Copyright: Copyright (c) 1994 MMS Technologies


CONTENTS

Win Interactive MultiMedia (W.I.M.)

Copyright (C) 1994 by MMS Technologies

Overview

   Legal Information

   System Requirements

   Shareware

   Registration Benefits

   Ordering Information

   Extended evaluation License

   Other Product Information

Installation

QuickStart

Using Win Interactive Multimedia

Notes to BBS Users

Resolving Problems

MMS Technologies


Introduction to W.I.M.
o OVERVIEW

Turn your computer into a true multimedia machine with this visually stunning multimedia player. Play action movie video files with no special hardware or turn your PC into a full blown multimedia machine with the addition of a sound card. Use the program to sample the provided movie .AVI video, Midi, and Wave files, or use it to browse through your own collection of files.  Includes audio CD control for systems that are equipped with a CD-ROM reader and playback controls for its own script language with interactive capabilities. Supports common sound and graphics files. Requires a 386+, VGA+, 2MB+ memory, and Windows 3.1. A Soundblaster compatible card is recommended but not required.

o  FEATURES

-- Visually stunning, intuitive, stereo-like interface with beautiful 3-D look and realistic button action.

-- Full featured file playback controls with pause, rewind, and fast forward options.

-- Continuous play, automatic rewind, and automatic play options in a HIDDEN PANEL.

-- Support for playing Wave and Midi sound files.

-- Support for audio CD drive.

-- Support for playing full motion video .AVI files with no additional hardware.

-- Support for .BMP, .DIB, .RLE and .WMF, based graphical images.

-- Support for icon .ICO files.

-- Support for proprietary Win Interactive Multimedia file format (WIM), a script language that allows composition of multimedia presentations with sound, graphics, text, and video with interactive capabilities.

-- Convenient PLAYLIST load feature for easy file sampling.

-- Comprehensive help available with F1.


Legal Information
o  LEGAL INFORMATION

This program is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by the author and MMS Technologies. No warranty is expressed or implied with regard to program function, or suitability to any purpose.  The author and MMS Technologies will not be responsible for any damages caused by use, misuse, or inability to use this program.  The only exception is, if the program was ordered directly from MMS Technologies and the program disk is found to be physically defective. Under such circumstances, MMS Technologies will replace the defective disk if it is returned within 30 days of purchase. By using the program, you agree to abide by the above agreement. This agreement is governed by the laws of Oregon.

All brand or product names mentioned throughout the program are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.


Shareware Evaluation License
o  LIMITED EVALUATION SHAREWARE LICENSE

Win Interactive Multimedia is Shareware. Shareware is a concept of distributing software, that allows you, the user, an opportunity to evaluate our program risk free before deciding if the program is really right for you. If you find the program useful and wish to continue using it after a 30 day evaluation period, you are obliged to register the software with MMS Technologies or purchase an extended evaluation license.

Registering the program or purchasing an extended evaluation license is the right thing to do if you decide you like the program and wish to use it past the evaluation period.  The full W.I.M. Standard can be registered for only $15. It includes many additional registration benefits.

You may copy and distribute the Shareware version of this program freely as long as you do so with all of the original files and abide by the limitations listed in the VENDOR.TXT file.  You are encouraged to pass the program along to your friends so that, they too, can evaluate the program.

If you bought a disk from a shareware distributor for a duplication fee, please understand that this duplication fee is paid to the disk distributor to cover their cost of duplicating and distributing the disk, and the author of this program receives no compensation from this fee.


Registration Benefits
o REGISTRATION BENEFITS

In addition to giving you a legal license to use the program, registering W.I.M. Standard entitles you to the following benefits:

1) Receive the latest version of W.I.M. Standard.

2) No more Shareware registration reminder screens.

3) Enhanced W.I.M. features including expanded playlist capabilities.

4) Full product support.

5) Upgrade and follow-up notifications when exciting new multimedia products are introduced by MMS Technologies.

6) Discounts with upgrades to future releases of product.

7 )Bonus multimedia sampler set with additional multimedia sound graphic, and full motion video files.

8) Manual for using W.I.M. Standard.

9) A 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the registered W.I.M. (subject to a nonrefundable 20% handling and postage fee).

10) Receive a $15 credit towards the purchase of W.I.M. Pro.


System Requirements
o SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The program requires the following minimum system to run effectively:

- 386 or better IBM compatible PC

- VGA or SVGA video

- 2 MB memory (4 MB recommended)

- Hard Drive

- DOS 3.3 or higher

- Windows 3.1

- Soundblaster or compatible sound card is recommended for sound features of program but is not required.

- CD-ROM drive is supported but not required.


