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PCX SuperShow
A Presentation Software System
==============================
INTRODUCTION
==============================
PCX-SuperShow is a highly stylized multi-media presentation program from PC
WEST Software & Services of Phoenix, Arizona. The program allows the user to
create customized screen presentations using pictures/screens saved or captured
in the PCX file format. PCX-SuperShow features include multiple screen fades
and segues, kaleidoscope screen effects, special effects, circle and box
drawing, support of digitized voice and music with the Sound Blaster and
compatible sound cards, PC Speaker music and sound, text display using
customized and computer fonts, border and screen clearing effects and more.
The PCX file format is one of the single most used graphics file formats in the
DOS world. It is the native format of the PC Paintbrush series of programs and
was developed by ZSoft Corporation. Most of the major graphics programs allow
the importing and/or exporting of graphics screens in this format.
PCX-SuperShow works by creating a script consisting of one or two script
commands that tells the program what and how you want your files or text and
drawings to be displayed. An example of a complete script is the file
PCXSHOW.SPT.
The files included in this shareware version are:
PCXSS.EXE - PCX-SuperShow program
PCXSP.EXE - The Script Generator/Editor
PCXSHOW.SPT - Full Demo Script File for VGA systems
*.PCX - Various PCX Screen files for demo
*.FNT - Various GEM Screen fonts
*.MUS - Various Music/Song Files
SUPER.OTL - SuperFont Data
SSORDER.FRM - SuperShow order form (ASCII text file)
The shareware executable SuperShow Files PCXSS.EXE and PCXSP.EXE are identical
to the registered version with the exception of a brief shareware sign-on and
sign-off screen that appears each time you run your show.
There are a number of files not included with this shareware version that you
will receive when you register PCX-SuperShow. The main reason we have not
included these files is for the reason of space. The entire PCX-SuperShow
registered version includes programs and files that total over 1.5 megabytes.
Additonal files/programs you'll receive with the registered version include:
Ten (10) PCX file utilities: These utilities include graphics and text
screen capture programs, image sizing, printing, and viewing programs.
Over 2 dozen custom font files: SuperShow uses the GEM font format and
we include over 2 dozen custom font files with your registered version.
Runtime Module: The registered version includes a couple of programs
that allow you to make a runtime version of your presentation for
distribution with no royalties.
Music/Voice Files: SuperShow supports the Sound Blaster compatible
digitized voice files and also a music file format for your pc speaker.
You receive additional music & voice files when registering.
A professionally printed and bound manual that is more in depth than
this documentation.
And of course we are constantly updating our series of programs and files.
When you register, you'll receive the very latest version of SuperShow.
This documentation is a subset of our printed manual. There may be references
to some of the programs not included with the shareware version. For the most
part, chapters dealing with these files have been removed from this shareware
documentation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PCX-SuperShow Demonstration Show
A demonstration of many of the features of PCX-SuperShow is included in this
version. To view the demo, change to the directory where the PCX-SuperShow
files are stored. From that directory type PCXSS at the DOS prompt and press
the Enter key. In a few seconds, the demonstration program will begin. If you
haven't viewed the demonstration of PCX-SuperShow yet, we suggest you do so.
The demo will give you a good overview of the capabilities of the program.
This version of PCX-SuperShow includes PCX-ShowPrep (PCXSP.EXE). This is an
ASCII based text editor that allows you to create your PCX-SuperShow script and
run the show right from the editor with a simple key stroke. ShowPrep also
features pull-down menu selections that automatically write script commands for
you. Details on using PCXSP.EXE are found in the chapter titled PCX-ShowPrep.
All orders and inquiries should be directed to:
PC WEST
P.O. Box 31418
Phoenix, AZ 85046
(602)-992-0310
============
REQUIREMENTS
============
Graphics programs, especially ones requiring high screen resolution displays,
such as VGA or Super VGA, are very memory and speed intensive. PCX-SuperShow
is no exception.
As you will note below, PCX-SuperShow will run on a simple PC or PC-XT with a
clock speed of 4.77 mhz. However, if you plan to use the VGA or Super VGA mode
on this type of system you will be disappointed. The speed is "Oh so slow".
On the other hand, if your presentation is comprised of files and screens in
the CGA or even EGA mode, then the speed is certainly acceptable.
Below, we've listed three types of hardware requirements. You will be most
pleased if your requirements match those of the recommended or ideal.
Minimum Hardware Requirements: Minimum hardware requirements for using
PCX-SuperShow are an IBM computer (PC, XT, AT, PS/2) or compatible, DOS 2.xx or
higher, 512K Conventional RAM memory available when running PCX-SuperShow and a
CGA, EGA, VGA or SVGA graphics card with 256K Video Memory.
Recommended Hardware Requirements: The recommended hardware requirements for
using PCX-SuperShow are an AT class 286, 386SX, 386, 486 computer with 16mhz
chip speed or better, 1mb of expanded memory (or extended memory that may be
made expanded by DOS 5.0 or other memory manager software), 512K Conventional
RAM memory available when running PCX-SuperShow and a VGA graphics card.
Ideal Hardware Requirements: The ideal hardware configuration for using
PCX-SuperShow is a 386SX, 386 or 486 class computer with 20mhz chip speed or
better, 2mb of expanded memory, 512K Conventional RAM memory available when
running PCX-SuperShow and a supported SVGA graphics card. A printer is also
desirable but not required.
If your presentations will always be in CGA or EGA mode, we recommend you
consider acquiring our PCX-Show 4.0. This version in our Show series uses
video ram, for the most part, for EGA & CGA pcx files and will run smoothly on
a PC or PC-XT.
Supported SVGA Graphics Cards: The computer industry was together when
creating the standards for CGA, EGA and VGA graphic cards. . . but then along
came Super VGA and we ended up with several different standards for the Super
VGA graphics mode. The industry is trying to rectify that now with the VESA
standard. In the meantime, there are a lot of different SVGA cards out there.
We've attempted to include support for most of them. PCX-SuperShow definitely
supports the following cards/chip sets:
Diamond SpeedStar Paradise Orchid
Video Seven ATI Hercules
Tseng Chip Set Cards
There are other brands that use different names but actually use an acceptable
chip set. For example, there are several different brand names that use the
Tseng 4000 based chip set. PCX-SuperShow will perform well in the SVGA mode
with any of those brands.
What if you have an unsupported chip set? We're working on it. In the
meantime, you will be able to use PCX-SuperShow in the CGA, EGA and VGA modes.
Memory Information: As we've indicated, graphics programs require lots of
memory. Here is the way PCX-SuperShow uses memory.
A. First, the program itself will take up about 200K of conventional
memory. If you started with 512K free, that leaves you with about 312K
of ram. Next, the program sets aside 64K ram for the custom fonts.
Another 12K or so for the SuperFont. Now we are down to about 200K of
conventional memory for loading pcx files and creating buffers to store
them and so forth. If you have an SVGA pcx file that is 250K in size,
it becomes clear that there isn't enough conventional ram to handle it.
B. When conventional ram is exhausted, then SuperShow looks for
expanded memory. If it's available, it will use it to store and
display your pcx files very rapidly.
C. When there is no conventional ram or expanded memory available the
avenue of last resort is your hard disk. SuperShow will use your hard
disk as virtual memory. The penalty is speed. We are at the mercy of
the speed of your hard drive for displaying pcx files stored this way.
The net effect will be a very slow screen write.
The Bottom Line: There is a saying that "you can never be too rich or too
thin." For computers the saying is "Computers can never be too fast or have
too much memory."
========
OVERVIEW
========
You interface your PCX formatted screens with PCX-SuperShow using a proprietary
Script format. The Script format is simply a set of one or two word commands
that tells PCX-SuperShow what you want to do. An example of a Script file is
the demonstration file PCXSHOW.SPT. Take a look at this file in the
PCX-ShowPrep editor or any editor/word processor that is able to load and read
ASCII based text files.
If you've never used PCX-SuperShow before, a great way to begin learning the
program is to load the tutorial scripts in the PCX-ShowPrep editor. You may
view the script contents in the editor and run the script from the editor.
Once you have created or captured the PCX screens you wish to include, you need
to tell PCX-SuperShow when and how you want them displayed. That is the
purpose of the script.
In it's simplest form, your show centers around the SHOW script command. This
is the command you use to display your pcx files. You may, of course, display
your pictures using the dozens of fades, segues and special effects found in
PCX SuperShow.
You may also use the Script to display text (using custom , SuperFont or the
ROM computer fonts), pop-up window boxes and or circles, create kaleidoscope
screens, clear screens, draw screen borders and more. The demo script,
PCXSHOW.SPT demonstrates the use of these script commands.
You may create the Script in PCX-ShowPrep or any editor/word processor that can
save a file in standard ASCII format. We strongly recommend your using the
PCX-ShowPrep program to prepare your script. This program allows you to choose
any of the dozens of script commands from a pull-down menu system. When you
choose the script command, the program will insert it in your script, saving
you the time of typing or typo error correction.
