CompuServe Thread

#Compression

12 messages in this thread
#189676From: John HyattSep 7, 1995 8:26 PM
New to forum, and long time out of touch. Can someone point me in the right direction (forum? reference? existing comercial software?) to get up to speed on current options (if any) for video compression. DETAILS: I have suddenly discovered a strong need to put training files that only exist as way too big and way too slow flics onto a bevy of notebooks. Is there a good resource for exploring the options (if any) for shrinking and playing shrunk flics? recently read a little bit about a method I think was called HARK-C that made me think small files that play in real time at something close to 30FPS in 640X480 8bit is a technical reality. I know this question is old hat to many, and might still be a holy grail, but its been years since I have kept up with this. Info on the best comprimize would also be of help. Thx John
#189741From: LEE STEELSep 8, 1995 6:02 AM
You might want to look into SMACKER. There may still be samples in the library.
#189863From: John HyattSep 8, 1995 7:16 PM
Thx for the time to reply. Bought a copy of Smacker today. I think it was just what I was looking for to finish the job at hand. Next question, this one from a hobbiest perspective: What's the best source of decent hierarchical maniquins suitable for animation in 3DS4 or truespace for someone on a budget that just wants to goof around? Any ideas?
#190238From: LEE STEELSep 11, 1995 5:22 AM
Crestline Software has several types of models. They sell both Humanoid and Klinemodelz. Call 909-338-1786
#189775From: Jeff RobertsSep 8, 1995 10:46 AM
John: We make a program called Smacker that is specifically designed for compressing 8-bit flics. You can get all the details by calling us at 801-322-4300 or e-mailing me your fax number. HARC is a 24-bit compressor (so it won't do very well on 8-bit flics), and I know of no one who has actually seen it. Some of their claims are completely silly, however – 640x480x24 color at 30 fps is not possible even if you don't do any compression at all. Just clearing the screen on a 486 takes longer than a frame would be visible at 30 fps. HARC may turn out to be the next big thing, but I think its a way off from a commercial product. ->Jeff
#189864From: John HyattSep 8, 1995 7:22 PM
Thx for the time to reply. Happened on an advertizement from you in my mail just today in fact, and ordered a copy befor ever I saw this message. I think it might be just about right for my application, though that 1000:1 compression dream would still be nice. Thx also for the info on HARC. Next question is more for personal interest. Any sources you are aware of for decent hierarchical manuquin meshes for some one on a budget? This project has gotten me interested in animation again and I would just like to goof around a bit. Can't get the company to pay, so I'm on my own money. Long shot, but since you took the time to reply last time: any thoughts? Thx John
#190005From: Jeff RobertsSep 9, 1995 1:52 PM
John: I believe Fractal has a new human modelling package called Poser. Inexpensive, too, if I remember. ->Jeff
#190097From: will taitSep 10, 1995 1:25 AM
>>>Poser<<< And it is quite nice. Mac only at this time however. Will
#190925From: John HyattSep 14, 1995 9:50 PM
Thx for the info on Poser. I'll check. Got Smacker 4 hours ago and have already started raving about it. As I told G. G. on the other thread, I've never seen a more perfectly satisfying package than this. It meets my needs as a training and sales material developer perfectly, is everything you have advertized (amazing), works (!), is simple, is powerful, is flexable, and leaves me, a normally verbose individual, at a loss for appropriate adjectives. This is one great utility, and well worth the cash. I look forward to your next effort and will use the heck out of this one. John Hyatt
#190248From: goran gustafssonSep 11, 1995 8:25 AM
Jeff : I saw your note and i would like some information about smacker please . My fax number is +46-8-7932406 Goran
#190924From: John HyattSep 14, 1995 9:42 PM
Goran: I got Smacker today, have played with it for 4 hours, and have never seen a more perfect solution for a targeted market than this. It is awesome, meets my needs as a training and sales material developer perfectly, and will also, as a side benefit, replace GRASP in my toolkit. Control of compression is great, both simple and powerful. The players and scripting are (given a relatively short exposure) flawless. I don't know if I should go on, I'm so obviously on a soapbox. I'll say that if you need to smack 'em, you need to buyt this product now! Elated user John Hyatt
#191942From: goran gustafssonSep 21, 1995 8:25 AM
John : That sounds great ! I've orderd smacker yesterday and looking forward to try it out. Goran Gustafsson