Installation
o  INSTALLATION

The program comes with a Windows SETUP.EXE program for easy and convenient installation of the program. To run the SETUP, start Windows up and from the Program Manager's FILE/RUN option type:

A:\SETUP.EXE <enter>

Note: Substitute the proper drive and path designation to the above command if necessary.

If you received your version of W.I.M. from a BBS, you may have a stripped down version of the program that does not include the Visual Basic v3.0 runtime file, VBRUN300.DLL. If you do not already have VBRUN300.DLL you will need to obtain a copy of this file before you can use W.I.M. This file is available for download from most BBS services. After you have obtained this file, copy it into your Windows SYSTEM directory and run the W.I.M setup as outlined above.

Follow the SETUP prompts to complete the installation process.  The SETUP.EXE program will automatically create a program group and icon for W.I.M. and its documentation files.

o MODIFYING THE WINDOWS SYSTEM

W.I.M. requires VRUN300.DLL and special video drivers for it to work and display full motion video. The setup will install these files into the Windows SYSTEM directory. If the setup finds newer versions of the file in the SYSTEM directory, it will not copy over the more current files.

The setup will automatically modify your Windows SYSTEM.INI file to make Windows aware of the special video drivers needed to run the full motion video. It will add the following lines:

[mci]

AVIVideo=mciavi.drv

[drivers]

VIDC.MSVC=msvidc.drv

VIDC.RT21=indeo.drv

VIDC.CVID=iccvid.drv


Ordering Infomation
o  ORDERING INFORMATION

W.I.M. Standard can be ordered for only $15 (shipping outside U.S. is extra, see ORDER.TXT for more information). Send payment to the following address:

MMS Technologies

P.O. Box 1263

Talent, OR  97540

A ready to print order form with pricing information is provided with the ORDER.TXT file. Double-click on the icon named Order Information in the W.I.M. group to browse or print this file.

Fill out the form and mail it with your payment. Payment should be in check or money order in U.S. funds only.   Orders will be processed within 5 working days of receipt.


Controls and Buttons

POWER button

LOAD button

EJECT button

OPTIONS button

HELP button

VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN

POSITION PLAY INDICATOR

VIDEO MONITOR POWER button

VOLUME

STATUS WINDOW

DEVICE SELECT buttons

PLAY CONTROL buttons

HIDDEN PANEL


Notes to BBS Users
o  NOTES FOR  BBS USERS

If you are a BBS user and you like W.I.M., you can help us pass along the shareware version of the program by uploading this program to any popular local BBS that you frequent that does not already have W.I.M. Please refer to the VENDOR.DOC file for more information on uploading the file.


Common User Questions
o COMMON USER QUESTIONS

Question: When using W.I.M., I get a message that flashes "ERROR", what does this mean and how can I get more information about the problem?

Answer: W.I.M. will allow you to play any file that your system is currently set up to play with its current hardware and software driver configuration. If you see the "ERROR" message, it indicates that one of two things:

1) You have selected a file that your system configuration does not support.

2) The file you have selected is no longer available, in the case of the W.I.M. file autoload when a device is selected, or the file is bad.

W.I.M. includes a ERROR QUERY button  that can be found under the HIDDEN PANEL under the PLAYBACK CONTROL buttons. Open the panel by pressing it and look for the button labeled ERR. Press this button for error information. Cross-index this error information with the Error Table (found in this document and under the F1 help) for more descriptive information on the error condition.

Question: What is the best way to browse through files?

Answer: Use the "LAZY MAN'S BROWSE" -- Our favorite way to browse files is to turn on the AUTOMATIC PLAY button under the HIDDEN PANEL, use the PLAYLIST feature to tag the files we wish to view, and then watch or listen to our files load up automatically one by one.

Question: After playing a file once, the play button does not seem to work. I press it and it just pops back up. Why?

Answer: The file needs to be reset to the beginning before it can be replayed. Press the START TRACK CONTROL button to reset the file.  Alternatively, open the HIDDEN PANEL under the PLAYBACK CONTROL buttons and turn the AUTOMATIC REWIND button on.

Question: The colors of my Win Interactive Multimedia Player change when I play video files sometimes. Why does this happen?

Answer: The video file being played is using a nonstandard color palette. The color palette is adjusted to the video's palette during its display. This causes any images not sharing the video file's palette to temporarily use colors foreign to it, resulting in this effect. To minimize this effect, the Win Interactive Multimedia can be set to use a 16 color image through its OPTIONS window. Most video files do not change these 16 colors, so this flash effect will be less prevalent.

Question: I hear no sound when I play the MIDI option. Why?

Answer: The MIDI option requires a sound card be properly configured with a Windows MIDI device driver to work correctly.  For a sound card to be recognized by Windows, you must install the sound card drivers through the Windows Control Panel, Drivers' window. Consult the Windows and sound card documentation for proper setup information.

Question: I hear no sound when I play the WAVE option. Why?