Once you've completed your Script you can name it using any conventional DOS
characters. To see the show at the DOS prompt you would type:
PCXSS [Filename.Ext]
and then press the Enter key. The Script file and PCXSS.EXE file must be in
the same drive/directory. If no file name is given when PCXSS is entered at
the DOS prompt, the program looks for a default file named PCXSHOW.SPT. That's
what we named our full-demo Script. If PCX-SuperShow can't find the Script file
it will tell you.
Let's say you created a Script file named MYSHOW.SHW and you want to view the
show. From the DOS prompt you type:
PCXSS MYSHOW.SHW
and press the Enter key. Be sure there is a space between PCXSS and your
Script file name. You may, of course, add to, change or delete lines/commands
in your Script file at any time.
Of course, the easiest way to create and view your script/show is by using our
new PCX-ShowPrep editor/script generator. This program allows you to choose
your script commands from menus and automatically writes the script for you.
You also may run the script directly from the editor so you may monitor your
progress without having to leave the editor.
One of the best ways to learn to use PCX-SuperShow is by looking and modifying
the demo script, PCXSHOW.SPT. We have included just about every script command
available in SuperShow in this script file. Loading this script file will show
you how each effect, transition, fade, segue, screen write, etc., was
accomplished.
There are dozens of script commands in PCX-SuperShow. The next chapter, SCRIPT
COMMANDS, covers each of those commands in depth. The script commands are
listed in alphabetical order.
===============
SCRIPT COMMANDS
===============
The following is a review of all the Script commands available in
PCX-SuperShow. Script files may be prepared in any editor/word processor that
is able to save files in the ASCII format. We do highly recommend, however,
that you use PCX-ShowPrep. From ShowPrep you will be able to pick your script
commands from pull-down menus. It will make creating your script very easy.
Each Script command must be on a separate line. Any combination of upper and
lower case letters is allowed. The proper syntax outlined with each script
command listed below must be followed.
We have grouped the commands in alphabetical order to make it easy for you to
find a particular script command quickly.
ATPIX [Pixel Column,Pixel Row]
------------------------------
Purpose: This command allows you to place a custom font, SuperFont and/or pcx
image at any screen location. It designates, in pixels, the upper left hand
corner where you wish to place your pcx picture.
Comments: The main use of this command is to locate where you wish your print
statement or pcx image to be located on your screen. For full screen pcx
images the command is always ATPIX 0,0. Smaller pcx images may be located
anywhere on the screen using the ATPIX command.
The total number of pixel columns and rows for any given screen varies
depending on the screen mode being used. A typical EGA screen has 640 pixel
columns and 350 pixel rows. A VGA screen has 640 pixel columns and 480 pixel
rows. A super VGA screen may have 800 pixel columns and 600 pixel rows or 1028
pixel columns and 768 pixel rows. When you begin using PCX-SuperShow the
default is set at column 0 and row 0, or the upper left hand corner. Once you
issue this command the pixel column and row remains set to those locations
until another ATPIX script command is encountered.
See Also: SHOW, PRINT, SPRINT, TYPE, LOGO
ANGLE [degrees]
---------------
Purpose: The ANGLE command is used to rotate text displayed using the
SuperFont.
Comments: The default is 0 degrees which means the SuperFont text will be
displayed normally. To display the SuperFont at a 45 degree angle the command
would be ANGLE 45. That angle will remain in effect until another ANGLE script
command is issued. Both negative and positive angle degree numbers may be
used. Valid degree numbers are from -359 to 359.
See Also: SPRINT, OUTLINE, SIZE, SPACE
BOX [X1,Y1,X2,Y2]
------------------
Purpose: The BOX script command gives you the ability to pop-up boxes
(windows) of any size, color and fill design during your presentation.
Comments: This command may now be used in all screen modes. You control the
size and location of the boxes by entering the beginning and ending pixel rows
and columns immediately following the BOX command.
The easiest way to create your pop-up box is by using the Box drawing tool
found in the ShowPrep editor. This allows you to size, shape and move the box
to the exact location on the screen using your cursor keys. See Box drawing
tool in the ShowPrep portion of this manual for full instructions.
The BOX X and Y coordinates are as follows:
X1 = Beginning Column Pixel Location
Y1 = Beginning Row Pixel Location
X2 = Ending Column Pixel Location
Y2 = Ending Row Pixel Location
Remember, the EGA mode has 640 column pixels and 350 row pixels. They are
numbered 0 to 639 and 0 to 349 respectively. The VGA screen mode has 640
column pixels and 480 row pixels. They are numbered 0 to 639 and 0 to 479
respectively. For example, if you wish to draw a pop-up box in the center of
the screen the command is: BOX 200,128,451,220
IMPORTANT: It is no longer necessary to have three digits for each coordinate.
For example, if you wanted to draw the above box beginning at column 1 and row
15 the proper syntax is: BOX 1,15,451,220.
To control the color of the box, simply issue the COLOR script command before
entering the BOX command. For example, to draw a blue box with a white border,
the proper color command is: COLOR 15,1
To control the fill design of the box, simply issue the FILL script command
before entering the BOX command. The default FILL command is solid.
See Also: COLOR, FILL, Box Drawing Tool in ShowPrep, CIRCLE
CGA2
----
Purpose: To set the screen mode to CGA, 2 color at 640 x 200.
Comments: This is one of the screen setting modes. You must set your screen
to a desired mode (CGA2, CGA4, EGA, VGA16, or VGA320) as the first script
command. The default is CGA2.
See Also: CGA4, EGA, VGA16, VGA320
CGA4
----
Purpose: To set the screen mode to CGA, 4 color at 320 x 200.
Comments: This is one of the screen setting modes. You must set your screen
to a desired mode (CGA2, CGA4, EGA, VGA16, or VGA320) as the first script
command. The default is CGA2.
See Also: CGA2, EGA, VGA16, VGA320
CIRCLE [X,Y,H,V]
----------------
Purpose: The CIRCLE script command gives you the ability to pop-up
circles/ellipse of any size, color and fill design during your presentation.
While this command is called circle, since you can control the size of both the
major and minor axis, this means that you can draw an ellipse as well as
circles.
Comments: This command may be used in all screen modes. You control the size
and location of the ellipse by entering the beginning and ending pixel rows,
columns and axis immediately following the CIRCLE command.
The easiest way to create your pop-up ellipse is by using the Circle drawing
tool found in the ShowPrep editor. This allows you to size, shape and move the
ellipse to the exact location on the screen using your cursor keys. See Circle
drawing tool in the ShowPrep portion of this manual for full instructions.
The CIRCLE coordinates are as follows:
X,Y = The ellipse will be centered at (X,Y) pixel location.
H = This is the major (horizontal) axis.
V = This is the minor (vertical) axis.
The CIRCLE script command will draw an ellipse centered at (X,Y). The radius
of that ellipse is H by V.
Remember, the EGA mode has 640 column pixels and 350 row pixels. They are
numbered 0 to 639 and 0 to 349 respectively. The VGA screen mode has 640
column pixels and 480 row pixels. They are numbered 0 to 639 and 0 to 479
respectively.
For example, if you wish to draw a circle in the center of a VGA screen with a
radius of 140 by 140 the command is: CIRCLE 320,240,140,140
To control the color of the ellipse, simply issue the COLOR script command
before entering the CIRCLE command. For example, to draw a blue ellipse with a
white border, the proper color command is: COLOR 15,1
To control the fill design of the box, simply issue the FILL script command
before entering the CIRCLE command. The default FILL command is solid.
See Also: COLOR, FILL, Circle Drawing Tool in ShowPrep, BOX
CLR [Color Number],[Fade Number],[X1,Y1,X2,Y2]
----------------------------------------------
Purpose: The CLR script command clears any portion or the entire screen using
your choice of color and fade effect.
Comments: When CLR is issued the screen is filled with blank characters using
one of 30 different fade techniques. In addition, you may designate pixel
locations and background color for the screen. The following is a list of
screen clear fade numbers and the type they invoke:
1- Instant On 11- Diag. Down Left 21- Close Horizontal
2- Wipe Down 12- Diag. Up Right 22- Close Vertical
3- Wipe Up 13- Diag. Up left 23- Drip Down
4- Wipe Right 14- Explode 24- Drip Up
5- Wipe Left 15- Implode 25- Pour Down
6- Slide Down 16- Puzzle Pieces 26- Pour Up
7- Slide Up 17- Spiral Out 27- Weave Horizontal
8- Slide Right 18- Spiral In 28- Weave Vertical
9- Slide Left 19- Open Horizontal 29- Horizontal Blinds
10- Diag. Down Right 20- Open Vertical 30- Vertical Blinds
These 30 screen transitions may be further modified by separately adjusting the
number of horizontal and vertical pixel numbers with the PIXNUM command. . .
thus creating totally different screen clearing effects. See the PIXNUM script
command for further details.
For Color Number selection see the color number chart listed in the COLOR
script command summary.
You may clear any portion of the screen using the color and fade effects. You
control the portion cleared by entering the desired pixel coordinates. To
clear the entire screen all the pixel coordinates should be zero (0).
