Re: Graphics Conversion (was Re: NetScape 5)

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

In article Joe Kohn <joko@crl.com> writes...

>Adalbert Goertz <adalbert.goertz@pikespeak.net> wrote:
> >Yes. Convert 3200 is much slower than SHR.view36c.
>
>You are entitled to your opinion, but since we're all computer users who
>should value "the scientific method," let's conduct an experiment to see if
>your claims can be substantiated or not.

    I think I understand why he believes SHRView is faster. Convert 3200
*is* extremely fast (certainly much faster than SHRView) but when you are
converting a large batch of GIF files--such as the 75 GIF examples you
uploaded to Ground--you stare at a progress indicator until every image
has been converted. After which you would most likely quit the program
and view the converted SHR images in a slide show manner with a Finder
extension, like Brutal Deluxe's PicView or Jupitar Systems' FinderView.

    SHRView, on the other hand, converts images one at a time. You drop
the program into a directory where all your GIF images are and it will
display them in a slide show manner. Viewing all 75 GIFs this way will
take *much* longer, but you get to see some results while waiting. The
process goes: Wait several moments, stare at image, click for the next
to be loaded. Wait, stare, click. Wait, stare, click; and so forth for
all 75 images. Oh, did I mention if you want to see the images again,
you have to go through the entire process all over? :) As mentioned,
Convert 3200 is a _convertor_, SHRView is a _viewer_.

>I will, today, upload to ground an 800K disk containing about 75 GIF
>graphics that Convert 3200 can convert to 16 color SHRs in approximately
>8 minutes.

    Some things to keep in mind when using SHRView, going from
memory here:

- If the image is larger than 320x200, you have to scroll the screen
- If the image is more than 16 colors, it is converted to greyscales
- Images are converted to SHR in memory only, then thrown away
- Runs under ProDOS 8, is automatic (no real user controls or menus)
- GIF images must be in same directory as program

    I think it is useful if you have no hardrive and want to see a
slide-show of GIF images you've just downloaded. I personally find
LordHighGiffer a better alternative if you want to view GIF images
in a slide show manner (unfortunately Todd never released it, it's
one of those things I was lucky enough to beta test).

    Personally, I've found it handy to have Prism, Convert 3200
and SuperConvert available on my hardrive for converting graphics.
Though when it comes to *speed*, Joe isn't kidding in the least
when he says Convert 3200 is FAST. :-)

    One other thing that might be of interest to anyone reading
this. Convert 3200 is the only program I know of that can export
very large APF images (such as those created by a Quickie scanner) 
toa graphic format a PC or Mac can read.

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca