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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMIGA'S TOP IMAGE PROCESSOR GETS BRAND NEW LOOK AND MORE
In what the company terms "the most significant upgrade in its
history", ASDG's Art Department Professional (ADPro) now offers
unmatched display board support, over 100 pre-written ARexx programs,
direct support for the Fargo Primera dye sublimation printer, new
file formats and operators, and an entirely new look and feel which
dramatically boosts ease-of-use.
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Madison, WI, January 14, 1994 ---- ASDG Incorporated, a leading
supplier of color imaging and special effects solutions for the
television and motion picture industries, announce Art Department
Professional (ADPro) version 2.5. According to the company, ADPro
2.5 is "the most significant upgrade in the product's history".
ADPro version 2.5 offers a choice of several completely style guide
compliant user interfaces. According to company president, Mr. Perry
Kivolowitz, "A new and thoroughly modern user interface was our most
requested improvement. We surveyed our customers and found that some
preferred a list oriented graphical user interface (GUI) for speed,
while others preferred a button oriented GUI for ease-of-use. We
implemented both and allowed them to be intermixed configurably."
The result, says the company, is an easier-to-use ADPro in which
no major feature is more than a mouse click away. Comments which
typify beta tester feedback to the new user interface include
those of Mr. Brick Eksten, of Expert Services. Says Mr. Eksten, "I
find the interface to be much faster, and that helps me get more
work done." These sentiments were echoed by Mr. Kenneth Wilder, Head
Animator with Marmalade, who found the new user interface alone gained
him a 20 percent increase in productivity.
ADPro's GUI now runs on many third party display boards, such as the
Picasso, using RTG (ReTargetable Graphics) technology. ADPro can now
render images in a window on the same screen as its user interface,
bringing new levels of WYSIWYG performance to the product. Other
newly supported third party hardware includes: DPS PAR, EGS, Retina
Z-III and Retina, and the Video Toaster.
The Amiga's finest image format support has gotten even better
with the addition of 6 new file formats in ADPro and 3 new formats
in the (optional) Professional Conversion Pack (PCP). To ADPro, the
company has added support for Commodore's CDXL animation format,
Digital Broadcaster JStream files, FLC and FLI animations, ICO files
and direct reading and writing of Workbench icons. The PCP has
grown to support files in the SGI, Alias, and Wavefront (both the RLA
and RLB varieties) formats. Owners of the PCP should note that, as in
the past, their PCP modules will be upgraded as part of the ADPro
upgrade.
ADPro 2.5 directly supports the revolutionary Fargo Primera printer in
its dye sublimation mode (its thermal transfer mode was already
supported by ADPro's PrefPrinter saver). "The Primera is a breakthrough
due to its low price," said Sales Manager Gina Cerniglia. "We've
adapted our state-of-the-art printer support to drive the Primera in
dye sub mode including the ability to print huge posters in amazing
color."
ADPro 2.5 includes more than 100 pre-written ARexx programs, many of
which are interactively customizable by the user. Used in
conjunction with the latest version of FRED, these ARexx programs can
be combined in an infinite number of ways, producing a huge array
of full motion special effects automatically. And, ADPro now allows
users to define their own ARexx programs which can be incorporated
directly into ADPro's configurable user interface.
Many other improvements or additions have been made to ADPro
such as the ability to perform alpha channel blending with nearly
every file format, not just those that support their own alpha
channel. Composits can now be performed over a range of colors
permitting more flexible chroma keying. New operators include Histogram
Equalization and a brush-based Pattern operator. A new program called
CineMorph is included which converts streams of images between 24
frame per second film style and 60 field per second video style time
bases.
ADPro 2.5 also sports greatly improved documentation. ADPro's
manual now includes 9 tutorials, many more pictures and diagrams, and
an expanded ARexx programming section. The manual has also been
reorganized (and its index expanded) based upon customer feedback
making it easier to use and more helpful.
ADPro 2.5's price will remain unchanged at $299. Existing owners can
upgrade for $45 plus shipping and can, for the first time, upgrade via
telephone using Visa, MasterCard, or AmericanExpress.
For more information, please contact Ms. Gina Cerniglia at ASDG
Incorporated, 925 Stewart Street, Madison, WI 53713 or call (608) 273
6585. Expert Services can be reached at (606) 371 9690. Marmalade can
be reached at (818) 552 5024.
CATS Amiga Developer Info 24-Jan-94
====================================
Attached is information on CATS developer materials, Amiga registered
developer programs, Amiga programming manuals, bug/enhancement reporting,
and Workbench licensing.
NEW! Note that the new 3.1 Amiga (aka 'Native') Developer Update disk set
is now available!
We would appreciate your help in cross-posting this information to
other electronic information systems. Thanks!
