#New guy & Pro?
11 messages in this thread
I am new to this so please forgive me if I don't phrase the question exactly
right. I do believe that I want to but Animator Pro. It is suppose to be the
best out here. So here are my questions. I have created a series of shows in
the world of 2d At 640×480 256 color. These shows consist of still images and
screen movements l like objects moving about the screen. Also human like
figures. The problem I am now having is that they are dos based only and since
windows is now taking over the world I need to move on. So! 1) Can I convert my
existing images (pcx,gif,etc inot a format that Pro can use. 2) I have as
indicated created a series of animations ( I have the indv. images saved) in
the same formats. They are combined into a single file whihc saves only the
screen differences and then when called plays them back. Is their a way I can
convert these images so that Pro can play them along with the other images I
created.? 3) I assume I can use it in windows so that I can take advantage of
the windows video drivers. And does pro come with a way in which I can play it
in dos as well. By the way when I load the program will it from dos play as
well? 4) I am able in the current 2d program I use create a single EXE file
whihc contains all the files and commands so all I end up loading is a single
file. Will Pro allow the same thing? 5) I send out my programs to other folks
so does it contain a run time version (Standalone)? 6) Finally is their any
special language I need to know or learn in order to start to use this program.
I learn fairly quickly but I need to finish something quickly. So I want to do
a quick and dirty in the short run then my typical elegant stuff. I really
appreciate the help. If I can accomplish this then I need to now where to call
to get the package ASAP. I live in the 510 area. By the way what is the cost
for this program? I hope it does not rival the national debt! The 510 area code
being in the Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton etc. Area in Northern Cal. I do
believe that you are in San Rafael in that nice looking building on the East
side of the freeway. Thanks again for you help on this. I guess I have to grow
up and join the new world and big boys with the Auotdesk Programs. ray
>> I am new to this so please forgive me if I don't phrase the question exactly
right. <<
no problem, ray. we'll give it our best shot. 🙂
>> 1) Can I convert my existing images (pcx,gif,etc inot a format that Pro can
use.<<
Animator Pro is a DOS product while Animator Studio is a Windows Product. PCX,
GIF, and most other still image raster formats are compatible with either OS
and there are programs like AniPro and AStudio which will import and edit these
file types.
>> 2) I have as indicated created a series of animations ( I have the indv.
images saved) in the same formats. They are combined into a single file whihc
saves only the screen differences and then when called plays them back. Is
their a way I can convert these images so that Pro can play them along with the
other images I created.? <<
it depends what the file type is. your description sounds like several
animation file format types. AniPro handles FLI and FLC file formats while
AStudio handles AVI, MOV, FLI and FLC formats. if any of these files formats is
what you have, then yes you can split your images out and mix and match them
with other images and recombine them to play back.
>> 3) I assume I can use it in windows so that I can take advantage of the
windows video drivers. And does pro come with a way in which I can play it in
dos as well. By the way when I load the program will it from dos play as well?
<<
AniPro is a DOS program only. However, it does come with a Windows player
utility and there are scriptable players here online as well. This enables
anything you create in AniPro to be played back in Windows (which takes
advantage of Windows video drivers). AniPro, being a DOS application comes with
several utilities including its powerful DOS scriptable player utility ANIPLAY
as well.
>> 4) I am able in the current 2d program I use create a single EXE file whihc
contains all the files and commands so all I end up loading is a single file.
Will Pro allow the same thing? <<
Neither AniPro nor AStudio save out to EXE files. However, the FLI and FLC
formats (created by both) can be converted to EXE files which simply launch for
playback using software online in this forum. (Dave's Tools for example)
>> 5) I send out my programs to other folks so does it contain a run time
version (Standalone)? <<
AniPro does come with a distributable player utility for DOS and Windows can
can be used to playback your animations on others' machines.
