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,--------------------------------------, | | | | | | | | | |DiscTrak | | | |System | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Copyright | | | |(c)1993 | | | |Blam | | | |Entertainment | Version| | |Group | 1.71| `--------------------------------------' _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER Copyright (c)1992 Blam Entertainment Group. All Rights Reserved. DiscTrak System Documentation Page i Table of Contents I: Warranty and License Terms and Conditions..... 1 II: Important Notices............................. 3 1. AUTOEXEC.BAT............................... 3 2. CONFIG.SYS................................. 3 III: System Requirements........................... 3 IV: Concept....................................... 4 V: General....................................... 4 VI: About the Modes............................... 5 1. LaserDisc.................................. 6 2. Video Tape................................. 6 3. Compact Disc............................... 7 4. Cassette Tape / Record Album............... 7 VII: A Note About Registration..................... 8 VIII: Program Limitation............................ 8 IX: Upgrading to New Versions..................... 9 X: Applying Updates..............................10 XI: Automatic Registration Transfer...............10 XII: DOS Command Line..............................11 XIII: Program Installation..........................11 XIV: Keyboard Control..............................13 XV: Main Menu.....................................14 1. Edit Menu..................................14 2. Report Menu................................14 3. Scan Records...............................14 4. Utility Menu...............................15 5. Mode Select................................15 6. Configuration Menu.........................15 7. Quit Program...............................15 XVI: Edit Menu / Match Menu........................15 1. Find a Record..............................16 2. Add a Record...............................16 3. Match Report...............................16 4. Edit record................................16 a. LaserDisc / Video Tape..................17 1. Screen One...........................17 2. Screen Two...........................18 3. Screen Three & Four..................18 4. Screen Five..........................18 5. Screen Six...........................19 6. Screen Seven.........................20 b. Compact Disc & Cassette Tape / Record Album...........20 5. View Record................................21 a. LaserDisc...............................21 b. Video Tape..............................22 c. Compact Disc & Cassette Tape / Record Album...........22 DiscTrak System Documentation Page ii 6. Record Print...............................22 7. Next Record................................23 8. Previous Record............................23 9. Quit Menu..................................23 XVII: Report Menu...................................23 1. Category Menu..............................24 a. Report All..............................24 b. Movie...................................24 c. Non-Movie...............................25 d. Owned Titles............................25 e. To Be Viewed............................25 f. Coming Soon.............................25 g. Available Now...........................25 h. Record Albums Only......................25 i. Cassette Tapes Only.....................25 j. Quit Menu...............................25 2. Grouping Menu..............................26 a. Title / Artist..........................26 b. Category................................26 c. Release Year............................26 d. Video / Audio Label.....................26 e. Numbered Catalog........................26 f. Library.................................27 g. MPAA Rating.............................27 h. Replication.............................27 i. Quit Menu...............................27 3. The Reports................................27 a. Prefix..................................28 b. System Mode.............................28 c. Category................................28 d. Grouping................................28 e. Extend Character / Printer Codes........29 f. Report Format...........................29 g. Extension...............................29 4. Report Data................................29 a. LaserDisc / Video Tape modes............29 1. Catalog Number.......................29 2. Title................................29 3. Stereo...............................30 4. SR...................................30 5. CX / DB..............................30 6. Di / HF..............................30 7. DS...................................30 8. WS...................................31 9. CC...................................31 10. CH / CR.............................31 DiscTrak System Documentation Page iii 11. CLV-CAA-CAV / SP-LP-SLP.............31 12. Side / Program......................32 13. File................................32 14. MPAA Rating.........................32 15. Run.................................32 16. Year................................32 17. Category............................32 18. Video Release Label / Replication...32 b. Compact Disc / Cassette Tape............33 1. Catalog Number.......................33 2. Artist...............................33 3. Title................................33 4. AAD-ADD-DAD-DDD / QS-NR-HX...........33 5. DS-D3-DV-DG / FMT-DS-XDR.............33 6. File.................................34 7. CI...................................34 8. Audio Run............................34 9. Year.................................34 10. Cagegory............................34 11. Label...............................34 XVIII: Utility Menu..................................34 1. File Sort..................................34 2. Archive Data...............................35 3. Reindex Data...............................35 4. Program Information........................36 5. DOS Shell..................................36 6. Quit Menu..................................36 XIX: Configuration Menu............................36 1. Printer Menu...............................36 2. Report Format Menu.........................37 3. Archive Pick Menu..........................37 4. Extend CHR On/Off..........................38 5. Codes to On/Off............................38 6. Time Calculate On/Off......................38 7. Quit Menu..................................38 XX: Sample Screens................................39 1. LaserDisc & Video Tape.....................39 a. Screen One..............................39 b. Screen Two..............................40 c. Screen Three............................40 d. Screen Four.............................40 e. Screen Five.............................41 f. Screen Six..............................41 g. Screen Seven............................42 2. Compact Disc & Cassette Tape / Record Album..............42 a. Screen One..............................42 b. Screen Two..............................43 DiscTrak System Documentation Page iv XXI: Edit Disc Legend..............................44 A1. LaserDisc / Video Tape Title..............44 B1. Stereo Type Indicator.....................44 C1. Spectral Recording Indicator..............44 D1. CX Noise Reduction / Linear Dolby NR Indicator................................44 E1. Digital Sound / Hi-Fi Indicator...........44 F1. Surround Sound Mode Indicator.............44 G1. Multi Audio Indicator.....................45 H1. LucasFilm THX Sound System Indicator......45 I1. Q-Sound Indicator.........................45 J1. Color Status Indicator....................45 K1. Close Captioned / Subtitles Indicator.....45 L1. Widescreen Format Indicator...............45 M1. Digital Video Transfer Indicator..........45 N1. Additional Footage Indicator..............45 O1. Theatrical Trailer Indicator..............45 P1. Color Bar Test Pattern Indicator..........45 Q1. Super Laser Indicator.....................46 R1. Extended Play Format Indicator............46 S1. Standard Play Format Indicator............46 T1. Special Jacket Indicator..................46 U1. Minute Only Encoded Indicator.............46 V1. Table of Contents Indicator...............46 W1. Supplemental Indicator....................46 X1. Surround Sound Test Pattern Indicator.....46 Y1. Disc Type Indicator.......................46 Z1. Stereo Select.............................47 A2. Surround Select...........................47 B2. Spectral Select...........................47 C2. Super Laser Select........................47 D2. CX Noise Reduction Select.................48 E2. Linear Dolby B NR Select..................48 F2. Digital Sound Select......................48 G2. Hi-Fi Recording Select....................48 H2. Color Select..............................49 I2. Close Caption Select......................49 J2. Widescreen Select.........................49 K2. Recording Format Select (LaserDisc).......51 L2. Recording Format Select (Video Tape)......52 M2. Library Select............................52 N2. Release Year..............................52 O2. MPAA Rating...............................53 P2. Run Time..................................53 Q2. Library Indicator.........................53 R2. Category..................................53 S2. Production Studio.........................53 T2. Releasing Studio..........................53 DiscTrak System Documentation Page v U2. Catalog Number............................53 V2. Side / Program Number.....................54 W2. Chapters / Starting Counter...............54 X2. Year Issued...............................54 Y2. Episodes..................................55 Z2. Purchase Date.............................55 A3. Purchase Price............................55 B3. Replication / Manufacturer................55 C3. Distributor...............................56 D3. Video Released Label......................56 E3. Cast......................................56 F3. Producer..................................56 G3. Executive Producer........................56 H3. Music by..................................56 I3. Written by................................56 J3. Screenplay by.............................57 K3. Director..................................57 L3. Special Features..........................57 M3. Short Side CAV............................57 N3. Odd Side Extended Play....................57 O3. Side Number (SSCAV, Odd CLV)..............57 P3. Magnetic Audio Master.....................58 Q3. Number of Magnetic Tracks.................58 R3. Cinema Digital Sound Select...............58 S3. Supplemental Material Select..............58 T3. Additional Footage Select.................58 U3. Theatrical Trailer Select.................58 V3. Special Jacket Select.....................59 W3. Disc Type Select..........................60 X3. Digital Video Transfer Select.............60 Y3. LucasFilm THX Sound System Select.........61 Z3. Mixed in Q-Sound Select...................61 A4. Table of Contents Select..................61 B4. Subtitles Select..........................61 C4. Surround Sound Audio Check................61 D4. Color Bar Pattern.........................62 E4. Multi-Audio Type Select...................62 F4. Bilingual Select..........................63 G4. Minute Encoded Only Select................63 H4. Side number (Minute Only).................63 I4. Manual CX Switch Select...................63 J4. Side Number (Manual CX)...................64 K4. Brown Tint Select (Sepia Tone)............64 L3. Episode Number............................64 M3. Episode Title.............................64 N3. Episode Air Date..........................64 O3. Episode Run Time..........................65 DiscTrak System Documentation Page vi P4. Chapter Index Information.................65 Q4. Format Select (Compact Disc)..............65 R4. Format Select (Cassette Tape & Record Album)............................66 S4. Noise Reduction Format....................66 T4. Special Recording Format..................66 U4. Dolby HX Pro Select.......................67 V4. XDR Select................................67 W4. Q-Sound Select............................67 X4. Dolby Surround Select.....................67 Y4. Artist....................................68 Z4. Title.....................................68 A5. Label.....................................68 B5. Distributor...............................68 C5. Recording Format / Noise Reduction Indicator................................68 D5. Special Format (Compact Disc) Format (Cassette Tape / Record Album) Indicator................................68 E5. Catalog Number............................69 F5. Category..................................69 G5. Special...................................69 H5. Library...................................69 I5. Release Year..............................69 J5. Tracks....................................69 K5. Audio Run.................................70 L5. Video Run.................................70 M5. Track Titles..............................70 N5. Song Run Times............................70 XXII: Association of Shareware Professionals........70 XXIII: Legal Tidbits.................................71 DiscTrak System Documentation Page 1 I: WARRANTY AND LICENSE TERMS AND CONDITIONS Please review the following terms and conditions carefully. By using this software, you indicate your acceptance of such terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them. This is a legal agreement between you, the end user, and Blam Entertainment Group. By using this software, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms and conditions of this agreement, you must destroy all copies of this program and its associated documentation, whether in printed or computer readable form. This software and all associated documentation are the copyrighted property of Blaine R. Young and Blam Entertainment Group. All references to Blam Entertainment Group within this document and its associated software refer to Blam Entertainment Group and all its representatives, including but not limited to Blaine R. Young. Bulletin Board Systems, diskette duplication companies, shareware vendors and the agents of each where this software may be found are not in any way affiliated with Blam Entertainment Group. They serve as distribution points only. Blam Entertainment Group hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this software, whether expressed or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Blam Entertainment Group shall not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect or similar damages due to loss of data, loss of business profits, business interruption or any other reason, even if Blam Entertainment Group has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall Blam Entertainment Group's liability for any damages ever exceed the price paid to register the use of this software, regardless of the form of the claim. Should this software prove to be defective, the user assumes the responsibility of paying the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or correction of any incidental or consequential damages. Blam Entertainment Group does not warrant that the functions contained in this program will meet your requirements or that the operation of this software will be uninterrupted or error free. You also assume the responsibility for the selection of this software to achieve your intended results, and for the installation, use and results obtained from this software. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 2 You are granted a limited non-exclusive license to use, copy and distribute this software under the following conditions: (a) This software must be distributed free of charge, except to defray expenses incurred during duplication. Connection or subscription fees to access bulletin board systems are not duplication costs. (b) This software must be unmodified in any way, with all files intact. You may only distribute the files as shipped to you on the distribution diskette or within the archive file. If any provision of this agreement is found void, invalid or unenforceable, it will not affect the validity of the balance of this agreement, which shall remain valid and enforceable according to its terms and conditions. This license is effective until terminated. You may terminate it at any time by destroying this software together with all copies of the documentation whether in computer readable or printed form. You may not use, copy, rent, lease, sell, transfer, modify, decompile, disassemble or otherwise reverse engineer this software or its associated documentation except as provided in this agreement. Any such unauthorized act shall result in immediate and automatic termination of this license. All rights not expressly granted here are reserved by Blam Entertainment Group including the right to update the program and/or documentation without formal notice of any kind. Should any troubles occur, support is available for any version of this software by telephone or mail. Please notify us of any errors in this software or its associated documentation at the address or phone number below. Blaine R. Young Blam Entertainment Group 707 Clark Court, #202 Leesburg, VA 22075 (703) 779-2379 DiscTrak System Documentation Page 3 II: IMPORTANT NOTICES In order for DiscTrak System to operate to it's full potential, your computers AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS may require adjustment. Refer to your DOS documentation for full instructions regarding modifying and/or creating your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. 1. AUTOEXEC.BAT Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file should contain the following line to allow the printed reports to be output correctly. PRINT /D:PRN PRINT.COM (or PRINT.EXE depending on DOS version) is a file supplied with DOS which runs resident and allows files to be printed while the computer is doing other things. DOS MUST be able to locate PRINT in order for DiscTrak System to use it. This file is usually located in the DOS subdirectory which should be located in the PATH= statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Consult your DOS manual on the full functions of PRINT and the uses of the PATH statement. 2. CONFIG.SYS DiscTrak can open and use up to 10 files at any given moment. With the numerous files which may be open prior to running DiscTrak System, the system will require more file handles than DOS provides by default. For this reason, the following line must be included in your CONFIG.SYS file. FILES=20 If your CONFIG.SYS already includes a files command, make sure it's value is at least 20. DiscTrak System will not honour any file handles above 8 if the files are loaded into high memory. All file handles should be located in conventional memory. III: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS MS/DOS Version 2.1 or Greater 512k Minimum Ram Monochrome Monitor Supported Color Monitor (CGA/EGA/VGA/MCGA/SVGA) Recommended Hard Drive Recommended 8mhz or faster System Clock Recommended DiscTrak System Documentation Page 4 IV: CONCEPT The DiscTrak System was written to keep track of an ever growing number of Laser Video Discs and Compact Audio Discs. As this program matured through it's various incarnations, it occurred to us that this could be something everyone could use. From those early days the program has grown astronomically, into what has been described a very comprehensive and complete program. V: GENERAL DiscTrak System is a series of 32 files, two installation files and numerous possible report and other files. Seven of these files are issued in the archive file "DT-171.ZIP" (the .ZIP extension may differ depending on the archive program used.) or on the distribution diskette, depending on where you acquired the program. The installation program creates two program files, four documentation files and two windows related files. The DiscTrak program itself creates the 19 remaining program files. These files consist of four Master Databases and a series of five Slave Databases, manually related back to the Masters, nine indexes and one configuration file. This program is written and tested on a Intel 386DX running at 20mHz, a 286 operating at 10mHz, and has been tested on all PC based processors and speeds available. At the slower speeds, the data compression/decompression will take time, especially when working with records containing very large numbers of chapter indexes and track titles. These waits are not intolerable but for this reason alone, the 8mhz clock speed is recommended. The recommendation for a hard drive is not forced. DiscTrak will allow the use of a SINGLE floppy drive system. However, using DiscTrak on floppy disks is slower and severely limits the ability to track large numbers of discs and/or tapes. With the vast amounts of data it is possible to track, the floppy will not be in your best interest. This program DOES NOT support the use of dual floppy disk drives. Color monitors are recommended. Actually, the better the monitor, the better this program looks. We have found that reading text on CGA screens is a pain. But if that's all you've got, we decided to let it go at that and not force you to go out and buy a $3000 monitor to run our programs. Aren't we nice? DiscTrak System Documentation Page 5 Trust us when we talk about the RAM requirements. This program will use every byte it can get it's hands on and is very nasty if there isn't enough. Once loaded you shouldn't have any problems, however. DiscTrak System is not particular when it comes to upper or lower case. It doesn't care if you type everything in all caps, all little letters or a mix of the two. Be happy and enter the data as you wish. However, this is not a spelling program. If you spelled a title wrong, and then spell it right while trying to locate it, you're out of luck. Try to remember to spell things correctly, or at least spell them the same wrong way consistently. SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT MICROSOFT WINDOWS: DiscTrak System will run properly under Microsoft Windows 3.0 or higher, provided certain considerations are made. For your convenience, a default .PIF file and .ICO file have been included which will assist you. DiscTrak System should run well within it's own window in 386 Enhanced mode. With certain Windows 3.0 video drivers running directly in Windows 3.1, it is possible for screens writes to draw incorrectly, leaving parts of the screen blank or possibly from previous screens. Should you experience this problem, simply run in Full Screen mode. Care should be taken when creating or modifying the .PIF file. Base memory requirements are important and incorrectly setting these values may cause unexpected program operation. As a result, the memory settings used in the included .PIF should not be altered. VI: ABOUT THE MODES DiscTrak will accurately track all of your Laser Video Discs, Compact Discs, Video Tapes, Record Albums and Audio Tapes. Each format is maintained within it's own database to keep the program simple. The only exception is the Record Albums and Cassette Tapes. These formats share a common database. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 6 1. LaserDisc The most comprehensive home video cataloging program ever seen, made even more extensive by tracking specifically the choice of videophiles. The LaserDisc has been around since 1978 but it's been in just the last few years that this format has received wide acceptance. DiscTrak centers on this incredible format. Specific information tracked here includes the year of the original release of the program on the disc as well as the year the disc was released. Also included is the ability to track for additional footage, supplemental material, LucasFilm THX Sound System remixing, closed captioning, digital sound, individual chapter index titles (up to 999 per LaserDisc entry) and many other things. In 1990, the term LaserDisc became the recognized term for the Laser Video Disc format and its variations worldwide. While this mode was designed exclusively for the LaserDisc format, it is compatible to some extent with the now defunct CED Videodisc System from RCA. 2. Video Tape This mode was designed with the VHS format in mind. However, it is not specifically limited to this format. References to tape speeds, such as SLP/EP, LP and SP are taken from the recognized standards within the VHS format. There are several tape formats available to users of this program including D1 & D2 digital, 1 inch open reel, 3/4 inch open reel, 3/4 inch U-Matic, VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS-C, Beta, Beta ED, Beta Hi-Fi, SuperBeta, 8mm, Hi-8, and the Fisher Price Company Camcorder. Making allowances for all these different formats and the possible recording speeds available for each would be an incredible waste of code and time. When broken down into their basic components, all formats do the same thing, just in a different way. Therefore, everything's been lumped into a general purpose format. There are fields that can be used for any particular purpose to track additional information I haven't provided for. I'll explain fields later. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 7 As for the information followed by the program, it is almost screen for screen the same as the LaserDisc mode. You can keep track of up to 8 major cast members and 6 of the production staff. Even keep track of those pesky previews that haunt us at every corner. The main differences center around the specific formats such as Hi-Fi, Dolby B Noise Reduction and counter position. 3. Compact Disc In 1983 when the Compact Disc appeared on the market, who could have predicted it's incredible rise to dominate the recording industry. With our program, you can keep track of running time, record label, year of issue and most importantly, the titles and running times of the individual songs on the disc itself (up to 999 per Compact Disc entry). Also available are flags for CD+Graphics discs, the short lived CD-Video 5" gold Video Discs and the even shorter lived CD-3, as well as Q-Sound encoding and Dolby Surround recording. 4. Cassette Tape / Record Album Everything about the Cassette Tape / Record Album mode directly mirrors the Compact Disc mode with only minor exceptions. Instead of asking your for things like AAD & DDD, it asks you for Noise Reduction characteristics. In addition, the mode will track tape types such as Metal and Chrome. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 8 VII: A NOTE ABOUT REGISTRATION This software is written with the user supported shareware concept in mind. It is a copyrighted product. You are encouraged to copy the program and share it with others. If you find this program useful, and wish to continue using it beyond a reasonable evaluation period, registration is required. Registration of DiscTrak System will give you the following: 1) Unique serial number 2) Notifications of new versions 3) Free Upgrades (See NEW VERSIONS) 4) For an nominal fee to cover the cost of disks and postage a diskette with the latest version will be sent. 5) Automatic Upgrade Subscription service is available. With the release of version 1.50, the program no longer has limitations for the non registered user. This change brings us full circle to versions prior to 1.21 where serial numbers were first introduced. It is up to you and your conscience to register this software. Incredible amounts of time and money have been spent during the development and testing of this program as it now stands. All this to provide you with the fastest, smallest and most complete program possible. Please remember our efforts when you are entering untold numbers of entries into this program and thinking about the void it fills. For information regarding fees for registration, upgrades and upgrade subscription service, see DT-ORDER.DOC. When sending this form, only the first page is required. Print it out and set it to the address on the top of the form. VIII: PROGRAM LIMITATION DiscTrak is not limited in the number of record it can store, except by the size of the drive you're using. However there is a limit to how many records the program can keep track of in the Program Information Screen and in remembering the last active record in each mode. This limit is 9,999,999 records, per mode. If you begin to approach this limit, (I hope you have a VERY large hard drive) let me know and I'll make allowances. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 9 IX: UPGRADING TO NEW VERSIONS Upgrades of DiscTrak System are available to everyone, free of charge. If you receive an upgrade from any Bulletin Board System (BBS), you will be billed for any long distance charges from your local phone company, provided you're calling long distance. You may also be required to pay a registration fee to access a particular BBS. These charges are independent of the registration fee for DiscTrak System. Blam Entertainment Group will try to keep all the major diskette duplicators up to date on the current revision of DiscTrak System. Upgrades are also available directly from Blam Entertainment Group, but registration is mandatory. Registered users of DiscTrak System may obtain a current copy of the program on diskette by filling out the "DT-ORDER.DOC" included with this package. Upgrade charges are listed in that document. Blam Entertainment Group offers a subscription service for our registered users. For a small processing fee, you can automatically receive all new versions of DiscTrak System. Simply fill out "DT-ORDER.DOC" and mark the subscription area to apply. Mail the completed form to Blam Entertainment Group. Current fees are listed in that document. If you're using a version of DiscTrak older than version 1.30 and you've renamed your copy of the .EXE file for DiscTrak System to something other than "DT-xxx.EXE" (where xxx is the version number of the program, ie, DT-131.EXE is the file name for version 1.31), please rename accordingly. If you have a file called "DT.EXE" in the DiscTrak directory, please delete it or rename it. The "DT.EXE" file distributed with this version of DiscTrak is exclusive to this release. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 10 X: APPLYING UPDATES This program incorporates an automatic update routine. It will apply itself the first time you run the program. This version of DiscTrak incorporates updates from the following versions: 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.30, 1.31, 1.40, 1.50, 1.60, 1.61, 1.62. DiscTrak System will apply any updates necessary and activate the Automatic Registration Transfer if applicable upon the first execution of a new version. Previous versions of DiscTrak System will not be removed from your drive. Once the updates have been applied, however, the databases will no longer work with older versions of the program. Below is a sample version number for DiscTrak System. The version stated is not necessarily a valid version. This chart documents when updates are required, based on version number. This is valid for version 1.30 and newer. Version 1.401 | ||\-- Bug Fix load ----\ No updates are | |\--- Version number --/ required when | | changed | | | \---- Version number --\ Updates are \------ Series Number ---/ required when changed XI: AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION TRANSFER DiscTrak System will read the serial number out of your previous version and install it in the new file, provided the version you are upgrading from is 1.21 or greater. The previous version of the .EXE file must be present for the transfer to take place. The Automatic Registration Transfer process is keyed off the first three numbers in the version number. In the example above, the transfer key is 140. With this example in mind, if you are currently using version 1.40 and upgrade to the bug fix load 1.401, the transfer keys are the same for both loads. In this case the Automatic Registration Transfer process will not run, and manual installation of the serial number into the bug fix load is required. As long as the key in the old version is different from the key on the new, the process will run correctly. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 11 XII: DOS COMMAND LINE DiscTrak remembers the last mode active and automatically defaults that mode upon loading of the program. The first time the program is loaded, the LaserDisc mode is loaded by default. When one of the command line switches below are used, they override the default. The command line looks like this: DT [option] Options are: /N = no opening graphics (can be used in combination with any of the below switches.) L = for the LaserDisc mode V = for the Video Tape mode C = for the Compact Disc mode T = for the Cassette Tape / Record Album Mode XIII: PROGRAM INSTALLATION Since you're reading this document, you have already installed the program. But for the purposes of completeness, here you go. The install program can be run from any drive or directory by simply typing INSTALL from the command line. There are no configuration switches. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH ROOM TO INSTALL THIS SOFTWARE ONTO A 360k DISKETTE, SO DON'T TRY. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 12 The following files should be present: Files beginning with "*" are created by the installation program and should be the only files in the destination directory. All others were shipped on the diskette or included in the archive file. File Name: Purpose of File: ------------ ---------------------------------------------- *BLAM16V.EXE Blam Entertainment Group Graphic File (VGA monitor required) *BLAM16E.EXE Blam Entertainment Group Graphic File (EGA monitor required) *DT-171.EXE Main program file. *DT.EXE System Start Up File *DT.ICO Microsoft Windows 3.x Icon File *DT.PIF Microsoft Windows 3.x Program Information File *DT-NEW.DOC Revision history information. *DT-ORDER.DOC Order form for registrations, upgrades and automatic update subscriptions. *DT-READ.ME Important program operation information. *DT-USER.DOC Complete system documentation. Includes warranty, registration and usage information. INSTALL.EXE Installation file which creates the program. INSTALL.DAT Installation support file DT-10710.1 Installation support file DT-10710.DAT Installation support file PACKING.LST Listing of all supplied programs and files. FILE_ID.DIZ BBS File Description INSTALL.DOC Important installation information. SUBSCRPT.DOC Vendor/BBS Subscription order form. SYSOP.DOC Information for BBS Distribution. VENDOR.DOC Information for disk vendors, distributors, user groups, and more. Do not use any of the above files from any other version of DiscTrak System. The .PIF and .ICO may be safely used with other versions of DiscTrak System. At the DOS prompt, enter "DT" and press <ENTER>. The program will load and the title screen will appear. If this is the first time you've used DiscTrak, the program will prompt you that the database files are missing and ask if you would like to create them. Answering "No" will exit the program. Create the files and you will next be presented with the Main Menu. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 13 XIV: KEYBOARD CONTROL There are several shortcuts when using DiscTrak System to move quickly around the screen. All options in all menus and all YES/NO questions are single key driven, using the first letter of the option. You may also use the cursor keys to move the highlight bar up and down, pressing <ENTER> on the desired option. On a color monitor, when editing or adding a record, the field you are working on is red with intense white letters. Other fields are white with red letters. If you have a monochrome monitor, the selected field is in inverse video from the rest of the screen. When editing or adding, the following keys are active. Right Arrow Move one character to right Left Arrow Move one character to left Ctrl Rt Arrow Skip one word to right Ctrl Lt Arrow Skip one word to left Up Arrow Move to previous field Down Arrow Move to next field Ctrl T Delete to end of word Ctrl U Restore data to field Ctrl Y Delete from cursor to end of field Home Beginning of field Ctrl Home Beginning of first field on page End End of data or end of field if no data Ctrl End Beginning of last field on page Page Down Next Page, changes saved Page Up For editing screens, this will step back one screen. In all other screens, the next page will be displayed. Delete Delete character at cursor Backspace Delete character to left of cursor ESC Next Page, No changes saved. Except in the track/chapter/episode edit & view screens, where the program will exit from the current routine and changes on current screen will not be saved. If pressed while answering a question, the current condition of the question will be maintained. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 14 XV: MAIN MENU Everything you will do in DiscTrak will be initiated from the Main Menu. Across the bottom of the screen is a program line. This line will be visible the during the entire program. As for the options, we'll start at the top of the menu. 1. Edit Menu This brings up a new menu to allow for database manipulation. The options include editing, adding, viewing, printing, etc. Detailed explanations of the options are forthcoming. 2. Report Menu This brings up a menu for the system's printed reports. All reports are written directly to disk. The various options will be detailed later. 3. Scan Records a. LaserDisc / Video Tape A menu will appear and you will be asked to select from Cast, Production Credits, Episodes, Special Features or, in the LaserDisc mode only, Index of Chapters. Once selected, enter the information you wish to scan for. Any part of the information to search for is allowed, beginning, middle, end or anything in-between. The program will scan for anything that specifically matches the search string you've requested within the area you've specified. b. Compact Disc & Cassette Tape / Record Album Enter the title of the song you wish to search for. As stated above, this doesn't have to be the entire title, just some portion of the title. Once the scan is complete, a menu will appear which looks almost identical to the Edit Menu explained later. The only change is one option, Match Report, which creates a report containing all matches. The records will be presented sorted by Catalog Number. The format for the display is the same as the VIEW option under the EDIT MENU. You can view one, two all or none of the matches, in any order you desire. Refer to the EDIT MENU section for an explanation of each option. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 15 After each selected operation, the menu will be returned. This is true except for the MATCH REPORT option which will return to the main menu, so be sure to use that option after viewing or printing any of the other matches. 4. Utility Menu This brings up a menu for the systems utilities. Operations available from this menu include sorting the database and storing the .DBF files within either a Zip, LZH or ARJ archive. DOS Shell and Program information are also in this menu. Details to follow. 5. Mode Select This will bring up a menu of choices to select between the four operating modes of DiscTrak System. LaserDisc, Video Tapes, Compact Discs and Cassette Tapes / Record Albums are the available modes. 6. Configuration Menu This is a menu to set all of DiscTrak System's variables. Included are Extended Character switches, Archive Program options, Report format, Printer Setup and Printer Code switches. Details to follow. 7. Quit Program System exit. A maintenance routine will run before exiting. This maintenance will delete any records you've marked for deletion. This is basically the same as the Sort Files option, but no sorting takes place. DiscTrak will exit to DOS when finished. XVI: EDIT MENU / MATCH MENU The databases in all modes are modified through this menu. The system automatically knows which files to use, depending on the mode. Across the bottom of the screen, DiscTrak will display three fields from the currently selected record: Title and Video Label for LaserDisc and Video Tapes, Artist and Title for Compact Discs and Cassette Tapes / Record Albums and in all modes, the catalog number. The Edit Menu / Match Menu will remain active until QUIT MENU has been selected. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 16 1. Find Record The system will search for the selected title or artist, depending on the mode and either display that title on the selection line or tell you the title / artist doesn't exist as typed. If DiscTrak can't find an exact match, it will search the entire title/artist field for the match and display it if applicable. If no match is found however, the displayed record will be the record active before the find option was selected. This option is not available in the Match Menu. 2. Add a Record This will add a blank record to the existing database. In the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes, you will be prompted to enter a title for the new record. You will then proceed to EDIT RECORD to enter the actual data. Refer to that section for full details. This option is not available in the Match Menu. After adding a record, the system will ask you if you wish to add another record. If you answer "Yes", the add routine is repeated. The default "No" will take you back to the main menu. 3. Match Report Available only from the Match menu, this option will print all the matches found during a Scan Records session. The format for this report will be the same as any report run from the Report Menu and will be grouped by Catalog Number. See the Report Menu section and Scan Records section for details. 4. Edit Record The sample screens and the legend that follows will help in the understanding of what DiscTrak is trying to say. They will help you from being confused. This option is not available in the Match Menu. This option is executed automatically when you are adding a record to the database. By pressing <Page Up> and <Page Down> you can step forward and backward through these screens. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 17 If you are a previous user of DiscTrak System, it is possible that some deletion could take place on SLAVES 1 & 4 when exiting the program. This is normal and is a result of new data storage routines which were incorporated in versions 1.61 and 1.70. This is normal. Trust me. This is like an elementary school quiz, fill in the blanks. Follow the steps below, referencing the sample screens and their explanations, and try not to get too far behind. a. LaserDisc & Video Tape: 1. Screen One The top half the screen will display the current information on the selected title. This information is provided to help you answer the displayed question. DO YOU WISH TO EDIT THE DISC/TAPE FORMAT INFORMATION? If you're adding a record, this question will be skipped, sending you straight to the questions. If you're editing an existing record, the default answer is "No". An answer of "No" takes you directly to screen two. When you answer "Yes", you will be prompted with the questions in the sample screens, one at a time. The default answers for each is highlighted by the cursor bar. If you are modifying an existing record, the default answer will reflect the current state of the database for each question. For example, if the record is in the MOVIE library, the highlight bar for the Library question will be on the "Movie" selection, if the record is in the NON-MOVIE Library, the default will be "Non-Movie". DiscTrak System Documentation Page 18 2. Screen Two The lower half of the screen will refresh, updating the answers on the top of the screen if necessary. All data fields will be displayed at once, allowing you to use the cursor keys to select the field for modification. Refer to KEYBOARD CONTROL for a description of how to move around the screen. Fill in the blanks and keep going. The next screen will come up automatically. You must press either <Page Down> or <ENTER> on the last field in order to proceed to the next screen. The cursor keys will not move you to the next screen. Between screens two and three, if DiscTrak System detects any change in the catalog number or if you're adding a record, the program will scan for duplication. If it finds any record in either the LaserDisc or Video Tape modes using the specified catalog number already, you will be prompted to enter a new number for your current record. Each new number will also be verified. 3. Screen Three and Four Screen three is where you enter the Cast and Production Credits information. Screen four will come up when you're finished and allow you to enter any Special Information which may be applicable to the current record. 4. Screen Five Screen five uses the same basic format as screen one. It's pop quiz time. You will again be asked if you want to answer the questions, except if adding a record, where the questions are automatically asked. Like screen one, these will also appear one at a time. <Page Up> will go back to the previous question. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 19 DiscTrak System will only ask questions which are valid based on the information you've already entered. For example, in the LaserDisc mode you will not be asked if the disc is encoded with a Table of Contents (TOC) if there are no chapter indexes recorded on the disc. If the question does not apply, DiscTrak simply doesn't ask it. Don't be alarmed if a question or two gets skipped. The cursor bar highlights the default answer for each question. If you are editing an existing record, the default position of the highlight bar will change to reflect the current state, the same way it did back on screen one. (Do you remember that far back?) Again, use the sample screens and their explanations. If you don't, nothing bad will happen, but you may need the stress relief method of your choice before too long. 5. Screen Six Screen six is an expansion of what used to be on screen four. As collections of LaserDiscs become available to the public of old television shows, the need to track more than 4 episodes per disc became necessary. This screen will ask if you wish to enter the Episode information and like before, the asking nicely will be skipped if you're adding a record. There are four fields of data to fill in per episode, Episode Number, Title, Air-Date and Run Time. These fields will be displayed in groups of 10 episodes, paging to the next screen when appropriate, up to 99 episodes. Pressing PAGE UP will take you back one screen, PAGE DOWN will force you to the next screen. This screen will be skipped if there is no episode information to be entered. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 20 6. Screen Seven When first entering screen seven, you will be asked if you wish to enter the Chapter Index Information. And like the last three times we've discussed this type of a question, you'll be sent straight to the editing form if you're adding a new record. This is the area for the individual chapter stops placed on the disc. The number of fields is determined by how may chapters were specified on screen two. They will be displayed in groups of 10, up to 999 chapter indexes. Once the first ten chapters are filled in, the next group of 10 will be presented, until you reach the total number of chapters specified. Again, the PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys work on this screen. This screen will be skipped if no chapter index information is encoded on the LaserDisc, or if you're in the Video Tape mode. b. Compact Disc & Cassette Tape / Record Album: The first screen is much like the first screen back in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes. You must answer these questions when adding a disc/tape for the first time. You are asked four questions about the disc in the Compact Disc mode and six questions in the Cassette Tape / Record Album mode. Once they are answered, the next screen will pop up, looking much like the CD Sample Screen in the screen section. When first entering this screen, the area for song titles will remain blank until the number of tracks field has been entered and read. Once you're ready to enter the titles, you will be asked if you want to edit the information, unless your adding a record where you will jump straight to the data entry. The correct number of spaces will appear, in groups of 10. Once the first ten titles and their running times are filled in, the next group of 10 will be presented, until you reach the total number of tracks entered in the tracks field. PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys will work accordingly on this screen. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 21 Once all titles are entered, DiscTrak will calculate the running times of all the tracks and advise you of any discrepancies between the AUDIO RUN time and the Calculated Time. If the times do not match, you will be asked if you wish to replace the entered time with the calculated time. This routine can be disabled with a switch in the Configuration Menu, however it will run when adding a record, regardless of the switch setting. This routine is not available in the Compact Disc mode on discs marked with CDV, as these discs have two different run times. It is available at all other times. Remember that run times reported by the record companies on individual songs do not include the "dead" space between songs, usually 2-4 seconds. For this reason, your calcluated times may be off. 5. View Record Once you've found the record you want, this option will view that record. In all modes, the top section of the screen will remain constant, displaying information regarding the specific record. See the sample screens under Edit for specifics. The lower section of the screen is paged. It is possible for several pages to follow, up to 110 pages to be exact, depending on the information for that record. If there are additional pages, the system will prompt with "More" in the upper left corner of the screen indicating to press any key to advance to the next page. If "More" does not appear, the last page is being displayed and any key press will take you back to the MAIN MENU. Any screen which has no data to be displayed will be skipped. If viewing the Chapters of a LaserDisc, Episodes on a LaserDisc or Videotape, or the Song Titles of a Compact Disc or Cassette Tape, pressing the ESC key will skip all remaining pages and proceed to the next valid menu. Pressing PAGE UP will take you back one screen. a. LaserDisc The top portion of the screen differs from what you see in the sample screens. You will see the actual words to display the saved information. There are no special symbols to decode. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 22 The first screen includes motion picture rating, run time, number of sides, production company, catalog number, home video label, etc. Screen two displays the Cast and the Production Credits, provided there are any. The third screen shows special features information. The fourth screen displays up to 99 episodes, grouped by 10. Pressing ESC will skip the episode display automatically. This series of screens will be skipped if there are no episodes to display. The remainder of the screens are for the displaying of the Chapter Index information. This data will be grouped by 10 chapters. Remember the use of the ESC key to skip viewing all of the 999 possible chapter indexes per disc record. These screens will also be skipped if empty. b. Video Tape A mirror image of the LaserDisc mode. Subtle differences exist to compensate for things like recording speed, beginning tape counter position, Dolby Noise Reduction and Hi-Fi Recording. References to things specific to LaserDisc have been removed like Jacket Type, disc type and Multi- Channel Audio. This mode does not support the Chapter index information screens, but does support the use of Episode information. c. Compact Disc and Cassette Tape / Record Album Pages are the actual names of the titles of each song and their associated running times located on each disc or tape, group by 10. Remember the ESC key if you don't want to step through all of the possible 999 entries per disc record. For all modes, please see the Edit Section and the associated sample screens for the exact information as displayed. 6. Record Print This option prints the currently selected record on a single 8.5 x 11" sheet of paper. The data printed out is the exact same information displayed with the View option, but only on paper and without the pauses between screens. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 23 DiscTrak System tests for the presence of a parallel printer before printing the information. If it can't find one or it is off line, the program will write the file directly to the current drive and directory using the following format to determine the name of the file. C:\DISCTRAK\DT-xxxxx.TXT \----------/\-/\---/ \-/ | | | \- Standard Extension | | \------ Seconds Elapsed Since Midnight | \---------- Standard Header \----------------- Sample Drive/Directory This name will be displayed on the screen while the printout is being written. 7. Next Record Jumps one record forward. 8. Previous Record Jumps one record backward. 9. Quit Menu Returns to MAIN MENU. XVII: REPORT MENU This facility will create ASCII reports in three possible formats. The default report is the SMALL report which is 132 characters across by 62 lines per page. Then next report is the LANDSCAPE report and is 156 characters across by 47 lines down, per page. The third report PORTRAIT and is also 156 characters across, but is 62 lines per page. Which report is written is specified by selecting the proper option in the CONFIGURATION MENU, explained later. If your printer supports a landscape font with 15 cpi printing, this is the basic premise LANDSCAPE report. You can also use an external program which will allow the document to be printed sideways on the page. The PORTRAIT report will format the report onto 8 1/2" paper, in 20cpi format. For the SMALL report, any printer capable of 15 cpi will print these reports just fine. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 24 All reports are written directly do disk, regardless of which report format you chose. Any printer codes you've programmed into the program inside the CONFIGURATION MENU will be inserted into the proper report. Each report setup string will get added to the beginning of the report, with the clear down string being added at the end. However, if you've selected the Codes to Off in the CONFIGURATION MENU, no codes will be included in any report. Once the report is written, you will be asked if you wish to print the report. If "Yes", DiscTrak calls up the DOS program PRINT which will print the report. If the printout is not desired at this time or you're going to use an external program to print, select NO and control will be returned to MAIN MENU. NOTE: PRINT automatically ejects a page from the printer when printing is complete. In addition, a form feed code is included in the report to allow easy removal of the report from tractor feed printers and to insure proper operation when using external programs to print. There may be a blank page after printing is completed. This is not a malfunction. In all modes except the Compact Disc mode, there are two menus to step through. The first menu is the Category Menu or Inclusion Menu. The second menu is the Grouping menu. When either menu is present, the current report format will be displayed below the menu box. The Compact Disc Mode does not display the Category Menu. 1. Category Menu This menu selects which records to include in the report. The options are pretty self explanatory. This menu is skipped completely in the Compact Disc Mode where you will go directly to the second menu. a. Report All This category option will generate a report which contains all records stored in the current mode. This is the default selection in all modes. b. Movie This option will generate a report which will contain only those records listed in the MOVIE Library. It is valid in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes only. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 25 c. Non-Movie Only records in the NON-MOVIE Library will be included in reports generated with this option. This is valid in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes only. d. Owned Titles All titles listed in the Movie, Non-Movie and To Be Viewed libraries will be included in this report created from this option. This is valid only for LaserDisc and Video Tape modes. e. To Be Viewed Titles listed in the To Be Viewed library will be included in reports generated by this option. It is valid in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes only. f. Coming Soon Records included in this report must be in the COMING SOON library. And what a shock, this is for LaserDiscs and Video Tapes only. g. Available Now This report will include records with the library field set to AVAILABLE NOW. Valid for LaserDiscs and Video Tapes only. h. Record Albums Only This will allow you to create different reports based only on the Record Albums stored in the database. This option is exclusive to the Cassette Tape / Record Album Mode. i. Cassette Tapes Only The reports generated with this option will only include the Cassette Tapes and not the Record Albums. This is exclusive to the Cassette Tape / Record Album Mode. j. Quit Menu Returns to MAIN MENU. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 26 2. Grouping Menu Once the category is selected, you'll be prompted to select the grouping order. Beyond this selection, the report writer will take over. Inside each grouping, the records will be listed alphabetically. a. Title / Artist Within the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes, the records selected in the Category Menu will be grouped alphabetically, by TITLE. In the Compact Disc and Cassette Tape / Record Album modes, the records will be grouped by ARTIST and then by Year of Release. This is the default selection in all modes. b. Category Selected records will be grouped according to their Category. This option is valid for all modes. c. Release Year Within the Compact Disc and Cassette Tape / Record Album modes, the reports will be grouped on the Year the title was released, field -I5- in the sample screens. For the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes, the report will be grouped by the year the original program was released. Field -N2- as referenced by the sample screens. d. Video / Audio Label For those of you who really want this report, here it is. All records valid for the criteria you set forth are reported by their releasing label or Home Video label. This is available in all modes. e. Numbered Catalog Not that anyone actually asked for reports grouped by the catalog number, but what the heck. This will report all applicable records grouped on the catalog number field. This is available in all modes of operation. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 27 f. Library This option is exclusive to the Compact Disc and Cassette Tape / Record Album modes only. This will group all records by the library classification. I have included this in the grouping option because the library field is strictly random. It can contain any character or number known to mankind as long as it only occupies one space and can be typed from the keyboard. g. MPAA Rating This option is presented only in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes. If you want a grouping by rating (nothing, G, PG, PG-13, R, X, NC-17, FAMIL, ADULT) this option was built for you. h. Replication Valid only in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes, this option will group the report by the Replication field. Again, this is if you want to know, or even care which discs were pressed by 3M, Technidisc or Digital Audio Disc Corporation. i. Quit Menu Like in all other menus, this will return you to the MAIN MENU. 3. The Reports Now that you have selected what to report and how to report it, DiscTrak System runs off and writes the report. Each report has a unique filename, based by the report you are running. This filename will be displayed on the main menu while the report is being written. Follow the explanation below for the name. C:\DISCTRAK\DT-LLTEL.TXT \----------/\-/||||| \-/ | | ||||| \-- Standard Extension | | ||||\----- Report Format | | |||\------ Extend Characters/Codes | | ||\------- Report Grouping | | |\-------- Report Category | | \--------- System Mode | \----------- Standard Prefix \------------------ Sample Drive/Directory DiscTrak System Documentation Page 28 a. Prefix Simply the standard prefix. All reports will have the "DT-" prefix. b. System Mode Which mode generated the report. L=LaserDisc V=Video Tape C=Compact Disc T=Cassette Tape / Record Album c. Category This is selected by the answer to the first menu choice you made. R=Report All M=Movie Records (LaserDisc and Video Tape Mode Only) N=Non-Movie Records (LD and VCR Mode Only) O=Owned Titles (LD and VCR Mode Only) T=To Be Viewed (LD and VCR Mode) C=Coming Soon (LD and VCR Mode Only) A=Available Now (LD and VCR Mode) A=Record Albums Only (Tape/Album Mode) T=Cassette Tapes Only (Tape/Album Mode) S=Scan Records/Song Search d. Grouping This is derived by the grouping option you selected back in the second menu. T=Title (LD and VCR Mode Only) A=Artist (CD and Tape Mode Only) C=Category Y=Year of Release N=Numbered Catalog V=Video Label (LD and VCR Mode Only) R=Record Label (CD and Tape Mode) L=Library (CD and Tape Mode Only) M=MPAA Rating (LD and VCR Mode Only) R=Replication (LD and VCR Mode) DiscTrak System Documentation Page 29 e. Extend Character / Printer Codes Setting This is the setting of the Extended Character Set and the inclusion of printer codes into the reports as set in the Configuration Menu. E=Extended Characters (Above ASCII 127), No Codes F=Extended Characters including Printer Codes S=Standard Characters (Below ASCII 127), No Codes T=Standard Characters including Printer Codes f. Report Format This is the format of the Report L=Landscape Report - 156 Characters x 47 Lines P=Portrait Report - 156 Characters x 62 Lines S=Small Report - 132 Characters x 62 Lines g. Extension This will always be ".TXT" 4. Report Data The actual body of the reports consist of various types of information. All pages of the report will have headers giving page number, program version, time and date of the report, which mode generated the report and the report category. Data included in each report varies only by which report is being run. For example, the Small report does not contain all the data available in the Portrait or Landscape reports. These descriptions are for each of the fields included in all reports and the meanings of the data. All fields are included in all reports unless otherwise specified. a. LaserDisc / Video Tape 1. Catalog Number Pretty self explanatory. 2. Title Again, pretty self explanatory. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 30 3. Stereo There are several possible entries. They are pretty self explanatory too. The entry for Digital is spelled without the "a" because of a database field length. Don't call us for this apparent typo. Dolby = Dolby Stereo Ultra = Ultra*Stereo Analog = Analog Stereo Re-mix = Electronically Re-mixed for Stereo Digitl = Digital Stereo Mono = Mono 4. SR Spectral Recording data. This field will be blank if it does not apply. This field is not available in the Small report. SR = Spectral Recording SD = Spectral Recording Digital 5. CX / DB CX Noise Reduction in the LaserDisc mode, Dolby Noise Reduction in the Video Tape mode. If the field is blank, it does not apply to the record. 6. Di / HF Digital Sound in the LaserDisc mode and Hi-Fi recording in the Video Tape mode. If the field is blank, the data does not apply. 7. DS Specifies the type of Surround Sound, if applicable. This field is not available in the Small report. DS = Dolby Surround US = Ultra Surround SS = Surround Sound DiscTrak System Documentation Page 31 8. WS Details the widescreen ratio used. PS = Normal Pan & Scan - Full Frame TV = Made for Video or TV - Full Frame IM = IMAX Process - Full Frame TF = Total TV Frame - 1.33:1 FM = Foreign Film Matted - 1.66:1 EM = European Matted - 1.75:1 WS = American Matted - 1.85:1 FW = Scan Matted - 1.85:1 70 = 70mm - 2.1:1 PV = PanaVision - 2.35:1 D7 = Deluxe 70mm - 2.7:1 9. CC This field will show if the title is closed captioned. It is not available in the Small report. 10. CH / CR In the LaserDisc mode, this is CH which records the number of chapters on the LaserDisc. If this number is over 99, "**" will be reported here. In the Video Tape mode, this records the first two digits of the tape counter field. For example if the tape counter is "1234" then "12" would be reported here. This field is not available in the Small report. 11. CLV-CAA-CAV / SP-LP-SLP These columns are for the recording format of the program. CLV-CAA-CAV are for the LaserDisc mode and SP-LP-SLP are for the Video Tape modes. CLV = Extended Play CAA = Extended Play CAV = Standard Play SP = Standard Play LP = Long Play SLP = Super Long Play / Extended Play DiscTrak System Documentation Page 32 12. Side / Program In the LaserDisc mode, this will detail the number of sides the program occupies. In the Video Tape mode, this details the sequential program number, for multiple programs on a single tape. If this number is greater than 9, "*" will be reported here. This field is not available in the Small Report. 