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Amiga Update (1996-07-23)
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/\\ |\ /|| || / ` /\\ || Amiga Update -News and Rumors
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AMIGA and the Amiga logo are trademarks of Amiga Technolgies, GmbH
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960723
M I A M I A N D G M P L A Y R E V I E W E D !
R E T U R N O F T H E D E V E L O P M E R S ?
C A P I T A L P U N I S H M E N T - T H E G A M E
N E W G R A P H I C S B O A R D - P H A S E 5
ABOUT THIS ISSUE:
This time we're dealing with new Amiga products. Many programming houses
which had left the Amiga market seem to be returning as it's apparent the
computer line will continue. We have a short but interesting item we
pulled off the net from something called TransInternational Company Limited
that we're passing along.
It should be emphasized that not all Amiga developers ever left, and some
new ones have come along. In that category is a new outfit going by the
name of ClickBOOM, apparently afiliated with PXL computers. While we're
not fans of the shoot'em up and violence genres, many computer users are.
These folks have been working on what they claim to be the best of the sort
and it's Amiga only. It's called "Capital Punishment". We let them tell
you about it in their own words.
Not to be outdone, the Amiga shareware and public domain programming
community, arguably the strongest such community for any type of computer,
keeps turning out work with strong appeal. Two of the most interesting
new products from this source are "Miami" and "GMPlay". We don't usually
feature software reviews, but we did promise to keep you informed of the
developments in Amiga World Wide Web (WWW) software. As for GMPlay, it
represents a truly amazing programming accomplishment. We begin this issue
with reviews of both programs, and would like to know if you'd enjoy seeing
additional program reviews in future issues.
Our last story this time is a press release from Phase 5, one of the
premier Amiga supporters, of a new graphics board with impressive
features.
AN UPDATE ON ESCOM
This is a bit unpleasant. Escom, the company that saved the Amiga, is
itself in need of saving. Before you panic, keep in mind that Escom is
selling the Amiga to VISCorp and Escom's current problems don't affect the
Amiga all that much.
It seems Escom overextended itself in the period which included buying
Commodore. Indications are that the purchase of a retail chain in England
was the biggest factor. It looked for a while as if Escom would have to
file for protection, rather like Chapter 11 in American law. However,
things have gone from bad to worse for them and they may now have to go
forward with full fledged bankruptcy. In addition, there was a flurry of
trading by Escom in its stock just before the bad news was made public.
That attracted the German federal government's attention. Investigations
are continuing.
The situation makes completing the sale to VISCorp more difficult, but
shouldn't stop it, and that's the only impact we can expect on Amiga. But
we still hate to see it - Escom did us a world class favor, even if their
motivation was strictly business. It's a shame to see them having
problems.
More cheerful news awaits below. Hope you enjoy the issue.
Brad
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M I A M I - B E S T F O R T H E W E B ?
By Brad Webb
Miami is a new tcp/ip program written by Holger Kruse, who's become
something of the leader among programmers writing Amiga networking
software. We first mentioned Miami a few issues back as a program due out
soon, one that should help solve the difficulties in getting Amigas "on the
net". We have now had a chance to try a beta release of Miami and can
inform you it ives up to expectations.
If you're not a regular network user or Web browser, your first question
might be " Fine but what does it do?" Good question. The short answer is -
you can use it in place of AmiTCP, and it's far, far easier to get working.
AmiTCP and Miami are software packages containing basic networking
software, of the type known as tcp/ip (tranfer control protocol/internet
protocol). This is the fundamental software which allows computers to talk
to each other on most corporate computer networks, or on the Internet when
used with modems. To actually use the Internet and its World Wide Web with
your Amiga, you need three pieces of software. You need some form of
tcp/ip software, a connection protocol software package (such as PPP or
SLIP) and a network browser (such as Voyager or IBrowse). Of course, you
also need a modem (preferably high speed, 28.8K baud) and an Internet
Service Provider (ISP), who will lease you a connection to the internet.
All these pieces exist for the Amiga, but many people have been frustrated
trying to put them together and get them to actually work. The biggest
problem has been the most readily available tcp/ip package, AmiTCP. It's
no picnic to get that piece installed and working, even if you have a
pretty solid background in computers.
