The 640 MEG Shareware Studio 2/The 640 Meg Shareware Studio CD-ROM Volume II (Data Express)(1993).ISO/cad/vgacad27.zip/VGACAP.DOC

Text File | 1991-12-26 | 24KB | 585 lines

       VGACAP (c) Copr. 1987-91 Lawrence Gozum & Marvin Gozum
       ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────

                                 User Manual

    DISCLAIMER

    This product is distributed AS IS.  The authors specifically disclaim
    all warranties ,expressed or implied, including ,but not limited to,
    implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
    purpose with respect to defects in the diskette and documentation, and
    program license granted herein, in particular, and without limiting
    operation of the program license with respect to any particular
    application use or purpose.  In no event shall the authors be liable
    for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage including but
    not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages.


    LICENSING AGREEMENT

    You may use this program for a 10 DAY TRIAL PERIOD.  Should you find
    this program useful, you MUST register it; you will then be provided
    with the latest releases of the VGACAD system see last section of this
    manual).  Freely distribute UNMODIFIED copies of VGACAP*.ZIP and charge
    $10 max for distribution, in lieu of recognized Users Group guidelines
    (e.g., Asso. of Shareware Professionals or NY Amateur Computer Club).


    WHAT IS VGACAP ?

    VGACAP is a resident utility that captures pictures in

        MCGA 320x200x256
         VGA 640x480x16
        SVGA 640x480x256
        SVGA 800x600x16
        SVGA 800x600x256
        SVGA 1KBx768x16
        SVGA 1KBx768x256
            and
        SVGA 1280x1024x16

    VGACAP will capture and "Bsave" 320x200x256 pictures; all others are
    saved to *.RAW file files (ie., "RAW" pixel dumps).


    WHAT IS VGAFIL ?

    VGAFIL is a conversion program for use in a batch file (*.BAT) or as an
    interactive stand-alone program; BLD/PLT files are 320x200x256 screens,
    all others are RAW/PLT files.  VGAFIL is designed to integrate directly
    with VGACAD v2.0 (and up) and replace BLD2GIF and RAW2GIF.  Moreover,
    VGAFIL converts and saves captured images to 32768-color TGA (Targa 16),
    256-color BMP (Windows 3.x), PCX, GIF files or 16-color GIF files.
    VGAFIL is also a utility to customize and configure VGACAP to take
    advantage of specific SVGA chipset hardcoding for FAST screen captures.


    VGACAP and VGAFIL can be viewed as a generic conversion utility system
    since almost any MCGA/VGA/SVGA image from (320x200 to 1024x768) that can
    be viewed, can be converted to/from GIF, PCX, BMP or TGA format !  If you
    can view files using 'less popular formats', you can capture and convert
    them like so ...

   'LESS POPULAR'
    FILE FORMATS (input)

     EFS  \
     WIPS  \
     SFP    \
     PIG     \
     RAS      \ YOUR   -->  SVGA
     ISF      / VIEWER --> SCREEN
     PDA     /               |        CAPTURED      VGAFIL
     DEGAS  /              VGACAP --> RAW FILES --> UTILITY
     GEM   /                                           |
     ETC  /                                            |
                         'MORE POPULAR'
                          FILE FORMATS (output)

                              GIF
                              PCX
                              BMP (Windows 3.x)
                              TGA (Targa)
                              TIF (TIFF P)

    REQUIREMENTS

    About 512KB of memory is required for VGAFIL, although it uses about 2/3
    of that; it, also, requires that the BRUN41.exe runtime module be present
    in your present path; this is explained later in this manual.  You MUST
    have a VGA or MCGA adaptor (at least BIOS compatible) present and an
    analog monitor to use VGACAP.  To grab 640x480x16 screens you must have
    VGA; for 640x480x256 (and above) grabs, you MUST have SVGA.  VGACAP uses
    about 4KB of RAM.


    COMPATIBILITY

    If you grab a screen from an application that "simulates" the SVGA
    640x480x256 mode and get 1/4th of the screen or get four 1/4ths of
    the screen then you grabbed from the unsupported 360x480x256 mode
    NOT a real SVGA 640x480x256 screen; you must configure that application
    for a TRUE 640x480x256 SVGA mode if your card supports it.

