ST Report: 11-June-93 #924
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 06/12/93-06:22:54 PM Z
From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 11-June-93 #924
Date: Sat Jun 12 18:22:54 1993
SILICON TIMES REPORT
====================
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
=============================
from
STR Electronic Publishing
June 11, 1993 No. 9.24
=========================================================================
Silicon Times Report
International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32221 ~ 6155
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST
STR Publishing Support BBS Network System
* THE BOUNTY BBS *
FIDO 112:35 ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:21/350.0
904-786-4176 USR/HST 24hrs - 7 days
2400 - 38.4 bps V.32 - 42 bis 16.8 Dual Standard
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EST
-----------------------------------------
Fido 112:35 The Bounty STR Support Central 1-904-786-4176
FNET. 620 : Leif's World *<FNET Home of STR>*.1-904-573-0734
FNET.. 18 : ///Turbo Board BBS Support...1-416-274-1225
FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS....................1-206-284-8493
FNET. 460 : The Atari ST Connection......1-209-436-8156
FNET. 489 : Steal Your Face BBS..........1-908-920-7981
_____________________________________________________________________
> 06/11/93 STR 924 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- WILDCAT! NEWS - OMNIBOOK OUT! - HAYES SUES SUPRA
- SCULLY & APPLE - SYNDESIS CDROM - FALCON SOFTWARE
- BLUE RIDGE FEST! - QMODEM PRO! - STR Confidential
-* CTFEST'93 THIS WEEKEND! *-
-* FALCON DETAILED INFORMATION *-
-* FALCON SHIPMENTS DOING OK! *-
=========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
=========================================================================
STReport's BBS, The Bounty, invites BBS systems, worldwide, to participate
in the Fido/NEST/Atari F-Net Mail Network. You may also phone The Bounty
BBS direct @ 904-786-4176, and enjoy the wonder & excitement of exchanging
information relative to computers, worldwide, through the use of excellent
International Networking Systems. SysOps, worldwide, are quite welcome to
join the STReport International Conferences. The Crossnet Code is #34813,
and the "Lead Node" is # 620. All BBS systems are welcome and invited to
participate. Support your favorite computer! Teleconference Today!
=========================================================================
CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ NVN ~ FIDO ~ FNET ~ NEST ~ EURONET
CIX ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ~ GEnie
=========================================================================
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
STREPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (June 11)
TWENTY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FALCON ... ANSWERED BY ATARI CORP.
Download file 20Q_01.TXT from LIBRARY 15 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for the first 20 QUESTIONS file of questions submitted by the
members to Atari Corp and answered by Bob Brodie, James Grunke and Bill
Rehbock.
AGITATION PUZZLE GAME
Download file AGIT.ZIP from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for Agitation. Agitation is easy to learn, tough to solve. This
is the most indescribably difficult, infuriatingly impossible program you
could choose to run!
* create custom puzzles
* upload and share
* point and click puzzle solving
* multiple cheat, peek and help modes
* watch the computer solve puzzles
* custom graphics and dialogs
* check out the other puzzles here online! mono freeware
B/STAT VERSION 2.46 NOW AVAILABLE
Download file BSTAT4.LZH from LIBRARY 5 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO
ATARIPRO) for version 2.46 of B/STAT. B/STAT is a shareware statistical
analysis and business graphics program. It requires a 1 megabyte machine
and double sided drive at a minimum. B/STAT makes use of GDOS or SPEEDO
GDOS if installed but requires neither. This is version 2.46 of B/STAT and
offers some improvements in graphing over earlier versions. B/STAT may be
registered online by GOing SWREG and selecting ID # 263.
OREGON RESEARCH JOINS ATARIVEN!
Message Section 12 and Library 12 have been established for online support
of Oregon Research's products. Please read OREGON.TXT in Library 12 of the
Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN) for an overview of the company. Also, be
sure to check out the other files in the Library for in-depth information
on their entire product line.
NEW SOFTLOGIK DEMO IN ATARIVEN
Download file FLAGS.LZH from LIBRARY 11 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO
ATARIVEN) for Sample EPS (Adobe Illustrator) files of the new Flags of the
World clipart collection now being sold by Soft-Logik Publishing. The
archive contains four flags.
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"ENJOY CIS' ATARI FORUMS WHERE CENSORSHIP IS A DIRTY WORD!"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
As the "heat wave" waves... and the Falcons continue to fly... the
computing community is enjoying its lazy, hazy summer days. From all
'round the country we hear about the great things coming in the fall from
many platforms and directions. Computers in the home are certainly coming
of age in the latter part of 1993. Comdex'93 is expected to be the event
that 'shakes' the industry by it's 'you know what'.
The CTFest is on this weekend be sure to read the entire overview of
the show this week and the reviews of the show next week. STR hopes to see
many shows this summer and fall. May they all be resounding successes.
Ralph.....
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Robert Glover R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur John Deegan
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert Scott Birch
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Clemens Chin Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #24
By: John Deegan
SILICON GRAPHICS, TIME WARNER TEAM ON INTERACTIVE TV HARDWARE -
Silicon Graphics Inc. and Time Warner Inc., teaming up on interactive TV
hardware to replace the standard cable TV box, say they will install
prototypes of a "full service interactive digital cable television
network" in Orlando, Fla., by year's end.
The plan, announced at the National Cable Television Association
meeting in San Francisco, is another the recent slew of interactive TV
projects that will let customers shop at home using a remote control,
call up statistics while watching baseball games or play video games
with other viewers.
According to sources, Silicon Graphics will develop the servers to
deliver programming and the digital multimedia set-top device.
HP, MICROSOFT UNVEIL OMNIBOOK - The HP OmniBook 300, a mobile, hand-
held personal computer, has been unveiled by Hewlett-Packard Co. and
Microsoft Corp. The OmniBook uses Microsoft's Windows 3.1 software and
comes with a built-in-mouse. The unit measures a 11.1 by 6.4 by 1.4
inches and weighs 2.9 pounds. The companies say the device is priced at
$1,950 with a 40MB hard disk and $2,275 with 10MB flash disk.
NINTENDO EXEC MOVES TO SEGA - Nintendo of America's director of mar-
keting and corporate communications, William White Jr., will be moving
to competing game-maker Sega of America Inc and will take the position
of president of marketing.
INTRUDERS GETS PROBATION - In Seattle, two computerists convicted of
illegally infiltrating systems at Boeing Co and the U.S. District Court
have been sentenced to five years probation and 250 hours of community
service. The two, Charles Anderson and Costa George Katsaniotis, also
were ordered to pay a combined $30,000 in restitution.
U.S. Magistrate David Wilson said that Boeing, which said at the time
that none of its systems or data had been damaged by the unauthorized
entry, will be paid $28,000 of the amount and the federal court will get
$2,000.
FORMER NEXT PRESIDENT JOINS XEROX - Peter van Cuylenburg, former NeXT
Computer Inc. president and chief operating officer, has been appointed
executive vice president for operations at Xerox Corp., filling the
position left vacant a year ago following the sudden death of Vittorio
Cassoni.
HAYES SUES SUPRA, TANDY AND 9 OTHERS - Modem maker Hayes Micro-
computer Products Inc. has sued Supra Corp., Tandy Corp. and 9 other
companies, contending they manufacture and sell "Hayes-compatible"
modems without a license from Hayes.
Computergram International reports that Hayes seeks unspecified dama-
ges and a court order forcing the companies to stop infringing on the
patent.