Enter Miami. This new contender does everything through a graphical user
interface. Once you've selected an ISP and paid for an account, you're
ready to go. The ISP will provide you with a phone number for your modem
to call. There are a few other questions you should obtain answers to from
your ISP: ask 1) does the connection use a dynamic or static ip address?
Almost all use dynamic, but if the answer is static, then ask the ISP what
your address will be and write it down. It'll look something like:
123.4.56.789. 2) Is the connection made through PPP or SLIP (Point to
Point Protocol or Serial Line Internet Protocol). Go with PPP if you have
a choice. 3) What is going to be your login name and 4) your account
password? It isn't necessary for you to understand what any of the above
means. Miami knows, and it will ask you for the information when it needs
it.
Miami also needs to know some data about your modem. It comes with an
extensive list of modems in a menu. If yours is there, all you need do is
click on its name. If your modem isn't listed, you'll have to provide
information from your manual.
Currently, Miami comes with a separate program called MiamiInit which asks
you questions. It then calls your ISP and poles their computer for
additional information. When done, it disconnects and writes a
configuration file and dial script for Miami. When MiamiInit has finished
its work, you can begin using Miami itself. The first time you run it, you
will have to select the menu item "Settings/Import from MiamiInit". After
that, you only need click on the "Connect" button to go on line.
Of course, future versions of Miami may change configuration system, and
are set to come with an installation script. Right now, there is no
installation to speak of - you uncompress the archive file containing Miami
and you can immediately use it.
That's one of the items that makes Miami such an improvement over AmiTCP.
Everything is self contained in the Miami directory. There are no
configuration files, scripts, databases and such scattered over a wide
range of directories. Even more important, setting up and using the program
is a breeze by comparison. You don't have to fire up a text editor and
write scripts - Miami does it all for you.
One subtle improvement is Miami's lack of environmental variables. These
variables are seen by all Amiga applications and can ocasionaly cause
conflicts. By keeping everything self contained, Miami avoids possible
problems with other software that might use similar variables.
If our tests on this early version a good indication, you'll like it just
as much in use as you will during setup. The program seems very stable.
Transfers happen realiably and rapidly. Once again, use is simple. Double
click on the Miami icon to open its window, then click on the connect
button. It's that simple. You will have to reconnect from time to time if
you don't obtain the registered version, however. Miami is limited to one
hour of connect time in the evaluation version.
If you try Miami, get the very latest version which is 0.512. I have found
this version to also work well when accessing computers over corporate
networks, making it suitable for just about any type of tcp/ip
communication that comes along.
Conclusions: if you want to browse the WWW, grab Miami over AmiTCP with no
hesitation. It's orders of magnitude easier to set up and use. If you
obtain version 0.512, you will also have a fully versatile package that can
be used for both the Internet and dialup corporate networks. It's a joy to
review a truly superior piece of work, and this is definitely one!
Coming soon: a review of TermiteTCP!
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G M P L A Y - F O R T H E U L T I M A T E
I N A M I G A M U S I C
By Brad Webb
My PC owning friends are probably tired of me telling them that Amiga
public domain and shareware programmers are an amazing group. They may be
tired of hearing it, but it's true. It's no wonder that Aminet is the
largest online archive of public domain and shareware programs for any type
of computer.
Our second program for review today, like Miami above, is a splended
example of what I'm talking about. Two programmers, one in Italy named
Alessandro de Luca - and one in Germany, Christian Buchner, have created
what may be the ultimate music program for the Amiga.
GMPlay is short for "General Midi Player". It actually turns your Amiga
into a midi compatible music synthesizer (without the hardware midi ports,
of course). GMPLay comes with the standard Amiga installation script.
Once installed, you access GMPlay through the shell, not the Workbench. It
proves easy to use - there's good documentation included, in Amiga Guide
format - and the results are amazing.
Amiga programmers have recently discovered that the Amiga's four 8 bit
sound voices can be combined to create two 14 bit channels. For
comparison, audio CDs are 16 bits, so it's getting close. In GMPLay this
technique is combined with a series of sound samples corresponding to
standard midi instrument samples and code that can intrepret any standard
midi file. The result is amazing midi music right on your Amiga, with no
extra expense.