    The BRUN41.exe runtime module HATES 'Shadow RAM' (ie., putting your
    VIDEO BIOS in low or high RAM); it 'hangs' (at least on our 386 SX).
    If VGAFIL 'locks-up' at start-up then you have this problem too;
    disable 'Shadow RAM' (eg., via CMOS set-up) and it should work.

    Trident TVGA card users that have the supposedly rare 'BR versions'
    will notice that the bank switching will be erroneous.  We tried to
    accomodate this version but ended up compromising the more popular
    TVGA 8800 and 8900 versions <sorry>.

    The Trident 1024x768x256 grabs are not supported at this time since it
    uses a very peculiar, card specific, bank switching methodology (ie.,
    it conflicts with SVGA display conventions); screen grabs are limited
    800x600x256 or 1024x768x16, if available.  This applies even to a VESA
    setup with this card.

    VESA implementation was included for FAST grabs (vis-a-vis BIOS) on
    those exotic SVGA cards with obscure chipsets; moreover, it also makes
    installation easy for those who don't know what their chipset is.

    VESA grabs should work on all 256-color SVGA modes up to 1024x768x256.

    If VGACAP is configured for BIOS or VESA grabs, then 16-color screen
    grabs are limited to 680x480 and 800x600 (if you try capturing greater
    resolutions, you will get garbage).  With hardcoded chipset settings,
    up to 1024x768 and 1280x1024 16-color grabs are possible.

    ATI SVGA card users CANNOT capture 1024x768x16 screens if they are
    trigerred via mode 65 (hex) since this is the old packed mode that
    is inconsistent with SVGA 16-color display conventions (garbled images
    will result).  ATI users MUST view 1024x768x16 screens via mode 55 (hex),
    the planar mode, to grab them.

    If you create CUSTOM colors in your Windows 3.x environment, the
    BMP encoding algorithm may not work as well as it should; it will do
    its best with the Windows 3.x default color palette.

    VGACAP has been tested to load and operate successfully after being
    relocated to the UMB (Upper Memory Block) using DOS 5.0; if you
    experience problems with relocation simple load VGACAP in "low"
    memory.  We have NOT tested VGACAP loaded into EMS memory; it may work
    way up there too - try it, if it works up there, let us know.

    If you are having compatibility problems with VGACAP (particularly SVGA
    bank switching) or VGAFIL encoding, please contact Lawrence Gozum
    [73437,2372] via CompuServe's

                  E-Mail
                or
                PICs Forum




    CONFIGURING VGACAP

    VGACAP, on default, is set for BIOS; these are 'generic' and should work
    with most, if not all, SVGA cards.  However, BIOS calls are slow and
    sometimes unpredictable.  By using the hardware configuration, VGACAP
    will capture screens in 2-3 seconds compared to about 20-30 seconds for
    800x600x256 screens (based on 28ms HD on 16 MHz 386sx).

    To configure VGACAP for your specific hardware type

                        VGAFIL -V <ret>
                               or
                        VGAFIL -C <ret>

    A menu will guide you.  Simply select the letter which corresponds to
    your video card chipset.  Remember, when in doubt, use BIOS or VESA
    setup.  BIOS setups do not guarantee that it will work, generally, if
    your video board manufacturer took care in writing its BIOS - it SHOULD
    work.  BIOS should grab up to 1024x768 256-color grabs but are limited
    to 800x600 16-color grabs, if available.

    New! - VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) support has been
    added to capture 256-color screens (up to 1024x768x256) without knowing
    what your chipset is.  Simply install your VESA driver then configure
    VGACAP for VESA.  VESA support requires you to load a card-specific
    resident program before VESA can be used.  An error message will result
    if VESA has not been previously loaded; this will happen when you install
    VGACAP with the VESA configuration or with VGAFIL, during configuration.

    Under certain circumstances, VGAFIL will reject VESA configuration; it
    will not become available if a window other than A000 hex is used.