The newsletters says the others named in the suit are AMT
International Industries Inc., Huntington Beach, Calif.; Angia Corp.,
Provo, Utah; Best Data Products Inc., Chatsworth, Calif.; Cermetek
Microelectronics Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif..; Computer Peripherals Inc.,
Newbury Park, Calif.; General Datacomm Industries Inc., Middlebury,
Conn.; Global Village Communication Inc., Mountain View, Calif.; Penril
Datacommunications Networks Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.; Shiva Corp.,
Burlington, Mass., and Supra Corp, of Albany, Ore.
COMPAQ SAYS IT IS ONLY ONE TO INCREASE SHARE OF NOTEBOOK MARKET -
Houston's Compaq Computer Corp. says it is the only PC maker to increase
its share of the U.S. notebook computer market during the quarter ending
March 30.
A Compaq spokeswoman said the firm estimates the market for its
Contura and LTE Lite laptops stands at 17.6% for all sales channels. Its
share of the traditional PC reseller market was put at 21%.
SCULLEY ADMITS APPLE'S EARNINGS WILL FALL - Apple Computer chief John
Sculley admitted this week that Apple will post earnings in the second
half of the fiscal year that are lower than last year's levels.
Sculley, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Cupertino,
California-based firm, blamed the earnings drop on "an extremely
aggressive pricing environment" despite strong unit shipments of the
Macintosh personal computer.
_______________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Hi there friends and neighbors! Time to check out the "STuff" (that one's
for you, Ron ;-) that's available in the way of information here on
CompuServe.
This week's column will be much shorter than usual due to the fact that
I've got a lot of stuff to get done for the Connecticut AtariFest. If you
went to the 'fest and stopped by the Portfolio table, chances are that you
met me.
Well, let's get on with the show (pun intended). Here we go...
>From the Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
Sysop Ron Luks posts this on the subject of when people like to log on to
CompuServe:
"Thanks to Don Thomas and his insane idea that we hold a 24-hour online CO
for the Portfolio a couple of years ago, we were able to see how users
preferred to log on at various parts of the day.
Since it was a 24 hour marathon, everyone worldwide had the choice of times
and (no surprise here) the vast majority of people worldwide decided to log
on and participate for an average of 1 1/2 hours when they came home from
work. Only the lucky few who could log on from work did so. I'd say that
80%+ chose to log on between 7-10pm in their local time zone.
This differs from our experience of people running automated telecomm
programs (where people tended to log on during the early mornings when
system response was best) but it confirms the difficulty of picking a
single best time-period for worldwide users."
That veritable fountain of information, Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer
Magazine, tells us:
"I just saw on (GO NEWSGRID) Atari launches the Jaguar. A 64-bit RISC
multi-media entertainment system. 24-bit color graphics with up to 16
million colors also real-time texture mapping. Audio is 16-bit stereo
CD-Quality and a DSP. Price is approximately $200."
Jim Ness must have been reading my thoughts, because he posted exactly what
I had been thinking:
"Only $200? Sheesh..."
Well, I guess that great minds really do think alike! Albert replies to
Jim:
"Yes only $200. There was quite a bit more to the press release including
CD-ROM, 32-bit expansion bus an more. I see someone posted the whole press
release in the (GO ATARI8) forum too."
And for anyone who doesn't know, NEWSGRID is a news service available here
on CompuServe. Check it out when you get a chance. Jim adds some of his
other thoughts on the Jaguar:
"From the descriptions I've seen, it sounds as though the Jaguar is
"infinitely" expandable. The $200 must be for a base unit, to which you
can eventually add $1000 worth of peripherals.
It bothered me a little bit to see the press release say it will be
released on the East Coast by the end of this year, and elsewhere sometime
next year. I know they've been working on the Jaguar for quite awhile, and
it should be ready soon, but you gotta wonder about Atari's track record in
releasing products on time. If they say a year, what's it really going to
be...?
Did you notice the small mention of it being made in America? That's
unusual for Atari, and it leads to various speculations. Did their far
east supplier of computers balk at competing against Nintendo? Does Atari
have some agreement with an important US manufacturer?"
Albert replies:
"I always thought "made in America" is funny term. So many companies claim
everything is made in America. From the car companies, furniture, etc,
etc. They may purchase parts or accessories from American suppliers but
that does not guarantee all parts are made in America.
Also if one purchases parts from an American subsidiary of an overseas firm
is that made in America? If a US firm makes parts in Mexico and then ships
it from its US address is that made in America since its from a US firm?
I think its very good that Atari put a time frame into their press release.
I can't wait to see it in action. I will be nice to have Tempest right
next to its 1980 arcade game cousin Missile Command. <grin>"
Sysop Ron Luks adds his thoughts:
"I think the "Made in the USA" label is simply to help clear up the
misconception that Atari's are made in Japan (just like the Honda
commercial) and to exploit the current wave of 'support US products to
protect US jobs..'
Lets face it. It usually always costs more to manufacture in the USA
instead of the far east, and as long as Atari is paying the higher prices,
why not get a little PR mileage out of it?"
Jim explains the reason that "Made in USA" caught his attention:
"It struck me that there was no obvious reason to build it in the USA.
That's why I wondered if there were some partnership with a USA company
that made it logical to build it here.
Or, I suppose the custom chip may have made it strategically smart or
necessary to keep the whole thing local..."
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Jim:
"Actually, Jim.. I was talking with Jez San (the author of the StarGlider
games for Atari and Amiga, and the new StarFox for SNES) over in the GAMERS
Forum, and he said the Jaguar chipset had originally been designed by a
company in the United Kingdom.
I didn't bother to capture the messages, and naturally when I went back to
check, they'd scrolled off.."
Tim Myers posts:
"I thought Ataris were made in Taiwan, certainly Atari have/had a
production
line running out there because it says Made in Taiwan on my Stacy. Putting
made in the USA on a product actually made elsewhere is deceiving the
public who might have thought they were buying a 'home industry' product."
>From the Atari Vendor Forum
===========================
John Amsler Posts a short note to Atari:
"...Sigh. Too bad, Atari -- in
1985 you not only could have had the brass ring, you could have had the
mold for the brass ring, the brass factory, the patent on the ring design,
etc. etc. etc."
Thomas D'Alimonte tells John:
"Instead, they melted the ring down for its brass! ... 3 cents worth."
George Cingolani posts:
"i have vip professional and am looking to update my version to the latest
rev.does anyone know where i can contact the mfg to return my maser disks
for the latest revision. i'm currently running v 1.2
i also have cad-3d v 2.0 and would like to get the latest version for that
as well. does anyone know how i can find the mfg to upgrade.
i have degas(batteries not included)neo and rainbird arts packages.does
anyone know how to find the mfg'rs so i can upgrade. i don't even k know if
these folks are still in business. any help you can give would be
appreciated."
Nathan Potechin of DMC, formerly ISD, the North American distributor of VIP
Professional, tells George:
"The last version of VIP Professional is version 1.2."
>From the Atari Portfolio Forum
==============================
Tom Bundrick posts:
"This morning I replaced the double AA batteries in my port with new ones.
Since that time, whenever I press the keyboard I get symbols I do not
recognize.
Pressing the Enter key gives me a + symbol, pressing the space bar gives me
a "J" and so on. I have tried several things to correct the situation, all
with no luck. I pressed the button on the underside of the Port and
performed a reboot. Nothing. I placed the "File Manager/Tutorial" card in
the card slot thinking this might help. Did the keyboard short out (does
anyone know)? Can anyone provide some possible solutions for this problem.
I have become very dependent on the Port for school and work and the
thought of not having it available to me even for a short time is troubling
to me. Also, the machine is less than a year old (purchased last August).
Does Atari replace units which have problems like mine? Thanks in advance
for any help."