13. File In all reports, this will report the Library setting of the program. M = Movie N = Non Movie C = Coming Soon A = Available Now D = Marked for Deletion 14. MPAA Rating The Motion Picture Association of America rates almost all movies distributed in the US. That rating will show up here. If it is blank, nothing was entered on the record. 15. Run The program run time. 16. Year The year the program was originally released will be displayed here. This field is not available in the Small report. 17. Category The program classification. In the small report, this field may be truncated, depending on the data. 18. Video Release Label / Replication Another of those self explanatory fields. If you select the report to be grouped by replication, the Video Release Label field will be replaced by the Replication field. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 33 b. Compact Disc / Cassette Tape 1. Catalog Number Back to the self explainers. 2. Artist See what I mean. 3. Title More of the same. Overstating the obvious. 4. AAD-ADD-DAD-DDD / QS-NR-HX This one is a little tough. AAD-ADD-DAD-DDD are for the Compact Disc mode. QS-NR-HX are for the Cassette Tape mode. This field is not available in the Small report. AAD = Analog-Analog-Digital ADD = Analog-Digital-Digital DAD = Digital-Analog-Digital DDD = Digital-Digital-Digital Q = Q-Sound B = Dolby B Noise Reduction C = Dolby C Noise Reduction S = Dolby S Noise Reduction X = dbx Noise Reduction System (2nd Column) X = Dolby HX Pro (3rd Column) 5. DS-D3-DV-DG / FMT-DS-XDR This one too is a little tough. DS-D3-DV-DG are for the Compact Disc mode, FMT-DS-XDR are for the Cassette tape mode. This field is not present in the Small report. Compact Disc D = Dolby Surround - Column 1 DV = CD-Video D3 = CD3 DG = CD+Graphics Cassette Tape / Album D = Dolby Surround - Column 2 X = Extended Dynamic Range A = Album N = Normal Tape C = Chrome Tape F = Ferrichrome Tape M = Metal Tape DiscTrak System Documentation Page 34 6. File Library classification will be documented here. This field is not included in the Small report. 7. CI Chapter Index documents the total number of songs in the record. If this field is greater than 99, "**" will appear in this field. 8. Audio Run The audio run time of Compact Discs and Cassette tapes will be detailed here. This field is not present in the Small Report. 9. Year The year of the audio program's release. 10. Category Back to those fairly obscure fields which require pages and pages to describe. This field may be truncated in the Small report, depending on the data. 11. Label The record label which released the program. This field may be truncated in the Small report, depending on the data. XVIII: UTILITY MENU The utility menu allows you to perform basic utility functions. From this menu, you may file sort, archive data with any of the supported archive programs, display program information and shell to DOS. 1. File Sort This will clear all databases of deleted records and sort them to allow for faster access and data processing. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 35 2. Archive Data This option will call up one of the supported compression archive programs as selected in the Configuration Menu, and create an archive file containing all the .DBF files for DiscTrak System as well as the .CFG file. This file will be named "DT-D-xxx.yyy", where xxx is the version of DiscTrak and yyy is the default extension for the selected archive program. The archive programs are not included with DiscTrak System. You are responsible for their existence. The supported programs are called "PKZip.EXE", "LHA.EXE" and "ARJ.EXE". The files must be locatable through your computers PATH= statement in order for DiscTrak to find them. In addition, the programs must be called the default name. Several people rename PKZIP to things like "ZIP" and "Z". In order for DiscTrak to use these programs, the names must be as shipped by the author. LHA used to go by the name "LHARC". Versions of this compression program called "LHARC" will work with this program, provided the file is renamed to "LHA.EXE". NOTE: Starting with version 1.61, the storage routines have been altered in the Compact Disc and Cassette Tape modes to take advantage of space. These routines are included in all modes as of version 1.70. Additionally, version 1.70 also includes true data compression. These changes will cause your archives to be larger than you may be used to. This is completely normal. As we get smarter, the compression programs have less "wasted space" to throw out. 3. Reindex Data From time to time, you may find it necessary to rebuild the system indexes. If you suspect index corruption, manifest by program crashes or incorrect displaying of data or any of a raft of symptoms, rebuilding the index files is the logical step. This can be accomplished one of two ways. First is to delete the indexes from DOS and allow DiscTrak to recreate them as it loads. The other option is to select this option from within the program. Both options will accomplish the same thing. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 36 4. Program Info This is the shareware screen. It will give you information on the program which will be necessary in the event you need support. It will also total up the number of records the program is tracking in each mode and display that information. Until you register, you will be reminded that the copy you are using is unregistered and will display a registration solicitation message. Once registered, this screen will display your registration number and will no longer display the solicitation. 5. DOS Shell This is our version of a DOS Shell. DiscTrak will clear itself from memory entirely, except for some minor memory to maintain the shell. You may run any application your memory will allow while in this shell. Your existing DOS Prompt will be amended to include instructions about how to return to DiscTrak. "EXIT" and <ENTER> will, of course, return you to the program, restoring your original prompt and resetting to the proper drive and directory in the process. The shell requires around 15k of memory. 6. Quit Menu Always pesky, that old Quit to Main Menu option raises it's ugly head in this menu too. XIX: CONFIGURATION MENU This menu allow you to setup DiscTrak Systems basic configurations for things like extended character set, default compression programs and printer codes for the reports. This menu will be visible until the Quit option is selected to ease the number of keystrokes when setting the options. 1. Printer Menu This option will bring up a menu which will give you a choice of six printer code fields to fill in. These fields will be tacked onto the beginning and end of each report that is run, depending on the Codes option. For example; the SMALL Setup will be added to the beginning of the SMALL report, the Reset SMALL codes will be added to the end of the report. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 37 Enter the exact string of commands you want to send to the printer. These codes are documented in your printer manual, or at least they should be. DiscTrak only has one minor hang up here. We don't like it when control characters are entered into a field. The characters in particular are anything below ASCII 32. To get around this, if your printer string requires any character from ASCII 1 to ASCII 31 enter ~xx~ instead, where xx is the decimal value of the character (01-31). The number in-between the tilde's (~) must be expressed as a two digit number, for example ~01~, ~02~, etc. Most printers today require an ESC before a series of codes so you will most likely have to use this procedure. Be sure to include the tilde (~) at the beginning and end. DiscTrak will see this and send the proper characters to the printer. Be sure not to add extra spaces to the command line which the printer does not require. Here is an example. This is the setup string for a Hewlett Packard DeskJet 500 for 16.67 cpi, Draft Quality and Landscape page orientation as you would enter it into the program. This setup string would be perfect for the LANDSCAPE report on this printer. ~27~(s16.67H~27~(s1Q~27~&l1O DiscTrak will replace the three occurrences of ~27~ with the proper ESC character before sending it to the printer. 2. Report Format Menu This menu is where the report format is chosen. The options are Small (132 x 62), Landscape (156 x 47) and Portrait (156 x 62). The highlight bar will display the default answer, or the currently set option. Quit Menu return to the Configuration Menu. 3. Archive Pick Menu This menu is where the archive programs are chosen. The supported options are PKWare's PKZip, Yoshizaki's LHA and Jung's ARJ. The highlight bar will display the default answer, or the currently set option. Quit Menu return to the Configuration Menu. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 38 4. Extend CHR On/Off This option was added to compensate for printers unable to print the extended character set, (characters over ASCII 127). The current state of the switch is stated on the item line. If the character set is currently enabled, the prompt will say "Extend CHR ON". If the set is disabled, the prompt will say "Extend CHR OFF". The answer will be stored and will be set accordingly each time you load DiscTrak. The default setting is "ON". 5. Codes to On/Off This option also is a toggle On/Off switch. Use it to tell DiscTrak not to send the preprogrammed printer codes to the reports. Default is on, send the codes. 6. Time Calculate On/Off This option is another On/Off switch. It is used to tell DiscTrak weither or not to calculate the total running times of songs included on Compact Discs and Cassette Tapes. Default is on, calculate running times. NOTE: DiscTrak will calculate the times automatically upon adding a Compact Disc or Cassette Tape / Album. This switch works only on subsiquent editing of the records. 7. Quit Menu As with most appearances of the Quit Menu prompt, this will take you back to the Main menu. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 39 XX: Sample Screens The actual screens will differ slightly from those shown here. The field content of each is the same, however. 1. LaserDisc & Video Tape a. SCREEN ONE ========================LaserDisc / Video Tape Catalog========================= [....................................-A1-.....................................] ========== Audio ==========|========== Video ==========|======== Disc ========| | Stereo Type -B1- | Color/Black & White -J1-| Extended Play -R1-| | Spectral Recording -C1- | Close Cap / Japanese -K1-| Standard Play -S1-| | CX NR / Dolby B NR -D1- | Widescreen Format -L1-| Special Jacket -T1-| | Digital Sound/HiFi -E1- |Digital Video Transfer -M1-| Minute Encoded -U1-| | Surround Mode -F1- | Additional Footage -N1-|Table of Contents -V1-| | Multi Audio Sound -G1- | Theatrical Trailer -O1-| Supplemental Mat -W1-| | THX Sound System -H1- |Color Bar Test Pattern -P1-|Surround Sound Ck -X1-| | Q-Sound -I1- | Super Laser -Q1-| Disc Type -Y1-| =============================================================================== LaserDisc and Video Tape Record Editor Stereo Type: (D)olby Stereo, (U)ltra*Stereo, (A)nalog Stereo, (P)CM Digital Stereo, (M)ono, (E)lectronic Re-Mix -Z1- Surround Mode: (D)olby Surround, (S)urround Sound, (N)one -A2- Dolby Spectral Recording Format: (S)pectral, (D)igital, (N)one -B2- Super Laser -C2- CX Noise Reduction -D2- Linear Dolby B Noise Reduction -E2- Digital Sound Encoded -F2- Hi-Fi Recording -G2- Color Type: (C)olor, (B)lack/White, (M)ixed Color/B&W (E)lectronically Colorized -H2- Closed Captioned -I2- Widescreen Format: (N)ormal Pan & Scan, (V)ideo or Made for TV, (I)max Process, (T)otal Video Frame, (F)oreign Standard, (E)uropean Standard, (A)merican Standard, (S)canned PanaVision, (7)0mm Ratio, (P)anaVision, (D)eluxe 70mm -J2- Recording Format: (E)xtended Play - CAA, (P)lay Extended -CLV, (S)tandard Play - CAV -K2- Recording Format: (E)xtended Play - EP/SLP, (L)ong Play - LP (S)tandard Play - SP -L2- Library: (M)ovie, (N)on-Movie, (C)oming Soon, (T)o Be Viewed, (A)vailable Now, (D)elete Record -M2- =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= DiscTrak System Documentation Page 40 b. SCREEN TWO Program Info | Disc Info Release Year -N2- | Catalog: [...-U2-...] -V2- Sides MPAA Raged -O2- | -W2- Chapters Disc Issued: -X2- Run Time -P2- | -Y2- Episodes Purchased: [.-Z2-.] Library -Q2- | Purchase Price $ -A3- Category | Replication by [........-R2-........] | [..............-B3-..............] Production Studio | Distributed by [.................-S2-.................] | [..............-C3-..............] Releasing Studio | Video Released by [.................-T2-.................] | [..............-D3-..............] | =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= c: SCREEN THREE Additional Program Information | Cast | Production Credits [.............-E3-.............] | [.............-E3-.............] | Producer: [..........-F3-..........] [.............-E3-.............] | Exec. Producer: [..........-G3-..........] [.............-E3-.............] | Music by: [..........-H3-..........] [.............-E3-.............] | Written by: [..........-I3-..........] [.............-E3-.............] | Screenplay by: [..........-J3-..........] [.............-E3-.............] | Director: [..........-K3-..........] [.............-E3-.............] | | =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= d: SCREEN FOUR Special Information [...........................-L3-..........................] =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= DiscTrak System Documentation Page 41 e: SCREEN FIVE Special Feature Fields Generator Short-Side CAV -M3- Long Side Extended Play -N3- Side Number -O3- Magnetic Audio Master (i.e. 6 Track Magnetic) -P3- Number of Tracks -Q3- Cinema Digital Sound -R3- Supplemental Section (Still Footage, etc) -S3- Additional Footage -T3- Theatrical Trailer -U3- Jacket Type: (S)tandard, (G)ate Fold, (D)igi-Pak, (J)ewel Box, (T)ri-Fold, (B)ox Set -V3- Disc Type: (L)aserDisc, (V)ideo Single, (8)" LaserDisc Single -W3- Digital Video Transfer -X3- Re-Recorded in a LucasFilm THX Theatre -Y3- Mixed in Q-Sound -Z3- Table of Contents -A4- Subtitles: (J)apenese, (E)nglish, (F)rench, (S)panish, (I)talian, (N)one -B4- Surround Sound Audio Check -C4- Color Bar Test Pattern -D4- Multi-Audio Type: (D)igital, (A)nalog, (M)ix, (N)one -E4- Bilingual -F4- Minute Encoded Only (Rather than MM:SS) -G4- Side Number: (#) or (A)ll -H4- Manual Switch CX Noise Reduction -I4- Side Number: (#) or (A)ll -J4- Are Black/White portions really Brown tint? -K4- =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= f: SCREEN SIX Episode Information Episode Title Air-Date Run 1) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 2) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 3) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 4) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 5) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 6) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 7) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 8) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 9) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- 10) -L4- [.......................-M4-.......................] [.-N4-.] -O4- =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= DiscTrak System Documentation Page 42 g: SCREEN SEVEN Chapter Index Information 1) [...............................-P4-...............................] 2) [...............................-P4-...............................] 3) [...............................-P4-...............................] 4) [...............................-P4-...............................] 5) [...............................-P4-...............................] 6) [...............................-P4-...............................] 7) [...............................-P4-...............................] 8) [...............................-P4-...............................] 9) [...............................-P4-...............................] 10) [...............................