As you might expect, the results aren't quite as good as a real midi
synthesizer. Besides the difference between 14 and 16 bit sound, there are
a couple of other limiting factors. First, most of the samples provided
are 8 bit samples and are admittedly noisy. Second, you need at least a
020 main processor to use the program at all, and anyone with less than a
very fast 030 will probably have to reduce the playback sampling frequency
to obtain continuous sound. On my aging Amiga 3000, I had to reduce the
frequency from the standard 28867 to 20000 or even lower. This of course
reduces sound quality. On the other hand, if you have a fast enough Amiga,
and can use a 30Hz screen mode, you can actually run at 44.1KHz sampling
frequency - same as a CD!
Despite the limitations just listed, the audio output is amazing and well
worth experiencing if you like music at all. I've toyed with buying an
expensive midi synthesizer for years, just to play midi files on. I never
could quite justify it and now I don't have to.
The current version of GMPlay is freeware, and comes with a number of good
midi files for you to listen to. Others are available on the Net or public
bulletin board systems, and public domain disks. You can get GMPlay from
the same sources. I strongly recommend you do so!
"Amiga Update" wishes to thank Harv Laser, keeper of the "Amiga Zone" on
Portal, for pointing out this excellent program to us during one of his
most interesting Sunday night Amiga gatherings.
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T H E Y ' R E C O M I N G B A C K
Amiga FANS!!! GOOD NEWS!!!! The software developers are begining to come
back On-Line in the U.S.. I've gotten 7 calls this month and several
packages of annmouncements. (Vista Pro 5.01 is one item that will be
available soon.) 7 Items from just one developer.
Great News for all
--
Sincerely, with best regards.
M. K. Yoshida
TransInternational Co. Ltd
Import - Export Operations
=========
Trans Data Systems
Amiga Systems Operations
VAR - Sales, Service & Upgrade Configurations.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
1130 N. Kraemer Blvd.
Anaheim, Ca. 92806 U.S.A.
tel: 001 714 630 8711
FAX::001 714 630 5619
URL:http://www.webworldinc.net/transdata/ (WebSite & Catalog)
E-Mail: transdata@weblworldinc.com
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C L I C K B O O M - W H O N E E D S D O O M ?
"clickBOOM" is a new team in the computer game industry, but
it already managed to create an impressive impact on the Amiga game scene.
We believe that Amiga is a great games machine, and we are about to
prove that.
We at "clickBOOM" have decided to stand behind Amiga, its users and
management all the way. All future "clickBOOM" projects will be done on
Amiga, and like Capital Punishment, they will be state-of-the-art games.
Also, we have talked to the major publishers around the world to allow us
to convert their best games from other platforms to the Amiga. We feel
that this will give current Amiga users no reason to abandon their
favourite computer while also bringing new users to Amiga.
We are one of the best action-game teams on Amiga ever, and
we will use our power and enthusiasm to bring you many more
great games.
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W A R N I N G !
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CAPITAL PUNISHMENT CONTAINS SCENES
OF EXTREMELY REALISTIC VIOLENCE AND GORE.
"PXL COMPUTERS" DOES NOT RECOMMEND THE USE
OF THIS SOFTWARE FOR CHILDREN OR SENSITIVE PERSONS.
Technical data:
Capital Punishment is the most technically advanced and
by far the most playable fighting game on Amiga. It features:
a specially developed state-of-the-art bob routine with a
real-time horizontal flip that can animate two large characters,
covering a combined area of over 30,000 pixels, at a rate of
25 frames per second
a horizontal scroll of 50 frames per second with acceleration
and deceleration
pixel-by-pixel drawn frames of perfectly smooth animation
for every character
dazzling backgrounds in 256 colours from a palette
of 16.7 million
fight against another player via modem over the telephone line.
upgrading your warrior's moves as you progress in the game
a unique zone editor that has been created to maximize
the combat experience through an advanced collision detection
system using four collision zones (head, body, legs, and attack)
for every character in every frame
semi-transparent 3D shadow that casts itself on the characters
and the floor by following the characters' movements
at the rate of 25 frames per second. Depending on the distance,
angle or position of the main light source, the shadow deforms
over walls, staircases, etc.
additional visual effects such as:
slow-motion replay;
realistic blood animation;
red screen flash after every blow;
screen shakes after a player is punched or falls;
screen scroll with every move;
keyboard redefine option
a stunning soundtrack and sound FX
many secret things to discover for yourself
The plot:
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - 1.Vitally harmful severe treatment or suffering;
You are a warrior about to embark on a most dangerous journey.