JF Davignon asks Tom:
"Have you tried a cold boot? Remove the batteries and you'll find a button
you push for about 10 seconds. This will totally reset the Port and scrap
anything you might have on the C drive. BTW, the reset on the bottom does
need too be pressed a few seconds too."
Tom replies:
"Thanks for your response. I tried several things and the one which seems
to have done the trick was to replace have fresh batteries in, the AC
adapter plugged in, and press the reset button on the bottom. Thank you
for telling me about the button on the inside near the batteries. I was
unaware of this and will try it next time I experience this problem."
Don Thomas of Atari tells Tom:
"Sounds as if the language of the keyboard may need to be reset. The quick
solution would be to reset the keyboard to English from the setup menu. I
would prefer to see you make sure all your files on the C: drive are backed
up and follow the directions on performing a "cold boot" through the
battery department."
BJ Gleason tells us:
"There are three ways to upgrade the Portfolio's memory:
1. the Megabyte Internal Upgrade, 512k
2. The Memory Expander+ [available outside the us] 384k, 2nd card
drive, but it is larger than the parallel port.
3. The 512k Universal I/O from BSE... 640k, Parallel Port, Serial
Port, internal ROM drive with PBASIC and other programs.
If you remove the BSE or ME+ units, you will have to do a COLD REBOOT."
Joe Lensbower asks:
" Does anyone know of any BBS's that support the Portfolio?
I know of two:
Atari Base (408) 745-2196 File area
PayBax BBS (302) 836-4816 File area, Message base
Are there others?"
Les Bartiromo tells Joe:
"My BBS has a Portfolio DL section. New Haven BBS 203-776-9867."
Stephan Sayer adds:
" My information server, MaxMac, 313-747-8352, has a Portfolio SIG with
message forums and a large number of files, many of which have come from
the libraries here."
Joe replies:
"Thanx! That's FOUR BBS's now with a Portfolio area...."
Joe Lensbower asks about his latest Portfolio purchase:
"I just bought a 128K ramcard from someone who said it had been sitting in
a drawer for about a year. I put it in the Port, turned it on, and the Port
recognized it (I even copied a file onto it to test it). Knowing how old
the battery in it was I immediately replaced it with a new one. I then put
turned on the Port and it would not recognize drive A:! I then went out to
a different store and bought another battery (thinking the other one may
have been bad). Same thing happened! I even polished the battery with a
cloth in case my fingerprints had gotten oil on it... So then I put the
original OLD battery back in and, NOPE! - it still won't recognize the
card! I put another card in and all is well. Now I'm afraid to change the
batteries in any of my other cards... This was the first attempt at a
battery change (I've had my Port about 3 weeks now). What can I do??"
Peter Bennett tells Joe:
"I think I can help because the same thing happened to me the first time I
changed a memory card battery! To retain the data on the card you must
change the battery with the memory card in the Port and the Port switched
on but even then it is possible to lose your data. When you removed the old
battery it sounds like the power was lost somewhere along the way and when
that happens you lose the format on the card as well as the data. The Port
will not recognize a card until it is formatted. So, try the command
'Format A:' and you should be up and running again.
If this doesn't work then it sounds like you may have a duff card. although
as far as I know, they are very rare."
Kent walker asks:
"Does anyone know a good supplier of Portfolio memory cards 32K, 128K
and/or bigger? I am calling from Canada and haven't been able to find
anything in those sizes. I read in a magazine article recently that the
Portfolio uses Mitsubishi cards. Perhaps the Mitsubishi prices are more
competitive? Lastly, does the card reader for the PC use larger cards than
64K?
TIP: I have discovered that the CWEEP.EXE file manager program for the PC
also works on the Portfolio. Compressed with PKLITE it only takes up 11K.
Can anyone recommend another file manager?"
Dave Stewart tells Kent:
"My company, Re:Port, can supply you with the following card sizes:
Atari's 64K RAM Card: As low as $80.96 (or *free* with the purchase of a
Portfolio!) Atari's 128K RAM Card: As low as $134.96 Optrol's 524K FlashRAM
Card: As low as $180
Prices are in US dollars, and are "subscriber" prices, for people who are
subscribers to Re:Port newsletter. Regular prices are a bit higher, but
still *lower* than retail."
Well folks, I told you that this week's column would be shorter than
normal. Now you've got plenty of time to go outside and enjoy the summer
sun, cut the grass, or... recover from the Connecticut 'fest.
Tune in again next week and listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
___________________________________________________________________
> Syndesis 3D-ROM STR InfoFile Over 500 Examples!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE "SYNDESIS 3D-ROM"
A CDROM COLLECTION OF MORE THAN 500
FREELY DISTRIBUTABLE 3D MODELS
Announcing a spectacular demonstration of a new 3D translation
technology called InterChange Plus...
The "Syndesis 3D-ROM" is a CDROM collection of more than 500 freely
distributable 3D models, all present in AutoCAD DXF, 3D Studio, Wavefront
.obj, Video Toaster LightWave and Impulse's Imagine PC/Amiga formats. It's
also got more than 400 tileable, wrappable texture maps. It includes a
fully indexed, cross-referenced catalog of the objects.
The disc includes demonstration models from companies such as
Viewpoint Animation Engineering. All 28 Viewpoint demo models are present,
including the yet-unreleased Siggraph 93 set. More demo objects were
contributed by Noumenon Labs, VRS Media, Mira Imaging and other commercial
modeling companies.
The 3D-ROM is a demonstration of the translation abilities of
InterChange Plus, Syndesis's system for converting between 3D file formats.
InterChange Plus translates between AutoCAD DXF, 3D Studio, Digital Arts,
Wavefront, Swivel, Sculpt, VideoScape, LightWave, Imagine, CAD-3D,
PAGErender and Vista DEM formats. Soon to come is support for
StereoLithography, Macromedia 3DGF, Super 3D, Alias StyleGuide, Topas,
Softimage, Inventor and Vertigo formats. All material and hierarchy
information is preserved as best as possible.
This ISO-9660 disc is fully accessible from Atari, MS-DOS, Macintosh,
Amiga and Unix workstations.
If you'd like to find out about this CDROM, we'd be glad to add you to
our mailing list. See us at Siggraph 93!
Syndesis Corporation
P.O. Box 65
235 South Main Street
Jefferson, WI 53549
(414) 674-5200
(414) 674-6363 FAX
Compuserve 76004,1763
Internet 76004.1763@compuserve.com
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once or
twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET> again.
Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll officially
be a member of DELPHI!
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> CT FEST'93 STR SHOW NEWS The Summertime Atari Event!
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THE CT ATARIFEST '93!
=====================
JUNE 12 & 13, AT THE WINDSOR COURT HOTEL
WINDSOR, CT. (JUST ABOVE HARTFORD)
Free Parking!
Low Room Rates!
More Vendors!
More Floor Space!
CONNECTICUT SHOW TO FEATURE ATARI'S LATEST ENTRY
================================================
More than 1,000 Atari computer enthusiasts are expected to converge
here June 12 and 13 at Connecticut AtariFest '93, and are certain to debate
whether the star of the show -- THE LONG-AWAITED FALCON030 COMPUTER --
lives up to its advance billing.
Yep, that ACT Atari Group is running another major NorthEast computer
event. Last year's successful CT Fest had over 700 attendees, which
merited a larger location, so we've moved a mile away (exit 42 on I-91)
into bigger and better quarters. We're just as convenient to reach as
ever, and only two hours from Boston or New York! The new hotel has
excellent room rates ($35.00 per room), free and plentiful parking, easy
access from Interstate 91, I-95, I-90, I-84, I-80, an in house Sports Bar,
a bigger ballroom and is located just 1 mile from Bradley International
Airport (free shuttle service for hotel guests).