Answer: The WAVE option requires a sound card be properly configured with a Windows device driver to work correctly. For a sound card to be recognized by Windows, you must install the sound card drivers through the Windows Control Panel, Drivers' window. Consult the Windows and sound card documentation for proper setup information.

Question: The CD player controls do not work. Why?

Answer: The CD device requires an audio CD player be properly configured with a Windows audio CD device driver to work correctly. For an audio CD reader to be recognized by Windows, you must run the MSCDEX.EXE program from DOS and install the audio CD driver through the Windows Control Panel, Drivers window. Consult the Windows and CD documentation for proper setup information.

Question: I get a flashing ERROR message in the STATUS WINDOW when a device is selected by W.I.M. Doing an ERROR QUERY shows the error state "File Not Found". What does this mean?

Answer: W.I.M. will try to preload the last file loaded and memorized by a particular device. The "Save all settings on exit" from OPTIONS will cause W.I.M. to memorize the last file loaded by each device. If the file it attempts to load is no longer available (if the file was deleted or removed from the system), W.I.M. will not find this file and indicate this problem with this error message. W.I.M is still functional and you can load a different file by selecting the LOAD button.

Question: The counter indicator for a WIM file does not appear to be counting seconds. What is it counting out?

Answer: A WIM script file is composed of a number of instructions that tell W.I.M. what to do, when a WIM file is played the counter indicates the instruction number that W.I.M. is currently on.

Question: My graphic images appear shrunken in size when I view them. How can I fix this?

Answer: Turn off the VIDEO MONITOR POWER button to turn on the EXTERNAL VIDEO MONITOR. This will display graphic images in their native size.

Question: Why are there some .AVI files that W.I.M. will not play?

Answer: W.I.M. includes drivers to play most .AVI files. However, there are some .AVI files that require drivers not included with the basic W.I.M. package. See the section that discusses .AVI files for more information on this.


Error Table
o ERROR TABLE

Follows is a list of errors you may encounter when using W.I.M.:

Device Not Found -- This error occurs if a driver necessary to access the device is unavailable. See the help section on the appropriate device for more information about each device.

Device Not Ready or System Driver Error -- The device selected is currently busy or is unavailable.

Device Timed Out -- This error will occur if you attempt to load a device that is not available for the current system (e.g., MIDI and WAVE files require sound cards). See the help section on the appropriate device for more information about each device.

File can't be shared -- W.I.M. could not open a file due to a conflict with another program. Close down files that may be using common files to W.I.M.

File Not Found -- This indicates the file selected is not available. This error may occur when W.I.M automatically loads up a file when a device is selected, if the last accessed file associated with the device is no longer available.

Invalid File Format -- The file cannot be loaded on the current system. The file may be bad or the file may be in a format not supported by the computer (e.g., some sound cards can not support stereo WAVE files).

Out Of Memory -- The program does not have enough memory to run.  This can often be corrected by unloading other Windows programs.

Undetermined Error -- An undocumented error has occurred. Try to bypass the error if possible. If the problem is reoccurring and fatal to the program operation, note the error number and contact technical support for assistance.

Follows is a list of errors you may encounter when using .WIM files with W.I.M.:

Branch not found -- Specified label to branch to cannot be found.

Bad variable name -- Variable name is a reserve word or an invalid character is used in variable name.

Error opening . ..-- File cannot be found or opened.

Error reading . ..-- Error in reading file.

File error: -- General error reading file.

For without Next -- FOR statement with missing NEXT statement.

If without Endif -- There is an IF statement without an matching ENDIF statement.

Nesting depth exceeded -- Too many nested FOR and/or IF blocks.

Next without For -- NEXT statement without corresponding FOR statement.

Not Implemented -- This command is not supported.

Script error # -- Undetermined error. Note error number and contact technical support if needed.

Syntax Error -- Command is incomplete or cannot be interpreted.

Too many strings -- Maximum string space has been used up. Too many strings have been declared. Free up strings that are no longer in use.

Too many variables -- Maximum variable space has been used

up. Too many variables have been declared. Free up variables that are no longer in use.

Value out of range -- Variables only support integer values between -32768 and 32767.


Troubleshooting
o TROUBLESHOOTING

If you have any problems using W.I.M., please try the following troubleshooting tricks to try to resolve the problem:

1) Consult the "Common User Questions" of the help to see if your problem is discussed and explained.

2) If W.I.M. reports an ERROR in the STATUS WINDOW, open the HIDDEN PANEL under the Play controls and press the ERR button to query W.I.M. for more error information. The STATUS WINDOW will display further error information (a message and possible a number). Consult the ERROR TABLE with this information for a more verbose explanation of the error state.

