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Computers and office automation industries

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Macromedia unveils Shockwave and Director 5

Article Abstract:

Macromedia introduces its new Shockwave technology and version 5 of the Director multimedia authoring software at the 1995 Macromedia International User Conference. Shockwave captured the greatest amount of interest with its ability to play Director movies through Web browsers, including those of Netscape, Microsoft, NaviSoft and Silicon Graphics. A Shockwave software kit includes HTML support, browser plug-ins to play movies, and Afterburner, a Web-preparation and compression tool that facilitates transfer of Director movies on the Internet. The second version of Shockwave due early 1996 will add a streaming technology that plays animation and audio while a file is still being downloaded. Major new Director 5.0 features include the Macromedia Open Architecture, which will accept third-party Xtra plug-ins, support for the Rich Text Format, and preloading of multiple movies.

Data compression software, Disk/File Compression Software, ShockWave for Director (Disk/file compression software)

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Director 5: MOA better Xtras

Article Abstract:

Macromedia's Director 5.0 multimedia authoring software remedies shortcomings of previous editions and capitalizes on the Macromedia Open Architecture (MOA) to bring better integration with other products in Macromedia's growing line. Xtras, or Macromedia plug-ins, can now be used in multiple Macromedia applications. Xtras are now simple menu choices that no longer require integration via Lingo scripts. The new version offers a text editor that supports anti-aliasing, leading, kerning and rich text files (RTF). A code debugger is included that supports multiple Casts in CST file format. Photoshop filters are supported by the Paint editor. The package will ship in spring 1996 for $1,199, with upgrades available for $399.

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QuickTime VR gets surrounded

Article Abstract:

Apple's QuickTime VR and Microsoft's similar Surround Video enable users to experience navigable realistic virtual reality environments. The environments, however, are not true immersible VR nor true video. Instead, the formats utilize software to mix still images into seamlessly created panoramic images that use distortion correction to negate inherent curvature. Applications will include views of cities and museams which the user can explore. The technologies are the first move toward virtual travel, according to industry observers. Microsoft Surround Video is slated to ship in May at no cost, while QuickTime VR is available as of Mar 1995 and is priced at $2,000 for the developer kit.

Microsoft Corp., AAPL, MSFT, Desktop video software, Apple Inc., QuickTime VR (Desktop video software), Microsoft Surround Video (Desktop video software)

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