The Falcon030 is a perfect low cost tool for the professional artist,
with 8 track, 16 bit musical capabilities, truecolor graphics and a 32 bit
DSP chip. The Falcon will be bundled with several music programs,
including a 4 track 'Direct to Disk' editing and recording program, a sound
sampler and an all purpose productivity package called AtariWorks.
The Hartford show will likely be one of the first encounters the
general public has with the new machine and software leading designers have
produced for it. Atari was performing quality control tests on the latest
production models shipped to the Sunnyvale headquarters in mid-April.
The two-day event will feature more than 40 exhibitors, including
several of the top names in music software development and MIDI equipment.
Tentative music exhibitors include Barefoot Software (formerly Hybrid
Arts), Digital F/X, Steinberg/Jones, Pro Musica, Compo Software and others.
The show, sponsored by ACT Atari Group, will be held at the Windsor Court
Hotel, just off Interstate 91 at exit 42.
Connecticut AtariFest'93 promises to showcase the work of several
musicians and will include some live music sessions.
Other vendors will demonstrate new equipment and software that will be
of interest to musicians whether they're on or off the job. Among them,
organizers have received tentative nods from A&D Software, ABC Solutions,
Baggetaware, Barefoot Software, Compo Software, Computer Studio, Derric
Electronics, East Hartford Computer Repair, Gribnif Software, ICD Inc.,
MegaType Software, Soft-Logik Publishing, Toad Computers, Wizztronics. Last
year 14 user groups participated, and that number is expected to grow by
June.
A Home Business and Entertainment Expo that will focus on high-tech
gadgetry designed for home use is also planned. Central activities will
include a New England Lynx Tournament for the gamester in the family, a
Portfolio corner for the on-the-go palmtop computer user, and other
technology such as VCRs, lap/palmtops, voice messaging systems, satellite
receivers, CD-ROM, fax-modems, large screen TV, printers, audio-video
components, cellular phones, office supplies, video games or add-on units
and accessories.
We'll have our annual New England Lynx Competition, with multiple
Comlynxed competitions underway at all times. Last year's winners took
home prizes ranging from games to accessories to complete Lynx Systems!
Bring your best player and join the fun.
We'll have the Portfolio Corner, staffed with industry pundits and
filled with every imaginable palmtop peripheral! Last year we had a few
Portfolios disassembled at the booth, a real insight into surface mount
technology!
For those of you with an eye towards seminars, we'll have them in
abundance, last year's question and answer session with Bob Brodie drew
standing only crowds! In addition, we had John Eidsvoog's walk through the
Codehead graphic tools, Jeff Naideau of Barefoot Software showing off
EdiTrack Platinum, Dave Troy of (Guess[ribbet]) Computers, STReport's Dana
Jacobson and Joe Mirando and many, many others.
And to top things off, come out and see the Falcon 030 in all its
glory. By then we expect to see some rad new programs out and some really
excitement! All in all, we hope to have the best Northeast show yet, and
we look forward to your participation. Make your plans now for the most
exciting Atari Weekend this spring!
10 DAYS TO CT ATARIFEST
=======================
Hi, This is Brian Gockley with CT AtariFest '93. Our show is just ten days
away, and I'm sending out a call for three things:
1) Last minute vendors
2) Door prizes
3) Show Guide advertising
4) Paperwork.
1) If there are any companies that plan on attending, but have not yet
contacted us, we need to hear from you asap, since space is _very_ limited.
If you want to take advantage of the biggest Atari show on the east coast,
then you need to make your decision fast. We currently have forty booths,
with an additional 25 at our sister Home Business and Entertainment Expo.
This might be your only oportunity to sell to hungry east coast buyers.
We're located just two hours from NY and Boston, right near the Hartford
Airport, so we're easy to reach.
2) We are also canvasing for door prizes for the show, donors get listed in
our show guide, and receive a free announcement/advertisement when the
prize is given away. If you attended last year's show, then you know how
much of a plug we gave all the donors! It is a great way to get publicity,
and help to support the show if you are unable to attend. This year,
winners will not have to be present to win, and will be notified by
postcard of their winnings.
3) We also are soliciting ads in our show guide. Last year's guide was
given out to all the attendees of CT Fest '92. In addition to carrying the
seminar list, the booth layout and door prize donors, we also listed all
the active user groups, dealers and developers so the guide can be kept as
a year round reference. A business card ad is only $30, call for our other
ad prices.
4) If you're already planning on coming, we need to ask you to get your
paperwork back immediately. We need to know your specific needs, and
whether you'll be participating in our $12.99 all you can eat pasta bar,
and whether you'd like a seminar slot. THE MAIN THING IS THAT WE HAVE YOUR
PAPERWORK SO WE CAN MAKE OUR PLANS ACCORDINGLY. Ten days is not a lot of
time, so please make your plans quickly and follow through. Thanks for your
attention, we appreciate you involvement.
For more information
Phone (203) 637-1034
MAKING HOME YOUR WORKPLACE IS THEME OF HARTFORD AREA EXPO
If you run a fledgling company from an office in your home or have
dreamt of turning a hobby into a full-time enterprise, seasoned experts
who've been there will discuss trade secrets at the Home Business &
Entertainment Expo (HBEE), June 12 and Sunday & 13 at the Windsor Court
Hotel, Windsor Locks, Conn.
The show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The home technology
expo will showcase trends in home productivity and leisure and the tools
and toys of the trade.
Twenty-two commercial vendors, home-based businesses, educational
organizations and individuals will participate. Featured guest speakers
include Janet Attard of Attard Communications, the host of GEnie's Home
Office/Small Business RoundTable, its Business Resource Directory and Air
Force Small Business RoundTable. Attard also hosts the Microsoft Small
Business Center on America Online and is author of The Home Office & Small
Business Answer Book, due out in July.
In addition, Work From Home Association (WFHA) chief Bob Korngold will
advise owners of small firms how to look like a big business without the
overhead of the giants using desktop publishing, fax broadcasting and
electronic "prospecting." Members of the Home-Based Business Group of the
Boston Computer Society (BCS), one of the nation's oldest and largest
high-tech organizations, will advise home business novices (and veterans)
how to set goals, stay motivated and decide what office gadgets are right
for them. Stan Rosenzweig, marketing columnist for Reseller Management
magazine, will explain how small businesses can profit from advanced
telecommunications.
On Sunday, entrepreneur David Alemian will show how he's turned an
electronic "visitor" to area schools into a teaching tool that reaping big
profits for his Massachusetts robotics firm.
Several leading business organizations targeting home work activities will
be on hand. In addition to BCS and WFHA, representatives from Connecticut
Home Office, a monthly tabloid, ProblemSolvers, a consultant to inventors
and start-up firms, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, the
National Association for the Self-Employed and North Central Connecticut
Chamber of Commerce, will answer visitors' questions about starting their
own businesses at home.
Other commercial and educational exhibitors include the American Radio
Relay League, ASAP, B & L Distributors, The Car Phone Store, CAS
Associates, DataBlue Associates, Fairfield Marketing Group, GEnie, Pitney
Bowes Mailing Systems, Robotic Education Devices, Simsbury Electronics,
United Computer Resources and Video Art Works Productions.
The Home Business & Entertainment Expo is sponsored by the ACT Atari Group,
a statewide network of computer users. It is holding its annual computer
show in an adjoining hall at the Windsor Court Hotel, where some 30
commercial exhibitors and user groups will meet.
Ticketholders to either show are free to visit the other event at no
additional charge. One-day admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children
under 12.