The CLR X and Y coordinates are as follows:
X1 = Beginning Column Pixel Location
Y1 = Beginning Row Pixel Location
X2 = Ending Column Pixel Location
Y2 = Ending Row Pixel Location
See Also: COLOR, PIXNUM
COLOR [Combined Color # |or| Foreground Color #,Background Color #]
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Purpose: The color command is used to set the foreground and background color
when displaying text; to set the foreground color when displaying text with a
custom font or SuperFont; to set the screen color when clearing the screen with
the CLR command; and to set the frame and fill color when drawing boxes or
circles.
Comments: There are two forms of syntax acceptable when issuing the COLOR
script command. One is using a single, combined color number. The other is
using separate foreground and background color numbers separated by a comma.
For example, the script command COLOR 15,1 or COLOR 31, both set the foreground
to white and the background to blue. The combined color number is primarily
for use when using PCX-ShowPrep's color pop-up menu for color selection.
ShowPrep uses the combined color syntax when insert ing the command into your
script.
When used just prior to issuing a BOX or CIRCLE drawing command, the foreground
color will be the color of the box or circle frame and the background color
will be the fill color.
When used just prior to printing text with SuperFont, the background number
will be ignored as it uses whatever colors are currently on the screen as
background.
When you choose STYLE NORMAL with custom fonts both the background and
foreground colors are in effect. If you choose STYLE OVERLAY then only the
foreground color is in effect.
The following list contains the individual Color Numbers used in PCX-SuperShow.
For a complete table of combined color numbers, view the color window (F2
hot-key) in the PCX-Showprep program.
0 - Black 8 - Dark Gray
1 - Blue 9 - Bright Blue
2 - Green 10 - Bright Green
3 - Cyan 11 - Bright Cyan
4 - Red 12 - Bright Red
5 - Purple 13 - Bright Purple
6 - Brown 14 - Yellow
7 - Gray 15 - White
Also See: PAL, EPAL, VPAL, BOX, PRINT, SPRINT, CLR, FONT, STYLE
CONDITIONAL BRANCHING:
----------------------
Purpose: Conditional branching allows you to construct a menu system that
permits the user to move forward and/or backward to certain predesignated
points in your show. There are four script commands that are used in
combination to create conditional branching in your show. We will discuss them
in the order they should be created in your show. Also, be sure to see the
tutorial script GOTO1.SPT listed in Appendix B of this manual and also
contained on your distribution disk in electronic form.
:[LABEL]
---------
The first thing you'll want to do is decide and create the points in the script
you want the user to be able to go to and return to/from. These points are
designated by creating line labels. A line label always begins with a colon
(:). Then you may designate any word as your label immediately following the
colon. For example, if you wanted to create a label named MAIN MENU you would
enter the script command :MAIN MENU on a line by itself.
INPUT
-----
After you have created your line labels, you'll next decide where in the script
you wish to give the user the opportunity to branch to these labels. This is
accomplished with the INPUT and IF _ GOTO commands. The INPUT command is very
similar to the PAUSE command. It stops your show and waits for the user to
press a key. The difference is that when using INPUT, the program records the
key that was pressed. INPUT waits for only one key press and then goes on to
process the next script command which shou ld always be the IF _ GOTO command.
Using INPUT without the IF _ GOTO command would be just like using the PAUSE
command.
IF [key] GOTO :[label]
----------------------
This is the command that determines which line label the program will go to.
You may go forward or backward from that point in the script. The program will
recognize any normal, printable ASCII character as the key. You will probably
want to use a single digit number or alphabet character to designate the
desired key press. For example, if you had two choices for your user the
proper syntax might be IF 1 GOTO :LABEL1 and the next line would be IF A GOTO
:LABEL2.
If the user in the above example presses any other key than 1 or A, the program
will simply go forward and execute the next script command. If a non-existent
line label is encountered the program will execute from the beginning.
RETURN :[label]
---------------
Finally, if you wish the user to be able to return from branching you will need
to issue a RETURN : script command. This command would almost always be
inserted as the last command in your branching routine, i.e., at the end of the
series of script commands following the :LABEL. Using the example cited above,
if you want the user to return to the MAIN MENU label after branching to
another label the proper syntax would be RETURN :MAIN MENU.
Here is what a simple conditional branching script may look like:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:MAIN
VGA16
FONT ROM16
COLOR 14,0
:TOPP
CLR 1,0,0,0,0,0
ATPIX 100,100
PRINT "1. Choice Number One"
ATPIX 100,120
PRINT "A. Choice Number Two"
INPUT
IF 1 GOTO :LABEL1
IF A GOTO :LABEL2
CLR 1,1,0,0,0,0
ATPIX 100,100
PRINT "A KEY OTHER THAN 1 OR A WAS PRESSED"
DELAY 4
GOTO :TOP
:LABEL1
CLR 2,2,0,0,0,0
ATPIX 100,100
PRINT "THIS IS CHOICE NUMBER ONE"
DELAY 4
RETURN :TOP
:LABEL2
CLR 2,3,0,0,0,0
ATPIX 100,100
PRINT "THIS IS CHOICE NUMBER TWO"
DELAY 4
RETURN :TOP
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is not necessary to return to the calling line label. You may return to any
valid line label.
If a RETURN script command is encountered without being sent by an IF _ GOTO
command it will simply be ignored.
ee Also: GOTO, PCXSHOW.SPT sample script
CRAWL ["Message"]
------------------
Purpose: The CRAWL command will display a ticker tape type message while
waiting for a key press or until a specified time expires.
Comments: This command is similar to the PAUSE script command, except that a
message you enter scrolls, right to left, across the screen until a key is
pressed or until the time set with the CRWLAT script expires. The message must
not contain more than 254 characters or an error will occur. The message and
number of desired spaces must be enclosed with quotation marks. The color of
the text and the screen location are determined by the COLOR and CRWLAT script
commands respectively. A demonstration of t he CRAWL command is included in
the PCXSHOW.SPT sample script file.
See Also: CRWLAT, COLOR, ATPIX
CRWLAT [X,Y,X2,Display Time]
----------------------------
Purpose: To set the parameters for using the CRAWL special effect.
Comments: This command is used to set the screen location and display time for
the CRAWL script command. The coordinates are as follows:
X= Pixel Column Start; Y= Pixel Row; X2= Pixel Column End; Display Time= The
length in seconds you wish the message to continuously crawl across the screen.
For example: The following script command CRWLAT 100,200,400,30 means you wish
to display the CRAWL message at row 200, beginning at column 100 and ending at
column 400 for 30 seconds.
See Also: CRAWL, ATPIX
DELAY [Seconds]
---------------
Purpose: This script command creates a delay of a designated number of seconds
before executing the next script command.
Comments: You would use this command to allow the user to view/read a
particular screen before executing the next script command. For example if you
wanted to delay 3 seconds between screen actions the proper syntax would be:
DELAY 3
See Also: PAUSE, WAIT, SLEEP, CRWLAT
ESCKEY [On/Off]
---------------
Purpose: To activate/deactivate the Esc key during pcx image fades.
Comments: You may now activate or deactivate the Esc key as a fade abort key
during the SHOW fade screen transitions. The default is ESCKEY On. This means
that when the Esc key is pressed during the middle of a screen fade/transition,
the fade will be aborted and the very next script command will be executed. To
turn this feature off, issue the ESCKEY OFF command.
See Also: SHOW, PIXNUM
EGA
---
Purpose: To set the screen to EGA mode, which means 640x350 pixels, 16 colors.
Comments: This is one of the screen setting modes. You must set your screen
to a desired mode (CGA2, CGA4, EGA, VGA16, or VGA320) as the first script
command. The default is CGA2.
See Also: CGA4, CGA2, VGA16, VGA320
EPAL [Color#,Palette#]
----------------------
Purpose: This script command is to be used to control the color palette while
in EGA screen mode.
Comments: The Color# is a standard color number from 0 to 15 (See the COLOR
script command summary for color numbers). The Palette# is a color shading
number from 0 to 63. For example, to change the color light grey to a bright
red using the EPAL command the proper syntax would be:
EPAL 7,44
Now every time the light gray color (7) is used, it will appear as bright red.
See Also: PAL, VPAL, COLOR
FILL [style]
-------------
Purpose: To fill a box or circle with a specified fill character.
Comments: SuperShow allows you to fill any box or circle you draw with a
variety of different fill characters. Your style choices are:
Solid Bricks Diagonal Links Smalldots Bigdots
The default is solid. Once you change the Fill style, it remains in effect
until another FILL command is issued. The sample script, PCXSHOW.SPT, shows
the different fill styles available.
See Also: BOX, CIRCLE, COLOR, ATPIX
FLASH [Beginning Color #,Total Colors,Number of times,Delay]
-------------------------------------------------------------
Purpose: A special effect to draw attention to a portion of the screen or to
create a marquee like action.
Comments: Flash will blink a selected color or colors for a specified number
of times at a specified delay rate. PCXSHOW.SPT shows examples of the flash
effect. The script command FLASH 4,1,40,2 means begin with color 4; use only
one color, flash on and off 40 times (20 on, 20 off) and do it rapidly with a
delay of 2. Beginning Color # must be a number between 0 and 15. Total color
numbers may be between 1 and 256, depending on how many colors are available in
the screen. The Times and Delay may contai n any number.
Note: The FLASH command works off of palette information. Consequently, you
must show at least one pcx picture with palette information before successfully
using the FLASH script command.
