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JACOsub: video titling software for professionals
version 2.6a
Timed Script Editor, Timer, and Player
A Product from Unicorn Research Corporation
This document provides an overview of the JACOsub software package
(features, installation, compatibility, script conversion, and product
support). Be sure to read the product support section concerning bug
reports, if you don't read anything else. Other documentation files in
this package are:
JACOsub.doc - Information on operating the program.
JScripts.doc - Detailed information on the JACOsub script format
specification.
ARexx.doc - Covers ARexx communications with JACOsub (Amiga only).
QuickRef.doc - Quick reference for script commands and directives.
FAQ - Some Frequently Asked Questions, with answers.
Register.doc - Information about registering the software.
CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT
=========================
1. What is JACOsub?
2. Special features of JACOsub
3. System requirements
4. Installation
a. General information
b. Installation on SINGLE-DRIVE systems
5. Interactions with other software and hardware
6. Genlock support
7. ARexx support (see ARexx.doc)
8. JConvert script conversion utility
9. JACOsub script file format specification (see JScripts.doc)
10. Shareware registration / commercial licensing (see register.doc)
11. Legal disclaimer
12. Support, technical questions, suggestions, bug reports
13. KNOWN BUGS -- PLEASE HELP
1. WHAT IS JACOsub?
====================
JACOsub is a program designed for displaying timed sequences of titles and
graphics over a video. Professional-quality output and flexibility have
been the primary goals since the program's inception. It was originally
written for the Japanese Animation Club of Orlando (JACO) to lay English
subtitles over Japanese-language films and television shows. The program
has spread and grown in popularity due to its extremely flexible script
format, clean multi-buffered title transitions, and other features
described in the next section.
The development of JACOsub has been primarily user-driven. Most of the
program's more interesting features exist because users suggested them.
Because of the valuable input given by so many people, JACOsub has become
an exceptionally powerful program while retaining its initial simplicity
at the same time.
2. SPECIAL FEATURES OF JACOsub
===============================
* Non-sequential events. Title time ranges may overlap. Unlimited
indepenedent title sequences may be displayed simultaneously.
* Fully integrated text-based script editor with optional user interface
for title appearance attributes. If needed, video titles may be
positioned graphically with the mouse.
* Handles all kinds of time units: SMPTE, PAL, 1/100 second units, etc.
* Extremely flexible timing script file format, allowing comments, blank
lines, text directives, and global configuration commands. Scripts can
be as simple or as complex as you want. Scripts may even include other
scripts, so you don't have to re-time parts that you use over and over
again.
* Complete script-based control over text position, margins, font, style,
colors, palettes, backshadow, word-wrapping, and justification. You
can even generate anti-aliased outlines and shadows on mono-color text.
Text appearance can be controlled through line directives or with
C-style escape code inside the subtitle text.
* Real-time script timing procedure allows you to time your script in
small sections, and in independent tracks. The program offers
intelligent calculation of title end times and forced gaps, leaving you
free to concentrate only on title start times during timing. End times
may be also timed separately from start times.
* Display graphic images with the text. Time ranges for graphic images
may overlap also. Graphics (IFF pictures or brushes) may be positioned
anywhere on the screen. If you do not need to generate text over
graphics, you can load IFF pictures independently of JACOsub's display.
JACOsub supports AGA graphics. PCX files supported under MSDOS for
stand-alone display without overlaying text.
* Support for transition effects (for example, wipe, iris, blinds, roll),
and smooth scrolling titles.
* Multi video buffering and page switching. Many titling programs create
a display in a hidden buffer, then blit it to the visible foreground at
the proper time. But the duration of a multi-bitplane blit can be up
to 3 video frames. This can cause disconcerting "flashing" or tearing
effects. Many PD/shareware titling programs have this problem.
JACOsub has a better way: It uses video-page switching rather than
blitting, to move displays to the foreground. Images appear
instantaneously during the vertical CRT blank interval. Blitting is
only used to copy data between up to 7 hidden video buffers, never on
the visible display.
* You can make time shift and drift adjustments "on the fly" while your
script is playing.
* ARexx support (Amiga only) -- other programs can issue commands to
JACOsub, and your JACOsub scripts can execute ARexx scripts while
playing. You can even control JACOsub's editor through ARexx.