SEMINAR SCHEDULE FOR HARTFORD AREA HOME BUSINESS SHOW
The following seminars are scheduled for Home Business & Entertainment
Expo and CT AtariFest '93, to be held June 12 & 13 at the Windsor Court
Hotel, Windsor Locks, CT (just north of Hartford). The event combines
exhibits of technologies aimed at improving personal productivity & fun in
a home setting. In addition, several organizations and experts specializing
in home-based business issues will provide both seminars and one-on-one
advice for visitors.
The joint event is sponsored by the ACT Atari Group of Connecticut, but
also features computers, software and advanced technologies for other
platforms. Ticketholders to either show - held in adjacent halls -are free
to attend the other exhibit and its seminars.
The tentative seminar schedule includes:
Saturday, June 12
11 am - Health coverage for home business operators - who can afford
it? District Manager June Davis of the Nat'l Assn. for the Self-Employed
discusses some options. (Home Business)
12 noon - Augmented Computation - President John Yanosy shows how
computer-based modeling can help managers find better business decisions,
whether they're in the corporate boardroom or the office next to the
laundry. (Home Business)
1 pm - Janet Attard Communications - Author of new book The Home Office
& Small Business Answer Book and sysop of GEnie and Online America services
explains "showstring marketing" -- how to find your first customers
business through word-of-mouth advertising, publicity efforts, direct mail
and on-line services. (Home Business)
2 pm - Clear Thinking - Craig Harvey, creator of the popular EdHak
program, discusses the software. (AtariFest)
3 pm - Office Technology Consulting Inc. - "20 Ways to Make More Sales
without Spending Money" - OTC President Stan Rosenzweig is also "Heads-Up
Marketing" contributing editor for Reseller Management magazine. The title
of his talk says it all. (Home Business)
Sunday, June 13
11 am - Janet Attard Communications - Attard returns (see above) to
take inventory of on-line offerings and to show how they can help your
business. Gather news clippings, make credit checks, find distributors and
much more. (Home Business)
12 noon - Thin Air Labs - Academic B.J. Gleason is the developer of
many programs for the Portfolio, Atari's palmtop computer, examines the
advantage of computing portability. The Portfolio runs many programs
designed for MS-DOS computers, so this session will be of interest to all
showgoers.
1 pm - Wizztronics - Leading developer of add-ons for Atari computers
discusses product line, including its new 14 mb upgrade for the Falcon030.
Steve Cohen hosts the Q & A session. (AtariFest)
2 pm - Gribnif Software - Rick Flashman and Dan Wilga provide a
run-through of current products, fielding audience questions. (AtariFest)
3 pm - ST Report - Dana Jacobson and Joe Mirando, two of the
industry's keenest observers, examine the latest news in the world of Atari
and predict the future. (AtariFest)
All seminars will be held in the American Heritage room, which is
designed for discussion groups of up to 25. The seminar schedule is subject
to change,based on the availability of speakers and seating. We advise all
attendees to reserve a seat for seminars as they register for the show.
All sessions have been identified as seminars that will be of interest
primarily to AtariFest or Home Business showgoers, however, the topics may
contain information that is useful to computer users or entrepreneurs on
all platforms. Feel free to visit these speakers at their show booths prior
to the seminar to determine whether it will suit your needs.
For more information about Home Business & Entertainment Expo, or CT
AtariFest '93, contact Doug Finch or Brian Gockley at the Windsor Court
Hotel at (203) 623-9811 or consult prior postings on this service.
Brian D. Gockley
ACT Atari Group
203-332-1721
203-366-7109
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> FALCON INFO STR InfoFile This Bird's got some good Stats!
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FALCON 030 PRELIMINARY DEVELOPERS DOCUMENTATION
AS PRESENTED ON THE ATARI EURODEVCON92
Overview
>From the point of view of an application writer, the most important thing
to realize about the Falcon030 is that it is an ST compatible TOS
machine. This means that software written to take advantage of the
operating system features via operating system calls of the previous
machines will work without modification. In fact a great deal of effort was
expended to insure that a large precentage of software that runs on
previous machines will continue to operate. The changes that the user will
see between Falcon and previous TOS machines involve improved video and
sound abilities.
The video system has the following characteristics:
1) The system supports both VGA and broadcast system monitor types.
For this document "broadcast type monitor" means a TV as well as an
analog RGB monitor such as the SC1224.
2) The number of vertical lines can be either 200 or 400 (approx.)
This is done by using interlace on broadcast monitors to get 400 lines
and doubling each line on VGA monitors to get about 200.
3) The number of horizontal pixels can be approximately either 640 or 320.
4) The number of bitplanes can be either one, two, four or eight.
5) Characteristics numbered 1-4 can be mixed in any combination.
6) The color palette is 262144 in 1, 4 or 8 bit per pixel mode and 4096
in 2 bit per pixel mode.
7) Overscan is available in all broadcast video modes.
8) A 16 bit per pixel, true color mode exists that will operate in all
modes except 640 pixel wide VGA mode.
All of these modes can be accessed via the GEM VDI. In the case of
true color mode there is no color palette to allow for changing the
color of pixels that have been already drawn. The GEM VDI provides 256
virtual pens to use for drawing. These pens act just like the physical
pens in the other modes except that once a pixel is drawn, it cannot be
changed using vs_color().
The sound system has the following components:
1) 56001 Digital Signal Processor
2) DMA sound engine that can playback or record one, two, three or four
16 bit stereo channels at 12.5, 25, or 50 Khz.
3) 16 Bit stereo codec allowing both input and output of sound via built-in
headphone and microphone jacks.
4) An external port (DSP) that allows external I/O for a wide variety of
purposes.
Falcon030 Hardware Reference Guide
The Falcon030 hardware specification can be summarized as follows:
CPU: 68030, 16 Mhz
FPU: Socket for optional 68881 or 68882 running at 16 Mhz
RAM: Custom module. 1 to 16 Mbytes of RAM.
ROM: 512 Kbytes
Blitter: Graphics coprocessor running at 16 Mhz
Video:
Resolution BPL Colors Palette colors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST Low-res 320 X 200 4 16 4096
ST Med-res 640 X 200 2 8 4096
ST High-res 640 X 400 1 2 4096
True color 640 X 480 8 256 262144
320 X 200 15 32768 N/A. 1 bit for overlay
VGA or Video X:320 or 640 1,4 2,16 (Overscan
Y:200 or 400 8 256 262144 selectable)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
All modes can also be Genlocked, to provide multi-media capabilities on
monitors or televisions. The true color modes also directly supports
overlays.
An on board RF modulator allows for direct connection to TVs. Monitor
connector allows connection to VGA monitors, ST monochrome, or color
monitors (via an adapter plug).
Horizontal scrolling is supported, compatible with STE.
Sound:
Built in stereo 16-bit analog to Digital convertor.
Built in stereo 16-bit DACs.
Stereo microphone input and stereo headphone output jacks. Internal
speaker.
Sophisticated multiplexer connects DSP, Codec and DMA.
3 channel PSG sound (compatible woth ST)
8 channel 16 bit PCM digital record/playback I/O
Stereo 8bit PCM sound (compatible with TT030,STE and MSTE)
Digital Audio/DSP connector
DSP: 56001 32Mhz Digital Signal Processor with 32Kx24 zero wait state SRAM
I/O:
Parallel port
Modem/RS232 port (9 pin)
MIDI in
MIDI out/thru
Cartridge port
SCSI II (50 pin connector) with DMA
LAN Local area network (compatible with TT030 and MegaSTE)
Joysticks: Two STE compatible enhanced joystick ports supporting four
paddles a light gun, and up to 21 buttons each.