See Also: COLOR, PAL, EPAL, VPAL
FONT [Font Filename]
--------------------
Purpose: This script command is used to load the custom font you wish to
display.
Comments: There are dozens of different font styles available in this version
of PCX-SuperShow. They are the files with the FNT file name extension.
For example, to use the helvetica 30 point font the syntax would be: FONT
HELV30.FNT You may boldface, underline, and color these fonts using the
appropriate STYLE and COLOR script commands. You position and print the font
using the ATPIX and PRINT script commands. Custom and internal fonts may be
displayed in any screen mode.
In addition to the custom fonts, you also are able to choose from among your
computers resident fonts. These are designated as ROM8, ROM14, and ROM16. ROM
8 is an 8 pixel by 8 pixel font; ROM 14 is an 8 pixel by 14 pixel font; ROM16
is an 8 pixel by 16 pixel font.
The easiest way to choose fonts is using the pull-down font menu in Super
ShowPrep. This will show you all the fonts available on your disk. You then
choose from that list and the font script command is automatically written for
you.
See Also: STYLE, COLOR, ATPIX, PRINT
FXDELAY [delay number]
----------------------
Purpose: This command controls the speed of the transition fades when using
the SHOW command.
Comments: FXDelay controls the speed of any of the fades used when displaying
your pcx pictures with the SHOW command. The higher the number, the slower the
transition. A delay number of zero resets the FXDelay timer to inactive. Once
the delay is set, it remains in effect until it is reset using the FXDelay
command. The speed of the fades/segues may be affected by the combined use of
the PIXNUM and FXDELAY script commands.
See Also: SHOW, PIXNUM
GOTO :[line label]
------------------
Purpose: The GOTO script command allows unconditional branching, as opposed to
the IF-GOTO command which requires user input. An example of the proper usage
would be GOTO :LABEL1
Comments: There are two primary uses for the GOTO command. One is to use the
GOTO command after a series of IF _ GOTO : commands. When used in this fashion
the command serves as an error check. If the user hit a key other than one you
were checking for, the GOTO command may be used to return back to the input
command or, for that fact, to any other line label.
Another very handy use is for a temporary command when creating your show
scripts. If you are working on a portion of the script that is several lines
into the show, you may use the GOTO command to skip over the portion of your
script that is already created, tested and working well. If you use the GOTO
command for this purpose, remember to go back and remove all those extraneous
GOTO or line label commands when they no longer serve your editing purpose.
See Also: WAIT, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING
IF GOTO :
----------
SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY
INPUT
-----
SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY
KALID [Kaleidoscope Number]
----------------------------
Purpose: The kaleidoscope feature of PCX-SuperShow gives you the ability to
draw colorful designs on your screen to give your presentation motion and
pizazz.
Comments: The Kaleidoscope Number gives you some control over the appearance
of the pattern drawn. Any number between -32000 and +32000 may be used as the
Kaleidoscope Number. . . or you may choose not to use any number at all. By
using a number, you guarantee that the same pattern will be drawn each time you
run your PCX-SuperShow Script File. You may use the kaleidoscope in any screen
mode.
See Also: PCXSHOW.SPT script file.
:LINE LABELS
------------
SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY
LOGO [Color number,"Text"]
--------------------------
Purpose: This script command is used to display a text line using the LOGO
special effect.
Comments: The LOGO effect is an animated sequence of a word or phrase being
displayed in different colors at slightly offset pixel locations to give a
dazzling effect to display your logo or other brief information.
This special effect uses the current font, three color numbers and the text
information contained in the LOGO script command. The first two color numbers
are the background of the logo effect and is set with the COLOR script command.
The color number in the LOGO script command is the color in which the last text
will display. You locate the beginning of the logo effect text using the ATPIX
script command.
For example, if you wished to display the word LOGO at pixel row 300 and pixel
column 100 with a combination of bright and dark red background with a white
top text the script commands are: COLOR 4,12 LOGO 15,"LOGO"
Several examples of the LOGO effect are contained in the sample script
PCXSHOW.SPT.
See Also: COLOR, ATPIX, FONT
LOOP
----
Purpose: Use this command if you wish to re-display the entire show from the
beginning without having to rerun PCX-SuperShow.
Comments: Remember, when this script command is encountered your show will
start over from the very beginning. . . this means from the opening Script
command. This command works well when you wish to have a continuous display of
your show. To re-display a show from a particular line label use the
unconditional GOTO script command.
See Also: RUN, STOP, GOTO
MOUSE [On/Off]:
---------------
Purpose: If you have a mouse active on your computer you may use it as a
pointer and a remote control device.
Comments: To activate the mouse the proper syntax is MOUSE ON. When you turn
the mouse on, a pointer will appear at the location you gave in the MOUSE AT
script command. You may then move the pointer on your screen as you move your
mouse. To make the pointer disappear the syntax is MOUSE OFF. If the mouse is
connected, you may use it as a remote control device whether or not the pointer
is displayed. Clicking the right and center mouse buttons move forward one
screen. Clicking the left mouse button w ill end the show. The default is
MOUSE OFF.
See Also: MOUSE AT
MOUSE AT [X,Y]:
---------------
Purpose: To locate the mouse pointer on your screen.
Comments: The coordinates X and Y are the pixel locations where you want your
mouse pointer to appear. X is the pixel column and Y is the pixel row. To
locate your mouse pointer at pixel row 100 and pixel column 300 the proper
syntax would be MOUSE AT 300,100. You should use the MOUSE AT script command
prior to turning your mouse on with the MOUSE ON command.
See Also: MOUSE [On/Off]
OUTLINE [ON/OFF]
----------------
Purpose: To turn the outline feature of SuperFont on or off.
Comments: When issuing the script command OUTLINE ON, characters are displayed
in outline form. OUTLINE OFF displays the characters filled solid with the
foreground color set with the COLOR command. The default is OUTLINE OFF. This
script command only affects the SuperFont display.
See Also: SPRINT, SPACE, SIZE, ANGLE
PAL
-------------------
Purpose: To restore the original default palette.
Comments: This command simply restores the original default 16 or 256 color
palette.
See Also: EPAL, VPAL, SHOW
PAUSE
-----
Purpose: This command is used to pause the presentation of your show. The
program waits for a key press or mouse click from the user to continue.
Comments: Pause is similar to delay except that a key press or mouse click is
required for the show to continue. Pressing the left mouse key or the Esc
keyboard key will terminate the show. Pressing any other key will move forward
to the next script command.
See Also: DELAY, SLEEP, INPUT
PLAY [Music Language]
---------------------
Purpose: To play music or sound directly from your script.
Comments: See the Music Language section this manual for details on playing
sound and music from your script.
See Also: Music Language Chapter
PIXNUM [Horizontal Number, Vertical Number]
-------------------------------------------
Purpose: This command controls the number of pixels being displayed during the
fade/segue routines when using the SHOW command. The higher the numbers, the
more pixels are displayed at a time and the quicker the image appears on your
screen.
Comments: Valid numbers are 0 to 1024 (or maximum screen resolution). Once
the number is set, it remains in effect until it is reset using the PIXNUM
command.
SuperShow now gives you the ability to set both the horizontal and vertical
pixel numbers. Varying these numbers will give you unique screen fades as
shown in the sample script, PCXSHOW.SPT.
In addition, the speed of the fades/segues may be affected by the combined use
of the PIXNUM and FXDELAY script commands.
See Also: SHOW, FXDELAY
PRINT ["Text"]
--------------
Purpose: This is the script command that actually displays text on your screen
using the custom fonts or your internal, resident computer fonts.
Comments: This is for use with custom and resident fonts in any screen mode.
Your text must be enclosed by quotation marks. Example: If you wanted to
enter text that said ACME Widget Budget Review the proper syntax would be:
PRINT "ACME Widget Budget Review"
To display the SuperFont see the SPRINT script command summary.
See Also: ATPIX, SPRINT, COLOR, STYLE
RETURN :
---------
SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY
ROTATE [Degrees]
----------------
Purpose: This script command will rotate a custom or internal computer font at
90, 180, 270 or 0 degrees.
Comments: This is similar to the SuperFont angle command with the exception
that ROTATE may be used only with the four degree angles cited above. The
rotation angle remains in effect until a new ROTATE command is given or until a
new font is designated using the FONT script command.
See Also: FONT, PRINT, STYLE
RUN [Filename.Extension]
------------------------
Purpose: This command is a built in shell feature of PCX-SuperShow and may be
used to run other executable (.EXE or .COM) programs without disturbing your
screen presentation in PCX-SuperShow.
Comments: This command was originally created to allow users to play music
while a screen from PCX-SuperShow appears on the monitor. You may also use the
command to run any program. When the shelled program ends, you are returned to
your PCX-SuperShow where you left off. For example, if you wish to run a
program named EXAMPLE.COM from within your PCX-SuperShow, the proper syntax
would be: RUN EXAMPLE.COM Be sure there is a space between the command RUN and
the full filename of the program.
See Also: STOP, LOOP, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING
SBPLAY [Filename.VOC]
---------------------
Purpose: To play a digitized sound file from Sound Blaster or compatible sound
files.