* Genlock dissolves (Amiga only): You can control the Digital Creations
SuperGen genlock faders directly from your script! GVP and Video
Toaster genlock fades may be controlled indirectly through ARexx.
* Robust compiler diagnostics for tracking down problems in your scripts.
* Support for 3rd-party script formats: TurboTitle (.tts), Phoenix
Japanimation Society (.pjs), generic (.tim), Panimator (.pan), Subtitle
(.sub), ZeroG (.zeg), and MacSubtitler (.scr). The Jconvert utility is
provided to convert all these formats to JACOsub (.js) format. JACOsub
can read .tts, .pjs, and .tim scripts without prior conversion.
Author: Alex Matulich
1515 Jefferson Davis Hwy #820
Arlington, VA 22202-3311
(703) 413-0215
email: matulich_a@seaa.navsea.navy.mil
JACOsub WWW site: http://www.unicorn.us.com/jacosub
Original Beta Testers:
Fred A. Leggett III (JACO), Daric Kozlowski (JACO)
Tom Perry (Phoenix Japanimation Society)
Noel Gamboa (Operation X)
Robert Lowrey (Central Anime)
Roger Ang, Jacob Ellis, Dave Fleming,
Mike Harlock, Tommy Hwang, Ed Sum
Compilers: SAS C/C++ 6.51 (Amiga), Zortech C++ (MSDOS).
Computers: Amiga 1000 (never say die!) with WorkBench 2.1,
AmigaDOS 2.04 ROM hacked in, 2M FAST, 512K CHIP, 30MB C-Ltd HD.
Zenith Z-NoteFlex 486/50, MSDOS 6.2, 12 MB RAM (1 MB SVGA).
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
=======================
JACOsub will run on:
* Any model Amiga computer, either PAL or NTSC.
* Any MSDOS 80386+ PC with a 1 megabyte SVGA card.
Recommended hardware requirements:
* (Amiga) At least 1 megabyte RAM, _preferably_ more than 1.5 megabytes.
(MSDOS) 1 megabyte conventional memory, 1 megabyte display memory,
and 1 megabyte extended memory with EMM386.EXE driver.
* Two storage devices (2 floppy drives, hard disk and floppy, or single
drive plus RAM disk [requires extra memory]).
Amiga software requirements:
* AmigaDOS 2.0 or greater (program WILL run under 1.3; see next section
for caveats concerning 1.3).
* libs: directory should contain
+ asl.library or req.library (for file requesters).
+ iffparse.library (for IFF file support; 1.3-compatible version exists).
+ supergen.library and copinint.library (if you have a SuperGen genlock).
The program will still run without any of these libraries.
MSDOS software requirements:
* DOS version 5.0 or higher.
* EMM386.EXE in CONFIG.SYS.
* DOS, TSRs, and drivers loaded HIGH in CONFIG.SYS.
Additional hardware needed for video work:
* Genlock for overlaying computer images onto video.
* Source video device, preferably a laserdisc player.
* Videocassete recorder for making master recordings.
* If you are able, a second video monitor is useful but not required.
4. INSTALLATION
================
a. General information
----------------------
After extracting the archive you should have the files in the list below.
An "I" in the first column indicates that the file has an icon (.info file)
associated with it (icons, ARexx files, and superhires fonts are not
included in the MSDOS version).
I README.1st Quick install and run instructions
I CHANGES.TXT List of improvements and bug fixes
I InstallFonts Installs JACOsub's fonts into fonts:
I JACOsub The timing script compiler & player
JACOsub.cfg Empty config file to replace older ones
I jconvert Conversion utility for 3rd-party scripts
proglogo.bbm/pcx Initial graphic that appears in the editor
tips.txt Tips to display when program starts up
I documentation (subdirectory)
I Overview.doc You're reading it now
I JACOsub.doc Documentation on operating the software
I JScripts.doc JACOsub Script file format specification
I ARexx.doc ARexx communications documentation
I Register.doc Shareware registration instructions
I FAQ Frequently-Asked Questions, with answers
fonts (subdirectory)
JACOsub.font A few high-quality video titling fonts
JACOsub (subdirectory)
18 18-pixel height monochrome font for clock
29.4C 29-pixel international color outline font
32.4C 32-pixel international outline/shadow font
36.4C 36-pixel international outline/shadow font
JACOsub_mono.font Mono-color fonts (same char sizes as color)
JACOsub_mono (subdirectory)
25 Mono-color version of 29-pixel color font
32 Mono-color version of 36-pixel color font
JACOsub_superhires.font Titling font for use in SUPERHIRES mode
JACOsub_superhires (subdirectory)
36.4C SUPERHIRES color outline font
rexx (subdirectory)
abortplay.jsrx Demo of ABORTPLAY ARexx command
begintime.jsrx Demo of BEGINTIME ARexx command
loadscript.jsrx Demo of LOADSCRIPT ARexx command
playsetup.jsrx Demo of PLAYSETUP ARexx command
playstart.jsrx Demo of PLAYSTART ARexx command
quit.jsrx Demo of QUIT ARexx command
savescript.jsrx Demo of SAVESCRIPT Arexx command
screentoback.jsrx Demo of SCREENTOBACK ARexx command
screentofront.jsrx Demo of SCREENTOFRONT ARexx command
etc... ...and various others described in ARexx.doc
I scripts (subdirectory)
I demo.js Demonstration script for JACOsub
I idemo.js Secondary script included by demo.js
I JACO.bbm/pcx Graphic logo; IFF brush used by demo.js
I cycldemo.js Demo script for color cycling
I helium.lbm/pcx Graphic file used with cyclscrl.js
I scrldemo.js Demo script for smooth scrolling titles
IF YOU AREN'T AN AMIGA USER, SKIP TO SECTION 8 (JCONVERT SCRIPT CONVERSION
UTILITY). EVERYTHING UP UNTIL THAT POINT IS RELEVANT ONLY TO AMIGAS.
All you need to do to install the software after you extract the archive,
is copy the supplied fonts to your fonts: directory. To do this, simply
double-click on the "InstallFonts" icon, or enter these commands from the
JACOsub directory at a Shell prompt:
copy fonts fonts: all ;copy the supplied fonts
delete fonts all ;delete the fonts directory created by the
;archive extraction.
THE JACOsub FONTS MUST BE IN YOUR FONTS: DIRECTORY PRIOR TO RUNNING THE
PROGRAM FOR THE FIRST TIME. The fonts get updated and improved
periodically, so you should always re-install them if CHANGES.TXT indicates
that it is necessary. BE SURE YOUR SYSTEM CLOCK IS SET CORRECTLY BEFORE
INSTALLING THE FONTS, because JACOsub checks the jacosub.font date to see
if it's recent enough.
If you have a SuperGen genlock, you need to make sure that your LIBS:
directory contains supergen.library and copinit.library. If they are
missing, you won't be able to control your SuperGen from JACOsub scripts.
Before you run the program, you should be aware of some issues concerning
different versions of AmigaDOS:
AmigaDOS 1.2: You will not be able to run JACOsub with color fonts.
If you boot up with a 1.3 disk using 1.2 Kickstart, you may have better
luck. In any case, upgrade to 1.3 or 2.0 as soon as you can. Your
libs: directory should contain req.library. JACOsub does not support
AmigaDOS 1.2; if it works at all, it is purely by accident.
AmigaDOS 1.3: You will need to load a Colortext driver prior to running
JACOsub. A good Colortext driver by InterActive Softworks is supplied
with Deluxe Paint IV or Calligrapher. If you don't load this driver,
you will see only single-colored characters while JACOsub runs.
>> DO NOT USE ColorTextWedge 1.2 (supplied with TurboTitle) -- it forces
all text into JAM2 mode which chops up fonts having overlapping
dropshadows (such as the supplied JACOsub font). Also, your libs:
directory should contain req.library, though it's not required.
>> Under 1.3, JACOsub's IFF capabilities will be unavailable to you unless
you have a 1.3-compatible version of iffparse.library in your libs:
directory. ARexx operations have a similar restriction under 1.3.
AmigaDOS 2.x users do not need any special Colortext driver -- it's
built into the OS. You don't need req.library, but your libs: directory
should contain the AmigaDOS asl.library. It's a good idea to patch it
with the reqtools.library patch utility if you have it. Under AmigaDOS
2.x, you will be unable to load files using AGA video modes.
AmigaDOS 3.0 and above: Should behave the same as AmigaDOS 2.x, except
that you can load IFF files in AGA graphic modes.