FDD: 1.44 Mbyte Floppy Disk Drive
HDD: Internal optional hard disk drive on IDE bus.
Keyboard: 94/95 key keyboard (with enhanced controller IC wich supports
faster keystrokes, up to 300 DPI mouse, and prevents overrun and underrun)
Mouse: 100 DPI mouse supplied as standard.
Other:
Real time clock with battery backed, non-volatile RAM.
Optional internal HDD
Internal expansion connector
I hope this has cleared up some of the confusion and killed/confirmed
some of the wild rumors that has been spread about the Falcon030.
If you want more information then contact me at Synchron City BBS...
Pylon X
This is a list I got at a Falcon party. It's a preliminary list of hard-and
software for the Falcon030, dated 7 december 1992. It's in Dutch, but I'll
try to translate it. Note: I didn't assemble the list, I only pass it
through.
BOOKS
Das Buch zum Falcon Data Becker Germany is being sold
COMMUNICATION
Blackmail
Digital-Optical-Analog
USA
demonstratable
Voice-mail package
EMULATORS
Falcon Speed
Sack/Compo
Germany
ready for production
IBM-emulator based upon a '286. Bigger versions under development.
GAMES
LlameZap
Llamasoft, Jeff Minter
England
almost ready
Space Junk
Mirage Technologies
England
under development
Space adventure with 100 digitized full color characters
Road Riot 4WD
Images
plan: jan-jun '93
Steel Talons
Koveos
plan: jan-jun '93
Raiden
Imagitec
plan: jan-jun '93
Cyber Assault
Koveos
plan: jan-jun '93
GRAPHICS
Pixart
Crazy-Bits
Germany
Ready
For all systems, including Falcon030, processes TIFF, PCX, IMG, XIMG.
Digital Arts
Germany
Demonstratable
Available for demonstration since june 1992, is being still further
developed.
TruePaint
HiSoft
England
Demonstratable
Art package working in True Color mode. A.o. TGA, TIFF.
Baby
Eurosoft
France
almost ready
True Color drawing package
Chagall
Trade iT
Germany
Demonstratable
Art package for various graphic boards and Falcon. Can handle 16.8
Mcolor. A.o. TIFF, PCX, IMG. Price: DM 699,-
DA's Vector
H3-Systems/Digital Arts
Germany
Ready
Vector-based animation program (images can be filled with IMGs).
Price: DM 298,-
Papillon
Application Systems
Germany
Ready
Art package for all systems and Falcon VGA mode. A.o. XIMG, Doodle,
STAD, Degas, NeoChrome, MacPaint, IFF, GIF. Price: DM 198,-
Phoenix
USA
Ready
Rendering/animation package.
HARDWARE
VideoMaster
Microdeal
England
Ready
4096 color digitizer
Falcon-Genlock
OverScan
Germany
Ready
A.o. use of overlay bit. Price: DM 699,-
Genlocker
JRI
USA
Ready
A.o. use of overlay bit and chroma-keying. Price+ $599
MatDigiR
Matrix
Germany
Under development
True color digitizer, currently 2 img/s. A realtime-version is being
developed. Price: DM 698,-
Z-RAM
Zubair Interfaces
USA
Ready
Memory board for low profile SIMMs, memory expansion to 4 or 16 MB.
A/D64x audio interface
D2D Systems
Demonstratable
Audio interface for direct linking of CD-player to Falcon030 DSP port.
The D2D-Edit software uses this interface.
4i/4o
D2D Systems
UK
Demonstratable
Expansion for DSP port for 4 (stereo) track record/playback. Needs
4T/FX software. Price: $599
SPDIO
D2D Systems
UK
Demonstratable
Digital interface for DSP-port for D2D-Edit software for recording at
44.1 and 48 kHz. Ideal for CD or DAT recording. Price: $299
Musicom
Compo
Germany
Demonstratable
Effects such as delay, echo, flanger, Karaoke (80% reduction of voice
in recordings). Price: about Fl 120,-
DigiTape
Trade iT
Germany
Demonstratable
Multiple-track digital recorder, with Echo and Hall, harddisk
recording, time code sync with videotape possible. Price: DM 198,-
Cubase Audio
Steinberg
Germany
under development
D2D-Edit
D2D Systems
UK
Stereo direct-to-disk recording/editing software. Price: $299
4T-FX
D2D Systems
UK
Demonstratable
Multitrack recording/editing software, needs the 4i/4o hardware.
Price: $599
PROGRAMMING
DSP Debugger
Brainstorm/Atari Corp.
USA
Almost ready
Developers are already working with it. Price: $80
UTILITIES
Kobold v2.0
Kaktus Software
Germany
Ready
Multitasking copying program. Price: DM 129,-
VIDEO
Screenblaster
OverScan
Germany
Demonstratable
880x608 in 256 colors on SVGA-monitor or Multiscan. Driver in
AUTO-folder + external hardware between machine and monitor. Price:
DM 149,-
Overlay
OverScan
Demonstratable
Title generator with effects such as animation. Price: DM 199,-
Some software houses have adapted existing software for the Falcon030,
such as
Application Systems (a.o. Signum 3)
TMS Germany
SciGraph
Steinberg (Cubase 3.1 works)
HiSoft UK
Sander SToks
sanders@sci.kun.nl
____________________________________________________________
> BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST'93 STR SHOW NEWS "The Summertime Atari Event!"
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1993 Blue Ridge ATARIFEST
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FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
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The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) and Computer Studio
invite you to participate in the Fourth Annual Blue Ridge AtariFest in
beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Show dates and times are:
Saturday July 24, 1993 10am - 6pm
Sunday July 25, 1993 Noon - 5pm
Just as in previous years, we have arranged for FREE Booth space for Atari
developers!! (We're only requesting the donation of a door prize).
We can promise both developers and show-goers an energetic and exciting
show with as enthusiastic a crowd of Atarians as you'll find anywhere, plus
the support of Computer Studio in the mall.
We're once again taking over the Courtyard Shop (mall) area at Westgate
Shopping Center for the show (location of Computer Studio), plus the use of
vacant store spaces for seminar sessions. Seminar sessions will be 45
minutes in length, and developers are welcome to conduct a seminar on their
product line or approved topic of their choice (seminar sessions are
limited, so first come, first served).
This year's show dates also coincide with Asheville's annual Bele Chere
street festival, when downtown Asheville is closed to vehicular traffic and
becomes what must be one of the largest street fairs in the country.
Westgate Shopping Center is one of the primary Park-and-Ride shuttle
centers for transporting people to and from downtown, and we've arranged to
have the shuttle service pick up at the front entrance of the mall and drop
off at the rear entrance, so everyone taking the service from Westgate WILL
walk through the AtariFest exhibition area sometime during the day. This
will be a great opportunity to showcase Atari and Atari related software
and peripherals, and introduce them to people who aren't already Atari
owners. Bringing in NEW blood is the key to the growth of this platform,
and this will be our opportunity to begin that process with a captive
audience.
Additional discussions of the show, as well as confirmations of your
participation, are welcome in GEnieMail and in the Blue Ridge
AtariFest topic 13 in Category 11 here on GEnie.
HOPING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
HAPPY ATARI COMPUTING.
IT'S HAPPENING IN ASHEVILLE!
Where: Westgate Shopping Center - Asheville, N.C.
Take any major highway into Asheville (US 19-23, US 26 or I-40) to the
I-240 loop, then take the "Westgate/Hilton Inn Drive exit" into the
Westgate Shopping Center parking lot.
