Discreet Logic Paint and Effect

Article Abstract:

Discreet Logic's inexpensive $895 Paint 2.0 paint software and $895 Effect 2.0 animation software offer further productivity for video post-production. Users enjoy a wide range of control over a scene's elements when creating either resolution-independent 2D or 3D composition objects. Editing takes place either in an overview mode or graph view. The ability to link objects and align them to motion paths facilitates matching live-action footage or produce detailed effects. The $1,995 enhanced (Option 2) versions of each program are worth the extra cost for 3D Studio Max users. One advantage is that users can remain in the same space to adjust 3D models and video clips. Another strength lies in its tools for easy removal of camera shake and wobble. Drawbacks include an absence of options such as support sound and layer nesting, as well as an inability to directly switch project files between programs.

United States, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Product information, Graphics software, Software multiproduct review, Animation software, Discreet Logic Inc., Paint software, Paint 2.0 (Paint software), Effect 2.0 (Animation software)

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Communication central: chat and message boards build buzz

Article Abstract:

Online chat and message services are among the most popular services available on the web, and they allow web sites to build a following by keeping people at the site longer. Among the most successful chat services are those that allow people to interact with celebrities, and Excite is one of the search sites planning to extend their use of moderated celebrity chats. Chat rooms are preferred by most people over message boards because of the immediacy of chat, but message boards are generally easier to control, and they tend to attract more serious-minded people, according to analysts. Many companies are looking for ways to use chat and message services to promote their electronic-commerce efforts, particularly as an extension of their online customer services. Storage space is a more important consideration on servers that host chat and discussion-board applications.

On-Line Information Services, Videotex & Teletext, Telegraph & other communications, Internet services, Web sites (World Wide Web), Online information services, Directory, Internet/Web site directory, Chat rooms, Online information service, Internet server software, Internet/Web server software, Chat room/discussion group

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Graphics utilities for every medium

Article Abstract:

Dedicated screen capture programs provide far more functionality than those bundled with operating systems. Mainstay's $89 Captivate will even capture the cursor and pull-down menus. Screen activity recorders such as Lotus' $129 ScreenCam capture sequences of screen activity. Color-reduction and palette-optimization tools, such as Equilibrium's DeBabelizer Toolbox for the Mac ($399) and Windows 95 and NT ($399) and Digital Frontiers' $99 HVS Color, ensure that Web graphics look fine in all formats. Ulead's Web tools include the $29 GIF Animator; the $29 GIF Optimizer, which compresses GIF files; and the $29 GIF/JPEG SmartSaver, which reduces colors in GIF images and balances the compression/quality ratio on JPEG images. Artists can create animated, transparent and interlaced GIF files with Alchemy Mindworks' $20 GIF Construction Set.

Buyers Guide, Graphics/imaging utility, Graphics utilities, Software buyers' guide, File format conversion software, Screen capture software

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