto upgrade?
If I buy auto upgrade will v10 be released in less than a year?
–Paul < Motorola Inside >
Egads. I trying to be clear, really I am.
The autoupgrade program for THIS version of IM can be converted at no cost
to the autoupgrade program for the v10 software IF you are on the
autoupgrade program when v10 is released. We've gone to great lengths to
ensure that this is possible as long as you don't let your autoupgrade
program lapse.
There will be a one-time fee to upgrade from THIS version of IM to the v10
version; when you do it, IF you have a the current version of the
autoupgrade program in force, you'll be on the v10 autoupgrade
automatically.
If you're NOT on the autoupgrade program, there will still be the (same)
one-time fee to upgrade to v10; however, you will ALSO (if you want it)
have to purchase the v10 autoupgrade program, which will be considerably
more expensive than the current one is – like, *considerably*. There is
the savings, potentially.
For new users, the v10 s/w will be quite expensive – that is, if you're
NOT upgrading from the current Imagemaster software. In fact, it would be
less expensive to go find a copy of the current stuf, buy it at retail,
and THEN upgrade to v10 than it will be to buy v10 at the usual level of
discounting seen in mail order.
That's the whole policy, as far as can be made public at this time. :^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ben,
Will 9.52 be retargetable to GVP's IV24 board???
BTW, I thought the 9.5x series was only going to be bug fixes, with V10
planned to be the next feature added version????
// I'm gonna wait for
\X/ the A5000! <G> -RSL-
Imagemaster R/t v1 will NOT be retargetable to the IV24; the IV24
doesn't, to my knowledge, allow Amiga screens to be overlaid on it's
frame buffer. I could be wrong, and if I am, we'll *definitely* add
support for it; but them's the datums as I know 'em.
The v10/v9 plans have been changed extensively. The Imagemaster
you're familiar with will keep on growing in it's own direction, as
Imagemaster R/t. the v10 product will get a new name and begin a life
of it's own. Turns out that the new kid is memory hungry, disk
hungry, and CPU power hungry beyond our original anticipations (and
we thought it would be, anyway). So there will be a whole raft of
people who can't use it… we can't just abandon them, therefore
Imagemaster R/t keeps it's growth hormones. :^) A limited
retargetability (to boards that allow amiga gfx overlays) is in place
now and will be out in a few weeks, along with a few other nice
surprises that were originally "v10-only".
Just whats a minimum (usable) config for Imagemaster R/t?
I have an A1200 with 10M of ram right now, and am getting an '030 accel.
Bob Comer — Cruising the nets on AutoPilot
4 megs of fast ram, 1 meg of chip. 68000. Std Amiga GFX
We *suggest* 6 or more megs of fast and two of chip, and an accellerator
(with regard to a 68000), all of which you have.
Further, you've got AGA graphics, which blow a standard Amiga totally
out of the water; Imagemaster R/t image editing looks so good on an
AGA machine it hurts. :^) In fact the color palette is something I
leave up on the 1200 on my desk – I think it pumps endorphins in my
brain. :^)
With or without your 030 accellerator, Imagemaster will run very well
in your 1200. Things will of course speed up with an 030; but that
020 isn't all that slow in the first place.
Thanks!
I agree on the AGA! You haven't lived till you've Hires HAM8!
My poor 500 has been relegated to a SCSI file server, and a PC clone,
with the CRT off most of the time 🙂
The '20 isn't all that slow, but you know how it is, I'm addicted to
the latest and greatest.
I do indeed "know how it is" :^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ben yer EVIL, you are talking me into a AGA equipped machine just to play
with the new version of IM R/T naughty naughty.
Wha, me? No way… um, HE did it (poining towards Madison, Wisconsin)
<and laughing like heck>
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Che???? BTW any chance of you guys adding to the growing list of Amiga
Devolopers that are now also SGI Devolopers???
Now to make a request. Any idea when the MPEG compiler will be available
for Imagemaster? How about the Atari loaders?
Thanx
BTW I seem to have Considerably LESS problems with IM when I have the 2.0
Requester button off(unselected)
Actually I like the other Requester better anyway.
Maybe you're having problems with the File Requestor replacement you're
using. I've been using MFR with IM and have had no preblems.
I HAVE noticed that MFR will crash CrossDOS if the file requester is up
and you insert a IBM PC disk. . .Seems to lock up the file requestor,
too.
Later,
Erik Flom
What in the WORLD is MFR requestor? I'm having o trouble with the Asl
requestor of IM, it's when I highlight the WB 2.0 requestor gadget in IM
tthat I get problems.
First, to all, I'm back (obviously :^)
There are no announced plans as to our entry into the SGI marketplace at
this time.
MPEG is something we'll be adding later; Atari stuff is under development
now. We hope to be shipping it with the R/t release.
You say you have less problems with the 2.0 requester off? Two questions
for you: What version of IM, and what version of AmigaDOS?
I like our requester better, too. It's much more powerful, as long as you
don't mind the wait while it reads the directory.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
I use WB 2.04 and IM is the most current version so It's 9.51 isn;t it?