When: 24-25, July 1993
Time: 10:am to 6:pm SAT
12 Noon 'til 5pm SUN
Points of contact:
Come for a day or come for the weekend,
but do come and enjoy yourself.
Great Smokies Hilton Resort Hilton Inn Drive (704)254-3211
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-733-3211
Radisson One Thomas Wolf Plaza (704)252-8211
Rate: $62.00 per room (1-4 people)
====== Additional Hotel / Motel Information ===========
Days Inn I-26 and Airport Road (704)684-2281
I-40 Exit 55 (704)298-5140
Econo Lodge US 70 East, I-40 Exit 55 (704)298-5519
Holiday Inn 275 Smoky Park Hwy (704)667-4501
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-HOLIDAY
Red Roof Inn I-40 and US 19-23 Exit 44 (704)667-9803
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-843-7663
Budget Motel I-40 Exit 44 (Enka-Chandler)
West Asheville Exit (704)665-2100 Best
Western Asheville Central 22 Woodfin St (704)253-1851
========= Local Bed & Breakfast lodging Information =========
Aberdeen Inn 64 Linden Ave (704)254-9336
Albemarle Inn 86 Edgemont Road (704)255-0027
Applewood Manor 62 Cumberland Circle (704)254-2244
The Bridle Path Inn Lockout Road (704)252-0035
Cairn Brae B & B 217 Patton Mountain Rd (704)252-9219
Carolina B & B 177 Cumberland Ave (704)254-3608
Cedar Crest Victorian Inn 674 Biltmore Ave (704)252-1289
Corner Oak Manor 53 St. Dunstan (704)253-3525
Cornerstone Inn 230 Pearson Dr (704)253-5644
Flint Street Inn 100 & 116 Flint Street (704)253-6723
The Lion and The Rose 276 Montford Ave (704)255-7673
The Ray House B & B 83 Hillside St (704)252-0106
Reed House 119 Dodge St (704)274-1604
The Wright Inn 235 Pearson Drive (704)251-0789]
(1-800-552-5724)
A more complete listing of Bed & Breakfasts can be obtained through the
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reservations should be made immediately, as July is the height of our
tourist season.
=========== CAMP GROUNDS ================
(reservations are a must during this time of season):
Mount Pisgah:
About 20 miles southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at
mile post 408.6 (National Park Service). 690 acres. Elevation 5000'. One of
the nicest campgrounds in Western North Carolina. 67 tent sites, 70 RV
sites. For reservations: P.O.Box 749, Watnesville, N.C. 28786; phone (704)
235-9109. No showers. Groceries and restaurant. Nature program. 14 day
stay limit.
Lake Powhatan:
4 miles south of Asheville on State road 191, 3.5 miles west on SR
806. 30 acres. 98 tent/rv sites. Reservation available thru Mistix
1-800-283-CAMP. Disposal station. No showers. Swimming; lifeguard; fishing;
nature trails; bicycles. 14-day stay limit.
While in the area, you might want to consider a little sightseeing,
and include a visit to the Biltmore House here in Asheville (the largest
single family residence ever built in the U.S.--its a "castle"). A visit to
the Biltmore can be a full-day's activity as you will want to view the
house, visit the winery, and walk some of the grounds and gardens.
Hours:
The House 9 am to 6pm The Gardens 9am to 7pm
Conservatory 9am to 5:30pm
The Winery Monday-Saturday 11am to 7pm Sunday 1pm to 7pm
Other areas of interest include; the Thomas Wolf home (adjacent to the
Raddison), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Folk Art Center. A drive up the Blue
ridge Parkway to enjoy the higher elevations and incredible views of our
mountains. Perhaps a hike up to Mount Pisgah and look back down to
Asheville(you can see Mt. Pisgah from most anywhere in Asheville). A short
drive from Mt. Pisgah will take you to Sliding Rock (for those of you
travelling with kids who are still kids at heart), the Cradle of Forestry
(first forest school in the country), waterfalls, trout hatchery, etc. For
the adventurous, white water rafting on the Natahala River near Bryson
City (approx one and a half hours from here).
There's obviously loads more to see and do around Asheville (in
addition to the Blue Ridge AtariFest and a visit to Computer Studio :-). If
any of y'all would like maps and additional tourist info of the area I
might suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce:
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
151 Haywood Street
P.O. Box 1010
Asheville, NC 28802
704-258-6111 FAX: (704)251-0926
The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) and Computer STudio
invite you to participate in the fourth annual Blue Ridge AtariFest on
Saturday, July 24 and Sunday July 25, 1993. The show will take place in
the Courtyard Shop area of Westgate Shopping Center in Asheville, North
Carolina (Home of Computer STudio). We are still signing up additional
exhibitors, but those who have already made a firm committment to attend
include (Alphabetical Listing):
Accusoft-ST ............................. PD/Shareware Software
(Clip Art Libraries)
Barefoot Software ....................... Professional MIDI Software
applications (SMPTETrack,
EditTrack Platinum,
GenEdit, EZ Score Plus,
etc.)
Codehead Technologies ................... Productivity software &
enhancements (G+Plus,
MultiDesk Deluxe, HotWire,
CodeHead Utilities, Warp 9,
Calligrapher, MaxiFile,
Lookit & Popit, Avant
Vector, MegaPaint, TOS
Extension Card, etc.)
Computer STudio ......................... Visit a 'real' Atari
Dealership in the mall
(Atari computer systems,
software and accessories)
DMC Publishing .......................... Desktop Publishing System
Solultions (Calamus/SL,
PKS Write, Outline Art,
Invision Elite, tms
Cranach Studio, etc.)
GEnieLamp/GEnie ......................... Telecommunications and
Electronic Publishing
Magic Software .......................... Entertainment Software
(New products unveiling!)
Missionware Software .................... (Flash II, lottODDS,
Printer Initializer, etc.)
Showtimes are 10:am - 6:pm on Saturday, and noon - 5:pm on Sunday. Seminar
sessions will be scheduled throughout the show.
Since this year's show coincides with Asheville's annual Bele Chere Street
Festival, we are not having a Saturday evening banquet, but are instead
encouraging guests to hop the shuttle bus at the front entrance of the mall
and spend Saturday evening downtown enjoying the outdoor festivities (live
entertainment, food booths of all types, dancing, etc.).
Advance registration is only $3, or $4 at the door. Additional information
about the show and Asheville's Bele Chere festival will be mailed to all
who pre-register in advance. Door prize winners will also be selected from
registered guests. Advance registration checks should made out to
"COMPUTER STUDIO" and mailed to:
Computer STudio
Westgate Shopping Center
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
For additional information, please contact either:
Sheldon Winick Cliff Allen, Show Coord.
GEnie: S.WINICK GEnie: C.ALLEN17
Computer STudio Internet: CALLEN@UNCA.EDU
Westgate Shopping Center phone: (704) 258-3758
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
(704) 251-0201
___________________________________________________________________
> NVN WANTS YOU! STR InfoFile Another Network Supports Atari!
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NVN now offers Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). For a $2 per month
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contact Client Services for this new feature!
For more information about either of these plans..
Please, give us a call at;
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You can join NVN one of two ways...
By voice phone 1-800-336-9096 (Client Services)
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2. NEW (MODIFIED) REFERRAL PROGRAM LETS YOU EARN $10 USAGE CREDITS!
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Substance Abuse Forum...
5. VETERANS: Please report to the Military Forum
<GO MILITARY> for C&D. 6. Step out into the Great
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7. We've got just the cure for your medical
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8. The Diabetes & Hypoglycemia Support Forum is now online...