3) If a device is not working, make sure the device you are having problems with is properly installed on the system. Check software drivers, cables, etc. If you have another program that can test the feature that W.I.M. is having difficulties with (Windows has basic Media players), try to use that program to confirm that that feature is functional. If both W.I.M. and the other program fail, the problem is likely to do with something on your system and NOT W.I.M. itself. Check your system or device documentation for proper hardware and software installation.

4) If you are seeing unexplained lockups or irregular program behavior, remove the old W.I.M files and rerun the W.I.M Setup.  If the problem is due to a corrupt file on the hard disk, this will often correct the problem.

5) If you continue to see unexplained lockups or irregular program behavior, clean up the system environment as much as possible by closing extraneous programs in Windows. If this does not work, remove extraneous programs at the DOS level by booting as clean as possible. Remove any extraneous TSR programs that may be automatically loaded in your systems CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT file (consult your favorite local tech to find out how to do this if necessary).

6) If all this does not solve the problem, please print out a copy of the PROBLEM.TXT file and fill it out as completely as possible. Carefully describe your problem, steps you have taken to try to resolve it, the results of each step, include any error messages, and include any information you feel is pertinent. The better you document the problem, the better we can resolve the difficulty. Print out copies of your CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and the Windows SYSTEM.INI files. To print the desired files, type the following series of commands from DOS:

COPY C:\WIM\PROBLEM.TXT PRN <enter>

COPY C:\CONFIG.SYS PRN <enter>

COPY C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT PRN <enter>

COPY C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI PRN <enter>

Note: The above assumes that files are installed into default directories, substitute drive and path information where necessary.

Send the information to MMS Technologies. We will do our best to track down and resolve the difficulty.


Power button
POWER button -- Select the POWER button to close down the Win Interactive Multimedia Player.


LOAD button
LOAD button -- Press the LOAD button to load a new file into the currently active device. A device must be active before the LOAD button will function. The LOAD button will open a file selection that displays only filenames that are valid for the currently active device. The WIM device supports filenames with the .WIM extension; the WAVE device supports filenames with the .WAV extension; the MIDI device supports filenames with the .MID extension; and the VIDEO device supports filenames with the .AVI, BMP, DIB, RLE, WMF, and .ICO extension. The Load button does not support the audio CD device.

LOAD also supports a PLAYLIST feature that can be accessed by clicking on the arrow button available when the LOAD window is open.


EJECT button
EJECT button -- Select the EJECT button to unload the currently active device.	This button clears the Win Interactive Multimedia Player of the current device. Pressing the EJECT button with the CD device active will physically eject the CD from the CD reader if the reader supports the MCI eject command.


OPTIONS button
OPTIONS button -- To access additional features of the Win Interactive Multimedia Player, press the OPTIONS button. This button brings up a window that allows for control of the following options:

Program Bitmaps Option

Save all setting on exit Option

Show Device Pictures Option

Startup Device Option

TV Power Button Option

HIDDEN PANEL


HELP button
HELP button-- The HELP button activates the BLUEPRINT HELP for the Win Interactive Multimedia Player.


VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN
VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN -- The VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN is the default view monitor for any graphical images played by the Interactive Multimedia Player. This view monitor may be turned off by toggling the VIDEO MONITOR POWER button. The Video MONITOR POWER button is the square button found directly under the VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN. If the VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN IS is turned off, any graphical display is redirected to the EXTERNAL VIDEO MONITOR.  The EXTERNAL VIDEO MONITOR offers the advantage of having a an expandable display screen for displaying images larger than the VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN (160 x 120 pixels).


POSITION PLAY INDICATOR
POSITION PLAY INDICATOR -- During playback, the POSITION PLAY INDICATOR indicates how long the file or CD loaded in the current device has to play relative to what has been played already. The two ends of the indicator represent the start and the end of the file or CD.


VIDEO MONITOR POWER button
VIDEO MONITOR POWER button -- The VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN may be turned off by toggling the VIDEO MONITOR POWER button. Graphical display is redirected to the EXTERNAL VIDEO MONITOR if the VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN is turned off. This button will not function if the video screen is currently busy.


VOLUME
VOLUME -- Volume of the currently active device may be adjusted by using the VOLUME CONTROL buttons. The (+) button increases the volume level and the (-) button decreases the volume level. The green LED's indicate the current volume level. The sound can be shut off by toggling the (-) button until no green LED is on.

Depending on the configuration of your computer system, the VOLUME CONTROL may or may not work for various devices. Some sound cards do not support volume control for WAVE and MIDI files. However, the sound can be turned off with the W.I.M. VOLUME CONTROL by turning the volume all the way down. On all systems, the CD device's sound can be shut off, but can not be adjusted.