Your goal is to dethrone the evil master of an immense castle.
You begin your mission in rancid, putrid catacombs of this castle.
However, beware. The master is aware of your presence,
and has placed guards on every floor.
You must work your way up to the top of the castle,
and defeat all who stand in your way in order to battle the master.
Helping you along will be the spirit of your deceased mentor.
However, even with his aid, this will without question be
a physically-draining experience. By journey's end, you will be
injured, bruised, and tired. But if you think of the
price of failure, this is a small price to pay. For should
you lose a battle, you will suffer a fate worse than death.
You see, the master does look favorably upon assassins.
Thus, he has the power to make you immortal, and you will be forced
to serve him for eternity in this most unpleasant environment.
Even worse, you will be confined to a single room, becoming
one of his guards...
...and, that is the CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.
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N E W C Y B E R V I S I O N B O A R D F R O M P H A S E 5
Oberursel, July 96: With the beginning of August 1996, phase 5 digital
products will release a new generation graphics board, the CyberVision64/3D
at a very competitive pricing. Designed for use as either a Zorro-II or
Zorro-III board it will work in all Amiga 2000, 3000 and 4000(T) series
models as well as with tower modifications of Amiga 1200 series models
equipped with Zorro-II backplanes. CyberVision64/3D's modular design allow
low entry prices at high end perfomance and optimal expandibility.
Core of the new board will be the new graphics chip Virge with 3D
capabilities produced by the well known manufacturer S3. The chip is able
to do complex 3D functions in hardware, like shaded and textured surfaces
with trilinear filtering as well as shading and fogging for very realistic
real tome 3D rendering. In conjunction with the new CyberGraphX 3D library
CyberVision64/3D is offering a wide range of complex 3D functions for
software developers reducing development time and expense for developers
supporting the new CGX3D standard.
In addition to those features, a MPEG decoder can be added to the feature
connector allowing real time MPEG audio and video decoding at full size
custom screens or in workbench windows, allowing high quality display by
using the 16 and 24 bit modes of the workbench provided by CyberGraphX. For
stereo audio output a dedicated line output jack is provided.
The second optional expansion will be a monitor switcher with integrated
scan line doubler designed to fit into the Amiga's slot providing automatic
switch over from the Amiga's original Signal to the CyberVision64/3D's
output. Mechanical dimensions of the switcher and the CyberVision64/3D allow
the use of both cards in th lower slot of A3000 / A4000 models keeping 3
Zorro-III slots free for other expansion boards.
With all these features the CyberVision will be available in Germany at
suggested retail prices of DM 449,- with 2 MB and DM 599,- with 4 MB video
RAM. The MPEG module expected to be released at the same time will be
available at DM 349,- and the scan doubler / monitor switcher is will cost
DM 149,-. Developers registered in the PowerUP program can purchase the
CyberVision64/3D at a special developers price.
A very special offer will be available for users of the CyberVision64. There
will be no MPEG modul available for the predecessor, since the add on bus of
the Trio64 used on the CyberVision64 is no longer supported by S3 and other
manufacturers. Due to the immense development required for the
implementation of that add on bus a MPEG module would have to be sold for
more than DM 500,-. Because of this, CyberVision64 users who wish to use
MPEG can purchase the CyberVision64/3D together with the MPEG module for DM
499,- from phase 5 digital products.
-------------------------------------
Additional information:
phase 5 digital products
In der Au 27, 61440 Oberursel
Tel +49 6171 583787
Fax +49 6171 583789
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Amiga Update on the net: recent issues available in html format at:
http://www.sharbor.com
All back issues available (ASCII text only) at:
http://www.globaldialog.com/AdventureCentral/AU.html
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Copyright 1996 by Brad Webb. Freely distributable, if not modified.
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