Monster Media 1993 #2/Image.iso/graphics/tshow5.zip/TS5.DOC

Text File | 1993-06-16 | 99KB | 2,080 lines

                                TEXT SHOW 5.0
                        A Presentation Software System
                       =================================
TEXT-SHOW 5.0 is a highly stylized screen 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
.SCR file format (BLOAD) or from screens stored in TEXT-SHOW Library file
(.LBR).  TEXT-SHOW features include multiple screen fades and segues,  text
display using computer, custom and big fonts, borders, screen clearing effects,
special effects, support for digitized music and CMF midi files for Sound
Blaster and compatible cards, music language and files, and more.

Text-Show 5.0 works by creating a script consisting of one or two word script
commands that tells the program what and how you want your files, text and
drawings to be displayed.  An example of a complete script is the file
DEMO.SPT.  To view this demo type   TS5.EXE DEMO.SPT   at the prompt and press
the enter key.

The files included in this version are:

    TS5.EXE                           -  TEXT-Show program engine
    TP5.EXE                           -  The new Script Generator/Editor
    TXTCAP.EXE                        -  Memory Resident Screen Capture Program
    DEMO.SPT                          -  Full Demo Script File
    *.SCR                             -  Various Screen files for demo
    *.MUS                             -  PC Speaker Music Files
    *.PAL                             -  Custom Color Palette Files
    *.FNT                             -  Custom Screen Font Files
    ORDER.FRM                         -  Order Form for Text-Show 5.0
    TS5.DOC                           -  This documentation file

Text-Show 5.0 includes TEXT-ShowPrep (TP5.EXE).  This is an ASCII based text
editor that allows you to create your TEXT-SHOW 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 TP5.EXE are found in the chapter titled TEXT-ShowPrep.

REQUIREMENTS:  Minimum hardware requirements for using TEXT-SHOW are an IBM
computer (PC, XT, AT, PS/2) or compatible, DOS 3.xx or higher, 256K RAM memory.

A printer and EGA or VGA color monitor are desirable but not required.

TEXT-SHOW uses the DOS text screen, 25 lines by 80 columns.

                        =====================
                        SHAREWARE INFORMATION
                        =====================

The shareware version of Text-Show 5.0 is identical to the registered version
except that a brief shareware message screen appears before and after each
presentation is run.  These shareware message screens do not exist in the
registered version.

In addition, when you order the registered version you receive additional
programs such as the library utility, screen viewing and show preparation tools.
Also, the registered version includes a utility to create a runtime version of
your script.  The runtime version's of your presentations may be freely
distributed without royalty payments or fees.

You may order the registered version directly from PC West (602-992-0310).
There is an order form file (ORDER.FRM) included with this distribution that may
be printed by loading the file into any ascii text editor or word processor.

This documentation is a subset of the original printed manual and may contain
references to tools/programs only available in the registered version.


                                 OVERVIEW
                                  ========
You interface your TEXT formatted screens (*.SCR files) with TEXT-SHOW using a
proprietary Script format. The Script format is simply a set of one or two word
commands that tells TEXT-SHOW what you want to do.  An example of a Script file
is the demonstration file  DEMO.SPT.  Take a look at this file in the
TEXT-ShowPrep editor (TP5.EXE) or any editor/word processor that is able to load
and read ASCII based text files.  We've tried to use virtually every script
command in this sample script.

If you've never used TEXT-SHOW before, a great way to begin learning the
program is to load the demo script, DEMO.SPT, in the TEXT-ShowPrep editor.  You
may view the script contents in the editor and run the script right from the
editor.

Once you have created or captured the TEXT screens you wish to include, you
need to tell TEXT-SHOW when and how you want them displayed.  That is the
purpose of the script.  We have included a TSR (memory resident) screen capture
program for you.  It's name is TXTCAP.EXE.  See the chapter on using the text
capture program for more details.

In it's simplest form, your show centers around the LOAD & SHOW script
commands.  These are the commands you will use to display your screen/library
files.  The LOAD command is used to display the .SCR screen image files and the
SHOW is used to display image files stored in a Screen Library (.LBR).  You
may, of course, display your pictures using the dozens of fades, segues and
special effects found in TEXT-SHOW.

You may also use the Script to display text (using custom or computer fonts),
pop-up window boxes, clear screens, draw screen borders, use voice and music,
and more.

You may create the Script in TEXT-ShowPrep or any editor/word processor that
can save a file in standard ASCII format.  We strongly recommend your using the
TEXT-ShowPrep program to prepare your script.  This program allows you to
choose any of the several dozen 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:

                        TS5.EXE [Filename.Ext]

and then press the Enter key.  The Script file and TS5.EXE file must be in the
same drive/directory. If no file name is given when TS5.EXE is entered at the
DOS prompt, the program looks for a default file named DEMO.SPT.  If TEXT-SHOW
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:

                       TS5.EXE MYSHOW.SHW

and press the Enter key.  Be sure there is a space between TS5.EXE and your
Script file name.  You may, of course, add to, change or delete lines/commands
in your Script file at any time.

The best way to learn to use TEXT-SHOW is by examining and following the sample
script file, DEMO.SPT.  This script will show how each effect, transition,
fade, segue, screen write, etc., was accomplished.

There are over five dozen script commands in TEXT-SHOW.  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 TEXT-SHOW.
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
TEXT-ShowPrep.  From this new program 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 are 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.


BCHR [ASCII Character Number]

Purpose:  This command will set the Title Font to any of the 254 ASCII
Characters.

Comments:  The style of the big font is determined by this script command.  The
font takes on the characteristic of the ASCII character designated with this
command.  If, for example, you wanted the font to be comprised of the star , *
, character the proper syntax would be BCHR 43.  See the demo script for sample
characters.  A character pop-up box is available in ShowPrep.  Choose the BCHR
script command from the pull down Fonts menu (F7) and a box containing all 254
ASCII characters appears on your screen.  Simply highlight the character you
wish to use and the proper script command is written for you.

See Also:  BPRNT @, BWID, BCOL


BCOL [Foreground Color Number]

Purpose:  To designate a color or color combination when using Title Fonts.

Comments:  Title Fonts use the current background color of the screen. You must
designate the foreground color of the font text using the color chart.  For
example, if you wanted your big font displayed with a bright red foreground you
would enter the script command  BCOL 12.  A special color number of -1
(negative one) is used when you desire to display a multi-colored font.

See Also:  COLOR, BLINK, BPRNT @, BCHR


BLINK [On/Off]

Purpose:  This command will turn the blinking color attribute on or off.

Comments:  In text mode, you can cause text to blink (flash on and off) by
adding 16 or 128 to the color numbers (See below).  You can disable blinking
with the Blink Off command.  When you do turn off blinking, you then are able
to display the bright colors (colors 8 through 15) as a background color.  This
is demonstrated in the opening screen of the script DEMO.SPT.  The default when
starting Text-Show 5.0 is Blink On.

BLINKING COLORS:  The following will tell you how to obtain blinking text
colors both with the regular text font and the title fonts.

  Regular Text Font:  There are two methods for obtaining a blinking foreground
                      color using the color script command:

                 1.  If you are using the single digit method of setting colors
                 and you wish to have the foreground blink, simply add 128 to
                 the color number.  For example, if you want a blinking white
                 foreground on a blue background the script command would be:
                 COLOR 159  We simply added 128 to the normal white on blue
                 number of 31.

                 2.  If you are using the double digit method of setting colors
                 and you wish to have the foreground blink, then add 16 to the
                 foreground (first) color number.  For example, if you want a
                 blinking white foreground on a blue background, the color
                 script command is: COLOR 31,1  We added 16 to the normal white
                 foreground number of 15.  The number one in the this script
                 command designates the background as dark blue.

  Title Font:  To blink the foreground color of a title font, simply add 16 to
         the BCOL color script command.  For example, if you wanted a blinking
         white foreground, the BCOL script command would be:  BCOL 31  We added
         16 to the normal white foreground number 15.  Remember, the background
         of a Title Font is set with the COLOR command which should precede
         your BCOL color command.

See Also:  BCOL, COLOR


BORDER [ASCII Character Number]

Purpose:  You may draw a border around any screen with the BORDER script
command.

Comments:  You may also choose a color for that border using the COLOR script
command.  To draw a single line border on your screen the proper syntax would
be:  BORDER 1.   To draw a double line border the proper syntax would be BORDER
2.  To draw a border comprised of ASCII Character 219 the proper syntax would
be BORDER 219.


BOX [Row Begin,Column Begin,Row End,Column End,Character #,Color]

Purpose:  The BOX script command gives you the ability to pop-up boxes
(windows) of any size and color during your presentation.

Comments:  There are six (6) parameters that must be entered.  Row Begin is the
upper left corner of where you want the box displayed; Column Begin is the
beginning column number; Row End is the lower portion of the box; Column End is
the ending column number of the box.  Character # is used to designate the type
of frame you wish to display.  You may use any of the ASCII 255 characters as
this number.  Character numbers 1-4 are special designated characters.  They
are as follows:


         1 = Single Line Frame             3 = Double/Single Mixed Frame
         2 = Double Line Frame             4 = Single/Double Mixed Frame

Color number is the combined foreground/background color you wish to have for
your box.  You must use the combined color number here.  See the COLOR script
command for further information.

For example, if you wish to draw a red Pop-Up box with a white double line
frame beginning at Row 10, Column 10 and ending at Row 15, Column 40, the
proper script command is:

                          BOX 10,10,15,40,2,79

Perhaps the easiest way to use the BOX command is to use our new Box drawing
utility.  Choose the utility from the menu in ShowPrep and you will be able to
visually create, size, and move your box with the cursor keys.  A help menu is
available in box draw and it's easy to use.  See details of the Box draw
command in the ShowPrep chapter of this documentation.

See Also:  COLOR, DEMO.SPT


BPRNT @ R,C ["Text"]

Purpose:  This script command actually displays the Title Font text on your
screen.

Comments:  R and C represent, respectively, the row and column where the text
will be displayed. Your text must be enclosed by quotation marks.  Example:  If
you wanted to enter text at Row 2, Column 4 that said ACME Budget the proper
syntax would be:  BPRNT @ 2,4 "ACME Widget Budget Review"

See Also:  BCOL, BWID, BCHR, COLOR


BWID [Number]

Purpose:  This command sets the size of the Title Font.


Comments:  One (1) is a normal sized Title Font.  Two (2) is a Huge Font.


See Also:  BPRNT, BCHR, BCOL


CLR [Fade Number]

Purpose:  The CLR script command clears the screen to black using your choice
of fade effect.

Comments:  When CLR is issued the screen is filled with blank characters using
one of the dozens of fade techniques. The following is a list of screen clear
fade numbers and the type they invoke:

    1 - Instant On            14- Squeeze In                   27- Snake
    2 - Slide Left            15- Squeeze Out                  28- Pour Out
    3 - Slide Right           16- Vertical Split               29- Drip Down
    4 - Slide Up              17- Open Curtain                 30- Slide Up/Down
    5 - SlideDown             18- Close Curtain                31- Slide Down/Up
    6 - Wipe Left             19- Puzzle Pieces                32- Weave
    7 - Wipe Right            20- Radar                        33- Whip
    8 - Wipe Up               21- Page Roll Right              34- Push Up
    9 - Wipe Down             22- Page Roll Left               35- Push Down
    10- Horiz Blinds          23- Window Wipe                  36- Blocks
    11- Horiz MiniBlinds      24- Fast Dissolve                37- Diagonal Down
    12- Vert Blinds           25- Slow Dissolve
    13- Vert Miniblinds       26- Explode

See Also:  LOAD, SHOW

CLS

Purpose:  The CLS script command instantly clears the screen.

Comments:  It fills the screen with blank characters. You may designate colors
for the screen with the COLOR command mentioned on the following page.

See Also:  COLOR, CLR


CMFPLAY [Filename.CMF]

Purpose:  This script command will play a Sound Blaster compatible CMF midi music file.

Comments:  This command requires you have a Sound Blaster or compatible sound
card installed.  It will play most CMF formatted midi files.  Important:  You
must load the Sound Blaster FM music driver, SBFMDRV.COM, before you begin your
show.  If it is not loaded, or a sound card is not installed, the program will
simply ignore the script command and go on to the next command.  The song will
continue to play until it has ended or until a CMFKill script command is
encountered.  The maximum size CMF file allowable in this version is 32K.

See Also:  CMFKill, XBPlay, SBPlay


CMFKill

Purpose:  This script command will stop playing any CMF midi music file.

Comments:  As opposed to the VOC digitized voice files, it is not necessary to
issue this command every time you play a CMF midi file.  You would use CMFKill
only when you wanted to stop playing a CMF midi music file.

See Also:  CMFPlay, XBKill, XPKill

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; to set the screen color when clearing the screen with the CLS
command; and to set the frame and fill color of when drawing Boxes with the BOX
command.

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 Text-ShowPrep's color pop-up menu for color selection.  To
view this color menu choose the COLOR menu item from the Screen pull down menu
(F6) and the selection box will pop-up.  ShowPrep uses the combined color
syntax when inserting the command into your script.

When used in the BOX drawing command, you must use the combined color number.
See the BOX script command for further information.

The following list contains the individual Color Numbers used in TEXT-SHOW.
For a complete table of combined color numbers, view the color window (F2
hot-key) in the TEXT-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

BLINKING COLORS:  The following will tell you how to obtain blinking text
colors both with the regular text font and the title fonts.

         Regular Text Font:  There are two methods for obtaining a blinking
         foreground color using the color script command:

                 1.  If you are using the single digit method of setting colors
                 and you wish to have the foreground blink, simply add 128 to
                 the color number.  For example, if you want a blinking white
                 foreground on a blue background the script command would be:
                 COLOR 159  We simply added 128 to the normal white on blue
                 number of 31.

                 2.  If you are using the double digit method of setting colors
                 and you wish to have the foreground blink, then add 16 to the
                 foreground (first) color number.  For example, if you want a
                 blinking white foreground on a blue background, the color
                 script command is: COLOR 31,1  We added 16 to the normal white
                 foreground number of 15.  The number one in the this script
                 command designates the background as dark blue.

         Title Font:  To blink the foreground color of a title font, simply add
         16 to the BCOL color script command.  For example, if you wanted a
         blinking white foreground, the BCOL script command would be:  BCOL 31
         We added 16 to the normal white foreground number 15.  Remember, the
         background of a Title Font is set with the COLOR command which should
         precede your BCOL color command.