STATUS WINDOW
STATUS WINDOW -- The STATUS WINDOW is used to display active functions of the Win Multimedia Player. Video indicators for the active device, control button activity, device run time states, and sound activity LEDs can be found in this window. Notice that the sound activity LEDs do not synchronize to sound magnitude.  They show sound activity. This option may be toggled off through the LED TOGGLE button in the HIDDEN PANEL.


WIM DEVICE SELECT button
WIM DEVICE SELECT button -- The WIM DEVICE SELECT button selects the WIM device as the currently active device. This allows the Win Interactive Multimedia Player to play WIM files.


WAVE DEVICE SELECT button
WAVE DEVICE SELECT button  -- The WAVE DEVICE SELECT button selects the WAVE device as the currently active device. This allows the Win Interactive Multimedia Player to load and play .WAV files. .WAV files are digital sound clippings commonly used in Windows for sound effects. A sound card with a Windows WAVE driver must be installed for this to work correctly. Consult the Windows and sound card documentation for more information on this.


CD DEVICE SELECT button
CD DEVICE SELECT button -- The CD DEVICE SELECT button selects the CD device as the currently active device. This allows the Win Interactive Multimedia Player to control an AUDIO CD player on the computer system if it supports MCI commands. The MS-DOS CD extension (MSCDEX.EXE) and a Windows CD Audio driver (MCICDA.DRV) must be properly installed for this device to work correctly. These drivers are usually provided with the CD-ROM drive and Windows.  Consult the Windows and the CD player documentation for more information on this.


MIDI DEVICE SELECT button
MIDI DEVICE SELECT button  -- The MIDI DEVICE SELECT button selects the MIDI device as the currently active device. This allows the Win Interactive Multimedia Player to play .MID music files. A sound card with a Windows MIDI driver must be installed for this to work correctly.  Consult the Windows and sound card documentation for more information on this.


VIDEO DEVICE SELECT button
VIDEO DEVICE SELECT button -- The VIDEO DEVICE SELECT button selects the VIDEO device as the currently active device. This allows the Win Interactive

Multimedia Player to play various video files.  It includes the display of .AVI, DIB, RLE, WMF, ICO, and .BMP files. For best picture quality when displaying 256 color pictures, it is recommended that a 256 color Windows driver be installed. Consult the Windows and the video card documentation for more information on this.


RECORD CONTROL button
RECORD CONTROL button -- The RECORD CONTROL button sets RECORD on for the currently active device. The RECORD CONTROL button is non functional with this release of the Win Interactive Multimedia Player.


PLAY CONTROL button
PLAY CONTROL button -- The PLAY CONTROL button sets PLAY on for the currently active device. This effectively displays video if a video device is active or plays sounds if a sound device is selected. The PLAY CONTROL has automatic rewind and automatic replay options available. These options are available through the HIDDEN PANEL (see HIDDEN PANEL for more information).


PAUSE CONTROL button
PAUSE CONTROL button -- The PAUSE CONTROL button sets PAUSE on for the currently active device. This suspends a PLAY or RECORD activity for the currently device. A PAUSED PLAY or RECORD activity can be resumed by pressing the PAUSE CONTROL button a second time.


STOP CONTROL button
STOP CONTROL button -- The STOP CONTROL button sets STOP on for the currently active device. This stops PLAY, RECORD, PAUSE, REWIND, and FORWARD activity of the currently active device. The STOP CONTROL button does not automatically reset the file in any way.  This means that if PLAY is selected after a STOP CONTROL button is selected, the file will start playing from where it left off.


REWIND CONTROL button
REWIND CONTROL button -- The REWIND CONTROL button sets REWIND on for the currently active device. This moves the device back towards the file start. The step rate depends on the current device active.

Follows is a step rate table for each device used by the REWIND CONTROL button:

WIM -- Next mark.

WAVE -- .1 second.

CD -- 10 seconds.

MIDI -- 1 second.

VIDEO -- Next frame.


FORWARD CONTROL button
FORWARD CONTROL button -- The FORWARD CONTROL button sets FORWARD on for the currently active device. This moves the device forward towards the file end. The step rate depends on the current device active.

Follows is a step rate table for each device used by the FORWARD CONTROL button:

WIM -- Next mark.

WAVE -- .1 second.

CD -- 10 seconds.

MIDI -- 1 second.

VIDEO -- Next frame.


START TRACK CONTROL button
START TRACK CONTROL button -- The START TRACK CONTROL button sets the currently active device back to the file start.


END TRACK CONTROL button
END TRACK CONTROL button -- The END TRACK CONTROL button sets the currently active device forward to the file end.