Now you're ready to begin. Just click twice on JACOsub's program icon, or
type "run jacosub" from a Shell prompt. Refer to JACOsub.doc for more
detailed information on operating the program.
b. Installation on single-drive systems
----------------------------------------
This procedure requires some knowledge of the AmigaDOS Shell.
If your computer's only storage device is a single floppy disk drive, you
will need to create a minimal Workbench disk that will allow you to boot up
your machine and run JACOsub on the same disk. The scripts directory
contains a Shell script called MakeWB that will create a minimal Workbench
disk for you.
To make a minimal Workbench disk, follow these steps:
1. Make a copy of your original Commodore-issue Workbench disk.
2. Boot up from it.
3. Copy MakeWB to this disk.
4. Execute MakeWB from a Shell prompt by typing this line:
makewb df0:
(assuming df0: is the name of your floppy drive; some Amigas use fd0:).
5. The script will copy the necessary files to RAM: and then ask you to
insert a formatted floppy disk in the drive. After you do this, it
will copy the files needed for a minimal Workbench boot disk from RAM:
to the blank disk. The new disk should be about 30% full.
After you have made your boot disk, you should have enough space on it to
copy the files in JACOsub's main directory to the root of your new disk,
and JACOsub's fonts to the new disk's fonts: directory. You will probably
not have enough room to copy the documentation.
5. INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
=================================================
Beta Versions of AmigaDOS:
Avoid. In particular, a beta version of AmigaDOS 2.1 has been known
to result in strange "snow," or random flecks of color, appearing on
the screen while JACOsub plays a script.
Directory Opus 4.0:
DO NOT use JACOsub with Directory Opus 4.0! This version of Directory
Opus has some known problems that will cause you much grief if you try
to run JACOsub with it. You should probably avoid directory utilities
altogether when running JACOsub!
EPU, PowerPacker, and other filesystem compression utilities:
File compressors used to give JACOsub problems before version 1.9 if
the compressor was set to report the compressed sizes of files, rather
than the original, uncompressed size. This no longer matters; disk
compression should cause no trouble.
Text editors:
Some users have reported that certain text editors, when run in the
background while JACOsub is running, will mess up time events. TxEd
causes no problems at all. Other users have reported no problems with
CED. In any case, it is probably a good idea to shut down unnecessary
tasks before running ANY timing-critical application such as JACOsub.
req.library:
Req.library seems to have a problem handling directory names that
contain spaces. It's a good idea to avoid spaces in file names anyway.
You should have either asl.library or req.library in your libs:
directory. The program should still work fine without these, however.
Warning: There have been instances of req.library trashing memory
location $00000078 (in the zero-page memory area) which is dangerous for
AmigaDOS. If your computer crashes right before a file requester should
appear, the fault is with req.library, not JACOsub. JACOsub will use
asl.library if it can be found.
reqtools.library:
Highly recommended! The patch utility that comes with reqtools.library
patches req.library, asl.library, and arp.library to use features in
reqtools.library. It fixes the problem with req.library described
above. Reqtools.library makes your Amiga (and JACOsub) significantly
more pleasant to use.
HOWEVER, you should NOT use rexxreqtools.library. Rexxreqtools.library
has been observed to cause inexplicable crashes with JACOsub.
CPUBlit:
Highly recommended for fast Amigas. This speeds up basic blitter copy
operations. ftp://ftp.wustl.edu/pub/aminet/util/boot/CpuBlit.lha
VideoTitler:
Recommended. VideoTitler can do some cool effects that JACOsub can't.
The authors of JACOsub and VideoTitler have cooperated to get the two
programs to communicate with each other through ARexx. Check it out.
It should be available on any Aminet site.
Genlocks:
In general, be sure all video sources are off, and your genlock is not
trying to gain a lock on anything, when you boot up your computer.
Genlocks affect the Amiga's internal clocking, and can cause timing
instabilities if you power everything up in the wrong order. GVP
genlocks seem to be especially fussy about how they are brought online.
GVP users: load IFF files with JACOsub at your own risk. As of 1993,
there is an incompatibility between the GVP and the AmigaDOS IFF loader
routines. Contact Great Valley Products for more information and
updated software.