-P4-...............................] =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= 2. Compact Disc & Cassette Tape / Record Album a. SCREEN ONE =============================Compact Disc Catalog============================== Artist [....................................] Title [.......................................................] Label [............................] [............................] Distrib =============================================================================== | Rec Seq / NR .... | Catalog [..............] | Tracks .... | | Format .... | Category [...................] | Audio Run .... | | | Special [...................] | Video Run .... | | | Library .... Release Year .... | | =============================================================================== Disc/Tape Record Editor Recording Format Sequence: 1) Analog-Analog-Digital, 2) Analog-Digital-Digital, 3) Digital-Analog-Digital, 4) Digital-Digital-Digital -Q4- Format: (A)lbum, (N)ormal, (M)etal, (C)hrome, (F)erriChrome -R4- Noise Reduction Mode: (B) Type Dolby, (C) Type Dolby, (d)bx NR System, (N)one -S4- Special Recording Format: (C)D-3, (V)ideo 5", (G)raphic CD, (N)one -T4- Recorded in Dolby HX Pro -U4- Recorded in XDR (Extended Dynamic Range) -V4- Recorded in Q-Sound -W4- Recorded in Dolby Surround -X4- =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= DiscTrak System Documentation Page 43 b: SCREEN TWO =============================Compact Disc Catalog============================== Artist [.................-Y4-...............] Title [...........................-Z4-........................] Label [...........-A5-.............] [.............-B5-...........] Distrib =============================================================================== | Rec Seq / NR -C5- | Catalog [.....-E5-......] | Tracks -J5- | | Format -E5- | Category [.......-F5-........] | Audio Run -K5- | | | Special [.......-G5-........] | Video Run -L5- | | | Library -H5- Release Year -I5- | | =============================================================================== Title Listings Run Time 1) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 2) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 3) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 4) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 5) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 6) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 7) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 8) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 9) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] 10) [..........................-M5-...........................] [-N5-] =DiscTrak System====Version 1.71===Copyright (c)1993 Blam Entertainment Group= DiscTrak System Documentation Page 44 XXI: Edit Disc Legend NOTE 1: Fields -B1- through -Y1- are determined by the questions answered on screens one and five. You are not permitted to edit them directly so don't get frustrated trying to get the cursor up there. You just can't no matter how hard you try. NOTE 2: All questions are single key driven. This includes questions which prompt you for more information, such as a side number. Specifically, fields -O3-, -Q3-, -H4- and -J4-. These fields will accept anything you stick in them. (Except, of course, your finger.) A1: LaserDisc/Video Tape Title: You can edit the title on screen two only, even though the field is present through all five. The program may modify the title (ie, moving "The" from the beginning to the end of the string and adding ", ") to maintain the alphabetical order of the database. However, this modification will be transparent as the title will be reassembled correctly for any viewing and/or editing of the title. B1: Stereo Type Indicator This indicator will display the audio type in real english. No codes to figure out! C1: Spectral Recording Indicators D1: CX Noise Reduction / Linear Dolby B NR Indicator In the LaserDisc mode, this will indicate if the LaserDisc incorporates the CX Noise Reduction System. This applies to Automatic switching and manual switching. The Video Tape mode will indicate if the tape is using the Dolby B NR system on Linear audio tracks. E1: Digital Sound / Hi-Fi Indicator The LaserDisc mode will indicate if the disc is encoded with Digital Sound. The Video tape mode will indicate if Hi-Fi audio is utilized. F1: Surround Sound Mode Indicator DiscTrak System Documentation Page 45 G1: Multi Audio Sound Indicator This area will be used if Multi-Audio is present on the disc. H1: THX Sound System Indicator If the motion picture audio was listed as being recorded in a THX equipped theatre, this area will specify that. I1: Q-Sound Indicator Q-Sound use will display here if the audio was so recorded. J1: Color Status Indicator K1: Closed Captioned / Subtitles Indicator This area will specify if the video program is encoded for the hearing impaired. If the program contains Japanese or English subtitles, it will be indicated here as well. L1: Widescreen Format Indicator Real words spelling out the widescreen ratio for the program. M1: Digital Video Transfer Indicator If video transfers were performed within the digital medium, it will be indicated here. N1: Additional Footage Indicator Programs which contain additional footage inserted within the main program will be indicated here. O1: Theatrical Trailer Indicator Presence of theatrical trailers at the beginning or end of the feature will be displayed in this area. P1: Color Bar Test Pattern Indicator STMPE Color Bars included with the program as a means of testing television settings will be displayed here. (No, not the color bars themselves, the presence of them.) DiscTrak System Documentation Page 46 Q1: Super Laser Indicator Super Laser, while not in mass production yet, will be indicated here. R1: Extended Play Indicator Together with the next field, the recording format of the LaserDisc or Video Tape will be displayed here. S1: Standard Play Indicator See description above. T1: Special Jacket Indicator Any special disc jacket use will be noted in this field. U1: Minute Only Encoded Indicator LaserDiscs which do not include MM:SS counters will be manifest here. V1: Table of Contents Indicator This field will be used to notify the inclusion of Table of Contents information recorded on LaserDiscs. W1: Supplemental Material Indicator Any material included with the program which isn't an integral part of the main program will be indicated in this area. X1: Surround Sound Test Pattern Indicator Presence of a Surround Sound Test Pattern will be indicated here. Y1: Disc Type Indicator LaserDisc Size format will be displayed here. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 47 Z1: Select Stereo Type Dolby Stereo - Default Ultra*Stereo Analog Stereo PCM Digital Stereo Mono Electronically Rechanneled for Stereo A2: Surround Sound Mode This option will only appear if you select "Analog or "Digital" in the Stereo type field. Default is "Dolby Surround for Dolby programs and "None" for all other stereo programs. Dolby Surround Surround Sound None B2: Select Spectral Recording Flag This option will only appear if you select "Dolby Stereo" in the Stereo type field. Spectral Recording Digital Spectral Recording None - Default C2: Super Laser Select - Default=No (LD Only) Super Laser, although fairly new, is a neat enhancement on the LaserDisc market as a whole. The big difference is increased picture resolution. The drawback, no analog audio. The bandwidth occupied by the analog audio tracks has been taken over by the extended video information. These discs are fully compatible with existing LaserDisc players, provided they have Digital Sound capabilities. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 48 D2: Select CX Noise Reduction Flag - Default=Yes (LD Only) Something worth noting here. Although nearly every title uses CX noise Reduction, it should be said that titles which use Multi-Audio Analog sound to record a different program on the two audio channels of the Analog soundtrack CANNOT use CX noise reduction. Selecting Analog or Mixed Digital & Analog Multi-Audio in -E4- will force this option off. Selecting Video Single in question -W3- will also force this flag off. In addition, this question will be skipped if Super Laser is selected in field -C2-. If this is the case, CX will be left off. E2: Linear Dolby B Noise Reduction - Default=Yes (VCR Only) Unless the tape is home made, the tape box will state in no uncertain terms, that Dolby B is used. Most Hi-Fi decks these days do not include Dolby B circuits because everything pre-recorded for the last several years is encoded with Hi-Fi audio. F2: Select Digital Sound Flag - Default=Yes (LD Only) This question will be forced to YES and will be skipped completely if Super Laser is selected in field -C2-. Otherwise, if the words Digital Sound, Digitally Processed Audio or something to that effect is on the jacket, or the little "Digital" light appears on the front of the LaserDisc player, you've got your answer to this question. G2: Hi-Fi Recording Flag - Default=Yes (VCR Only) Some VCR's do not include a Hi-Fi indicator. Instead, like in the case of my SONY, the indicator used for MTS Stereo doubles as the Hi-Fi indicator during tape play back. As is the case with -E2-, the tape box will should say something about Hi-Fi on it. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 49 H2: Select Color Type Pick the correct option here. It's not too difficult unless you're color blind. (No offense.) One word of note, there is another color scheme here, Sepia Tone. See -K4- for notes on it's presence. Color - Default Black & White Mixed Color and Black & White Electronically Colorized I2: Select Closed Captioned Flag - Default=Yes The inclusion of Closed Captions for the hearing impaired viewer is a fairly common practice. If the title is captioned, the familiar trademark used by the national captioning institute, or some reference to "CC" will be on the jacket or tape box. J2: Select Widescreen (Letterbox) Type This requires some explanation. The ratio which is presented on widescreen releases may differ from picture to picture, video company to video company and television to television. We've tried to cover the most common aspect ratio, but it's really impossible. The powers that be in the Home Video market decide how true the aspect ratios are when transferring to LaserDisc or Video Tape. The problem is that very few studios put the aspect ratio used during the video transfer onto the jacket or box which leave us to either guess or get out the trusty ruler. The only advice I can give you is make your best guess. Unless of course you're lucky enough to be entering a disc from MCA / Universal Home Video, FoxVideo, Touchstone Home Video, Walt Disney Home Video or Hollywood Home Video which have been putting the aspect ratio on their packaging or somewhere in the liner notes. Normal Pan & Scan (Full Frame) - Default Video or Made for TV (Full Frame) IMAX Process (Full Frame) As the IMAX process is really just BIG, it transfers full frame to the television medium. I've included this tag for the few titles which boast the use of the IMAX process. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 50 Total Video Frame Ratio (1.33:1) This was added with the release of "Dick Tracy" from Touchstone Home Video. On the back of the jacket, it states "Dick Tracy is presented in the aspect ratio in which the movie was originally filmed." This raises some speculation on the part of Widescreen buffs. There IS a difference between the way the movie was "filmed" and how the director intended it to be "seen" in the theatre. Use this option when there is more vertical information in the video frame than there was on the motion picture screen. Foreign Standard Ratio (1.66:1) "The Color Purple" and "Empire of the Sun" from Warner Home Video have such a minor amount of matting it is almost a waste of code to track for it. But here it is anyway. European Standard Ratio (1.75:1) The three James Bond releases from Criterion Collection state the ratio as true 1.75:1. So, here we have the mark for this ratio. American Standard Ratio (1.85:1) Sometimes referred to as MATTED. "Batman" from Warner Home Video is a good example of this format. Scanned PanaVision (1.85:1) This option was added as a result of the release of "Ghostbusters II" from RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video. The theatrical release was Full PanaVision, but they opted for an "American Standard Ratio" and Pan & Scan mix. Go figure. 70mm Standard Ratio (2.1:1) Several widescreen titles from MCA/Universal Home Video use this ratio. It is a "happy medium" to the Pan & Scan lovers (Yuck) and the Widescreen Lovers. Not as tight as the PanaVision ratio, but not Pan & Scan either. Case in point, "Bird on a Wire" and "The Hard Way". Valid uses could include pictures actually shot in 70mm. These titles would include "My Fair Lady" and "The Sound of Music." PanaVision Ratio (2.35:1) "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". Arnold flexes his muscles in both CAV and CLV widescreen formats of this picture. Bruce Willis has blown up a building and even a 747 in this format as well. This format looks as though the TV screen has been divided into thirds, with the picture in the center 1/3. Deluxe 70mm Ratio (2.7:1) Ever seen "Ben Hur" on LaserDisc in Widescreen. End of discussion. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 51 K2: Select Recording Format - LaserDisc This references the longest portion of the disc. If side one is CAA and side 2 is CAV, enter "E" for CAA. Later in fields -M3- through -N3- on screen five, we will compensate for any one side being a little different. Standard Play - CAV This was THE format for LaserDisc at it's introduction in 1978. In fact ALL discs came in CAV. "The Hindenburg", and "JAWS", for example were on 5 sides. "The Blues Brothers" took up an incredible 6 sides. Today CAV is used mostly on animated titles or on special releases. Voyager Press and it's CRITERION COLLECTION use this format frequently. Whenever a title is released in CAV, studios may add in special extras like deleted footage (ie, "Ghostbusters") and even multi audio tracks, although these bonus items are not limited to the CAV format. Extended Play - CAA - Default Just about everyone uses this form of Extended Play encoding. Under a light, there is a very distinctive pattern to the recorded information. A side by side comparison with an old Extended Play DiscoVision or a current Extended Play disc from 3M Manufacturing is the best illustration of the differences. Play Extended - CLV This applies to all Extended Play discs made by 3M Manufacturing and really old Extended Play discs from DiscoVision and Pioneer Video. By looking at the disc under a good light, you will see a kind of smear pattern making up the recorded information. This is your indication of CLV. Compare against a current disc, (anything made since late 1983 by anyone other than 3M) and you'll see a difference. This is really called Extended Play, but I am using that definition already. The light bar menus don't like the same thing more than once. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 52 L2: Select Recording Format - Video Tape Really designed after the SONY line of VHS Recorders, these speeds can be called something different on almost every line of VCR. Use your best judgement if you have a BETA or other format that doesn't match these speeds. The speeds themselves are pretty self explanatory. Standard Play (2 hr Mode) - Default Long Play (4 hr Mode) Extended Play (6 hr Mode) M2: Select Library Location The library location of the specific title is noted here. A total of five valid locations are possible. Movie Pretty self explanatory really. Is it a movie, or isn't it? Non-Movie In my mind, anything that isn't a movie is marked here. Music video's, concerts, stand-up comedy shows and "Star Trek" episodes fit into this category. Coming Soon I use this for discs and tapes I know I want, but aren't yet available. A kind of "wish list" if you will. To Be Viewed This is a disc or tape that I have, but not yet had opportunity to view. Once viewed, I put it into the proper category. Available Now - Default This is a disc or tape that used to be "Coming Soon" but has been released and I haven't had a chance to pick it up yet. Hard to find, but available, discs and tapes are also lumped under this flag. Delete Record This will mark the active record and the associated slave records (if any) for deletion. **** WARNING! **** THIS WILL DELETE THE DISC and/or TAPE from the database upon QUITTING the program, when you select "F" for a FILE SORT from the UTILITY MENU, or "A" for ARCHIVE from the UTILITY MENU. You can change this flag back to any other option by simply re-editing the record. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 53 N2: Release Year - Default=Current Year The year the movie, television show, or what ever, was first released to the public. O2: MPAA Rated You can actually put anything here you want. The normal choices are G, PG, PG-13, R, X, NC-17, Family, Adult Action, etc. However, you aren't specifically limited to these choices. There are only 5 characters allowed in this field, so if you live in Canada, which doesn't use the MPAA rating system, abbreviate. P2: Run Time The run time of the program in minutes, up to 999. Q2: Library Indicator The answer to -M2- above, in english terms. R2: Category There are 20 characters to say anything you want at all. I use this to explain what type of picture the movie is. S2: Production Studio 40 characters here. I use it for movies like "Can't Buy Me Love" from Touchstone Home Video. It was an "Apollo Pictures" movie, but was released by "Touchstone Pictures". It isn't unusual for -S2- and -T2- to be the same. T2: Releasing Studio 40 characters here too. See -S2- for the reasons as to why this is here. U2: Catalog Number. This is important. I put the actual disc/tape number here. For example, "Soapdish" from Paramount Home Video is "LV32445-WS". The Slave databases use this field for control purposes. After you enter the information on screen two, the program will verify that you haven't duplicated the number anywhere else, in any mode. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 54 V2: LaserDisc Mode: Sides Enter the number of programmed sides. I don't include a blank side on a 3 sided disc in this figure. This number will default to 2 in this mode. Video Tape Mode: Program # This is the relative location on the tape. If you record several programs onto one tape, put each program under a separate record and separate them by using this as an identifier. The second program on a tape would have a 2 here. If there is only one program, put a 1 here. (Actually, the "1" will default) W2: LaserDisc Mode: Chapters The number of chapter indexes on the disc, provided there are any. Chapter stops are becoming more popular lately and some companies actually put the chapter stops on the jacket. Others put a little blurb about "This disc contains chapter stops for your viewing enjoyment." It's up to you to figure out how many there are. On the other hand, that same company often says "42 Chapters" but there are really 44. You've really got to care if you want this field to be accurate. Video Tape Mode: Counter Position Enter the starting counter number for the specific title. Again, if this is the second program on a tape and it begins at counter 0466, enter "0466" here. If your VCR uses a real time counter rather than a numerical one, enter "1:42" here, indicating the specified program begins 1 hour and 42 minutes into the tape. X2: Disc/Tape Issued The year the LaserDisc or Video Tape was released to the public should go here. When adding a record, this will be the current year until July 1, when it steps to the next year. Remember to change it back if you're adding a disc or tape you bought today. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 55 Y2: Episodes With the ever increasing number of Episodic collections available on Video from either Home Video companies or Home Taping, the number of episodes (originally 4) tracked needed to be increased. Rather than fix a hard limit on the number of episodes, this field has been added. 99 Episodes per LaserDisc/Video Tape record are possible. The data for these episodes are entered in fields -L4-, -M4-, -N4- and -O4-. Z2: Purchase Date - Default Today's Date Date you purchased or recorded the disc/tape. Yes I realize you can't record onto a disc. A3: Purchase Price What you paid for the disc/tape (Blank or Pre-recorded). I put the retail cost of the disc/tape, regardless of what I paid personally. You can leave this blank if you are easily disgusted by how much money you dump into the Home Video addiction. B3: Replication by For the LaserDisc mode, this is the name of the pressing facility that actually stamped the disc. This may be impossible to find out on most discs. Those pressed by Pioneer Video Manufacturing usually say so on the jacket. Most discs made by Technidisc have serial numbers just outside the center label. Discs from 3M Manufacturing have got "Manufactured by 3M" just outside the label area. Digital Audio Disc Corporation (DADC - Sony) actually have a bar code on the inner band of the disc. Take a look at "Three Men and A Little Lady" from Touchstone Home Video to see what I mean. Discs pressed by any company in Japan other than DADC are nearly impossible to distinguish from one another. Anything distributed by Image Entertainment in the US and Canada could have been produced by any of a number of facilities anywhere in the world. This makes it difficult to track the origin of the disc. For the Video Tape Mode, I usually put the brand of video tape the movie is made on. Pre-recorded tapes don't always say, but sometimes we get lucky. If you don't know, guess or leave it blank. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 56 C3: Distributed by Image Entertainment Inc. discs used to be easy to pick out. All their jackets were the same. However, they have changed to full jacket art, but that Image logo is still in the lower corner. Not a problem. As for the rest of the world, you're on you're own. If you care to read all the fine print on the jacket, you may get lucky. Otherwise, you're guess is as good as mine. As for tapes, it usually says who distributed the thing somewhere on the jacket. D3: Video Released by This is easy. What's the Video label on the jacket? E3: Cast You've got eight fields, 32 characters long each to list the major cast members. If you haven't got eight, use the fields for the lessor cast, or leave them blank. F3: Producer Look in the credits for this, provided you care. 29 characters maximum. G3: Executive Producer Where would modern movie making be without them. Steven Spielberg fills this field quite nicely. Again, there are 29 characters maximum. H3: Music by Who wrote the musical score? Printed credits tell us this sometimes. Sometimes they don't. Like everything else, you have to care. 29 characters maximum. I3: Written by Who wrote the original story? They may tell you this, and then again, they may not. If someone wrote the screenplay based on someone else's novel, put the novelist here. 29 characters maximum. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 57 J3: Screenplay by Someone had to write the actual script the actors used. Well sometimes it seems more like a free-for-all. This again may be difficult to find. Sometimes, the Story writer has written everything. Such a case would be Written and Directed by Steven Spielberg. You gotta give it to the guy, he does everything but act. You've got 29 characters here to play with. K3: Director I have yet to run across a movie that wasn't directed, although there are a few that have seemed that way. Once again only 29 characters to fill in the blank. L3: Special Features There are 70 characters to say anything you want about the title. Stuff like "James Bond #16" on "License to Kill" goes well here. On the other hand, nothing goes here just as nicely. M3: Short Side CAV - Default="No" This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. Are sides 1 & 2 in Extended Play and side 3 in Standard Play? You'll only see this question if you specified something other than Standard Play - CAV back in field -K2-. N3: Long Side Extended Play - Default="No" This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. This is basically the opposite of -M3-. You'll only be asked this question if you selected Standard Play - CAV back in field -K2-. O3: Side Number - LaserDisc only You'll only get this question if you answered "Yes" to either -M3- or -N3-, depending on which one you were asked. Enter the side which is recorded different. There are a couple of titles roaming around the world which are not going to work here. Sides 1 and 3 are Extended play, sides 2 and 4 are Standard Play. I'm at a loss as to how to figure this one. Best guesses anyone? This defaults to the total number of sides entered in -V2-. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 58 P3: Magnetic Audio Master - Default="No" Guess work at best, unless you know for a fact that the program audio was mastered from a Magnetic Source. The Criterion Collection for LaserDiscs sometimes put's little blurbs about Magnetic Masters in their liner notes, and most of their releases utilize magnetic masters. Q3: Number of Tracks You'll only get this field if you answer "Yes" to -P3-. and something other than "Mono" way back in -Z1-. This field defaults to 6 for valid Stereo programs. If you specified "Mono" in -Z1-, the question will be skipped, inserting 1 into the field. R3: Cinema Digital Sound - Default="No" This sound format is a new way of putting audio on movie film. It is different than Dolby Labs Spectral Digital. It is not a replacement for Dolby Stereo, or any other stereo program. If you look at the view in the LaserDisc mode, you'll see most audio is 2-Track Optical Stereo. CDS replaces optical analog sound. S3: Supplemental Section - Default="No" If you've heard of or seen the 50th anniversary edition of the Wizard of Oz from MGM/UA Home Video or almost any title from The Criterion Collection you know the meaning of supplemental material. T3: Additional Footage - Default="No" From time to time, the home video version of a title gets the luxury of new footage being added that wasn't in the theatrical release for some reason or another. More often than not, the new footage doesn't add anything but running time to the film, but that's not the issue. Footage added at the end of the program should not be considered additional footage. If this is the case, as with "The War of the Roses", included that footage as part of the supplemental material. U3: Theatrical Trailer - Default="No" It really doesn't matter if the trailer is for the same program as the main feature. I kinda lump all trailers under this area. 9DiscTrak System Documentation Page 59 V3: Special Jacket This question applies to the LaserDisc mode only. There are many types of disc packaging on the market today. Originally this was only a tag for Gate Fold jackets, but we have expanded this to cover for Box Sets, Tri-Fold Jackets and other packaging variants simply because of the number of deluxe issues which are popping up all the time. Standard Jacket - Default The old tried and true blue jacket. Sometimes really detailed information crammed onto just the front and back cover. Inside these jackets are stuffed anywhere from one to three discs. How many old double disc record albums were issued in this type of jacket anyway? Gate-Fold Jacket In my opinion, all double disc titles should be packaged in Gate-Fold Jackets. Granted they very rarely do anything interesting with the additional panel room. Digi-Pak Based on economy Compact Disc packaging, these are 12 1/2" square jackets with a hard piece of plastic in the middle, holding onto the center of a LaserDisc just like a CD case holds onto a Compact Disc. This packaging option can be either single or double disc. Jewel Box Well, it's those handy dandy CD cases. You know the clear plastic things that break if you drop them. Put here only to account for Video Singles. Tri-Fold Jacket An official name for this jacket format is unknown. Simply put, this jacket is a double Gate Fold. When fully opened, it is three jackets in one. One disc is housed in each end as well as a single disc in the center. Several old LP's used this style of jacket. Use of this style is rare, but worth tracking. Box Set These box sets will hold anywhere from 2 to 10 discs. Although there is no limit as to how may discs can be stuffed into a box, 10 is the biggest in my personal library. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 60 W3: Disc Type Select This question applies to the LaserDisc mode only. There are three main types of LaserDiscs out on the market. Once upon a time, way back in version 1.21 and before any formal documentation was available for this program, this was a unique field to track for disc size. We've added this back in, not because of an overwhelming abundance of multiple size discs, but because of consist use of all LaserDisc formats. LaserDisc - Default This includes ALL 12" Laser Optical Video Discs, no matter what the jackets may say. Video Single (CD-Video) Gold (but sometimes the standard CD Silver) 5 inch discs which have up to 5 minutes of full motion video on them as well as up to 20 minutes of CD compatible audio. Hard to find, but still available. A CDV-5 compatible LaserDisc player is required to play the video portion of these discs. Infinitely popular in England and Japan where they are called "Video Singles". In the US, they are used mostly for special applications. 8" LaserDisc Single Bunches and bunches of these fully LaserDisc compatible discs are available. Most are still in print in the US. They are able to hold up to 20 minutes of program material in Extended Play, 14 minutes in Standard Play, and may be either double or single sided. Some players may require an adapter when playing single sided discs as they are half as thick as regular LaserDiscs. X3: Digital Video Transfer - Default="No" Most MGM/UA Home Video titles, some Nelson Entertainment and Disney titles and all Criterion titles use a Sony D-1 Master for their video transfers. If it is applicable, it should say so clearly on the jacket. It may be hidden somewhere in the liner notes included with the disc. However, it may not say anything at all. "The Terminator" from Hemdale Video is a prime example of not giving the public all the information. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 61 Y3: Recorded in a LucasFilm THX Sound System Equipped Theatre - Default="No" Several films have specifically referenced this Theatre Sound System in their closing credits. I figured what the heck and added it. Z3: Mixed in Q-Sound - Default="No" This is another sound matrix enhancement which has popped up. It does not require anything to decode the information, just a stereo system. Not as popular as THX, but still worth taking note of. A4: Table of Contents - Default="No" This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. Compact Discs include a total number of tracks and running time. LaserDiscs can also contain this information, but finding it may be tricky. The only way to tell is with a player that can read the TOC. Most players built since 1988 can read this information. This question is not asked if the disc does not contain chapter stops as indicated by question -W2-, or if it was issued before 1988 as entered in -X2-. B4: Subtitles Simple enough. I included this because of large import collections and foreign films available on video. This question will only appear if you selected Closed Captioned = "No" back at question -I2-. Japanese English French Spanish Italian None - Default C4: Surround Sound Audio Check - Default="No" Some video programs have included a Surround Sound Test Pattern at the end of the program. For this reason, we ask this question. You really have to care, but here it is. This question is only valid in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes and if you select any Surround Type. Note: Surround Sound may be selected automatically. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 62 D4: Color Bar Test Pattern - Default="No" For those cute little multicolored bars which seem to haunt us at every turn. Well here's just what you've been looking for. This is only valid in the LaserDisc and Video Tape modes, simply because you can't see color bars on a CD or Tape. Come on, really. E4: Select Multi-Audio Type This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. Multi- Audio refers to an audio program which is completely different from the other audio program. Stereo programs by themselves are not considered Multi-Audio. Analog only Most discs released in the US use this option when they use Multi Audio. Really handy on special editions like "War of the Roses" from FoxVideo. Danny DeVito narrates the picture on Track 1/L and the regular audio program is on Track 2/R. The only drawback to this is if you don't have a digital player, you don't get stereo. In addition, CX is not possible on Multi-Audio Analog discs. The CX flag from question -D2- will be forced off if this option is selected. This option will not be displayed if the Super Laser flag is set to YES in field -C2-, or if Video Single is selected in field -W3-. Mix (Both Digital & Analog) This option is only valid if Digital sound back in -F2-, the Super Laser option was not selected in field -C2- or Video Single was selected in -W3-. Big advantage here is 4 separate audio programs. The only place I've seen this so far is The Criterion Collection of "Silverado". Not all players can select Left over Right audio in the digital tracks, so use of this option is kept to a minimum. As with the previous option, CX will be forced off in field -D2- should this option be selected. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 63 Digital only This option is only valid if you select Digital sound back in -F2- and is the only option other than NONE if Super Laser was selected in -C2- or if Video Single was selected in -W3-. First and second generation players digital from Pioneer cannot select left over right in the digital mode. As a result, this option is rare. None - Default No special multi-audio recording. F4: Bilingual - Default="No" This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. This only appears with an answer other than "NONE" in -E4-. It's easy to determine if channel 1 is Japanese, French or anything that isn't the same language as channel 2. G4: Minute Encode Only - Default="No" This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. If you put an old Extended Play disc into a new player and press the search button, the best search you can do is by minute only. If that's the case, and you really care, answer "Yes". This question will only appear if the disc was issued before 1986 as referenced in field -X2-. H4: Side Number This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. You'll only see this if you answered "Yes" to -G4-. I added this section because of repressings. My copy of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" from Paramount Home Video uses the old minute only master on side 1 but has full minutes and seconds on side 2. Whoda thought, eh? A=All Sides - Default I4: Manual CX Switching - Default="No" This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. In some very old discs, before they had automatic CX Noise Reduction switching, you used to have to push the CX button manually. If this is the case, answer "Yes". This question will only appear if the disc was issued before 1986 as referenced by field -X2- and if the disc is encoded with CX Noise reduction indicated by -D2-. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 64 J4: Side Number This question is for the LaserDisc mode only. This will only pop up if you answered "Yes" to question -I4-. Along with the Minute Encoded section, I incorporated this because of repressings. Again using "Star Trek II" for an example, the side 1 that was minute only encoded also forced me to turn on the CX manually. On side 2, the disc does it automatically. In addition, the copy of "48 hrs.", also from Paramount, must have the CX manually enabled on both sides. A=All Sides - Default K4: Brown Tint - Default="No" This question will only pop up if you selected Black & White or Mixed Color / Black & White way back in field -H2-. It's pretty self explanatory. But to get a better idea of what I'm talking about, put on the 50th Anniversary Edition of "The Wizard of Oz". You'll see that the beginning and the very end are not truly Black & White. They are in "Sepia Tone", which is how they appeared in the original theatrical release. L4: Episode Number There are a maximum of 99 entries for episode numbers. Fill in the first 10 entries, (One Episode Number, Title, Air-Date and Run Time per line), the next ten entries will flip up and allow you to enter Episode entries 11 through 20. This will continue up through episode 99. The number of episodes you are allowed to enter is directly controlled by the number of episodes specified in field -Y2-. There are 5 spaces maximum per episode number. M4: Episode Title See -L4- for a detailed description of how this field works. Enter the episode title here. It's not tough to figure out. There is a maximum of 50 characters, per entry for this field. N4: Episode Air Date See -L4- for a full explanation of how this field is supposed to work. Enough room to put the original air- date for "Star Trek" episodes as MM/DD/YY. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 65 O4: Episode Run Time See -L4- for a functional description of how this field is controlled. The data to put in this field is the run time for the specified episode. If you've got "Police Squad! Help Wanted" from Paramount Home Video you'll see 3 episodes, totaling 75 minutes. I split up the run time into each episode here, entering 25 minutes per title. The 75 minute figure still goes in the -P2- field. P4: Chapter Index Information There are a maximum of 999 entries for chapter indexes. Once you fill up the first 10 entries, (One chapter index per line), the next ten entries will flip up and allow you to enter chapters 11 through 20. This will continue up through chapter 999. The number of chapter indexes you are allowed to enter is directly controlled by the number of chapters specified in field -W2-. There are 70 spaces maximum per line. Q4: Recording Format Sequence This applies only to Compact Discs. This information is still missing from some of today's releases. However, those records companies who care are to be congratulated. If it isn't listed anywhere on the disc, jewel box liner notes or on the shipping sleeve, you best guess is the most accurate answer. 1) Analog-Analog-Digital (AAD) - Default 2) Analog-Digital-Digital (ADD) 3) Digital-Analog-Digital (DAD) I have to laugh. I've only seen a few discs using this sequence. It's so rare, most record labels don't even include this write up in their liner notes. Let me ask you. Doesn't using an Analog recorder for subsequent mixing of the music defeat the purpose of recording it digitally? Maybe it's just me. 4) Digital-Digital-Digital (DDD) DiscTrak System Documentation Page 66 R4: Format Cassette Tape / Record Album mode only. At this time the program does not support the existence of DAT (Digital Audio Tape) or DCC (Digital Compact Cassette). If either of these formats, or any other new ones which pop up, should become really popular, I will update the program to accommodate the new formats. Album This flag is the only distinction between a Record album (Think hard, it has been a while since we've see these.) and a Cassette tape. Normal Tape (Type I) - Default Chrome Tape (Type II) FerriChrome Tape (Type III) Metal Tape (Type IV) S4: Noise Reduction Format Specific to Cassette Tapes Only B Type Dolby C Type Dolby S Type Dolby The new Dolby Labs Noise Reduction routine which hasn't been released yet. Bet you thought I'd lost all my marbles didn't you. dbx NR System None - Default T4: Special Recording Format Only in Compact Disc Mode 3" CD Those little discs that lived only a short while and will never be seen again, unless you're witness to a Coca-Cola promotion. Video 5" Gold (but sometimes the standard CD Silver) 5 inch discs which have up to 5 minutes of full motion video on them as well as up to 20 minutes of CD compatible audio. Hard to find, but still available. A CDV-5 compatible LaserDisc player is required to play the video portion of these discs. Infinitely popular in England and Japan where they are called "Video Singles". In the US, they are used mostly for special applications. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 67 Graphics CD Sometimes the record company will tell you the disc has been encoded with CD+Graphics, and then again, sometimes they encode the disc with CD+Graphics and then forget to tell you. Maybe they forgot. I doubt it. Warner Bros., at one point, went off the beaten path to inform everyone about CD+Graphics. In a nut shell, CD+Graphics are a series of still photos or other non-moving picture that can be displayed on your television during playback of the CD. I have yet to see these in action, but they don't affect the sound of your CD in any way. Oh, you have to have a CD+Graphics or CD-I (Compact Disc Interactive) player to get at these little pictures. U4: Recorded in Dolby HX Pro - Default "No" Cassette Tape / Record Album Mode Only. This isn't a Noise Reduction sequence as I originally thought. In all honesty, I don't know what it does, but I've seen tapes with both HX Pro and Dolby B NR. You will not be asked this question if you selected ALBUM back in question -R4-. V4: Recorded in XDR - Default "No" Cassette Tape / Record Album Mode Only. This is a Dynamic Range Extender utilized by Capitol Records and its associated labels. You will not be asked this question if you selected ALBUM back in question -R4-. W4: Recorded in Q-Sound - Default "No" A recording process which will give spacious, 3-D sound on normal Stereo equipment. No special decoding into surround is necessary. Now isn't that special. X4: Recorded in Dolby Surround Dolby Surround has been around on Compact Discs for years and I've decided to start tracking for it. It is included in the Album/Tape mode as well, although I haven't actually seen any tapes use it yet. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 68 Y4: Artist Pretty self explanatory. In addition, I put the name of the title here if it happens to be a soundtrack from a movie or TV Show. Z4: Title Another easy one. What's the name of the album? A5: Label Look at the disc or tape. There is usually fairly large lettering saying things like "Arista", "RCA", "Sire", "Capitol", etc. There's your answer. B5: Distributor This one's not so easy. If you read the fine print on the back of the jewel box, it may say something about "Distributed by". Then again, it may not. If you really care, you can try to figure it out. C5: Recording Format / Noise Reduction There are no right answers, just real english versions of the answer you gave. This isn't a test. Compact Discs The answer to the question -Q4-. Cassette Tape / Record Album The answer to question -R4-. D5: Format Again this isn't a test. No wrong answers, unless you're just flat wrong. If you said it's a tape and it's really an album, you're gonna get the wrong answer. Compact Disc The answer to questions -T4-, -W4-, -X4-. Cassette Tape / Record Album The answer to questions -S4-, -U4-, -V4-, -W4- and -X4-. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 69 E5: Catalog Number I usually put in the number on the edge of the jewel box, record sleeve or cassette box in this field. This number is used the same way as -U2- back in the LaserDisc mode and will be verified before the record is fully stored into the database. F5: Category 20 characters to specify what kind of music is contained on the disc or tape. G5: Special 20 more characters to say anything you want. I use it for things like Double Disc or Double Tape Set. H5: Library - Default="M" This field is much like Library in LaserDisc and Video Tape modes. Any answer will be converted to upper case, provided you answer with an alphabetic character. D=Delete This will mark the active record and the associated slave records (if any) for deletion. **** WARNING! **** THIS WILL DELETE THE DISC and/or TAPE from the database upon QUITTING the program, when you select "F" for a FILE SORT from the UTILITY MENU, or "A" for ARCHIVE from the UTILITY MENU. You can change this flag back to any other option by simply re-editing the record. Anything else in this field is allowed. I5: Release Year - Default=Current Year What year did the Compact Disc, Album or Cassette originally come out. Reissues of the Beach Boys albums on CD during 1990 and 1991 listed the dates as 1990 and 1991, however to get the catalog to list them properly, put in the date that the original albums were released. J5: Tracks Number of tracks on the Compact Disc, Album or Cassette. I don't track for specific sides when it comes to albums and tapes, or specific discs with multi disc sets. Just lump everything together. DiscTrak System Documentation Page 70 K5: Audio Run When you load up a Compact Disc, your player should give you a total run time for the disc. Enter it as MM.SS. You may have no idea of how long the Tapes or Albums run, unless you time them or it's written down somewhere. L5: Video Run For use exclusively with CD-Video 5" discs. Enter it as M.SS. This field will not appear unless Video 5" was selected in question -T4-. M5: Title Listings There are a maximum of 999 entries for song titles. Once you fill up the 10 titles on page 1, (One song per line), the next page will flip up and allow you to enter songs 11 through 20. This will continue up through song 999. The number of songs you are allowed to enter is directly controlled by the number of tracks you entered in -J5-. There are 60 spaces maximum per line. When you edit the selected record, you will be given no selections until -J5- has been entered and read. When you're ready to enter the selection titles, the correct number of entries will appear. N5: Song Run Times There are also 999 of these fields to fill out. They are paged along with the titles and are subject to the same controls as the titles. XXII: ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 or send a Compuserve message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536 DiscTrak System Documentation Page 71 XXIII: LEGAL TIDBITS "CDS" and "Cinema Digital Sound" are trademarks of Eastman Kodak "The Criterion Collection" is a trademark of Voyager Press "CX" is a registered Trademark of CBS, INC. "dbx" is a registered trademark of dbx Associates "DeskJet 500" is a Trademark of Hewlett Packard Company "Dolby", "Dolby B", "Dolby C", Dolby S", "Dolby HX PRO", "Dolby Surround", "Dolby Spectral Recording" and "Dolby Spectral Recording Digital" are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories "LDC America" and "Pioneer LDC America" are TradeMarks of Pioneer Electronics "MCA DiscoVision" is a copyright of MCA/Universal Home Video "PKZIP" is a registered Trademark and Patent of PKWare Inc. "ARJ" is a copyright of Robert K. Jung "LHA" is a copyright of Haruyasu Yoshizaki "Q-Sound" is a registered trademark of Q-Sound, INC. "Star Trek" is a registered trademark and copyright of Paramount Pictures Corporation "THX" and "LucasFilm THX" are registered trademarks of LucasArts Entertainment, Inc. "Ultra*Stereo" is a registered trademark of Ultra*Stereo Labs "Windows" and "Microsoft Windows" are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation "XDR" is a registered trademark of Capitol Records Industries "IMAX" is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation DiscTrak System Documentation Page 72 48 hrs. - Copyright (c)1983 Paramount Home Video Batman - Copyright (c)1989 Warner Home Video Ben Hur - Copyright (c)1988 MGM/UA Home Video Bird on a Wire - Copyright (c)1990 MCA/Universal Home Video The Blues Brothers - Copyright (c)1990 MCA/Universal Home Video Can't Buy Me Love - Copyright (c)1988 Touchstone Home Video The Color Purple - Copyright (c)1986 Warner Home Video Dick Tracy - Copyright (c)1990 Touchstone Pictures Empire of the Sun - Copyright (c)1988 Warner Home Video Ghostbusters - Copyright (c)1989 The Criterion Collection / RCA Columbia Home Video Ghostbusters II - Copyright (c)1990 RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video The Hard Way - Copyright (c)1991 MCA/Universal Home Video The Hindenburg - Copyright (c)1990 MCA/Universal Home Video The Hunt for Red October - Copyright (c)1991 Paramount Home Video Jaws - Copyright (c)1983 MCA/Universal Home Video License to Kill - Copyright (c)1990 CBS/Fox Home Video My Fair Lady - Copyright (c)1990 CBS/Fox Video Police Squad! Help Wanted - Copyright (c)1986 Paramount Home Video Soapdish - Copyright (c)1991 Paramount Home Video Silverado - Copyright (c)1991 The Criterion Collection The Sound of Music - Copyright (c)1989 CBS/Fox Video Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - Copyright (c)1983 Paramount Home Video DiscTrak System Documentation Page 73 The Terminator - Copyright (c)1991 Hemdale Video Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Copyright (c)1991 Carolco Home Video Three Man and a Little Lady - Copyright (c)1991 Touchstone Home Video War of the Roses - Copyright (c)1991 FoxVideo The Wizard of Oz - Copyright (c)1989 MGM/UA Home Video