HIDDEN PANEL
HIDDEN PANEL -- Open the HIDDEN PANEL by clicking on the door under the PLAYBACK CONTROL buttons.  The HIDDEN PANEL holds controls for the following:

CONTINUOUS PLAY button

AUTOMATIC REWIND button

AUTOMATIC PLAY button

LED TOGGLE button

TIME DISPLAY CONTROL button

ERROR QUERY button


CONTINUOUS PLAY button
CONTINUOUS PLAY button -- The CONTINUOUS PLAY button will automatically replay the file being played at the end of the play cycle.  This button is available through the HIDDEN PANEL.


AUTOMATIC REWIND button
AUTOMATIC REWIND button -- The AUTOMATIC REWIND will automatically rewind the file being played to the start of the file at the end of the play cycle.  This button is available through the HIDDEN PANEL.


LED TOGGLE button
LED TOGGLE button -- The LED TOGGLE will toggle the sound display LEDs on and off.  This button is available through the HIDDEN PANEL.


TIME DISPLAY CONTROL button
TIME DISPLAY CONTROL button -- The TIME DISPLAY CONTROL button allows the time display to be toggled between time played to time remaining.  This button is available through the HIDDEN PANEL.


ERROR QUERY button
ERROR QUERY button -- The ERROR QUERY button brings up more error information when an error condition exists. The error information can then be looked up under the Error Table for a more verbose explanation of the error condition.  Toggling the ERROR QUERY button a second time will bring up additional error information under some error states.  This button is available through the HIDDEN PANEL.


AUTOMATIC PLAY button
AUTOMATIC PLAY button -- The AUTOMATIC PLAY button will automatically begin play on a file when the file is selected with the LOAD button.  This button is available through the HIDDEN PANEL.


Using W.I.M.
QuickStart

File Formats Supported by W.I.M.

Controls and Buttons -- For  BLUEPRINT HELP that displays location of the W.I.M. controls and buttons, press the HELP button.

    DEVICE SELECT Select Buttons

    PLAYBACK CONTROL Buttons

    HIDDEN PANEL

Playing WIM, WAV, MID, and Video Files

Playing an Audio CD


Resolving Problems
Troubleshooting

Common User Questions

Error Table

Product Support


Product Support
o  Product Support

Please try to resolve your any problems by going through the Troubleshooting information provided.

Support for unregistered users will be available in regards to product setup and basic program operation. Registered users are entitled to full product support via mail and CompuServe Email.  Follow the instructions for documenting a problem in the Troubleshooting section if you encounter a problem that requires support.  Send the information to MMS Technologies.


WIM, WAVE, MIDI, VIDEO PLAY
TO PLAY A WIM, WAVE, MIDI, OR VIDEO FILE -- Follow the following series of steps to play WIM, WAVE, MIDI, or video files:

1) Press the appropriate DEVICE SELECT button (e.g., to select MIDI as the current device press the MIDI DEVICE SELECT button).

2) Press the LOAD button to open up the File Chooser Box. The File Chooser Box will only display filenames that have valid names for the current device selected (e.g., files with a .MID extension for MIDI files). Select a file by clicking on the desired file with your mouse and then clicking on the OK button.  W.I.M will then load the file.

3) After the file is loaded, it can be manipulated with the PLAYBACK CONTROL buttons. Press the PLAY CONTROL button to start the play of the file. Watch the POSITION PLAY INDICATOR to see the play progress.  At the end of the file's play cycle, the POSITION PLAY INDICATOR will show that the file is at the end of the play cycle. To play this file again, reposition the file to the start by pressing the START TRACK CONTROL button and then pressing PLAY again.

Note on sound files: For the WAVE and MIDI device to work correctly with W.I.M., A sound card with a Windows WAVE and MIDI drivers must be installed. Consult the Windows and sound card documentation for more information on this.

Note on movie files: For the VIDEO device to play full motion video correctly, the proper video drivers must be installed in the Windows SYSTEM directory. The W.I.M SETUP program will automatically install these drivers.

Note on graphics files: When graphics files are loaded, only the PLAY and STOP control buttons are available since these files have no time dimension. Graphic files will be sized to fit the VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN if it is on. To see the graphic image in its native size, use the EXTERNAL VIDEO MONITOR by turning off the VIDEO MONITOR POWER button.


CD Play
TO PLAY AN AUDIO CD -- Follow the following steps to play an audio CD:

1) Insert an audio CD into your CD reader.

2) Press the CD DEVICE SELECT button.

3) Press the PLAY CONTROL button to start the play of the CD.

4) Use the PLAYBACK CONTROL buttons to control the CD play.

Note: For this W.I.M device to work correctly a CD-ROM reader must be available and the MS-DOS CD extension (MSCDEX.EXE) and a Windows CD Audio driver (MCICDA.DRV) must be properly installed.  These drivers are usually provided with the CD-ROM drive and Windows. Consult the Windows and the CD player documentation for more information on this.