Comments: SuperShow now gives you the ability to play any Sound Blaster (VOC)
or compatible digitized sound file directly from your script. The filename may
include a drive and directory if it is not stored in the same location as your
SuperShow program. When the sound file finishes playing the next script
command will be executed.
Note: You must have a Sound Blaster card or compatible to use this script
command.
See Also: Play, Xplay
SHAKE [number]
---------------
Purpose: This special effects command literally causes the picture on your
screen to shake up and down.
Comments: The [number] parameter is the length of time you wish the screen to
shake. The higher the number, the longer the screen will shake.
SHOW [Filename.Ext] [Fade Number]
---------------------------------
Purpose: This script command is used to display a PCX screen file, in any
screen mode (CGA through Super VGA) using one of the dozens of available screen
fades/segues.
Comments: The SHOW command is followed by the filename and extension of the
pcx image you wish to display. Finally, you must assign that file a fade
number. For example, if you wanted to load a PCX file named MYFILE and display
it using a diagonal fade down right the syntax would be: SHOW MYFILE.PCX 10
You may also designate a drive and directory if your PCX file is not in the
same directory as the PCXSS.EXE program. For example, if your file is located
on drive C in a directory named PICS, then SHOW C:\PICS\MYFILE.PCX 10 would
be the proper syntax. Be sure a space is between each element of the command.
The command first looks to use expanded memory to store and display screens.
If none is found, it will use conventional memory and finally it will look to
use disk space on your hard drive as virtual memory if none other is available.
There are 35 basic fade numbers with the SHOW command. Additional fades are
created by varying the horizontal and vertical pixels using the PIXNUM command.
Here is a list of the basic screen fade numbers and the type of fade/segue it
invokes.
1- Instant On 11- Diag. Down Left 21- Close Horizontal
2- Wipe Down 12- Diag. Up Right 22- Close Vertical
3- Wipe Up 13- Diag. Up left 23- Drip Down
4- Wipe Right 14- Explode 24- Drip Up
5- Wipe Left 15- Implode 25- Pour Down
6- Slide Down 16- Puzzle Pieces 26- Pour Up
7- Slide Up 17- Spiral Out 27- Weave Horizontal
8- Slide Right 18- Spiral In 28- Weave Vertical
9- Slide Left 19- Open Horizontal 29- Horizontal Blinds
10- Diag. Down Right 20- Open Vertical 30- Vertical Blinds
31- Snake
Also, slow screen fades in both 16 color and 256 color modes are available
using these screen fade numbers:
32- Fade-In 256 33- Fade-In 16 34- Fade-Out 256 35- Fade-Out 16
See Also: ATPIX, PIXNUM, FXDELAY, Appendix A, LOAD
SIZE [Number]
--------------
Purpose: This script command is used to enlarge or shrink the size of the
SuperFont.
Comments: The number may be any number, however, there are reasonable
parameters. A very small SuperFont does not look very good. If you are going
to use a small font then use the internal or one of the small custom fonts.
The average size you will use will probably be in the range of 6 to 16.
See Also: FONT, ATPIX, SPRINT, OUTLINE
SLEEP [Seconds]
---------------
Purpose: This script command acts as a delaying mechanism much like the DELAY
script command, but disables the Esc key as an abort mechanism.
Comments: There are two differences between the SLEEP and DELAY script
commands. Pressing the ESC key during the execution of the SLEEP command will
NOT abort the script and return to DOS as is true with the DELAY command.
Pressing the Esc key during the SLEEP command will move forward to the next
script command.
Therefore, if you wish to keep the end user from aborting your script by
pressing the ESC key, use the SLEEP command for delays.
The second difference is in the way in which the program tracks time. Using
the DELAY immediately following a SOUND or PLAY command may cause some strange
sounds from your speaker. This is because DELAY uses some of the same timing
routines as SOUND and PLAY. Therefore, it is best to use SLEEP for a script
delay in conjunction with SOUND or PLAY.
See Also: DELAY, WAIT, PAUSE
SOUND [Number]
--------------
Purpose: You may use this command when you desire a sound to highlight a
screen or message.
Comments: There are five distinct sounds included in this version of
PCX-SuperShow. All sounds are relatively short in duration. The number
following the Sound script command must be between -4 and +5. Sometimes a
sound is used to draw the user's attention to the necessity of pressing a key.
See Also: PAUSE, INPUT, PLAY, SOUND OFF, XPLAY, SBPLAY
SOUND OFF
---------
Purpose: To kill any remaining sound stored in the sound buffer.
Comments: The main purpose of the SOUND OFF script command is to stop any
sound you may have programmed using the PLAY or SOUND command.
See Also: SOUND, PLAY, XPLAY
SPACE [Number]
--------------
Purpose: This is for setting the space between characters when displaying text
with SuperFont.
Comments: As you change the size and angle of the SuperFont, you probably will
also want to change the spacing between characters. That is what the SPACE
script command does. Normal spacing is in the range of 4 to 8.
See Also: SPRINT, SIZE, ANGLE, OUTLINE
SPRINT ["Text"]
---------------
Purpose: This is the script command that actually displays text on your screen
using the SuperFont.
Comments: This is for use with the SuperFont only. SuperFont may be displayed
in CGA, EGA or VGA screen modes. Your text must be enclosed by quotation
marks. Example: If you wanted to enter text that said ACME Widget Budget
Review the proper syntax would be:
SPRINT "ACME Widget Budget Review"
To display custom and internal fonts see the PRINT script command summary.
See Also: ATPIX, PRINT, COLOR, ANGLE, SPACE
STOP
----
Purpose: To stop the presentation of your show, returning the user to DOS or
the calling program.
Comments: The stop command serves a couple of purposes. It aids in setting up
conditional branching where you wish to have the user choose a branch or stop
using the show. It also may be used as an aid when building your script and
you wish to force a stop after certain script commands are executed.
See Also: CONDITIONAL BRANCHING, RUN, LOOP
STYLE [Bold/Underline/Overlay/Normal]
-------------------------------------
Purpose: The STYLE script command is used to change the appearance of a custom
or ROM computer font.
Comments: The default when starting PCX-SuperShow is Normal. You may use
combinations of the different styles. For example you can make a font
transparent, bold and underlined by issuing the three appropriate STYLE script
commands. Here is a definition for each of the styles available:
■ Normal: Normal font display means that the font will have a
foreground color and background color (set by the COLOR script command)
and will write over anything previously displayed on the screen. This
is the default if no STYLE script command is encountered.
■ Overlay: This means that the font will be transparent and only the
foreground color is in effect. The background color set with the COLOR
command is ignored. Words printed in this mode do not erase the
portion of the screen on which they appear, but write over what is
already there.
■ Bold: This means the font will appear bold when displayed.
■ Underline: Issuing this style command will display text with a
single underline.
The STYLE command remains in effect until a new STYLE command is encountered.
Remember, most of the STYLE commands are cumulative. . . in other words, if you
have issued a bold style and then later issue an underline style, the next font
display will be both bold and underlined. The exception is the Normal style
command. This resets the STYLE back to just normal as outlined above.
See Also: FONT, COLOR, PRINT, ROTATE, TYPE, LOGO, CRAWL
TYPE ["Message"]
----------------
Purpose: To display a single line of text with a typewriter sound effect.
Comments: This command is used as a special effect to draw attention to a line
of text you wish to display. The message and number of desired spaces must be
enclosed with quotation marks. The color of the text and the screen location
are determined by the COLOR and ATPIX script commands respectively. Both
custom and internal fonts may be used with this effect.
See Also: COLOR, AT, PRINT
VGA16
-----
Purpose: To set the screen to VGA mode, which means 640x480 pixels, 16 colors.
Comments: This is one of the screen setting modes. You must set your screen
to a desired mode (CGA2, CGA4, EGA, VGA16, or VGA320) as the first script
command. The default is CGA2.
See Also: CGA4, CGA2, EGA, VGA320
VGA320
------
Purpose: To set the screen to VGA 320 mode, which means 320x200 pixels, 256
colors.
Comments: This is one of the screen setting modes. You must set your screen
to a desired mode (CGA2, CGA4, EGA, VGA16, or VGA320) as the first script
command. The default is CGA2.
See Also: CGA4, CGA2, EGA, VGA16
VPAL [Color#,Red,Blue,Green]
----------------------------
Purpose: This is the VGA palette command to be used to control the color
palette while in VGA screen mode.
Comments: The Color# is a standard color number from 0 to 15. (See the color
chart in the COLOR script command summary for color/number information). The
Red, Blue and Green are palette intensities and are numbers from 0 to 63. To
change a bright red VGA color to bright white, the proper syntax is:
VPAL 12,63,63,63
An example of using VPAL is contained in the sample show script PCXSHOW.SPT.
See Also: PAL, EPAL, COLOR
WAIT
----
Purpose: To allow the user to go forward to the next line label, backward to
the previous line label or to the first line label in a script file by pressing
predesignated keys.
Comments: The WAIT script command is similar to the PAUSE and INPUT commands.
The special purpose of WAIT, however, is to allow the user to move forward to
the next line label or backward to the previous line label.