Also See: BLINK, BCOL, BOX, BPRNT @, PRINT @


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 five 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 scripts DEMO.SPT and MOUSE.SPT which were included on your
distribution disks.

:[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.

MOUSEIN[Hot Spot #0-9] X1,Y1,X2,Y2 :[Line Label]

If you plan to use the mouse for conditional branching, you'll need to set up
"hot spots" on the input screen.  The hot spots are created using the MOUSEIN
script command.  If the cursor is clicked on these hot spots during an INPUT
command, the program will branch to the line label designated in the mouse
input command.  You may set up 10 hot spots, 0 through 9, per input screen.

The Mouse hot spots are determined by the X and Y coordinates as follows:

                          X1 = Beginning Row Location
                          Y1 = Beginning Column Location
                          X2 = Ending Row Location
                          Y2 = Ending Column Location

The line label at the end of the script command determines where in the script
to jump if the user clicks on that hot spot.

Let's say you created an image display a button.  The button is located
beginning at Row 10, Column 10 and ends at Row 12, Column 20.  You wish the
script to jump to a label named :MOUSEY if the user clicks on that button
during an INPUT statement.  The proper syntax for that would be:  MOUSEIN1
10,10,12,20 :MOUSEY

The mouse input script commands may be located anywhere in the script prior to
the INPUT statement.  You may wish to put them right at the beginning of your
script.



INPUT [Seconds]

After you have created your line labels (and set your mouse input commands if
you wish to use the mouse for branching), 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 DELAY command.  It stops your show for a determined
number of seconds, waiting for the user to press a key or click the mouse
button.  The difference is that when using INPUT, the program records the key
pressed or mouse location. INPUT waits for only one key press or mouse click
and then goes on to process the next script command which should always be the
IF _ GOTO command if your looking for a key press.  Using INPUT without the IF
_ GOTO command would be just like using the DELAY command.  If the number of
seconds designated occurs before a key is pressed or mouse clicked, then the
program continues on to process the next script command.

IF [key] GOTO :[label]

This is the command that determines which line label the program will go to if
a key was pressed.  If using the mouse, that location is determined in the
mouse input command mentioned above.  You may go forward or backward from that
point in the script.  The program will recognize any normal, printable ASCII
character as the key.  In addition, it will recognize all ten function keys and
the up and down arrow keys, and the pgup and pgdn keys.  For example, if you
had 2 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.

Version 5.0 recognizes the 10 function keys and some of the arrow keys as input
keys.  Since there are no printable characters, we have assigned
non-numeric/non-alpha characters to represent these keys in the IF _ GOTO
statement.  Here is a list of the keys and the character that represents them:

 F1: !            F2: @            F3: #             F4: $    F5: %    F6: ^
 F7: &            F8: *            F9: (             F10: )   PgUp: <
 PgDn: >          Home: +          End: -           Arrow Up: <   Arrow Down: >

As you will note, the character assigned to the function keys are the upper
case characters on the 1 - 10 number keys.  If you wanted to test to see if a
user pressed the F1 function key then the proper syntax would be:  IF ! GOTO
:[Label]


IF | GOTO :[label]

This is a special IF _ GOTO script command used to direct the program if time
expires before the user presses a key or clicks the mouse.  Basically what this
command says is "If time expires before any key is pressed or the mouse is
clicked on a non-hotspot then goto the designated label".

The | character is not a colon.  It is ASCII character 124 and is most often
found as the upper case character on the backslash (\) key.


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.

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.

See Also:  GOTO, SHOW.SPT, INPUT.SPT, MOUSEMENU.SPT tutorial scripts


COUNTING & SCORING:

Purpose:  There are several applications that may be created using the counting
& scoring script commands in TEXT-SHOW 5.0.  The major reason we added this
feature was to fill the request by the hundreds of our users who are educators
in schools, colleges and universities around the world. Therefore, the main
purpose of this series of commands is to create true/false or a multiple choice
type quiz using the conditional branching and counting & scoring commands.

Comments:  There are a total of 6 counting/scoring commands.  We will list them
in the order they most likely would occur.  Be sure to see the heavily
annotated script, QUIZ.SPT, which gives examples of all the counting & scoring
command used in conjunction with the conditional branching and background music
commands.

TCOUNT

This is one of two counters.  The T in TCount stands for True.  This means you
would issue this script command each time a question was answered correctly.
When TCount is encountered, an internal counter adds 1 to the TCount value.

FCOUNT

This is the opposite of above.  The F in FCount stands for False.  This means
you would issue this command each time a question was answered incorrectly.
When FCount is encountered, an internal counter adds 1 to the FCount value.

CPRINT @ X,Y TCOUNT

This will print the current value of TCount.  The location is determined by the
row, column values of X and Y.  Font and color are determined by the last Font
and Color commands the program encountered.

CPRINT @ X,Y FCOUNT

This will print the current value of FCount.  The location is determined by the
row, column values of X and Y.  Font and color are determined by the last Font
and Color commands the program encountered.

CPRINT @ X,Y SCORE

This will print a score based on the values of TCount and FCount.  The score is
displayed as a percentage.  The location is determined by the row, column
values of X and Y.  The font and color are determined by the last Font and
Color commands the program encountered.

RESET

This will reset the FCount, TCount and Score to zero.

See Also: QUIZ.SPT, COLOR, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING


CRWLAT [Row, Left Column, Right Column, Delay]

Purpose:  To set the parameters that create a view window and timing for the
CRAWL special effect.

Comments:  This command sets the parameters you wish to define for your CRAWL
message.  This command should precede the use of the CRAWL script command.  The
Row is the screen row on which you wish the message to appear.  The Left and
Right Column establish the view window in which you wish your message to crawl.
The Delay is the number of seconds you wish the crawl message to appear.

For example:  CRWLAT 24,20,60,99 means that you wish to display your crawl
message at row 24, between column 20 and column 60, and it will continue to
crawl the message for 99 seconds or until a key is pressed, whichever occurs
first.

The Row parameter must be between 1 and 24, the columns between 1 and 80.  The
Delay, which represent number of seconds, may be any number.  The length of
your message may contain up to 255 characters.

Pressing the Esc key during a crawl will, as usual, terminate the show.
Pressing any other key during a crawl will move forward to the next script
command.

ALSO SEE: CRAWL


CRAWL ["Message"]

Purpose:  The CRAWL command will display a ticker tape type message while
waiting for a key press.

Comments:  This command is very similar to the DELAY script command, except
that a message you enter scrolls, right to left, across the screen until a key
is pressed or until the delay time set with the CRWLAT command occurs.  The
CRWLAT script command sets the location and delay parameters for your crawl
message and must precede the CRAWL command.  The message must not contain more
than 255 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 CRWLAT script command.  A demonstration
of the CRAWL command is included in the DEMO.SPT sample script file.

See Also:  CRWLAT, DELAY, PAUSE, WAIT


DATE @ [R,C]

Purpose:  To display the current date using any internal ROM or custom font.

Comments:  The date will always be in the form "MM/DD/YY" (month-day-year).
The date will display in any screen mode, background/foreground color
combination using any custom or ROM font.  The date is determined from the
computers internal system date.  The R is the row location and the C is the
column location.  For example to display the date at column and row 10 the
script command would be:  DATE @ 10,10

See Also:  TIME1, TIME2, TIMEDATE.SPT tutorial script


DELAY [Seconds]

Purpose: This script command creates a delay of a designated number of seconds
(or less) 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

If you wish only a half second delay then the syntax would be:  DELAY .5.  Any
positive number up to two decimal places is acceptable.