Other Product Information
o  OTHER PRODUCT INFORMATION

WIN INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA PRO (W.I.M. PRO) -- (Scheduled for release February 15, 1995) For power users, who want the most from W.I.M., there is Win Interactive Multimedia Pro; W.I.M. Pro offers all the benefits of W.I.M.  Standard plus the following:

1) The user friendly WIM Script Editor allows you to become the director of your own multimedia scripts. Create interactive presentations with video, sound, text, and graphic capabilities.  Includes conditional branching and looping commands.

2) The Wave Editor for editing or creating your own .WAV files.

3) Get the deluxe bonus multimedia sampler set with multimedia demonstrations and a library of sound, graphic, and video files for use on your own WIM scripts.

4) A comprehensive manual for using W.I.M. Pro, WIM Script Edit, and Wave Edit.

5) Hints on getting the most from W.I.M. Pro straight from the programmer.

6) A freely distributable WIM Runtime Player for distribution of your WIM masterpieces to others, royalty free.

7) The bonus program, Quick Pic Viewer, a fast and easy way to view your graphic files from Windows. Supports the same graphical formats supported by W.I.M.

WIM SCRIPT EDITOR -- (Scheduled for release February 15, 1995) The WIM Script Editor allows you to create and modify your own WIM script files. Script Editor is available separately for use with the registered version of W.I.M. Standard or can be purchased together with W.I.M Pro. Follows is a short list of features:

1) Ability to link your music, sound effect, picture, and full motion video files together into a complete multimedia presentation.

2) Create simple slide show with MIDI music in the background or demonstration or tutorial with interactive capabilities.

3) Loop and conditional branch commands.

4) User input capability.

5) User friendly easy to use interface.

6) Comes with the easy to use WIM Runtime Player, for for distribution of your WIM masterpieces to others, royalty free.

WAVE EDITOR -- (Scheduled for release February 15, 1995) The Wave Editor allows you to edit or create your own .WAV sound files. The WAVE Editor is available separately for use with the registered version of W.I.M. Standard or can be purchased together with W.I.M Pro.

1) Record your own WAVE files.

2) See a graphical representation of your WAVE files.

3) Add special effects to your sounds.

MULTIMEDIA SAMPLER -- A collection of multimedia demonstrations for showing off your computer.

MULTIMEDIA SAMPLER DELUXE -- A library of demonstrations, video, sound, and graphic files for use with W.I.M.


MMS Technologies
MMS Technologies can be contacted through the following address:

MMS Technologies

P.O. Box 1263

Talent, OR 97540

USA

                                    CompuServe #75552,215


Device Select buttons
WIM DEVICE SELECT button

WAVE DEVICE SELECT button

CD DEVICE SELECT button

MIDI DEVICE SELECT button

VIDEO DEVICE SELECT button


PLAYBACK CONTROL buttons
RECORD CONTROL button

PLAY CONTROL button

PAUSE CONTROL button

REWIND CONTROL button

FORWARD CONTROL button

START TRACK CONTROL button

END TRACK CONTROL button


Program Bitmaps Option
The "Program Bitmaps" option allows user selectable display color modes for the W.I.M Player only. This switch does not affect the number of colors used to display the actual video and graphic images. The 256 color mode is the most attractive display mode for the Player if Windows is running in a 256 color mode.  However, this mode is more susceptible to video palette changes than the 16 color mode when new video images are loaded.


Startup Device Options
The "Startup Device Option" allow you to select the device that W.I.M. will default to upon startup.  Set this option to the device you use most often for extra convenience.


Save all settings on exit
If the "Save all settings on exit" check-box is checked, all W.I.M. option settings will be saved when the program closes and reloaded when the program is started again. If this check-box is checked, W.I.M. will also save information on the last file played from each device and automatically load these files when the appropriate device is selected.


Show Device Pictures Option
Select the "Show Device Pictures" check-box to enable the graphic images that show in the VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN.  Check the box enables the graphic image displays.


Startup TV Power Button Option
The Startup TV Power button Option determines if the VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN is on or off on W.I.M. startup.  Checking this box sets the monitor in an on state on startup.


QUICKSTART
o  QUICKSTART

Here are some brief instructions for those users that prefer to just jump into a program with a minimum of instructions.  W.I.M.  is operated much like your home stereo. After installation and starting W.I.M. in Windows, choose the device.  Your home stereo probably lets you choose from TUNER, CD, RECORD, TAPE, etc. In W.I.M. the choices are WIM, WAVE, CD, MIDI, and VIDEO (which includes AVI, BMP,DIB, RLE, WMF, and ICO files). Those devices available ultimately depend on your hardware capabilities. If you have a sound card, choose MIDI for a test (otherwise, select VIDEO). Press the PLAY button to play the default MIDI file or pick a MIDI file to play by pressing the LOAD button. Think of this as loading a tape into your home stereo. That's all the instructions some of you will need to get started. For more complete information and hidden advanced features, continue reading on. In either case, have Fun with W.I.M.!