    New!  By pressing the hotkey [M]ask key, during VGACAP configuration,
    you can choose between [Alt] or [Ctrl-Alt] hotkey masks.  Although the
    [Alt] hotkey mask is adequate for most applications, some applications
    such as WordPerfect uses [Alt] key combinations for various functions.
    Using [Ctrl-Alt] will allow captures in virtually ANY application since
    this key combination is rarely used.



    HOW TO USE VGACAP

    Run VGACAP before entering your painting/CAD or digitized picture
    viewer.   Depending on how you configured the hotkey mask, press

        [Alt-F4]        <- default

        or

        [Ctrl-Alt-F4]   <- alternative user configuration

    while viewing your picture in any paint/CAD program and the
    screen and palette will be saved in your default drive and directory.
    For simplicity, this will apply to the most common VGA and SVGA screens.
    If you are NOT is MCGA/VGA 320x200x256 mode, then VGACAP will assume you
    are in an SVGA mode up to 800x600x256.

    If you want to capture MCGA/VGA 320x200x256 screens for BASIC program
    applications then press

        [Alt-F2]        <- default

        or

        [Ctrl-Alt-F2]   <- alternative user configuration

    and it will be saved in the "BLoaDable" BASIC format.


    Since 800x600x16, 1024x768x16, 1024x768x256 and 1280x1024x256 modes
    cannot be reliably differentiated, capturing screens in these modes
    require pressing specific HOTKEYS.

    DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF HOTKEY MASK, YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS

            [Ctrl-Alt-Fn]

                OR

                 [Alt-Fn]

    KEY COMBINATIONS FOR DIFFERENT SCREEN RESOLUTIONS/COLOR.  In any case,
    you will see what keys are activated when you install/run VGACAP.

    [......-F6]  is the HOTKEY for SVGA  800x600x16

    [......-F7]  is the HOTKEY for SVGA  1KBx768x16

    [......-F8]  is the HOTKEY for SVGA 1280x1KBx256

    [......-F10] is the HOTKEY for SVGA  1KBx768x256

    [......-F4] is the HOTKEY for  MCGA  320x200x256
                    VGA  640x480x16
                       SVGA  640x480x256
                        and
                       SVGA  800x600x256

    [......-F2]  is the HOTKEY for MCGA  320x256x256 to BLD files


    You'll note that we tried to keep the hotkeys as easy as possible
    to remember.

    [......-F4]  '4' all the common modes

    [......-F6]  for 800x600x16
                 *

    [......-F7]  for 1024x768x16
                  *

    [......-F8] for 1280x1024x256
              *

    [......-F10] for 1024x768x256
             **

    The first time you run the program it will save your screen and palette
    to SCREEN00.RAW) and SCREEN00.PLT respectively.  Using the  [......-F2]
    grab will save to *.BLD and *.PLT respectively.  If there is an
    existing SCREENxx.RAW or SCREENxx.PLT file, it will increment to the
    next higher number.

    IF YOU HAVE NO FILES CAN BE LISTED BY ISSUING THIS DOS COMMAND

            "DIR SCREEN??.*" <ret>

    THEN WE SUGGEST DELETING ANY EXISTING *.RAW OR *.PLT FILES TO ENSURE
    MATCHING *.RAW AND *.PLT FILES VIA THIS DOS COMMAND

            "DIR SCREEN??.*" <ret>

    You can use your favorite memory managers to remove this TSR or reboot
    to release it from memory.

    Note: Other programs, such as VGTIZE (Oculus-20 video grabbing
      software) alters the video mode to the extent that garbage
      results in files.

    Note: When in DOS or using a picture viewer or application which
      requires a keypress to continue, it is necessary to hit
      another key after hitting the 'HOTKEY'.


    RAW FILE FORMAT

    You can easily design your own utilities to read and process "RAW" pixel
    dumps; they are simple contiguous pixel dumps; for example

        307,200 bytes = 640x480 pixels
            for VGA 640x480x16 or SVGA 640x480x256 screens.

    *.PLT files have a 7 byte BASIC BLoaD header which you can essentially
    disregard if you are not creating a BASIC application; the remaining
    bytes are RGB (red, green, blue) triplets for all of the 256 colors.