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Technical Information List for Non-Registered Developers and Users
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Listed below are the materials available to non-registered developers and
users. Send check or money order (US funds only - no foreign checks accepted)
to Commodore Business Machines, CATS-Orders, 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester,
PA 19380.
Shipping and handling for USA is $5.00. Shipping and handling for Canada
and Europe (via Air) is $15.00.
Add local state sales tax for the following states:
Pennsylvania, Virginia, California and Tennessee.
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NOTE for European Developers:
European developers and users may also purchase many CATS technical items
through the following German company. Their list and prices may differ
slightly from the CATS US list, and AmigaMail subscriptions may only be
purchased directly through CATS US.
Hirsch & Wolf oHG
Attn: Hans-Helmut Hirsch
Mittelstr. 33
D-56564 Neuwied
Germany
Fax: ++49-2631-839931
Tel: ++49-2631-83990
UUCP:hhhirsch@carla.adsp.sub.org (Fax preferred)
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A500/A2000 Technical Reference Guide, P/N: TECHREF01 $40.00
A 275-page reference manual that describes the technical features of
the A500 and A2000, as well as those features that differ from the A1000.
Table of contents includes: System Block Diagrams, Amiga Expansion,
Designing Hardware for the Amiga Expansion Architecture, Driver Documentation,
Software for Amiga Expansion, PC Bridgeboard and schematics.
Programmer's Guide to ARexx and Disk, P/N's: AREXX01 & AREXX01D $20.00
(August 1991) Manual (228 pages) and disk designed to allow you easy
access to the power of ARexx. Includes information on how to make effective
use of ARexx, how to conform to development standards and how to interface
applicatations to the ARexx environment.
1989 Amiga Developers Conference Notes, P/N's: NOTES89 & NOTES89D $75.00
510-page manual and 2 disks created for 1989 Amiga Developers
Conference. Subjects include: Intro to Programming the Amiga, Features
Outline for V1.3 ECS Features and the Graphics Library, Janus Dual-Port
Memory, Hi-Res Color Graphics Card, Interfacing to ARexx, Advanced Amiga
Architechtures, The IFF parse.library, and more.
1988 Amiga Developers Conference Notes, P/N's: NOTES88 & NOTES88D $75.00
400+ page manual and 4 disks created for 1988 Amiga Developers
Conference. Topics covered include: Unique Amiga Techniques, Tips and
Tricks for Programming in C, IFF, Autoboot and Kickstart V1.3, V1.3 Printer
Device and Printer Drivers, Amiga Audio and Sound, Overscan, Hi-Resolution
Fonts, Programming for 16-Bit Amiga, A500 Expansion Cards, and much more.
Amiga 1000 Schematics and Expansion Specifications, P/N: A1000SM $20.00
(June 1986) Spiral-bound manual containing full Amiga 1000 schematics,
timing diagrams, PAL equations, and documentation for the auto-configuration
process.
AmigaDOS V2.0 Native Developer Update, P/N: NATDEV20 $20.00
The 2.0 Native Developer Update is a must-have for any Amiga
programmer. This four-disk set contains the final 2.0 function Autodocs,
final 2.0 C and assembler Amiga include files, linker libs (Amiga.lib,
debug.lib, ddebug.lib) FD files, offsets, a great deal of 2.0 example code,
and the "Software Toolkit II" disk full of the latest Amiga debugging tools.
(This disk set has been replaced by the new V3.1 Amiga Developer Update
but is still very useful for its 2.0 example code).
V3.1 Amiga Developer Update Disk Set, P/N: AMDEV3.1 $30.00
This new 5-disk must-have set includes:
Docs - V40.15 Autodocs, and articles/notes about V38/V39/V40
Includes & Libs - V40.15C and assembler include files and linker libs
Examples1 - General library examples including Locale, plus PCMCIA
Examples2 - IFF modules and examples, Datatypes, AmigaGuide
SWToolkit3 - The latest Amiga debugging tools
Also included is a new SetPatch for V37 which adds better ExAll emulation,
and the current (as of 15-Dec-93) V40 SetPatch for V38 and higher systems.
Note that the 40.15 exec.doc autodoc has been updated to have the correct
prototype for CheckIO. The 3.1 Amiga Developer Update materials can be
used when developing for any Amiga OS version since they include the earlier
structures and function autodocs. A new Readme called Using_Amiga_Includes
provides some tips on developing for earlier releases.
Toolmaker, P/N: TOOLM01 $99.00
A user interface builder and source code generator based on the
gadtools library introduced in Release 2. (Contact Michael Erwin, 82 Gary
Drive, Trenton, NJ 08690 (609) 587-2885 -- between 2PM and 5PM EDT for
technical support.)