AVI files
AVI -- .AVI (audio-video interleave) files are movie video files commonly used by Windows multimedia. These files have both a graphic and a video component. If you see a motion video-type image played on your computer, it is likely to be an .AVI file. The current standard video frame for most .AVI files is 160x120 pixels, the size of the W.I.M.  VIDEO MONITOR SCREEN. Playing .AVI files require special drivers from Video for Windows (VFW) by Microsoft. The W.I.M. SETUP will install the basic drivers to view common .AVI files. The complete VFW set is available from many BBS's and from many CD-ROM sets that include .AVI files. If you require a complete version of VFW, and cannot locate it elsewhere, it is available from MMS Technologies for a minimal handling and shipping charge.

If you encounter a .AVI file that cannot be played by W.I.M., you may be missing a special VFW driver necessary to play that particular type of file. Most packages that include .AVI files includes the VFW drivers necessary for those .AVI files. It is recommended that you install the drivers included with that package (usually done by running a SETUP program) to make W.I.M.  properly support these files.

The demonstration .AVI file included with W.I.M. is not of the quality that we would have liked to include with this program set. But due to file size limitations, we had to compromise on the movie quality. As a result, the .AVI file runs at a slower frame rate and the images are more blocky than we would have liked. The unadulterated file is well over 900,000 bytes in size.


BMP files
BMP -- .BMP files are bitmapped graphics files.


DIB files
DIB -- .DIB files are bitmapped graphics files.


ICO files
ICO -- .ICO files are Windows icon files. The default size of icon files is 32x32 pixels. To view icon files in their native size, use W.I.M.'s EXTERNAL VIDEO MONITOR.


MID files
MID -- .MID is the extension for MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) files. MIDI files contain instructions for playing back music on a synthesizer. A sound card with a Windows MIDI driver must be installed for this to work correctly. Consult the Windows and sound card documentation for more information on this.


RLE files
RLE -- .RLE files are bitmapped graphics files.


WAV files
WAV -- .WAV files are digitized sound files commonly used in Windows for sound effects. A sound card with a Windows WAVE driver must be installed for this to work correctly. Consult the Windows and sound card documentation for more information on this.


WIM files
WIM -- Files with a .WIM extension are W.I.M. script files. The WIM file format is a script language that can be used to link sound and video images together into a comprehensive presentation. It is an easy to use script language with branch, loop, and user input capabilities. It offers power and ease of use to create presentations ranging from simple slide-show type demonstrations with background music and sound effects to complex business or educational presentations that can call for user interaction. A full featured WIM script editor is available with the Win Interactive Multimedia Pro or as an add on to the registered version of W.I.M. Standard. See the ORDER.TXT file for details.


WMF files
WMF -- .WMF is the extension associated with vector based graphics files.


FILE FORMATS
o  FILE FORMATS SUPPORTED BY W.I.M.

AVI files

BMP files

DIB files

ICO files

MID files

RLE files

WAV files

WIM files

WMF files


PLAYLIST
PLAYLIST from LOAD -- The LOAD button's file selection window offers a button with an arrow pointing to the right. This button opens the PLAYLIST.

To use the PLAYLIST: click on the arrow button to open the PLAYLIST window, select the files you want by clicking on them, and then clicking on the ADD button. Use the remove button to remove unwanted files from the PLAYLIST. Continue adding and removing files.  When finished, select the OK button. W.I.M. will play each file in order from the PLAYLIST when the PLAY CONTROL button is selected.

For automatic play of files selected with the PLAYLIST, select the AUTOMATIC PLAY button. At the end of one file, the next file on the PLAYLIST will be loaded and played automatically.  The CONTINUOUS PLAY button functions much like the AUTOMATIC PLAY button when a PLAYLIST is used.  It will automatically load and play files from the PLAYLIST.


VIDEO files
o  VIDEO FILES

Follows are the file formats supported by the VIDEO DEVICE SELECT button:

AVI files

BMP files

DIB files

ICO files

RLE files

WMF files


EXTENDED EVALUATION LICENSE
o  EXTENDED EVALUATION LICENSE

If you would like more time to evaluate W.I.M. past the normal 30 day evaluation period, an extended evaluation license is available for only $5 (for order information, print ORDER.TXT). This license entitles you to legally use the Shareware version of W.I.M. indefinitely. This grants you a free conscience to use the Shareware version of W.I.M. past the normal 30 day evaluation period and you will receive a certificate documenting this privilege. However, you will NOT receive any of the additional benefits entitled to users of the full registered version of W.I.M. If you later wish to upgrade to W.I.M. Standard or W.I.M.  Pro, you may apply a $5 credit towards this purchase.