See Also:  PAUSE


DOLOOP

Purpose:  This command tells Text-Show that the next series of commands between
the DOLOOP and LOOP commands are to be repeated the number of times designated
in the LOOP command.

Comments:  The purpose of this command is to repeat a certain sequence of
script commands a designated number of times.  You may wish to use this command
to simulate animation or, perhaps, to get the attention of your viewer.  There
are no parameters in the DOLOOP command.  It simply designates that the script
command following it will be the first command in the loop.  The LOOP command
designates how many times the loop is performed.

See Also:  LOOP, DEMO.SPT script


ESCKEY [On/Off]

Purpose:  To activate/de-activate the Esc key during a presentation.

Comments:  You may now activate or deactivate the Esc key as an abort key
during your presentation.  The default is ESCKEY On.  This means that when the
Esc key is pressed during a presentation, the program will terminate
immediately following the script command that was in effect when the Esc key
was pressed.  To turn this feature off, issue the ESCKEY OFF command.

See Also:  QUIZ.SPT script.


FONT [Font Filename,#]

Purpose:  This script command is used to load the custom fonts you wish to
display.

Comments:  There are 18 different font styles available in this version of
Text-Show.  They are the files with the FNT file name extension.  The # will
either be a 1 or a 2.  If you assign a font as number 1, then all characters
printed in colors 0-7 will be displayed in the chosen font style.  If you
assign the number 2, then all characters printed in colors 8-15 will be
displayed in the chosen font style.

You may load and display two different fonts at any one time.  For example, to
display characters in color numbers 0-7 in a script font and characters with
colors 8-15 in the standard rom font the proper syntax would be:

                 FONT SCRIPT.FNT,1
                 FONT STANDARD.FNT,2
                 FONTS ON

If you do not issue the FONTS ON script command, you will not see the font
changes on your screen.  To turn the loaded fonts off and return to the
built-in rom font, simply issue a FONTS OFF command.  You may color these fonts
using the appropriate COLOR script command.  You position and print the font
using the PRINT @ script command.

Upon completion of your presentation, the screen fonts are always returned to
the computer's built- in rom font.  If you desire to set computer font's
outside of your Text-Show presentation, you need to order the Text-Show
Supplemental Disk #1 - Extra Tools.  See the order form at the end of this
manual or ordering details.

The easiest way to choose fonts is using the pull-down font menu in 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.

You may also preview a font in ShowPrep with the Font Preview (Alt-P) Tool.

See Also:  PRINT @, BPRNT@, GET @, FONT.SPT tutorial script


FONTS [On/Off]

Purpose:  To display the fonts loaded with the Font Script command outlined
above.

Comments:  See the information in the Font Script command above for proper
usage of this script command.  IMPORTANT:  Do not issue the FONTS ON script
command unless you have loaded custom fonts in both number 1 and number 2
fonts.

See Also:  PRINT @, BPRNT@, GET @, FONT.SPT tutorial script



FXDELAY [Number]

Purpose:  To slow down or speed up a fade/screen transition effect.

Comments:  There may be times when a screen fade occurs too quickly or, for a
more dramatic effect, you wish to slow down how quickly a fade occurs.  This is
where you would use the FXDELAY script command.  Simply follow the command with
any whole number.  The higher the number, the slower the screen transition
occurs.  The only fade effect not affected by this command is Fade #1, the
Instant On screen effect.

See Also:  SHOW, LOAD


GET @ X,Y [$#]

SEE $STRING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY


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. This is demonstrated in the
sample script file MOUSE.SPT.

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.

And the GOTO command may also be used to create a continuous show loop.  If,
for example, you wish to display your show continuously at a trade show or
other demonstration affair, your last script line could be a GOTO script
command that sends the show back to the very beginning.

ALSO SEE: CONDITIONAL BRANCHING


IF  GOTO :

SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY

INPUT

SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY


KILLXB

Purpose:  To stop a .VOC sound file and/or clear memory used to play the sound
file in the background.

Comments:  This command is used in conjunction with the XBPlay command.  XBPlay
will play a sound blaster voice file (.voc) in the background allowing you to
execute other script commands. When the KillXB command is encountered it will
stop the sound regardless of how much of the file has played.  Normally you
would not issue this command until after the file was finished playing.

IMPORTANT:  You must always include a KILLXB command if you have issued the
XBPlay command.  The kill command clears out memory set aside to play the file
in the background.  If you don't clear this memory with the KILLXB command and
another XBPlay command is issued, it likely will cause an error or even lock up
your system.

See Also:  XBPLAY, SBPLAY, KILLXP, XPLAY


KILLXP

Purpose:  To stop a MUS sound file and/or clear memory used to play the file in
the background.

Comments:  This command is used in conjunction with the XPlay command.  XPlay
will play music files (.mus) in the background allowing you to execute other
script commands.  When the KillXP command is encountered it will stop the sound
regardless of how much of the file has played. Normally you would not issue
this command until after the file was finished playing.

IMPORTANT:  You must always include a KILLXP command if you have issued the
XPlay command.  The kill command clears out memory set aside to play the file
in the background.  If you don't clear this memory with the KILLXP command and
another XPlay command is issued, it likely will cause an error or even lock up
your system.

See Also:  XPLAY, PLAY, KILLXB, XBPLAY


:LINE LABELS

SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY


LOAD [Filename.Ext] [Fade Number]

Purpose:  This script command is used to display an text screen file (.SCR)
using one of the 37 available screen fades/segues.  This command is used to
show screen files only.  The SHOW command is used to show library screens only.

Comments:  The LOAD command is followed by the filename and extension of the
screen image you wish to display.  Finally, you must assign that file a fade
number.  For example, if you wanted to load a file named MYFILE.SCR and display
it using a slide up fade the syntax would be:

                          LOAD MYFILE.SCR 4

You may also designate a drive and directory if your screen file is not in the
same directory as the TS5.EXE program.  For example, if your file is located on
drive C in a directory named PICS, then LOAD C:\PICS\MYFILE.SCR 4  would be the
proper syntax.  Be sure there is a space between each element of the command.
Be sure to review Appendix A for further information concerning the LOAD and
SHOW commands.

There are 37 possible fade/segue numbers that follow the LOAD command.  Here is
a list of the screen fade numbers and the type of fade/segue it invokes.

 1 - Instant On            14- Squeeze In                    27- Snake
 2 - Slide Left            15- Squeeze Out                   28- Pour Out
 3 - Slide Right           16- Vertical Split                29- Drip Down
 4 - Slide Up              17- Open Curtain                  30- Slide Up/Down
 5 - Slide Down            18- Close Curtain                 31- Slide Down/Up
 6 - Wipe Left             19- Puzzle Pieces                 32- Weave
 7 - Wipe Right            20- Radar                         33- Whip
 8 - Wipe Up               21- Page Roll Right               34- Push Up
 9 - Wipe Down             22- Page Roll Left                35- Push Down
 10- Horiz Blinds          23- Window Wipe                   36- Blocks
 11- Horiz MiniBlinds      24- Fast Dissolve                 37- Diagonal Down
 12- Vert Blinds           25- Slow Dissolve
 13- Vert MiniBlinds       26- Explode

See Also: SHOW, CLR


LOOP [#{1 to 20}]

Purpose:  You use this command at the end of a DOLOOP sequence.