>> 6) Finally is their any special language I need to know or learn in order to
start to use this program. <<
while not necessary to know C language, if you do know C-language then AniPro
can be customized like crazy. it is one of few raster editing programs i know
of which is programmable. you do not need to know C though to use the program.
>> to call to get the package ASAP. I live in the 510 area. By the way what is
the cost for this program? <<
one never knows … depends where you get them. both are under $800 though and
if you get AniPro, there is a migration promotion where AStudio costs less than
half its original price. This let's you have best of both worlds (DOS and
Windows)
hope this helps some, Ray. 🙂
-dave
I really appreciate the time you took to answer my questions. I am encouraged
and will know pursue the purchase of these programs. One last thing. The manner
in whihc I created most of the animation sequences is to develop single frame
images using a PCX or Gif Format. Then I have a utility that measures the
differences between these images and creates a single play file. I then in the
script call it and away it goes. I can make it go forward and backword and
include sound as well. Nothing special about the images as far as format. Ohh I
can also have it run accross other screens without disturbing the images on the
base screen. Does that make sense? god I hope so. OH well if you admit you
don't really understand something up front you you learn more. Thanks Dave Ray
>> manner in whihc I created most of the animation sequences is to develop
single frame images using a PCX or Gif Format. Then I have a utility that
measures the differences between these images and creates a single play file. I
then in the script call it and away it goes. <<
one thing to keep in mind. while Autodesk products like AniPro and AStudio can
do wonderful things, we never have to abandon our existing solutions. this
includes older releases of stable and productive software. it sounds like your
current solution is wonderful, and while AniPro and AStudio may compliment your
current solutions, they are not a replacement for them. AniPro has some
wonderful abilities to create animation files from a series of images, it has a
powerful scriptor which can handle up to 4000-frame animations and access more
than 260 animations in any order with two keystrokes. but it's real strength is
its ability to process the images.
we're here if you have further questions. best wishes.
-dave
Thanks Dave!! It helps me make a decision and I have. I am going to get the
Studio. Since most of the programs I put together are going to end up in
windows that seems to be the way to go. I hate it but it really looks like
windows is taking over the world so why fight it. ONe of the weaknesses of my
programs is I can't even shell out to Dos via the dos icon or an installed Icon
and run the program. This is especially tue true when I install sound and
screen movements as well. The whole system hangs up. I would really love it if
I could use Pro and call it from windows and have it take advantage of the
video drivers of windows and play the sound as well but that does not seem to
be possible. So with that thought in mind it seems studio is the best move for
me right now. I hope that besides the normal documentation you get with the
programs that their are other publications out in the market as well. One of
the nice things about what I currently do is that I have developed a wole
demonstration converted it to an .EXE file and fit it on one disk after i
compressed it. the clients really like that. Thanks again for your time Dave
have a good weekend everyone! Ray
>> me right now. I hope that besides the normal documentation you get with the
programs that their are other publications out in the market as well. <<
"Inside Animator Studio" from New Riders Publishing is forthcoming, and the
online help can be sent to you for free as a hardcopy if you like. if you need
any references on books about animation, digital animation, etc, let me know i
can upload a list to the library.
>> the nice things about what I currently do is that I have developed a wole
demonstration converted it to an .EXE file and fit it on one disk after i
compressed it. <<
yep. that is sweet. have a great weekend too. 🙂
-dave
Thanks again Dave! I will be back to you after I get the software. Let the
games begin. I have also decided to learn C based on what you said. So I have a
few things to do. Isn't life great. have a good weekend Ray
>> games begin. I have also decided to learn C based on what you said. So I
have a few things to do. Isn't life great. have a good weekend Ray <<
POCO will make a wonderful introduction to C. 🙂
-dave
POCO, Dave help ray ps I know I am behind the power curve right now but I will
catch up if you can hang in there with me. Thanks
>> POCO, Dave help ray ps I know I am behind the power curve right now but I
will catch up if you can hang in there with me. Thanks <<
hi ray. i'd be happy to help you along that initial path.
-dave