To move forward the user may press the following keys: PgDn, Down Arrow Key,
Right Arrow Key or Right Mouse Button. To move backward the user may press the
following keys: PgUp, Up Arrow Key, Left Arrow Key or Left Mouse Button. To
move to the first line label in a script file the user would press the Home
key. To end the program the user would press the Esc key.
As opposed to INPUT, there is no need to tell the program the name of the line
label. It will simply go to the next, previous or first line label in your
script file. You may mix the PAUSE and INPUT/IF GOTO/RETURN commands with the
WAIT command.
See Also: PAUSE, SLEEP, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING, DELAY, CRAWL
XPLAY [Filename.MUS]
--------------------
Purpose: To play a pre-programmed text music/sound file from your PC Speaker.
Comments: SuperShow now gives you the ability to play music/sound files
directly from your script. The filename may include a drive and directory if
it is not stored in the same location as your SuperShow program. When the
sound file finishes playing, the next script command will be executed. Several
sound files are included with your registered version of SuperShow.
See the chapter on the Music/Sound Language for details on creating and playing
music and sound through your PC speaker.
See Also: PLAY, SBPLAY, SOUND
==================
PCX Super-ShowPrep
==================
PCX Super-ShowPrep is an editor/script generating program that is an integral
part of PCX-SuperShow. The program file name is PCXSP.EXE and is included with
every registered purchase of PCX-SuperShow.
ShowPrep is a DOS text, ASCII, editor. It features pull-down menu's for editor
control and especially for creating script commands for your presentation.
It is not necessary to use ShowPrep to create a script for use in
PCX-SuperShow. All you need is any word processor or editor that can save
files in the DOS Text format (ASCII). We do believe, however, that using
PCX-ShowPrep will save you a great deal of time since all the script commands
are available from drop down menus, including each of the fades available in
the SHOW commands. Also, each of the PCX-Utilities and drawing tools for boxes
and circles are found in Super ShowPrep. In addition, you may run the script
directly from the editor without having to go to DOS. And, when the script is
done running in PCX-SuperShow, you are returned to the editor and the script
you are working on.
To begin using the program, simply type PCXSP at the prompt and press the enter
key. If you wish to load a script file upon start-up of the program then type
the script filename on the same command line. For example, if you wish to load
a script file named MYSHOW.SPT when starting PCX-ShowPrep, the proper syntax
would be: PCXSP MYFILE.SPT
When you first begin ShowPrep, the editor is active. This means that ShowPrep
is ready to have you start writing your script. It functions at this point
much like any other editor/word processor. We will cover the editing functions
in more detail shortly.
To activate the pull-down menu system you'll need to press one of the
associated function keys. In addition to the function keys, many of the
ShowPrep functions are selected by pressing associated hot-keys. We will cover
the menu function key and hot-key system in a moment. First let's look at the
editor portion of the PCX-ShowPrep program.
EDITOR: The program functions much like any editor/word processor with one
notable difference. Since the scripts for PCX-SuperShow dictate one command
per line, the word wrap feature is turned off. This means that the cursor will
not automatically jump down to the next line. To move your cursor down you
will need to press the Enter or other edit keys mentioned below.
The editor otherwise has most of the functions of a standard DOS text editor.
You may search, save, load, merge, block copy, move, delete, insert and so
forth. The maximum number of lines in a script is 2000.
IMPORTANT: The F1 Function key will pop-up a help screen for using the editor.
There are 2 pages of help information. The first page reviews the edit keys
available in the editor. The second page tells how you may block copy, move
and or delete portions of your script text.
Here is a review of the edit keys:
Home/End - Go to begin/end of line Ctrl+Home/End - top/bottom of screen
Pg Up/Dn - Display previous/next page Ctrl+PgUp/Dn - Go to 1st/last page
Ctrl+Y - Delete current line Ctrl+N - Insert blank line above
Ctrl+ - Move one word right Ctrl+ - Move one word left
Shift+Cursor - Begins block mode. You may continue to highlight the area you
wish to block by continuing to tap the cursor key (up or down) while holding
down the shift key. The blocked text will appear in reverse video. To paste
the block into the buffer for copying press any key but the Escape key. To
delete the block and paste the block into a buffer for moving, press the shift
and delete keys. To insert a text copied into the buffer, line up your cursor
at the point in your script where you wish to insert. Press the shift and
insert keys and the buffer text will be inserted in your script.
PULL-DOWN MENUS, FUNCTION KEYS AND HOT-KEYS: As mentioned earlier, the
function keys are used to activate the pull-down menu system of PCX-ShowPrep.
Once a menu has been pulled down you may display the previous or next pull down
menu by pressing the left or right cursor (arrow) keys. You will also note
that many of the menu items have an associated hot-key. The hot-key
combination may be found to the right of a displayed menu function. For
example, the function Load Script has a hot- key combination of Alt+D. The
hot-key combination has been assigned those functions that are used frequently.
You may use the hot-key combination to invoke the function without pulling down
the menu. As you become more familiar with the program, this will speed up
your use of the program.
We will now cover each of the function keys and associated menu items and
hot-keys. It should be noted that pressing the escape key (Esc) when using the
menu system will always take you to the previous menu or, eventually, to the
editor.
F1 - HELP: As mentioned above, this function key displays two pages of help
information concerning the editing functions and keys of PCX-ShowPrep.
F2 - COLORS: This special function key does not pull-down a menu, but rather
pops-up a color chart. The purpose is the option of changing the colors of the
editor. The default colors are white on blue. You may choose any combination
of colors by moving the cursor to the color combination you wish and then press
the Enter key. The editor will change to that color combination for the
remainder of your session.
F3 - FILES: When pressed, this function key will display a menu of items
relating to maintenance of your script and pcx files. We will cover each item
of the menu.
New Script: Choosing this option will clear your screen, deleting any
previously entered or loaded text and change the name of the new script file to
WORKING.SPT. Be sure you have saved any previously entered script text before
choosing this option. The associated hot-key is Alt+N.
Load Script: This option allows you to load any script text file of your
choice. The first thing you'll see is an input box. You may directly enter
the name of a script to be loaded in this box.
If you would rather see a directory list of script files, then enter the
appropriate path, if different from the one displayed, and use the *.SPT mask.
The mask and path may be changed to any combination of characters. Next, a
pop-up box will display all the files that matched the mask in the selected
directory. Simply use your cursor keys to highlight the desired file and press
the enter key. The file will then be loaded into the editor.
When a file is being loaded, any previously loaded text will be deleted and you
will briefly see a blinking message at the bottom of your screen. Once the
file is loaded the path and filename will appear in the lower left hand corner
of your screen. The associated hot-key is Alt+D.
Save Script: This option will save your script to a disk file. When choosing
this option an input box will appear with a default path and filename. If this
is acceptable, simply press the enter key. If you wish to change the path or
filename, then type the appropriate changes and press the enter key. If you
changed the path or name, the changes will be reflected in the lower left hand
corner of your screen. Remember. . . WORKING.SPT is assigned to every new
script file. You'll probably want to rename scripts initially designated with
this name. The associated hot-key is Alt+F.
Merge Script: This option allows you to combine multiple script files into one
main script file. We suggest that you build your show, especially long
involved presentations, into separate scripts. This makes creating, running
and debugging your script go much faster. That's where the merge function is
handy.
Merging is almost the same and follows the same syntax as the Load Script
function. The difference is that the previously entered or loaded text will
not be deleted. The new merged file will be appended at the end of the
currently loaded script text. You may then block copy, move, etc., the merged
text. The associated hot-key is Alt+M.
Print Script: This option sends the currently loaded script to parallel
printer port #1. Be sure your printer is turned on before choosing this
function. There is no associated hot-key.
Search Script: The purpose of this function is to search for a word or
combination of words in your script text. This is especially helpful if you
are editing a long script. When you choose this selection, an input box will
appear asking for the string (word or words) you wish to search for. The
search always begins at the cursor and goes forward. Therefore, if you want to
search the entire text file, be sure your cursor is on the first line of the
text. If the string is found, the line in which it wa s found will appear at
the top of your screen and the cursor will be resting on the beginning letter
of the string. If the string is not found, a brief beep will be heard. The
associated hot-key is the F9 Function key.
Save/Run Script: One of the handiest features of PCX-ShowPrep is that you may
run the script directly from the editor. That is what this option does. When
you choose this option the file will automatically be saved to disk and then
the script will be run in PCX-SuperShow (PCXSS.EXE). IMPORTANT: You must have
the program PCXSS.EXE located in the same directory/path as PCX-ShowPrep for
this option to work properly. Once the script has completed running, you will
be returned to the editor to continue wor n your script. The associated
hot-key is the F10 Function key.
DOS Shell: This option sends you to the DOS prompt. You may perform any
normal DOS function here. Do not attempt to load any memory resident programs
when in this shell. To return to ShowPrep, type EXIT at the prompt and press
the enter key.
Quit: This option ends your current session of ShowPrep returning you to DOS
or to the calling program. The associated hot-key is the Alt+F1 Function keys.
F4 - TOOLS: The options on this menu are all associated with your
PCX-Utilities and box and circle drawing tools.
View PCX File: A handy feature in ShowPrep is you may view any pcx file on any
disk, in any directory. Choosing this option runs the PCX ScreenView program
so you must have PCXSV4.EXE located in the same directory/path as PCX-ShowPrep.