SuperGen users should have at least version 2.0 of the supergen.library
and copinit.library. See the GENLOCK SUPPORT section below for details.
The Rendale 8802 FMC NTSC genlock is known to slow down the internal
timer quite drastically on the Amiga 500, rendering it useless for
playing timed scripts. This genlock works OK on the A1200, however. At
this time (March 1996) the manufacturer is aware of the problem.
GVP 1230+ Turbo Series II accelerator:
If you have problems with mysterious lockups, or random pixels appearing
on the screen, try re-seating the chips. If that doesn't work, then
disable the data cache using the CPU NODATACACHE AmigaDOS command.
6. GENLOCK SUPPORT
===================
SuperGen (Digital Creations)
--------
JACOsub allows your scripts to control the faders on a SuperGen genlock.
You need to have supergen.library and copinit.library in your libs:
directory to take advantage of this feature. These libraries are available
from the libs directory of your Digital Creations SuperGen software disk.
SUPERGEN.LIBRARY VERSIONS LESS THAN 2.0 WILL NOT WORK WITH JACOsub.
If your SuperGen library is too old, your fades will look jittery. Update
your SuperGen library as soon as possible.
JACOsub will not assume control over the SuperGen until it must execute a
fader command. From that point on, the genlock will be under software
control until the script play terminates, and then control will be returned
to manual mode.
Warning! DO NOT BOOT UP YOUR AMIGA WITH A SIGNAL PRESENT ON THE SUPERGEN'S
VIDEO INPUT!! Doing so will adversly affect the Amiga's system clock,
which will cause your scripts to run erratically or much too fast!
See the G directive in the Script Format Specification documentation
JScripts.doc, for information on controlling the SuperGen. Other genlocks
will be supported as software and documentation becomes available to the
author.
GVP Genlock (Great Valley Products)
-----------
Dissolves with the GVP G-Lock must be controlled through ARexx. JACOsub
will look for the ARexx script "gvpfade.jsrx" in the current directory, a
"rexx" subdirectory under the current directory, and in REXX:, and copy the
script to ram:glfade.jsrx for faster execution. This script is currently
not provided. See the file ARexx.doc for specifications of this script.
If you create such a script, please send it to us!
If you have a GVP Genlock, PLAY SCRIPTS THAT LOAD IFF GRAPHICS AT YOUR OWN
RISK! Your Amiga WILL VERY LIKELY crash! Great Valley Products says that
the normal AmigaDOS IFF loading routines cause problems when the GVP is in
operation. Contact GVP for updated software. Setting GENLOCK to GVP in
your JACOsub.cfg file will cause a compile-time warning to be issued if a
script attempts to load an IFF file.
Video Toaster (NewTek)
-------------
The first paragraph under "GVP Genlock) above applies to the Video Toaster
also, only the script should be named "toasterfade.jsrx."
General Information
-------------------
Warning! The genlock may sometimes show things that do not appear on the
RGB display. Some examples we discovered:
A vertical line appears on the right edge of genlocked display, but not
on the RGB display. The solution is to make sure the horizontal screen
size is a multiple of 32, such as 640, 672, or 704. Digital Creations
tells us that this line won't appear on your videotape, but we suspect
they're talking about a different phenomenon. JACOsub won't let you
specify screen widths that are not a multiple of 32.
Little pieces of characters from the left side of the screen appear
on the right edge. This happens when a character's kern setting causes
the left edge of the screen to clip off a pixel or two, as in the 'W'
and 't' of the 36-pixel JACOsub font. You can see this when you run
the demo script after changing the left margin to 0% by inserting the
line #HL0 at the top of the script. Solution: Use the HL1 directive
instead of HL0, to provide a few pixels of margin space. This will keep
kerned characters from going past the left edge of the display.
7. AREXX SUPPORT
=================
If you have ARexx, JACOsub will open an ARexx port called 'JACOsub'. You
can use a different program (such as SCALA for example) to issue a number
of commands to JACOsub, and you can have JACOsub execute ARexx scripts
while a JACOsub script is playing. For more information, see the file
ARexx.doc.
8. JCONVERT SCRIPT CONVERSION UTILITY
======================================
Although JACOsub can read directly TurboTitle and Phoenix scripts, they
won't be able to use many of JACOsub's advanced features. If you need text
with non-sequential, overlapping time ranges, or if you need to control the
positioning or attributes of the text, or if you want to play a Panimator
or MacSubtitler script with JACOsub, you must convert the script to the
JACOsub script format.