Comments: This command designates the end of a DOLOOP sequence and tells
TextShow how many times you wish the loop to occur.  The number must be at
least one and no more than 20.  If you wish to have a sequence occur more than
20 times then you only need to put two DOLOOPS containing the same sequence
back-to-back.

In earlier versions of Text-Show this command was used to start your Show over
from the very beginning. To accomplish this now, set up a line label at or near
the top of your script and use the GOTO script command.

See Also:  DOLOOP, 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 in the upper right hand corner of your
screen.  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 will end the show.  The default in
version 5.0 is now MOUSE OFF.

See Also:  MOUSE AT, MOUSEIN, MOUSE SET, MOUSE.SPT script


MOUSE AT [R,C]:

Purpose:  To locate the mouse pointer on your screen.

Comments:  The coordinates R and C are the row, column locations where you want
your mouse pointer to appear.  To locate your mouse pointer at row 10 and
column 30 the proper syntax would be  MOUSE AT 10,30.  You should use the MOUSE
AT script command prior to turning your mouse on with the MOUSE ON command.

See Also:  MOUSE [On/Off], MOUSE SET, MOUSE.SPT script


MOUSEIN[Hot Spot #0-9] R1,C1,R2,C2 :[Line Label]

SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY


MOUSE SET [Style]

Purpose:  To change the appearance of the mouse cursor to one of 9
predetermined cursor shapes.

Comments:  The Mouse Set command allows you to change the shape and color of
the mouse cursor. There are nine styles from which to choose.  They are:

         Arrow            Target           Cross
         Hand             Pencil           I-Beam
         Ball             Hatch            Hourglass

The default is the Arrow.  To view the new cursor shape requires an EGA or VGA
system.  If this script command is encountered on a mono system, the normal
rectangle mouse cursor will appear regardless of the style issued.

See Also:  MOUSE, COLOR, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING, MOUSE.SPT script, MOUSE AT


OPEN [Library Filename.Extension]

Purpose:  To load a library of screens to be used with the SHOW command in a
script.

Comments:  The OPEN command loads all the screens stored in the library into
conventional memory.  Once the library is opened, any screen may be displayed
using the SHOW script command. You need only issue the OPEN command once;
usually at or very near the beginning of your script.

See Also: SHOW

PAINT [Row Begin,Column Begin,Row End,Column End]

Purpose:  The purpose is to re-color the current screen, or portions of a
screen, without destroying the display.

Comments:  The parameters needed are the same as mentioned above.  The paint
color is set by using the COLOR script command.  For example, if you wished to
paint the top half of the screen with white characters on a red background the
commands would be:

                 COLOR 15,4
                 PAINT 1,1,12,80

See Also:  COLOR, BOX, demo script DEMO.SPT for more examples on using the
PAINT command.


PAL [filename.pal]

Purpose:  To load and display a custom palette file.

Comments:  When you begin using Text-Show, the standard bios palette is in
effect.  New with version 5.0 is the PAL command which allows you the ability
to change the standard palette to one of the custom palettes.  You received
several custom palette files (those files with a .PAL extension) on your
distribution disk.  This command works best when you have first faded or
cleared the screen to black.

To create your own custom palettes, PC West offers PALMAKE.EXE palette creation
tool.  This is available as part of Supplemental Disk #1 - Extra Tools.  See
the order form at the end of this manual for ordering information.

See Also:  COLOR


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, INPUT, WAIT, SLEEP

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

PRINT @ R,C ["Text"]

Purpose:  This is the script command that actually displays text on your screen
using your internal, resident computer font or loaded custom fonts.

Comments:  This is not for use with big fonts.  The R and C represent the row
location and column location, respectively.  Your text must be enclosed by
quotation marks.  Example:  If you wanted to enter text at Row 12, beginning at
column 12, that said ACME Widget Budget Review the proper syntax would be:
PRINT @ 10,12 "ACME Widget Budget Review"

To display the big fonts see the BPRNT @ script command summary.

See Also:  BPRNT, COLOR, FONT, FONTS


QUILAT R1,C1,R2,C2

Purpose:  To set the row/column locations for the quilt special effects.

Comments:  This command locates the beginning and ending row and columns for
the quilting special effects.  R1 and C1 are the starting row and column
locations; R2 and C2 are the ending row and column locations, respectively.
How the quilt appears depends on whether you are using Quilt1 or Quilt2.  The
command QuilAt 3,20,20,62 would set the quilt pattern beginning at row 3,
column 20 to row 20, column 62.

See Also: QUILT#


QUILT# [Ascii character(s)], Delay

Purpose:  To display one of the two quilt special effects for a specified
amount of time.

Comments:  There are two quilting effects.  Quilt1 displays a pattern from
outside-in and Quilt2 displays a pattern from inside/out.  The pattern is made
up of a single or multiple ascii characters. You may display two quilting
effects on the screen at the same time.  The location of the quilt effect is
established by using the QUILAT script command.  Using the command QuilAt
3,20,20,62, Quilt1 would fill the screen outside of those row, column
parameters and the Quilt2 effect would fill the area inside those row, column
parameters.  The best way to familiarize yourself with this effect is to load
the tutorial script, QUILT.SPT in the ShowPrep program.  This script is
annotated and describes how each command affects the screen display.

See Also:  QUILAT


READ [Filename.Txt]

Purpose:  To read in string data from an external ascii text file.

Comments:  This script command has the same end result as accepting user input
through the keyboard.  The difference is the data is read in from an external
ascii text file.  When this command is issued, Text-Show will look for the text
file.  If it finds it, it will read each line of the text file, up to 10 lines.
The first text line will be assigned to $0 (string zero).  The second text line
will be assigned to $1 (string one) and so forth.  You may then re-display
those text lines using the Text- Show string display commands.  The tutorial
script USERINP.SPT shows an example of using the READ script command and
re-displaying the input with the string display commands.

There are many uses for the READ command.  Let's say for example that you have
a presentation in which you display the weather forecast for the day.  Rather
than have to re-write and re-compile your script for this daily change, you
simply type the forecast into a text file in any editor or word processor.
Your script will automatically read that information into string variables ($1,
$2, etc.) and display it using whatever custom or rom fonts you selected.

See Also:  USERINP.SPT tutorial script, $String commands, GET @


RETURN :

SEE CONDITIONAL BRANCHING SCRIPT COMMAND SUMMARY


RUN [Filename.Extension]

Purpose:  This command is a built in feature of TEXT-SHOW and may be used to
run other executable (.BAT,.EXE or .COM) programs right from within your
script.

Comments:  If you wish to run a program named EXAMPLE.COM from within your
TEXT-SHOW, 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.  Once you
run the new program, all memory is freed and no further reference to the
Text-Show presentation will be present.  Be sure to see the SHELL script
command for running programs in the middle of a Text-Show presentation where
you will need to return to your presentation after the running of an external
program.

See Also:  SHELL, STOP, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING


SBPLAY [Filename.VOC]

Purpose:  To play a digitized sound file from Sound Blaster or compatible sound
files.