For details on using this utility see the appropriate listing in the chapter
named PCX-UTILITIES. The associated hot-key is Alt+V.
Crop PCX File: Perhaps you've decided to you want to display only a portion of
one of your pcx files. Choosing this option runs the PCX-Crop utility program
so you must have PCXCROP.EXE located in the same directory/path as
PCX-ShowPrep. For details on using this utility see the appropriate listing in
the chapter named PCX-UTILITIES. The associated hot-key is Alt+X.
Size PCX File: Choosing this option runs the PCX-Size utility program so you
must have PCXSIZE.EXE located in the same directory/path as PCX-ShowPrep. This
utility allows you to interactively change the horizontal and or vertical size
of a designated pcx image file. For details on using this utility see the
appropriate listing in the chapter named PCX-UTILITIES.
Change PCX File: Choosing this option runs the PCX-Change utility program so
you must have PCXCHANG.EXE located in the same directory/path as PCX-ShowPrep.
This utility allows you to change the display resolution header portion of a
pcx image file. For details on using this utility see the appropriate listing
in the chapter named PCX-UTILITIES.
MakeShow: You also may create your run-time script directly from ShowPrep by
choosing this option. When you select this option, an input box appears
giving you the default filenames for MakeShow. If these are acceptable simply
press the enter key. If not, make the appropriate changes and then press the
enter key. If you change your mind, pressing the Esc key will return you to
the editor. See the chapter named RUN-TIME MODULES for more information on
using MakeShow. There is no associated hot-key for this function.
Box Draw: This is one of the new drawing utilities in PCX SuperShow. The
purpose of this utility is to interactively draw a box on a pcx image file.
This will make locating and displaying your box much easier than trying to
guess where the pixel coordinates are located.
When you choose this option, an input box appears just like you were selecting
a pcx image file to display. Choose the pcx image file on which you wish to
draw your box and press the enter key. Next you will see that image on your
screen along with a box outline, much like the box outline in the PCX-Crop
utility. It is by sizing, moving and manipulating this box that you may draw
your box. You may control the speed and movement/size of the sides of the box
as follows:
By default the sides of the box move one pixel length at a time. To speed the
movement to 5 pixels, press the Spacebar key. This key acts as a toggle
switch. Pressing it will increase the speed/pixels.
You control the size and location of the box using the cursor (arrow) keys.
When you first start the box draw the up and down cursor keys will move the top
line of the box up or down. The right and left cursor keys will move the left
side of the box left or right.
To move the other two sides of the box press the S key once. Now the up
and down cursor keys will move the bottom line of the box up or down. The
right and left cursor keys will move the right side of the box left or right.
The S key serves as a toggle switch. If you press it a second time, you will
again be able to move the top and left sides of the box, and so forth.
Once you have located and sized the box the way you want it to appear in your
show, press the Enter key. The BOX script command will now appear in your
script with the exact pixel coordinates.
Circle Draw: This is one of the new drawing utilities in PCX SuperShow. The
purpose of this utility is to interactively draw a circle on a pcx image file.
This will make locating and displaying your circle much easier than trying to
guess where the circle coordinates are located.
When you choose this option, an input box appears just like you were selecting
a pcx image file to display. Choose the pcx image file on which you wish to
draw your circle and press the enter key. Next you will see that image on your
screen along with a circle outline, much like the box outline in the PCX-Crop
utility. It is by sizing, moving and manipulating this box that you may draw
your circle. You may control the speed and movement/size of the sides of the
box as follows:
The up, down, left and right cursor keys moves the circle, as drawn, in the
same direction as the chosen cursor key.
To change the size and shape of the circle you use the pgup, pgdn, home and end
keys. Pgup increases the height of the circle, pgdn decreases the height.
Home increases the width of the circle while the end key decreases the width of
the circle.
By default the dimensions of the circle move one pixel length at a time. To
speed the movement to press the space bar. This key acts as a toggle switch.
Pressing it the first time will increase the speed/pixel movement by 5 pixels.
You may continue pressing the space bar to increase the speed as high as 25
pixels and then it will return to one pixel movement.
Once you have located and sized the circle the way you want it to appear in
your show, press the Enter key. The CIRCLE script command will now appear in
your script with the exact coordinates.
F5 - EFFECTS: The options on this menu are all associated with displaying pcx
image files, clearing the screen and other special screen effects. Pressing
the F4 function key from the editor will pull-down this menu. The options are:
Show Command: If you wish to display a pcx file using the SHOW command, then
you would choose this option. The first thing that occurs when you select this
option is that an input box appears asking for the path of the pcx file you
wish to display. If it is the default, simply press the enter key. Next, a
directory of pcx files will be displayed. From this menu, use the cursor keys
to highlight the pcx file you wish to display and press the enter key. Next a
menu of all the fades will appear on your screen. Highlight the desired fade
using the cursor keys and then press the enter key.
The proper script command, reflecting your choices, will be inserted into your
script at the location of the cursor in the editor. For example, if you chose
a pcx file named SAMPLE.PCX and you chose the fade Open Curtain the script
command SHOW SAMPLE.PCX 21 will automatically be inserted in your script. The
associated hot-key is Alt+S.
ATPIX, PIXNUM, FXDELAY: The next three options are all script commands
associated with the SHOW command. They control the location and speed with
which the pcx file is displayed. When you choose any of these options, the
command will be inserted in your script. The cursor will be to the right of
the command waiting for you to enter an associated number. See the chapter on
Script Commands for more information concerning these commands.
CLR Command: This is the script command used to clear the screen. When you
choose this option, you will first see a menu of colors which you may use to
clear the screen. Highlight the desired color with the cursor key and press
enter. Now you will see a menu of all possible screen clearing fade effects.
Highlight the desired effect with the cursor key and press enter. The
appropriate CLR script command will now be automatically inserted into script
at the editor cursor location.
For example, if you chose to clear the screen to black using the snake effect
the command CLR 10,0,0,0,0 would automatically be inserted in your script.
This command indicates you wish to clear the entire screen. If you wish to
clear only a portion of the screen, then you need to enter the appropriate
pixel coordinates where the last four zero's now appear. See the CLR command
information found in the Script Commands chapter of this manual for more
details.
Other Effects: You'll also note other commands like ATPIX, PIXNUM, FXDELAY,
Delay, Pause, Sleep, etc. are contained on this menu. To insert one of these
commands in your script, simply highlight the command with the cursor key and
then press enter. The command will be inserted in your script at the cursor
location in the editor. For details of each of these commands, see the chapter
named Script Commands.
F6 - SCREEN: Pressing this function key will display a menu of PCX-SuperShow
screen related script commands. Commands like EGA, VGA16, COLOR, and
CONDITIONAL BRANCHING commands are contained on this menu. To insert one of
these commands in your script, simply highlight the command with the cursor key
and then press enter. The command will be inserted in your script at the
cursor location in the editor. For details of each of these commands, see the
chapter named Script Commands.
F7 - FONTS: Pressing this function key will display a menu of PCX-SuperShow
font related script commands. Commands for custom, internal and the SuperFont
are all located on this menu, as well as the commands for displaying fonts with
the Crawl, Type or Logo effect.
Font Directory: This option is associated with the custom GEM fonts used in
PCX SuperShow. When you choose this option you will see a box asking for the
path/directory where you custom fonts are located. It uses the current drive
and path as the default. Press enter and a list of your custom fonts will
appear. Using your cursor keys, highlight the desired font and press the Enter
key. ShowPrep will then enter the appropriate FONT script command and filename
in your script.
Other Font Commands: The remainder of the options in this menu may be chosen
by highlighting the desired command using your cursor keys. Once highlighted,
press the Enter key and that command will be automatically written in your
script at the current cursor location. For details of each of these commands,
see the chapter named Script Commands.
F8 - SOUND: Pressing this function key will display a menu of PCX-SuperShow
sound and music related script commands. Commands for digitized Sound Blaster
files and pc speaker sound and music are all located on this menu, as well as
some pre-programmed sounds.
SBPlay: This is the command to play Sound Blaster digitized VOC files. When
you choose this option you will see a box asking for the path/directory where
your VOC files are located. It uses the current drive and path as the default.
Press enter and a list of your Sound Blaster VOC files will appear. Using your
cursor keys, highlight the desired file and press the Enter key. ShowPrep will
then enter the appropriate script command and filename in your script.
XPlay: This is the command to play external music MUS files. When you choose
this option you will see a box asking for the path/directory where your MUS
files are located. It uses the current drive and path as the default. Press
enter and a list of your music files will appear. Using your cursor keys,
highlight the desired file and press the Enter key. ShowPrep will then enter
the appropriate script command and filename in your script.
Other Sound Commands: The remainder of the options in this menu may be chosen
by highlighting the desired command using your cursor keys. Once highlighted,
press the Enter key and that command will be automatically written in your
script at the current cursor location. For details of each of these commands,
see the chapter named Script Commands.