AmigaMail Volume II, P/N: AMAILBI01 $75.00
Back issues of the technical newsletter on the Amiga from September/
October '90 to May/June '93. (Binder and index tabs are sold separately.)
AmigaMail Volume 1, P/N: AMVOL1 $75.00
Back issues of the technical newsletter on the Amiga from January/
February 1987 to July/August '90. (Binder and index tabs are sold separately.)
AmigaMail Binder, P/N: AMAIL1B01 (Vol. 1), AMAIL2B02 (Vol. II) $10.00 ea.
AmigaMail Index Tabs, P/N: AMAILIND $5.00 ea.
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The Amiga Programming Manuals
=============================
Non-registered developers must purchase their Amiga RKM and AmigaDOS
manuals through bookstores or from the publishers. Dept C does not sell
these manuals. These manuals cover Release 2.0. To program newer
2.1 or 3.x features, use the 2.0 programming methods shown in these
manuals plus the new functions and flags covered in the tutorials,
autodocs, and examples on the 3.1 Amiga Developer Update disks.
Published by Bantam Books (800-223-6834, NY & Canada 212-765-6500):
The AmigaDOS Manual 3rd Edition
ISBN 0-553-35403-5
Published by Addison-Wesley (800-447-2226, 617-944-3700):
Amiga User Interface Style Guide
ISBN 0-201-57757-7
Amiga Hardware Manual
ISBN 0-201-56776-8
Amiga ROM Kernel Manual: Includes and Autodocs
ISBN 0-201-56773-3
Amiga ROM Kernel Manual: Devices (includes the IFF manual)
ISBN 0-201-56775-X
Amiga ROM Kernel Manual: Libraries
ISBN 0-201-56774-1
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Workbench, Includes, and AmigaCD Licenses
Developers who wish to distribute files/commands from Workbench
a license to do so. Distribution of the items in PD, shareware, or
freely redistributable form is not allowed. Licenses may be requested
through your local Amiga support organization, or through
CATS - Licenses, 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA., 19380.
Licenses are available for Workbench 1.3, Workbench 2.0, Workbench 2.1,
Workbench 3.0, Includes 1.3, Includes 2.0, Includes 3.0, and Includes 3.1.
In addition, an amendment is available for 1.3 Workbench license-holders
to distribute 2.04 (37.x) iffparse.library.
If you are developing a CD product for any Amiga CD platform, you
must have an AmigaCD license. AmigaCD licensees receive tools for
creating bootable AmigaCD products, and may access our closed AmigaCD
conferences on our developer networks. An AmigaCD license may be
requested through CATS Licenses (address below).
To request license forms, be sure to specify which license(s) and
amendments(s) you require and include your full SURFACE MAIL address
including country. Licensing generally costs $100/year for Workbench,
$25/year for Includes/Libs.
Developer archives for the original Installer and original Amigaguide
are available on the nets and on BIX in amiga.dev/listings. These archives
include a print/sign/send free license for distribution of these products.
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Official Developer Conferences
Our primary goal is to support developers who are registered in our Amiga
developer programs. However, some support for non-registered develepers
may also be found in the open Amiga developer conferences on the
same networks where our closed support areas are located.
BIX: amiga.dev (open); amiga.cert and amiga.com (open only to registered
Certified and Commercial developers); amiga.cd32 (open only to
AmigaCD licensees). Registered developers and AmigaCD licensees
will find instructions for requesting access to closed BIX
conferences in the amiga.dev/instructions topic.
UUCP: comp.sys.amiga.* (open); adsp.* (open only to registered Certified
and Commercial developers in Europe via their support program);
adsp.cd32.* (open only to AmigaCD licensees).
CIX (UK): amiga.* (open); adsp.* (open only to registered Certified
and Commercial developers); nv.beta (open only to AmigaCD
licensees)
Additional independent Amiga user and developer areas may also be found
on most popular commercial BBS systems including Genie and Compuserve.
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Amiga Example Code and Tools
============================
1. 3.1 Amiga Developer Update (see Materials list). Contains example
code for new 2.1 (V38) and V39 (3.0) features.
2. 2.0 Native Developer Update (see Materials list). Contains the
all of the 2.0 Devcon code examples and 2.0 AmigaMail code
examples.
3. Latest IFF code: Version 37.10 is on Fish Disk 705.
A new V39 version of the NewIFF code which supports AA is available
to registered developers in our closed BIX, ADSP, and CIX conferences.
This code requires iffparse.library (note - the 2.04 iffparse.library is
1.3 compatible).
4. Fish Disks 741 and 742 contain 4 archives of 2.0 RKM Companion Code
(all of the 2.0 Rom Kernel Manual code examples). Fish Disk 344
contains the previous 1.3 "RKMCompanion" code.