Comments:  TextShow 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
Text-Show 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: XBPlay, Play, XPlay


SHELL [Filename.Ext /Command line info]

Purpose:  This command is a built in shell feature of Text-Show 5.0 and may be
used to run other executable (.EXE or .COM) programs without disturbing your
screen presentation in Text-Show. Comments:  You may use the command to run
most any program.  When the shelled program ends, you are returned to your
Text-Show presentation where you left off.  If you wish to run a program named
EXAMPLE.COM from within your show, the proper syntax would be:  SHELL
EXAMPLE.COM   Be sure there is a space between the command SHELL and the full
filename of the program.  You may also include command line parameters after
the filename.

When the SHELL command executes it does not change the current screen mode.
This means that it is up to the called program to set the screen mode if it is
other than text.  Remember to re-set the screen mode back to text mode before
returning to your script.  Most programs automatically do this for you.

See Also:  RUN, STOP, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING


SHADOW [On/Off]

Purpose:  To display a transparent 3D shadow underneath a pop-up box.

Comments:  Now you may create a shadowed box effect by using this command.
SHADOW ON means that when a box is drawn to the screen a transparent 3D shadow
will appear with the box. OFF means no shadow will appear when a box is drawn.
The SHADOW command should precede your box script command.

See Also:  BOX


SHAKE [number]

Purpose:  This special effects command literally causes the 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.

See Also:


SHOW [Filename] [Fade Number]

Purpose:  This script command is used to display library screen files using one
of the 37 available screen fades/segues.  This command is exclusively for
library files.  To display screen (.SCR) files see the LOAD command.

Comments:  The SHOW command is followed by the filename, with NO extension, of
the library screen image you wish to display.  Finally, you must assign that
file a fade number.  For example, if you wanted to load a library file named
MYFILE and display it using a slide up fade the syntax would be:  SHOW MYFILE 4
Before you may issue the SHOW command, you must open the library in which the
screen resides.  See the OPEN command for further information.  Also, be sure
to review Appendix A for further information concerning the LOAD and SHOW
commands.

There are 37 possible fade/segue numbers that follow the SHOW command.  Here is
a list of the screen fade numbers and the type of fade/segue it invokes.

1 - Instant On            14- Squeeze In                    27- Snake
2 - Slide Left            15- Squeeze Out                   28- Pour Out
3 - Slide Right           16- Vertical Split                29- Drip Down
4 - Slide Up              17- Open Curtain                  30- Slide Up/Down
5 - Slide Down            18- Close Curtain                 31- Slide Down/Up
6 - Wipe Left             19- Puzzle Pieces                 32- Weave
7 - Wipe Right            20- Radar                         33- Whip
8 - Wipe Up               21- Page Roll Right               34- Push Up
9 - Wipe Down             22- Page Roll Left                35- Push Down
10- Horiz Blinds          23- Window Wipe                   36- Blocks
11- Horiz MiniBlinds      24- Fast Dissolve                 37- Diagonal Down
12- Vert Blinds           25- Slow Dissolve
13- Vert MiniBlinds       26- Explode

See Also: OPEN, Appendix A, LOAD


SLEEP [Seconds]

Purpose:  This script command acts as a delaying mechanism much like the DELAY
script command.

Comments: The only difference between the SLEEP and DELAY script commands 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 ten distinct sounds included in this version of TEXT-SHOW.
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


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, GOTO


$STRING USER INPUT COMMAND SUMMARY

Purpose:  The series of Text-Show string commands (designated with a $) is for
the purpose of obtaining word or sentence input from your user.  Additionally,
string input may be obtained from a ascii text file by using the READ script
command.  See READ for further information.  Also, be sure to view and run the
tutorial script USERINP.SPT to see working examples of string user input.

The user input is stored in one of 10 different strings.  These strings are
determined by you and are identified by the $ character (dollar sign) and a
number between 0 and 9.  Text-Show will retain information in up to 10
different strings at any given time.  There is no limit on how many times you
may re-enter string information into the 10 different available strings.

Once the input has been obtained, you may then re-display the string
information using the font(s) of your choice.

There basically are 4 steps in obtaining user input:

         1. Set the size of the input field, i.e., determine the maximum amount
of characters you will allow your user to type in from the keyboard.  This is
accomplished with the $Size command.

         2. Determine the font style (ROM, Custom or Title Font) and
foreground/background character colors you wish to display as the user types
from the keyboard.  See the FONT and COLOR commands for setting those
parameters.

         3. Get the user input using the GET @ $ command and assign it a string
         number.

         4. Re-display, if you wish, using the various $ printing and typing
         commands.

The following are the associated string user input script commands:

$Size #

This script command determines the maximum number of characters you will allow
your user to input when the GET @ command is encountered.  The # may be any
number although there are reasonable limitations.  The # will be determined by
screen and font size.  We recommend keeping the input size between 1 and 70.

GET @ R,C [$#]

This command permits the user to input a string of characters from the
keyboard.  R and C represent the row and column location where the input will
be displayed on the screen as the user types from the keyboard.  The $#
represents the string number to which you wish to assign the text input.  Valid
numbers are from 0 to 9.  You then may re-display that information at a later
point in your presentation by using any of the $ (String) print or type
commands.

The background and foreground colors of the input are determined by the Color
command.  The font used is determined by the Font command.  Normal editing
features, such as insert, delete, home, end, etc., are active during keyboard
input.  The cursor location during the GET command is designated by the
underline (_) character.

$PRINT @ R,C $#

This is the script command that actually displays the text stored in a string
on your screen using a custom font or internal ROM font.  R and C represent,
respectively, the row and column where the text will be displayed.  The #
represents which string number you wish to display.  Valid numbers are between
0 and 9.  Example:  If you wanted to display text string #1 at row 10 and
column 10, that you obtained from an earlier GET @ command, the proper syntax
would be:

         $PRINT @ 10,10 $1

To display the Title Font see the $BPRNT @ script command.

$BPRNT @ R,C $#

This is the script command that actually displays the text stored in a string
on your screen using the Title Font.  R and C represent, respectively, the row
and column where the text will be displayed. The # represents which string
number you wish to display.  Valid numbers are between 0 and 9.

$TYPE @ R,C $#

This command will display a single line of user input text stored in a string
with a typewriter sound effect.  R and C represent, respectively, the row and
column where the text will be typed.  The # represents which string number you
wish to type.  Valid numbers are between 0 and 9.  Example:  If you wanted to
type text string #4 at column 10 and row 10, that you obtained from an earlier
GET @ command, the proper syntax would be:

         $TYPE @ 10,10 $4

$STYPE @ R,C $#

This command is the same as $TYPE @ above, except that the text is typed with
no sound effect.

See Also:  READ, USERINP.SPT tutorial


STYPE @ R,C ["Message"]

Purpose:  To display a single line of text with a silent typewriter effect.

Comments:  This command is the same as the TYPE script command except that the
sound of the typewriter is silent.

See Also:  TYPE, COLOR


TILE ["Tile Message"]

Purpose:  To fill the screen with a message or ascii character(s).

Comments:  The tile effect will take a sentence or series of characters and
fill the entire screen.  This is known as tiling.  See an example of the tiling
effect in the tutorial script, DEMO.SPT.

See Also:  DEMO.SPT


TIME# @ R,C [Delay In Seconds]

Purpose:  To display the current system time.