Converting scripts to JACOsub format is simple. It can be done through the
Shell or through Workbench. The Shell command is
jconvert [-v[erbose]] scriptname1.ext [scriptname2.ext] ...
where .ext can be:
.tts (TurboTitle)
.pjs (Phoenix Japanimation Society)
.tim (Generic)
.pan (Panimator)
.sub (Subtitle)
.zeg (ZeroG)
.scr (MacSubtitler)
The optional -v or -verbose switch causes jconvert to echo its output to
the screen as it writes the new file.
(To run jconvert from Workbench, you can click on its icon twice. A file
requester will appear, allowing you to select a file to convert. If you
have SCRIPTPATH specified in JACOsub.cfg, jconvert will use this as the
starting directory for the file requester. Or, if you need to convert
multiple scripts, you may multiply select your script icons (clicking while
holding down the SHIFT key) ending with a double-click on the jconvert
icon.)
Jconvert will read in the script, and write out a new script file called
scriptname.js which will be in JACOsub format. Then you can modify
scriptname.js to take advantage of JACOsub's advanced features.
Source code for jconvert is public domain, and available separately. It
should work for any computer or operating system. If you need it, write to
the author, check the FTP site, or call Anime Central BBS (see information
at the end of this document for support resources).
NOTICE: If you have a script that JACOsub can read directly without prior
conversion (.tts, .pjs., .tim), then you should let JACOsub try to read and
play your script once before converting it with jconvert, because JACOsub
can inform you of potential problems, but jconvert cannot. Jconvert does
not analyze your scripts; it simply converts them blindly. The only
exception is when converting TurboTitle scripts, jconvert will correct
overlapping time ranges by shortening the previous line's end time to be
equal to the current line's start time.
9. JACOsub SCRIPT FILE FORMAT SPECIFICATION
============================================
See the textfile JScripts.doc for a complete description of the JACOsub
script file format.
About those 3rd-party file formats
----------------------------------
Robert Jenks, the author of TurboTitle, made an excellent suggestion in his
documentation, that the TurboTitle format should be adopted as a standard
for future software. JACOsub is compatible with TurboTitle files, but the
TurboTitle format was just not flexible enough for our needs. We needed to
use SMPTE time units, we needed to control color, style, and positioning of
text, we needed to insert comments in the script and inside the text, and
we needed no restrictions on how time events were sequenced. (We also
needed something that displayed text faster and more cleanly, but that had
nothing to do with the file format.)
The preceding paragraph is not meant to be critical of Mr. Jenks' work.
TurboTitle was a fine program for its time, and it served to provide some
inspirational influence for JACOsub.
The JACOsub script file format is the most flexible yet developed. Scripts
can be as simple as TurboTitle scripts, containing only timing numbers and
text, or you can go all out with global commands and complex formatting
directives.
Following the example of TurboTitle's author: Please, if you're a
programmer, adopt the JACOsub format standard for future titling software
products. The format is flexible enough to evolve and grow (and it
certainly has done so since the program's inception), so if you have
suggestions for improvements or changes, please let the author know.
And especially, if you want JACOsub to support another file format, send
the specifications and the author will try to work it into either the
program itself or the jconvert utility.
10. SHAREWARE REGISTRATION / COMMERCIAL LICENSING
==================================================
Please refer to the file register.doc.
11. LEGAL DISCLAIMER
=====================
(Shamelessly adapted from Haventree's EasyFlow documentation)
We don't claim JACOsub is good for anything -- if you think it is, great,
but it's up to you to decide. If JACOsub doesn't work: tough. If you
lose a million because JACOsub messes up, it's you that's out the million,
not us. If you don't like this disclaimer: tough. We reserve the right
to do the absolute minimum provided by law, up to and including nothing!
This is basically the same disclaimer that comes with all other software
packages, but Ours is in plain English and Theirs is in Legalese.
Additional disclaimer: The author will attempt to update the software as
needed, but is not obligated to do so (but so far he has a pretty good
record).