    LOADING/CONVERTING SCREEN GRABS WITH VGAFIL

    If you type "VGAFIL <ret>", then you can select any filename by moving a
    highlighted bar (with the arrow keys) and pressing the <return> key.
    Pressing <Spc> allows you to select a different PATH, while <Esc> exits.

    A matching *.PLT file MUST exist or an error message will result.  All
    encoded files (GIF, PCX, TGA, BMP, TIF) are created with the same name -
    eg., SCREEN00.RAW -> SCREEN00.GIF; CAUTION: FILES WITH THE SAME NAME
    WILL BE OVERWRITTEN!

    On default, VGAFIL selects RAW/PLT files for GIF encoding.  320x200x256
    BLD/PLT files can be selected for GIF encoding by using the "-B" option.

            VGAFIL -B <ret>

    To convert screens to 16-color GIF files, use the "-H" (ie., "Hex)
    option.  USE THIS OPTION ONLY WHEN YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE ENCODING
    16-COLOR IMAGE GRABS OR THE PROGRAM WILL HANG !!!

            VGAFIL -H <ret>

    On default, all captured screens are converted to GIF (87a) files.
    To convert *.RAW screens to 256-color PCX files, use the "-P" option.

                        VGAFIL -P <ret>

    To convert *.RAW screens to 256-color BMP files for Windows 3.x, use
    the "-W" option (for uncompressed Windows 3.x "Wallpaper").  A special
    color palette procesing option is applied to reduce "hot spots" when
    Windows alters and remaps the image to fit Windows color scheme.

            VGAFIL -W <ret>

    To convert *.RAW screens to 256-color TIF files (TIFF, Tag Image File
    Format by Aldus), use the "-F" option (for uncompressed, 256-color,
    TIFF P).

            VGAFIL -F <ret>

    To convert *.RAW screens to 32768-color TGA files for XGA, HercGS,
    Targa cards (and other "high-end clones"), use the "-T" option (for
    uncompressed Targa-16 format").

            VGAFIL -T <ret>




    COMMAND LINE AND BATCH FILES

    VGAFIL can be used in batch (*.BAT) files for multiple conversions.
    Simply type "VGAFIL [filename] " with no extension (path optional) for
    every file you want to convert in your batch file;  you can also use
    this method if you want to convert a specific file from DOS.

         Examples:   VGAFIL screen00
                     VGAFIL -B screen00
                     VGAFIL \capture\screen99
                     VGAFIL -B \capture\screen99
                     VGAFIL -P \capture\screen99
                     VGAFIL -W \capture\screen99
             VGAFIL -T \capture\screen99
             VGAFIL -F \capture\screen99
             VGAFIL -H \capture\screen99

    VGAFIL will automatically search for the RAW/PLT files or BLD/PLT files.
    If no files are found or matching *.PLT file is missing, then an error
    will result; the matching PLT files MUST be in the same drive/directory
    or default drive/directory.


    TEMP, MVGASCRN, NYBLSCRN, AND USERSCRN FILES

    TEMPorary files are used by VGACAD, SQZGIF, GIFPUB, ... (and other
    utilities we may release).  When TEMP files are detected by VGAFIL, you
    will be prompted to convert it.  If you acknowledge the prompt, you will
    be presented with two options: 16-color encoding and forcing 1:1 Aspect
    Ratio (these options will work ONLY for GIF files).

    MVGASCRN files are essentially similar to *.RAW files.  USERSCRN files
    are created with VGACAD (v2.0 and up) and SQZGIF (v2.1 and up); these
    files have unusual screen sizes and have additional support files like
    TEMP files.

    NYBLSCRN (a "nybble" is half a byte or 4 bits or 16 colors) files have
    special meaning for VGAFIL.  If VGAFIL detects this filename, it
    immediately converts the file in TRUE 16-color format; this applies
    only to GIF files.


    16-COLOR MODE GRAB & CONVERSION

    All VGA 640x480x16 screens will be grabbed regardless of the hardcoded
    hardware setting of VGACAP.