Comments:  There are two time functions.  Time1 will display the time in hours
and minutes.  Time2 will display the time in hours, minutes and seconds.  R and
C indicate the row and column screen location where you wish the time to
appear.  The Delay in Seconds is how long the time will continue to show on the
screen before going to the next script command.  For example, if you wish to
show the time at row and column 10, in hours, minutes and seconds for 30
seconds, the proper syntax would be:

                 TIME2 @ 10,10 30

See Also:  DATE, TIMEDATE.SPT tutorial script.


TYPE @ R,C ["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 AT script commands respectively.

See Also:  COLOR, PRINT


WAIT [Number of seconds]

Purpose:  This is very similar to the DELAY and SLEEP script commands except
with a forced delay.

Comments:  This command, like the DELAY or SLEEP, will pause your presentation
for a designated number of seconds.  Unlike those commands, however, a key
press or mouse click will not cause the show to go forward.  WAIT forces the
show to delay the designated number of seconds.  If the EscKey On script
command is in effect, pressing the Esc key during the WAIT command will cause
the presentation to abort (end).  If the EscKey Off script command is in
effect, pressing the Esc key will have no affect.

(Note: In previous versions of Text-Show the WAIT command was used as a paging
command.  Since the Input command now reads the page and arrow keys, the
function of this command has totally changed.)

See Also:  PAUSE, CONDITIONAL BRANCHING, DELAY, CRAWL


XBPLAY [Filename.VOC]

Purpose:  To play a digitized sound blaster file in the background.

Comments:  Text-Show gives you the ability to play any Sound Blaster (VOC) or
compatible digitized sound file directly from your script. This command plays
the sound file in the background which means you may execute other commands
while the sound is playing.  You may show different images, do screen fades,
print text, even wait on the INPUT command while the sound is playing. You must
have a Sound Blaster card or compatible to use this script command.

See Also: SBPlay, XPlay, KILLXB, KILLXP


XPLAY [Filename.MUS]

Purpose:  To play a pre-programmed text music/sound file through your PC
Speaker in the background.

Comments:  Text-Show 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 Text-Show program.  There is a
buffer of 128 notes. When the buffer is filled, the next script command occurs,
which allows you to play a music sound file while changing screens or executing
other Text-Show script commands.  Several music files (.MUS) are included with
your registered version of Text-Show.  You also may order additional music
files from PC West.  See the Supplemental Disk order information at the end of
this manual.

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


                              TEXT-ShowPrep
                               =============

TEXT-ShowPrep is an editor/script generating program that is an integral part
of TEXT-SHOW. The program file name is TEXTPREP.EXE and is included with every
registered purchase of TEXT- SHOW.

TEXT-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 TEXT-ShowPrep to create a script for use in
TEXT-SHOW.  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 TEXT-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 LOAD and
SHOW commands.  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
TEXT-SHOW, you are returned to the editor.

To begin using the program, simply type TP5 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 TEXT- ShowPrep, the proper syntax
would be:  TP5 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 may be 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 TEXT-ShowPrep program.

EDITOR:  The program functions much like any editor/word processor with one
notable difference. Since the scripts for TEXT-SHOW 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, search & replace, 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 TEXT-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.  A
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 TEXT-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 screen 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 right 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 right 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 was 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 F8 Function key.

Search & Replace:  The purpose of this function is to search for a word or
combination of words and then replace them with another word or combination of
words or to delete them entirely.  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.  Next, press the tab key to the next input on the dialog box which asks
for the string (word or words) you wish to insert.  If the search string is
found it will be replaced by the replacement string.  The associated hot-key is
the F9 Function key.

Save/Run Script:  One of the handiest features of TEXT-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 TEXT-SHOW (TS5.EXE). IMPORTANT:  You must have the
program TS5.EXE located in the same directory/path as TEXT-ShowPrep for this
option to work properly.  Once the script has completed running, you will be
returned to the editor to continue working on 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 Alt-F1.


F4 - TOOLS/UTIL:  The options on this menu are all associated with TextShow
tools and utility programs.

Open New Library:  -Unavailable in Shareware Version

Library Program:  -Unavailable in Shareware Version

Text ScreenView:  -Unavailable in Shareware Version

Font Preview Utility:  This utility will allow you to preview your custom font
files.  When you select this option a dialog box appears with all your custom
fonts shown in the current directory.  You may change drives/directories if you
wish.  To preview a font, highlight a filename and press enter.  A display of
that font will appear on your screen inside an ascii character box.  Press any
key to return to the dialog box.  You may then preview additional fonts or
press the Esc or Cancel key to return to the ShowPrep editor.  The associated
hot-key are Alt & P keys.

Box Draw Utility:  This is one of the new utilities in TextShow.  The purpose
of this utility is to interactively draw a box on a screen image file.  This
will make locating and displaying your box much easier than trying to guess
where the row & column coordinates are located.

When you choose this option, an input box appears just like you were selecting
a screen file to display.  Choose the 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 and a message that pressing F1 will pop-up a help box.  It is by
sizing, moving and manipulating this box that you may draw your box anywhere on
the screen.

You may control the color, box border, movement & size of the sides of the box
as follows:

         F2 - Pick Box Color:  This will pop-up the color menu.  Choose the
color coordinates of the box from this menu and press enter.  The box will
immediately take on those colors.

         F3 - Pick Box Border:  Pressing this function key will pop-up an ASCII
menu box showing all 255 characters of the ASCII set.  With the exceptions of
numbers 1-4, the associated ASCII character you pick will be character used for
your box border.  Number 1 will use a single line box border; 2 a double line
border; 3 & 4 use a combination single/double line border.

         F4 - Toggle Shadow:  This will toggle the shadow on or off while using
the box drawing utility.

         PgUp:  Moves the entire box up one row

         PgDn:  Moves the entire box down one row

         Home:  Moves the entire box left one column

         End:   Moves the entire box right one column

          key:  Expands box height by one row
          key:  Decreases box height by one row
          key:  Expands box width by one column
          key:  Decreases box width by one column

Once you have the box where you want it, the way you want it, press the Enter
key and the appropriate BOX script command will be inserted in your script at
the cursor location.

MakeShow:  -UNAVAILABLE IN SHAREWARE VERSION

Palette Preview:  Since it's possible to have a number of different palettes in
Text-Show, it is near impossible to figure out which color number goes with
which color in a non-standard (non-bios) palette.  The color numbers used in
Text-Show are based on the standard bios palette colors.  When these change, we
have no idea what numbers represent what colors.  The palette tool comes to the
rescue!  When you choose this option a dialog box appears listing all your
palette files in the current drive/path.  As always, you may change
drives/paths at this point.  To use the tool, highlight the palette file in
question and press the enter key.  A palette chart will appear with the colors
and their associated numbers of the palette chosen.  Simply note the colors you
wish to use (to display text, draw a box or clear the screen, etc.) and then
press any key to return to the editor.  Note:  This chart is actually a screen
(*.SCR) file named PALMAKE.SCR.  This file must be kept in the same directory
as ShowPrep (TP5.EXE).  This feature also requires an EGA or VGA system.