12. SUPPORT, TECHNICAL QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, BUG REPORTS
===========================================================
You can contact the author, Alex Matulich, by mail at the address in
section 2 of this file. Alex may be reached via email, using these
addresses:
Internet: matulich_a@SEAA.NAVSEA.NAVY.MIL
alex@bilver.oau.org (should automatically forward)
Alex.Matulich@animece.oau.org (last resort)
Fidonet: 1:363/137, name "Alex Matulich" (last resort)
WWW site: Unicorn Research Corporation
http://www.unicorn.us.com/jacosub
Support BBS: Anime Central 407-645-2241, N-8-1, 28,800 maximum baud
Fidonet address 1:363/137.
The latest version of JACOsub, plus a fairly massive
collection of timed scripts contributed by JACOsub users,
are in the JACOsub Support file area.
Please do not ask questions of the Sysop regarding JACOsub!
Instead please direct all questions to Alex Matulich.
Email server: Anime Central BBS has an email server with which you may
request the latest version of JACOsub, scripts, and Anime-
related material to be sent to you through email. To get
started, simply send email to ftpmail@animece.oau.org. In
the body of your message put this single line:
send allfiles.lzh
This is a complete listing of files on Anime Central. The
archive will be sent to you in uuencoded format, so you will
require a uudecode utility to convert it to usable form. You
will also need LZ or LHA to extract the contents of .lzh or
.lha archives.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE LIMIT YOUR FTPMAIL REQUESTS TO LESS THAN
----------> 500 K PER DAY. Abusing this service will cause
it to disappear forever, for everyone!
JACOsub software and scripts are in the JACOsub file area.
New versions of JACOsub will always have a file name of the
form jcosub##.lzh, where ## is the version number; for
example, version 2.5 would be jcosub25.lzh.
FTP: The latest version of JACOsub is always available at the
support BBS above, or at these FTP sites ("??" = version):
ftp://ftp.unicorn.us.com/pub/jacosub/jcosub??.lzh
JACOsub may also be found on any Aminet site or mirror, e.g.:
ftp://ftp.wustl.edu/pub/aminet/gfx/show/jcosub??.lha
Registrations are for sale via credit card from Alberts
Ambry at http://www.alberts.com.
IMPORTANT: WHEN SUBMITTING A BUG REPORT, BE SURE THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE
AND SPECIFY THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. Too many
people report problems like "I got an error message when I tried to play my
script" with no other information. This kind of report helps nobody. What
version of JACOsub? What version of AmigaDOS? What kind of computer?
What were you doing prior to noticing the problem? Can you reproduce it
and isolate it enough for ME to be able to do the same?
If you encounter a problem, try to isolate it. If the problem is being
caused by something in your script, send the author a small sample script
with your bug report that demonstrates the problem. Try running the
program on another machine -- if it runs fine on another machine, try to
determine what's different about your setup that's causing the trouble.
And try to describe the bug as completely as possible in your report.
13. KNOWN BUGS -- PLEASE HELP
==============================
From time to time a problem comes up that completely mystifies me. The
purpose of this section is to list problems reported by users which I
cannot reproduce. If you find a way to reproduce them reliably, PLEASE
let me know (my addresses are at the end of section 2 of this document).
Please provide as complete a description as possible, as described in the
previous section.
1. The Color Cycle effect will lock up only on AGA machines when trying
to cycle an imported graphic while playing a script with either 5 or
6 video buffers. It works for all other combinations.
2. When attempting to play a script, sometimes the following error
message appears: "Unable to create temporary ... RastPort for font
outlines or shadows." This messge can appear even if the computer has
sufficient video memory. The only known solutions are to re-start
JACOsub, or re-boot, and try again. I myself have not been able to
reproduce this bug. I must have done something in version 2.4 or 2.5
to fix it, because it has rarely shown up since then.
3. I have one isolated report of titles flashing up on the screen only
momentarily, regardless of start and stop times, when trying to play a
script converted from TurboTitle, under AmigaDOS 1.3 on an Amiga 500,
when the timer is set to "Event" ("Polled" works fine).
4. Enforcer hits -- Please inform me of any you encounter. They should
be eliminated by now, as far as I know. Nearly all found so far have
been harmless errors involving reading from illegal memory addresses
(like dereferencing a structure pointer set to NULL, for example).
If you're still reading this far, thank you for using JACOsub.
End of Overview.doc.