    SVGA 800x600x16 screens can also be captured in two ways:

    1) With the [......-F4] 'hotkey', if and only if the BIOS
       configuration is used, since your video card will determine and
       execute the appropriate routine, albeit much slower.

    2) With the [......-F6] 'hotkey', using FAST direct memory read
       routines (actually more dependable than BIOS in some respects).

    16-color images will be saved as 256-color files with the remaining
    240 colors unused UNLESS

        you rename the captured files to NYBLSCRN.*
        and use GIF encoding (default)

        or

        use the "-H" option.


    Note: Using the "-P","-W, "-F", or "-T" option will encode a 16-color
      PCX, BMP, TIF or TGA file respectively, BUT it will be encoded and
      viewable as a 256-color (or 32768-color TGA) image with remaining
      colors unused (ie., you can still view the 16-color PCX, BMP, TIF,
      or TGA file, BUT only in 256-color or greater mode).

      For the BEST 16-color compression, we suggest using ONLY the GIF
      file format.



    THE CHAINED VGACAD ENVIRONMENT

    BRUN41.exe is a runtime module distributed under licence with Microsoft;
    it can be distributed and used ONLY in connection with this program.
    You can place it in any drive/directory as long as your PATH has access
    to it.  VGACAD v2.0 and up integrates VGAFIL into its chained
    environment; it is actually a module of VGACAD (v2.0 and up).

    The advantage of using the BRUN41.exe is an integrated system of
    utilities and "sub-programs".  New releases will be modified to support
    the "chained environment", with VGACAD as the integrator.  Only one copy
    of BRUN41.exe is required.


    USING SVGA SCREEN GRABS IN VGACAD

    If you capture a 640x480x256 or 800x600x256 or 1024x768x256 screen for
    direct editing in VGACAD then:

    (1)  from the VSCRN Menu, create a blank 640x480 or 800x600 or 1024x768
     Virtual Screen (whichever corresponds to captured screen);

    (2)  exit VGACAD and DO NOT DELETE the TEMP files;

    (3)  overwrite TEMP.RAW and TEMP.PLT with the selected SCREENxx.RAW
         and SCREENxx.PLT files; for example, at DOS prompt type

                        "COPY screen00.* temp.*" <ret>

    (4)  run VGACAD and load TEMP.PLT at the Files Menu;

    (5)  click the VSCRN box; at the VSCRN Menu, click iSCR vDSK then OK;
     you see the captured screen as the new Virtual Screen.


    REGISTRATION

    REGISTRATION OF VGACAP IS BASED ON 'PERSONAL USAGE'.  CORPORATE OR
    ORGANIZATIONAL USERS *MUST* REGISTER ALL COPIES USED ON AN INDIVIDUAL
    BASIS; A SPECIFIC PERSON (NAME) MUST BE EXPLICITLY ASSIGNED TO EACH
    REGISTRANT WHO WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRESPONDING REGISTER.OVL FILE
    TO INDICATE REGISTERED USAGE.  REGISTRATION GRANTS A SPECIFIC PERSON
    (NOT A JURIDICAL PERSON OR CORPORATE ENTITY) THE RIGHT TO 'USE'
    VGACAP OR VGAFIL.

    ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │ ALTHOUGH WE WILL TRY TO RESPOND TO YOUR REGISTRATION IN 2-3 WEEKS,│
    │ PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 4-6 WEEKS DELAY TO PROCESS YOUR REGISTRATION.  │
    └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

    As token of our appreciation (i.e., to registered users), we will send
    you the the latest version of the VGACAD system; many of the programs
    listed below do not require a graphics card.


    GIFPUB - converts 256 color GIF/PCX files to B&W images desktop
    publishing (DTP) as .PCX (Ventura, First Publisher, Publisher's
    Paintbrush, WP, Pagemaker).  Variable sizing/contrast/brightness.
    Includes printing on IBM/Epson, HP Laser and compatible printers.
    Variable sizes. 8 pics/page and/or  Single/Double Pass printing on
    dot matrix printers. Preview in CGA/HGC/EGA/VGA/EEGA/SVGA. Histogram-
    equalization.  No graphics card required.