Play Music File:  UNAVAILABLE IN SHAREWARE VERSION

Play VOC File:  UNAVAILABLE IN SHAREWARE VERSION

Play CMF File:  UNAVAILABLE IN SHAREWARE VERSION

F5 - SHOW/LOAD:  The options on this menu are all associated with screen and
special effects including the SHOW and LOAD script commands.  Pressing the F5
function key from the editor will pull-down this menu.  The options are:

Show Command:  If you wish to display a screen from a library file 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 screen file you
wish to display.  If it is the default, simply press the enter key. Next, a
directory of screen files will be displayed.  From this menu, use the cursor
keys to highlight the screen file you wish to display and press the enter key.
You will note that the screen files have the extension SCR in the menu box.
Don't worry, the extension will be dropped when the SHOW command writes your
script line.

Next a menu of all 37 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 library
screen file named TEXT.SCR, and you chose the fade Open Curtain the script
command SHOW TEXT 17  will automatically be inserted in your script.  The
associated hot-key is Alt+S.

Load Command:  This is identical to the SHOW command except that this is to
display individual screen files (.SCR) not contained in a library.  The fades
menu contains the 37 fades available to the LOAD command.  As with the SHOW
command, this option will insert the proper syntax of the script command into
your script at the current location of the editor cursor.  The associated
hot-key is Alt+L.

CLR Command:  This is the script command used to clear the screen.  When you
choose this option, you will see a menu of 37 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 23 would automatically
be inserted in your script. The associated hot-key is Alt-C.

Remaining Effects:  The rest of the menu displays the TEXT-SHOW effects script
commands. Commands like  Special FX, PAUSE, DELAY, SHAKE, 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 keys will display a menu of TEXT-SHOW
screen related script commands.  Commands like COLOR, CLS 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 Text-Show font
related script commands.  Commands for custom, internal and Title fonts are all
located on this menu.

Font Directory:  This option is associated with the custom fonts used in
Text-Show.  When you choose this option you will see a dialog box with a list
of your custom fonts.  Using your cursor keys or mouse, highlight the desired
font and press the Enter key or click on OK.  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 Text-Show 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 in the
foreground.  When you choose this option you will see a dialog box with a list
of your Sound Blaster VOC files. Using your cursor keys or mouse, highlight the
desired file and press the Enter key or click on OK. ShowPrep will then enter
the appropriate script command and filename in your script.

XBPlay:  Same as above, only this command is for background play.

KillXB:  This will insert the kill sound file command in your script.  See the
listing under Script Commands for full details.

XPlay:  This is the command to play external music MUS files.  When you choose
this option you will see a dialog box with a list of your music files.
Highlight the desired file and press the Enter key or click on OK.  ShowPrep
will then enter the appropriate script command and filename in your script.

KillXP:  This will insert the kill sound file command in your script.  See the
listing under Script Commands for full details.

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.

F9 - MOUSE:  All the options on this menu pertain to the operation of your
mouse.  You may turn the mouse on or off, locate it with the MOUSE AT command,
create input with the MOUSEIN command and change cursor appearance with the
Mouse Set (cursor) commands.  Check the associated listings in the Script
Commands chapter for full details on each of the mouse commands.



                                  TEXT CAPTURE
                                   ============
OVERVIEW:  TXTCAP.EXE is memory resident screen capture program.  The purpose
of this program is to capture any text screen you can display on your monitor
in the Bload, Text-Show, SCR file format.

To use this program, simply type TXTCAP.EXE at the DOS prompt.  You will see a
brief message appear on your screen.  The message tells you that the program
has been loaded, is memory resident and may be invoked by pressing the Ctrl-F9
key combination.

HOW TO CAPTURE SCREENS:  When you have a text screen displayed that you wish to
capture, press the Ctrl-F9 key combination (while holding down the Ctrl key
press the F9 function key).  A prompt will appear at the upper left hand corner
of your screen.  This prompt asks you to enter a filename.  The filename must
contain no more than 8 valid DOS filename characters and should be followed
with a SCR extension.  After you have entered the filename, press the Enter
key.  The program will then capture the screen in SCR Text-Show file format.
The captured file will reside in the current drive and directory.

If after pressing the Ctrl-F9 key combination you determine that you really
don't want to save the screen, simply press the Esc key.  Your screen will
return and the file will NOT be saved.

To remove the Screen Capture program from memory, simply type  TXTCAP /U  at
the DOS prompt and press the Enter key.  This will unload (remove) the program
from memory, i.e., it will no longer be memory resident.


                                MUSIC LANGUAGE
                                ==============

TextShow contains 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 Text-Show 5.0.  In
addition, samples of actual music language script commands are included in the
sample script file DEMO.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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to include comments in your music file, they must
be preceded by a semicolon 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 semicolon.  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 128 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.  You may,
however, play sound blaster files simultaneously with music files.  Also you
must ALWAYS issue a KILLXP script command somewhere after the XPlay command.
The reason is that each time you issue XPlay, a buffer is created from
conventional memory to store the music.  KILLXP destroys that buffer and frees
the memory.  If you don't use the KILLXP command that memory will not be
restored and, eventually, a memory error or string space error will occur.


                        APPENDIX A LOAD And SHOW Script Command
                        =======================================

The SHOW and LOAD script commands are the heart of the TEXT-SHOW series of
programs.  It is with these commands that you are able to display your screen
and library screen files using fancy fades and segues.

While the purpose of these two commands is identical (i.e. display a screen on
your monitor using a fade effect) there are a number of differences that you
need to be aware of and that is the purpose of this appendix.

The SHOW command displays pictures contained in a library.  The LOAD command
displays individual screen pictures.

For the most part, the SHOW command is more versatile, faster and desirable
than the LOAD command. Both commands use the same script command syntax.  That
is the word SHOW or LOAD followed by the filename and a fade number.  Here is
how a sample script command would appear:

                 LOAD MYFILE.SCR 12
                 SHOW MYFILE 12

Note that the extension is dropped when using the SHOW command to display a
library screen.

This SHOW Command above tells TEXT-SHOW you wish to display a library screen
file named MYFILE using fade number 12.  The LOAD Command tells TEXT-SHOW you
wish to display a regular screen file using fade number 12, which in the case
of both SHOW and LOAD is a vertical blind fade.

When using the SHOW command you must first issue the OPEN library script
command.  You only need to use the OPEN command one time.  See the chapter on
Script Commands for the proper syntax in using the OPEN command.

There is NO limit to the total number of screen or library files you may use in
a presentation using the SHOW and LOAD commands.  However, the maximum size of
a single library file to be loaded at one time is 64K.  A 64K library file will
contain somewhere between 30 and 50 screens.  If your screen requirements
exceed this limit, then you only need to create another screen library with a
different name.  The screens in a library are compressed to save storage space.
The compression percentage is usually at least 50% of the original size.  The
compression ratio depends on the complexity of the saved screen.

Without a doubt, creating a screen library and using the SHOW command is the
best choice when creating a presentation.

If SHOW is so much more versatile, why would you ever want to use the LOAD
command?  There are a couple possible reasons.

         1.  You are using only a handful of screen pictures.
         2.  Your system has memory limitations.


                        DISCLAIMER/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
                        ---------------------------
The TEXT-Show 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 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 TEXT-Show 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 TEXT-Show.

Acknowledgements:  The programs and utilities in the Text-Show 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. and GENUS Microprogramming,
Houston, TX.  Code includes toolbox routines from the QuickPak Professional
Library, also from Crescent Software of Stamford, CT.

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
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