================
RUN-TIME MODULES
================
NOT INCLUDED IN SHAREWARE VERSION
=============
PCX-UTILITIES
=============
NOT INCLUDED IN SHAREWARE VERSION
==============
MUSIC LANGUAGE
===============
In this version of PCX-SuperShow, we have added a music language that allows
you to play music/sounds right from your script or from an external music file.
Several sample external music files have been included with your registered
version of PCX-SuperShow. In addition, samples of actual music language script
commands are included in the sample script file PCXSHOW.SPT.
Both the XPLAY music text and PLAY script command use a Music Language that is
very similar to that found in the Basic program language.
The music files, those with a .MUS extension, are simply self contained songs
saved in an ASCII text file format. You can play these music files by using
the XPLAY command or by playing actual musical notes and notations right from
your script using the PLAY command. Both methods use the same music language
syntax.
Basically, to use the PLAY script command you build a string of commands and
music notes which you include directly after issuing the PLAY script command.
Here is a list of the music commands:
PLAY [Commandstring]
Commandstring is a string expression that contains music commands:
───────────Set Octaves and Play Tones───────────────
Ox Sets current octave (x = 0-6) │ < or > Up or down one octave
Nx Plays note x (x = 0-84, 0 is a │ A-G Plays A, B, ..., G in current
rest) │ octave (+ = sharp, - = flat)
─────────────Set Tone Duration and Tempo───────────
Lx Sets length of a note (L1 is │ MS Each note plays 3/4 of length
whole note, L4 quarter note, │ MN Each note plays 7/8 of length
etc.) x = 1-64 │ ML Each note plays full length
Tx Sets number of quarter │ Px Pause for the duration of
notes per minute │ x quarternotes (x = 1-64)
(x = 32-255, 120 is default │
────────────────Set Operation────────────────
MF Plays music in foreground │ MB Plays music in background
For example, lets play a few notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. We'll set
the tempo (T) at 180 quarter notes per minute and play in the second octave (o)
[that's the letter o not a zero].
PLAY T180 o2 P2 P8 L8 GGG L2 E-
PLAY P24 P8 L8 FFF L2 D
To interpret the first line:
T180 = Tempo set at 180 quarter notes per minute.
02 = 2nd octave
P2 = Pause for 2 quarternotes
P8 = Pause for 8 quarternotes
L8 = Set note for eighth note
GGG = Plays three G notes
L2 = Set note for half note
E- = Change to key of E flat
For the second line:
P24 = Pause for 24 quarternotes
P8 = Pause for 8 quarternotes
L8 = Set note for eighth note
FFF = Plays three F notes
L2 = Set note for half note
D = Play a D note
You could actually put all of the music commands on one line and it would work
the same. We try to keep the music command lines reasonably short for
readability. Also you will note a space between each of the music commands.
This is not necessary, but again we do so for purposes of readability.
XPLAY [Filename.MUS]
--------------------
XPLAY will play an external ASCII text file containing a list of music commands
that normally comprise a song or portion of a song. To create an external
music text file you simply write the commands much as you do in the script
using the PLAY script command. The difference is that you do not need the word
PLAY preceding the music command.
If you want to include a comments in your music file, they must be preceded by
a apostrophe or they will be interpreted as a music commands and an error will
probably result.
Here is a sample music file:
'LaMarseille
mb O2 T150 mn
F16 F8. F16 B-4 B-4 >C4 C4 ml F4. mn D8 <B-8 P16
B-16 ml >D8. mn <B-16 G4 >E-2 ml C8. mn <A16 ml B-2 mn P8.
Here we include the name of the song as a comment by using the apostrophe. We
also are telling the program to play this music in the background by using the
mb script command. This means that while the song is playing you will be able
to execute other script commands.
The program will generate a music buffer that will hold up to 32 notes in the
background. Depending on the tempo and note length, this means that when you
tell the program to play music in the background, you will be able to generate
several other script commands while the music is playing. Important: Do not
issue any other sound or music commands while playing music in the background.
The results will be unpredictable and most likely, undesirable.
==============
TECHNICAL HELP
==============
Technical assistance is available from PC WEST at no additional charge. The
number to call is 602-992-0310. The PC WEST phone is answered 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. The best time to reach us, however, is Monday through
Friday from 9am to 2pm, Pacific Time. If no one is available when you call,
you will be able to leave a recorded message and we will get back to you. . .
usually within 24 hours.
We are always looking for ways to improve our software. If you have thoughts
of additional features you would like to see in future versions, please drop us
a line or call us at 602-992-0310 with your suggestions.
Thank you for using software from PC WEST!
APPENDIX A
ERROR MESSAGES
There may be times when you encounter errors when using the PCX-Show series of
programs. Ninety percent of all errors reported to us deal with memory and
file problems. We will cover the most common errors you may encounter.
OUT OF MEMORY: Memory related problems are the most common and this error
means exactly what it says. . . the program could not find any memory to
continue operation. As mentioned earlier, PCX-Show first attempts to use all
conventional memory available then it looks for expanded memory and finally it
uses disk space as virtual memory. This error occurs when all those attempts
fail to provide enough memory for the show to continue.
SOLUTION: This error most commonly occurs when running your show from
PCX-ShowPrep. Graphics programs and files are very memory intensive. ShowPrep
requires memory, as does Super-Show (PCXSP.EXE) as do each of your PCX files.
When running your show we recommend that you have 512K conventional memory
available. To check how much memory is available, run the SHOWMEM.EXE utility
or CHKDSK DOS utility prior to running Super-Show or ShowPrep. If you encounter
this error, unload all memory resident programs, f reeing as much conventional
memory as possible. DOS 5.0 also provides more conventional memory to most
systems than earlier versions of DOS.
STRING SPACE CORRUPT: This is also a memory related error message. Again,
this error occurs most often when running your show from PCX-ShowPrep when you
have less than 512K conventional memory available.
SOLUTION: See Out Of Memory error message solution above.
ILLEGAL FUNCTION CALL: This error most commonly occurs when you issue commands
to the programs that contain parameters outside the legal boundaries. For
example, if you issued the CRAWL script command with a text string containing
more than 255 characters you would encounter this error message. This error may
also be encountered with the PRINT, COLOR, CIRCLE and BOX script commands.
SOLUTION: Locate the script command that causes this error message. It may or
may not be the problem. If it's not, the culprit isn't far behind. For
example, say you found that the script command PRINT "Hello World" was executed
when the error occurred. That command is okay. Look back to the ATPIX
command, which locates where the text will be printed on your screen. Say the
ATPIX command read AT 800,1. There is the problem. You are trying to print
the text at column 800, beginning at row 1. Since there is no column 800
available, the illegal function call message is encountered. Change the script
to the appropriate column number and run the show again.
CAN'T FIND [FileName.Ext]: This means that the program cannot find a specific
file. That file may be a font, script or pcx file. Remember, the SUPER.OTL
font file must be included on any disk from which you use PCXSS.EXE or DEMO.EXE
since this is the default SuperFont file for the program.
SOLUTION: Determine whether the error is caused by a missing file or an
incorrectly spelled filename. If you try to display a non-existent pcx file
using the SHOW script command, a beep will sound and the program will continue
to execute the next script command.
SYSTEM LOCKUP: We've tried to take every precaution to avoid the dreaded
system lock-up (aka "crash") when using the PCX-Show series of programs.
Unfortunately with the wide variety of hardware and memory resident software in
existence, you may encounter a lock-up.
SOLUTION: This error usually occurs because of a memory resident process
conflict. The solution is to note what command in the script is causing the
system to lock-up. If you have unloaded all memory resident programs and the
system still locks-up when you execute a script command, please make note of
the command causing the problem and call us for technical assistance.
Please try to determine the reason for an error message by examining your
script and referring to the above error information. If you still can't figure
out what's happening, give us a call. Be sure you are by your computer with
the program loaded and ready when you call.
============================
DISCLAIMER & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
============================
Warranty: The PCX-SuperShow Software System and documentation is
provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.
Information in this manual/document is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of PC West Software & Services.
PC WEST(sm) Software & Services and it's officers and employees shall have no
responsibility or liability to you or any other person, persons, or entity with
respect to loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly
by use of PCX-SuperShow and/or its documentation. The liability of PC WEST
Software & Services under the warranty set forth above shall be limited to the
amount paid by the customer for the product. No other warranties are expressed
or implied as to the operation, use or suitability of PCX-SuperShow.
Copyright: The computer files and this documentation are protected by United
States Copyright law. PC WEST Software & Services owns and retains title to
the computer programs, files and the contents of this documentation. Copyright
1990/91/92, PC WEST Software & Services.
Acknowledgements: The programs and utilities in the PCX-SuperShow software
package were created using various language editors, compiler, and link
programs and library toolbox routines. These include Microsoft Professional
Development System 7.1, QuickBasic 4.5 and associated compiler and link
programs from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, WA. Portions also were
compiled/linked using PDQ from Crescent Software of Stamford, CT. Code
includes toolbox routines from the QuickPak Professional Library & Graphics
Workshop also from Crescent Software of Stamford, CT. Also, portions Copyright
Genus Microprogramming, Inc. 1988-1991. IBM is a registered trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PC WEST is a registered
service mark of PC WEST Software & Services.
Published by: PC WEST Software & Services
P.O. Box 31418
Phoenix, AZ 85046