    GIFBIT - converts B&W PCX files (e.g., scanner output to 32KBx32KB !)
    to grey shades for VGACAD image processing, GIFPUB redithering or
    printing, or VGA2EGA conversion - it edits those "scan line jitters".
    Viewing modes in MCGA/VGA/SVGA.  No graphics card required.

    SQZGIF/EGA2VGA - converts LARGE GIF/PCX pics (to 2KBx2KBx256) to
    several sizes and video modes using "color averaging" to blend/smooth
    "jaggies" or fast interpolation.  Variable sizing.  Also, converts
    GIFs (16 colors and below) and creates up to 256 new colors; outputs
    directly to GIFPUB, GIFDOT, VGACAD, MVGAVU, VGA2CGA or VGA2EGA.
    No graphics card required.

    GIFHEX (formerly VGA2EGA) - converts 256-color pictures to 16-color
    EGA or VGA .  Error-distributed dithering.  User support to 1024x768.
    Variable sizing/RGBICMY/contrast.  EGA/MCGA/VGA required.

    MVGAVU - EGA/MCGA/EEGA/VGA/SVGA viewer for GIF, TGA (Targa 16/24/32),
    BMP (Windows 3.x) and BLD/PLT files.  True HiColor support (32KB-colors)
    HiColor and HercGS cards.  Proprietary HiColor 16K-color emulation mode
    for viewing 24-bit BMP files or TGA files in 256-color modes.  4096 file
    selection and smart slideshows plus transition effects.  360x480x256.
    EGA to SVGA 1024x768x256. RGB/Color/Contrast/Brightness/Monitor adjust.
    AutoSize/AutoCenter/AutoAspect(1:1, 5:6 and TGA).  GIF 89a support.
    EGA/MCGA/VGA required.

    VGACAD - extensive paint/image processing program for VGA/MCGA users
    (edit GIFs up to 32KBx32KBx256 !!!); airbrushes, color and grey image
    processing functions (smoothing, noise removal, shading, contrast
    stretching, edge detection, ...), splines, Cut&Paste, variable sizing,
    256-color gradient/pattern fills, MORE !  Full screen SuperVGA editing
    and image processing function to 1024x768x256.   360x480x256 support.
    MCGA/VGA required.

    VGA2CGA - converts 256 color GIFs to CGA!  See "405" colors in an
    unsupported 160x100x16 CGA mode.  CGA/EGA/MCGA/VGA required.

    MAC2GIF - converts .MAC ("readmac") pictures to 5-16 grey shades or
    color and saves to .GIF or BLD/PLT file.  EGA/MCGA/VGA required.


    WHAT'S NEXT ?

    Aside from enhancing existing releases with greater capabilities (e.g.,
    expanded memory, virtual screen, SVGA functions, other graphics
    formats), we are developing VGACBT (Computer-Based Training program)
    and a specialized application for Advertising/Fashion Design or creating
    your own artistic nudes.  We will try to develop and integrate more image
    processing functions for all our applications; if you have any image
    processing functions you would like to see, please let us know.

    In the short term, we are developing RGBLAB.  This is a color reduction
    utility to 'downsize' 24-bit or 16 Million-color pictures to 256-colors.
    RAW red, green and blue files, TIFF (*.TIF), TARGA (*.TGA) and Windows
    3.x (*.BMP) files will be the main input sources.  IDTVGA dithering will
    play a key role in previewing or rendering 24-bit images in SVGA
    256-color modes.

    Support maverick authors like us and we will continue developing
    products like nothing seen commercially - otherwise they will simply
    "DIE" from lack of support !  Compare the cost/benefit ratio of any of
    our products with commercial products.  You, and you alone, determine
    whether it will be worthwhile to continue developing.  Support the
    User-Supported (Shareware) concept.  Register your Shareware copies.
    To register, send the registration form and check or money order payable
    in USD to:

                               Dr. Marvin Gozum
                  2 Independence Place #1105, 6th & Locust
                            Philadelphia, PA 19106



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