5. Debugging Tools - 3.1 Native Developer Update (see Materials list).
Some updated tools (usually latest Enforcer and Mungwall) are also
submitted to Fred Fish as released.
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Reporting Bugs and Requesting Enhancements
Bug reports and enhancement requests may be submitted electronically
in "Report" format only. The Amiga "Report" program for generating
bug reports and enhancement requests is provided on the 3.1 Amiga
Developer Update disks, and is also on Fish Disk 920.
Mail bug reports in Report format to: bugs@commodore.com
Mail enhancement requests in Report format to: suggestions@commodore.com
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Registered Amiga Developer Programs
Developers who have or are developing commercial products for the
Amiga should participate in one of our registered developer programs.
The programs vary country by country, but generally provide hardware
discounts on development systems, access to pre-release developer
materials, and the ability to access closed electronic conferences.
There are different programs at varying cost and level of support.
Developers in the US and Canada may request a developer program application
by mailing to the following address and requesting a developer application,
and including their own name and full SURFACE MAIL address. Developers in
other countries should contact their local Commodore branch for information
on developer programs.
United States
=============
For information on becoming a registered developer in the US or Canada:
Mail:
CATS - Developer Applications
Commodore
1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, PA. 19380
UUCP: ej@cbmvax.cbm.commodore.com OR rutgers!cbmvax!ej
BIX: cats.admin
Region: United States and Canadian developers.
MUI Fido File Request 1.00
NAME
MUI Fido File Request 1.00
DESCRIPTION
MUI Fido File Request is a GUI for selecting files from a filelist,
which almost every Fidonet mailbox provides for download.
The list of selected files is written to a .REQ-file in your
outbound directory.
The next time you call up your Fido Boss these files are
automatically downloaded by your Fidonet communications software.
HARD- AND SOFTWARE-REQUIREMENTS
- Amiga OS 2.04
- WB 2.1 (if you want to make use of localization)
- Stefan Stuntz' Magic User Interface 1.4 or better
DOWNLOAD
Any Aminet site, e.g.
Switzerland litamiga.epfl.ch 128.178.151.32 pub/aminet/
Scandinavia ftp.luth.se 130.240.18.2 pub/aminet/
Germany ftp.uni-kl.de 131.246.9.95 pub/aminet/
Germany ftp.uni-erlangen.de 131.188.1.43 pub/aminet/
Germany ftp.cs.tu-berlin.de 130.149.17.7 pub/aminet/
Germany ftp.th-darmstadt.de 130.83.55.75 pub/aminet/
Germany ftp.uni-paderborn.de 131.234.2.32 pub/aminet/
USA ftp.wustl.edu 128.252.135.4 pub/aminet/
USA ftp.cdrom.com 192.153.46.2 pub/aminet/
USA merlin.etsu.edu 192.43.199.20 pub/aminet/
DIRECTORY
comm/fido
FILE NAME
MUIFFR10.lha
FURTHER SOURCES
FIDO:
Mowgli 2:242/7 +49-(0)241-40 59 49
2:2452/107
DISTRIBUTABILITY
Freely distributable, but copyrighted.
AUTHOR
Martin Steppler
Internet: steppler@pool.informatik.rwth-aachen.de
ADSP: steppler@cookies.adsp.sub.org
FidoClassic: 2:242/7.12 Martin_Steppler@mowgli.fido.de
FidoLight: 2:2452/107.12
WORDPERFECT CORPORATION RESTRUCTURES OPERATIONS
===============================================
OREM, Utah, Jan. 24, 1994 WordPerfect Corporation announced today that
it is restructuring its operations to adapt to changing market conditions
in the software industry. The reorganization will result in a reduction
in force of 1,025 employees or 17% of the company's worldwide workforce.
"Because of the intensely competitive nature of our industry and
rapidly declining software prices, we must continually monitor the
effectiveness of our internal organization," said Ad Rietveld, president
and chief executive officer of WordPerfect Corporation. "This reduction
in workforce is a painful process for us, but a step we can't avoid if we
are to maintain long-term competitiveness."
Employees at WordPerfect's Utah County headquarters who receive
lay-off notification will continue to receive full salary and benefits
for 60 days, and will also have access to career counseling, placement
services and a full-service career resource center.
The company is offering support for employees who will remain with
WordPerfect Corporation as well. "Employees will always be our greatest
asset and we are deeply committed to providing them with a stimulating
and rewarding work environment," said John Lewis, executive vice
president of WordPerfect Corporation.
As part of its restructuring, WordPerfect Corporation is
consolidating related workgroups; reducing the core in-house
manufacturing services; shifting the localization of some international
language versions to outside contractors; and outsourcing many other
functions that were previously performed in-house.
"Maintaining efficiency is an ongoing process," said Lewis. "We will
continue to review the effectiveness of our organization in light of the
dynamic industry where we work."