Alot of my problems may stem from my Getting to happy with Multi tasking.
Lately When doing things with ONLY IM running I've been having no
troubles. I am also continuing to use YOUR Requestor instead of the 2.0
ones.
Ben,
"[our file requester is] much more powerful, as long as you don't mind the
wait while it reads the directory."
Huh? When I got IM 9.xx, I tried using the standard 2.0 file requester, almost
fainted at the sight of a long directory s-l-o-o-w-w-l-y filling the screen,
clicked on "cancel" and prompty set my Preferences setting to use the familiar
Imagemaster requester. How cum your machine has the 2.0 requester working
better than mine? (I have IM 9.23 and ADOS 2.04)
Blaq!
I don't think you're wrong about IV24. It allows PIP on a workbench
screen, but to my knowledge it doesn't allow an Amiga screen overlaying
the 24bit screen.
Can you give us an idea of what the minimum config should be for the v10?
68040, 8mb ram, etc?
Has IM R/t been pushed back a few more weeks, or is the version with the
"v10" suprises coming after the initial release of IM R/t?
Vance – Flying on retouched vapours, courtesy of IM…
P.S. I'd done a fun little test the other day. I loaded in a 320×200 GIF
of Samantha Fox's face into IM. It wasn't dithered well at all either, so
I used smear to smooth out the dithering. Then I applied the Oil-paint
option and added 3D Net to give it cracks like an old painting might have.
One thing I didn't do that I should try, would be to age it. *8)
You've made it sooooo easy, it's embarrassing.
Imagemaster R/t is the version with the surprises in it. Just a few.
:^) It's on schedule, and may even show up a little earlier than we
planned; the TRIM image format project completed almost two weeks
early and that has helped everything else quite a bit.
The product we've been calling v10 looks, right now, like it'll
require 2m chip and either (4m fast + 12 mb HD space) or (16m fast).
It will also require a 68020 with MMU or better. It will not work on
EC020's or EC030's and it most *certainly* will not work on 68000's.
It will require an FPU or complete emulation a la '040.
Vance, when did you get your Imagemaster? Sounds like you're making
great strides with it.
So, if I send in my registration now, I'd get the one free upgrade and it
would be IM R/t v1.0 when it comes out, right? *8)
I think my boss said that my IM copy arrived last tuesday and he dropped
it off at my place by friday afternoon. I've only spent a few hours toying
with it so far (Mother's Day and all), but I've been picking up on some
productive things to start with. So, effectively, I've had it for about 2
days.
I think I'll begin uploading some examples in a little bit.
I've got to tell you that as TERRIFIC it is to work with IM on my
HAM6-max-only A3000T, I'd surely love to give this software a workout
on an AGA work area display. But I'll more than survive on this
beautiful software as it is. The 16 colour hires conversions from
lores ham6 have come across beautifully. Although I know there are
limited colours in the pics, I find it difficult to believe that
there are only 16 colours and not more. A tribute to your company's
programmers, including yourself, of course.
I've also converted DCTV pics to HAM6 and they just couldn't look any
better for HAM.
I've already informed my boss that I'll be needing 4mb of ZIP's
deducted from my next pay so I can do some more fanciful processing.
This is one of the little things I don't bring up with my wife. I
want to live long enough to produce some more creative work… *8>
Vance,
You might get R/t 1.00, you might get R/t 1.01… my crystal ball is a
little swirly right now :^)
Heh heh. Well, when the time comes to pay the piper, we did NOT tell you
to deceive your spouse! <grin>
Thanks for the details.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Well, the wife isn't going to kill me. She doesn't even care that I have
the software. (Hee hee hee… translates as "Party ON, doood!") *8>
Ok, I'll send in my registration sheet right away then.
Vance – Somewhere in space and time… and ImageMaster…
Ben,
> It will also require a 68020 with MMU or better. It will not work on
>EC020's or EC030's and it most *certainly* will not work on 68000's.
hehe…sounds like a BBS version of VM to me!!!!
…Steve
====>>> Motorola 68030 Inside <<<====
Yep – it do, don't it. :^)
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ben,
So IM R/t and V10 become two separate products and we then need to
chose which one to go with depending on our hardware (V10 needing a souped
hotroded Amiga….:-) )
Egads he's splitting the atom.
Laurie Carroll AKL NZ
Longdistance Autopilot
Right. Keep your goggles on! <grin>
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Will the one free upgrade offer I got with 9.51 be good for v10/1.0.0
–Paul < Motorola Inside >
No – it won't.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
Ben,
I don't have ANY developer stuff on the IV24, but I doubt it
supports Amiga screens >easily< (although ImageFX does a VERY nice
job with the IV24 board).
Any chance that the IV24 board will be retagetable in whatever V10
will be called???? Any estimates on its ETA?
Yes, the v10 product will retarget onto boards without overlay
capabilities… including the GVP obe.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot
I meant to tell you – yes, 9.23 has problems rendering to DCTV. It can
read them fine, but the writing is broken. That's the bad news. The good
news is you don't need to use your upgrade form – just register, and we'll
replace 9.23 for free.
–Ben
…via AutoPilot