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1992-09-02
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Sierra Communications Co.
P.O. Box 906
Belmont, NH 03220
VIDEOTAPE CATALOG SYSTEM 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for using Sierra Communications Co. Videotape
Catalog System for the IBM & Compatible Computer. This manual
will guide you in the features present in the program, and serve
as a reference guide later on should the need arise. The
Videotape Catalog System was developed to be used by Novice
Computer users, and as you can see from the size of this Manual,
it is not complicated at all. In fact, you may just want to jump
in to the program and start entering your tape library
immediately. Go ahead, as there is really no better way to
learn, and as a matter of fact, that's exactly what most people
do when trying ANY new program.
Let us just say what the program is about, and if you choose,
read this manual later on at your own convenience.
First make a backup copy of the program using the DOS "copy"
command. The program is supplied on one (1) low-density 360k
floppy. If you plan to catalog your tapes and keep them on a
floppy you may want to copy the program to a high-density 1.2meg
floppy instead, to assure adequate space for expanded files. For
instance, if you have 100 movies on tape, your space requirements
may increase to about 700,000 bytes, more than a low-density
floppy can hold. The best approach is to copy the program
VIDEO.EXE (the only one supplied) to your hard drive into a
directory called "video" or some other appropriate name. After
entering your first movie, the required data files and key files
will automatically be created. If at this point you do not know
how to make copies of disks, refer to your DOS Manual for
information.
The Videotape Catalog System is just that, a system to catalog
and organize your videotapes so that you will be able to find any
movie you want, when you want. The program was developed in
response to a need that arises when taping rented movies. Let's
face it, it may be illegal, but it is a common practice. The
problem is that since three movies may be recorded in EP speed,
or 6 hours per tape, you end up with Titles scattered about with
no practical way to find a movie unless you visually scan all the
tapes. After entering your library into The Videotape Catalog
System, you will be able to view all the movies in any sort
criteria you want, and of course print out a master list for
reference.
The program contains all pertinent data that should be
included for the proper organization of Movie Titles.
Title
Year ( the year the film was made or released)
Actor 1 ( the main actor)
Actor 2 ( another main actor or supporting actor)
Actor 3 ( supporting actor)
>Director
Rating ( room for five characters, a star system, etc.)
Runtime ( how long in minutes)
Tape ( by numbering your tapes use this as an index)
Description ( enables a variable length description)
To start the program type VIDEO at the prompt, and the opening
screen will appear. From there just highlight the selection and
press enter. When running the program for the first time, an
UPDATE screen will appear prompting you to enter data on the
first movie. You may start anywhere you like in this process as
the program will sort them later. After filling in the
appropriate information press CONTROL_ENTER to save the data. To
add more records press the INS key. These commands are visible
on the UPDATE screen. To revise any entry, highlight the movie
and press ENTER and the UPDATE screen will appear again. Just
type over any of the fields to revise.
For individuals with large movie collections, the program
really shines. You may sort on screen or to your printer by
several choices. Just highlight what you want to do from the
main menu and press enter. If you would like to find a movie but
cannot remember the correct information, first highlight the
appropriate catagory, and at the LOCATE prompt type in what
information you do have. As you do, the closest selection will
highlight. The more information you have, the closer you will
get. For instance, you have a movie in the database called "One
Better Day", but the only part of the title you remember is
"One". Upon typing this at the prompt, the first movie title
that begins with "One" will highlight. From there, you can
scroll down to find the right title. To start again use UP ARROW
to erase what you typed.
It's just as easy to print reference lists of your tape
library. Highlight PRINT REPORTS from the main menu and a MENU
OF REPORTS will appear. From this list highlight which selection
you desire and press ENTER. The program requires no printer
setup and works with all the printers we have tested.
That's it! We know you will enjoy watching your tape library
grow while using this system, and if you have any comments or
suggestions, please forward them to: Sierra Communications
PO Box 906
Belmont, NH 03220
If you use this program send $15.00 to the address above. This is Important!
Also enclose any suggestions you may have for improvements.
* IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corp.
* DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft
This program is (c) Copyright 1992 Sierra Communications Co.