9. SOUND OFF!!! Take our Game Survey...
10. Let's talk about Coins.....
11. Tune in to TV TRIVIA in the Television Forum on May 26th at 10 pm ET...
12. *LIVE* help for new NVN users...Join us in <GO CHAT> Thursday night!
13. Calling all DISNEYphiles! Join the gang..............<GO AMERICA>.
_______________________________________________________________
> WILDCAT! BBS STR FOCUS! "RIP is the emerging graphical standard"
"""""""""""""""""""""""
MUSTANG SOFTWARE INTRODUCES RIP-BASED WILDCAT! BBS
QmodemPro COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE
RIP-Based Duo is Industry's First
BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 15, 1993 -- Mustang Software, Inc. (MSI),
the industry's only supplier of both BBS and communications software, has
introduced new versions of its WILDCAT! BBS (v3.9) and QmodemPro
communications software (v1.5) that support the new Remote Imaging Protocol
(RIP) graphical interface.
The new software packages are the first in the industry to integrate
RIP for both the host and terminal user.
RIP is the emerging graphical standard for the bulletin board system
(BBS) industry and introduces new graphics performance levels for both
sysops and users. The RIP-equipped WILDCAT! v3.9 can send full-screen
graphics to callers' and lets mouse users select BBS commands by clicking
on selection buttons or screen prompts -- very much like popular online
services such as Prodigy and America Online. WILDCAT! 3.9 still retains
full support for standard text and ANSI.
In order for a caller to access the WILDCAT! v3.9's RIP graphics, the
caller needs to use RIP-equipped Communications software such as QmodemPro
v1.5. Like its WILDCAT! counterpart, QmodemPro v1.5 allows callers to view
full-screen graphics and use a mouse when connected to a RIP-ready BBS.
RIP also lets the QmodemPro caller select BBS commands by clicking on
graphic selection buttons or screen prompts.
"Adding RIP support to QmodemPro makes this new graphics level
available to the millions of WILDCAT! users," said Jim Harrer, MSI
President and CEO. "Our goal is to make QmodemPro the tool of choice for
connections to mail systems, whether it is a BBS, CompuServe, MCI or other
online services."
New WILDCAT! FAX-Send Module Gives Sysops Custom Control
In addition to its RIP interface, WILDCAT! v3.9 now has a FAX-send
module included with the wcPRO utility package. The FAX module allows
WILDCAT! Sysops with fax modems to make text and graphics .PCX files
available to callers via the FAX. Callers can select FAX documents while
online and have them sent to their FAX machine or to another number.
Because accessing the FAX module is security-defined, the sysop has total
control over the FAX access feature. The sysop has the customizing option
of making packages of FAX documents available to different groups of
callers.
Information on the FAX cover page is entered by the caller and the
document(s) is prepared for sending by the FAX module. The caller then has
a choice of having the requested FAXes sent after hanging up or sent
immediately over another communications port or PC on a network.
Addition WILDCAT! v3.9 features include:
1. A "gentle reminder" notification to the caller if BBS log-off is
attempted before downloading all files that have been marked for
download.
2. Automatic detection of a remote caller's emulation (ANSI, RIPscrip
or Doorway) -- allowing callers to dial in over different terminal
packages with WILDCAT! deciding "on the fly" which emulation is best.
3. Increased selections of No-color, ANSI-color, RIP or Auto-detect
from the [Y]our settings menu. If Autodetect is selected, the user
gets the screen type that WILDCAT! detects at log-in.
QmodemPro v1.5 Continues Adding Features
In addition to its RIP-ready interface, QmodemPro v1.5 has added modem
pool support for the NCSI/ACS network interface; the Articom interface from
LANtastic; and Rockwell's RPI modem chip interface, adding v.42bis and MNP5
support for 2400 baud modems using the Rockwell chip.
"These new features, led by RIP, continue the growing sophistication
of communications software and mark another step in the ongoing maturation
process of BBS and communications software," Harrer said. "We expect broad
market acceptance plus a new level of corporate communications users."
WILDCAT! v3.9 is available immediately to any WILDCAT! v3.x user for
$20 plus shipping and handling. Standalone retail pricing begins at $129
for a single-line version.
QmodemPro v1.5 is available immediately at no charge for registered
QmodemPro 1.0 users and $35 for Qmodem-registered users. For first-time
users, the retail price is $99 plus shipping and handling.
Mustang Software, Inc. (MSI) is the leading single-source supplier of
bulletin board system (BBS) software and related communications software,
with more than 22,000 registered users of its WILDCAT! BBS software and
80,000 registered users of its Qmodem/QmodemPro communications software.
MSI, formed in 1986, is headquartered in Bakersfield, Calif.
Editor Note:
------------
QmodemPro is the only Commercial Terminal Package at this time to support
RIPscrip. MSI is providing a free QmodemPro v1.5 update to existing
QmodemPro customers via a patch which can be downloaded from MSI's BBS or
from any support forums on CompuServe, GEnie or America Online. QmodemPro
customers can also order a new QmodemPro disk pack which has the upgrade on
diskette media for $20.00 plus shipping.
RIPscrip is a trademark of Telegraphic Corporation, Huntington Beach, CA
they may be reached by dialing (714) 379-2131.
Jim Harrer Bill Pritchard, Senior AE/PR
President/CEO Robert J. Fisher, AS/PR
Mustang Software, Inc. Fisher Business Communications
Tel: 805/395-0223 Tel: 714/852-1313
Fax: 805/395-0713 Fax: 714/852-8432
BBS: 805/395-0650 BBS: 714/852-9660
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
GEnie costs only $4.95 a month for unlimited evening and weekend access to
more than 100 services including electronic mail, online encyclopedia,
shopping, news, entertainment, single-player games, and bulletin boards on
leisure and professional subjects. With many other services, including the
biggest collection of files to download and the best online games, for only
$6 per hour.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month of membership if
you are not completely satisfied, just ask for your $4.95 back.
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
Friday Night Special Edition Real Time Conference
June 4, 1993
Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie
Host - Lou Rocha
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Welcome to the June installement of Dateline Atari! with Bob
Brodie, Director of Communications for Atari Corp. We are indeed privileged
and appreciative to have Bob participate in this exclusive monthly
conference with Atari users here on GEnie. As June flowers begin to
blossom, Atari users are posting news of Falcon purchases. In the Bulletin
Board there are daily messages from ecstatic new owners. New Falcon topics
are opening as software notes are shared and compared. There is a very
definite upbeat mood in the Atari ST RoundTable now that the Falcons have
arrived in large numbers. If that were not enough, we have heard that the
65 meg hard drives have been upgraded to 80 meg units at NO EXTRA COST! I
guess that is the reward for being patient :-) Tonight, Bob has returned to
bring us the latest news on Falcon availability. He will also give GEnie
users the first official announcements about Atari's newest product.
Bob.... the curtain is rising.
<BOB-BRODIE> Welcome to the June '93 edition of Dateline Atari! Settle
back into your chair for a few minutes. Make sure you have your capture
buffer turned on, or be sure to go to the library tomorrow morning to d/l
the transcript from tonight's session; I've got lots of info to share with
you tonight!
First, I'm pleased to announce that shipments of Falcon030s are continuing
with units for dealers to sell at this point. We presently have over 140
(yes, that is One Hundred Forty) dealers on board, in over 40 states. This
is much better than where we were a year ago. We're very pleased that our
decision to go with the new dealer agreement has brought us leverage to
bring on new dealers! In fact, earlier today I got a call from one of our
"holdout", older dealers that hadn't signed the agreement yet. He's having
a change of heart, and I'm looking forward to him carrying Falcon030s. This
is a very good sign!!!
Also, we're pleased that we've brought on board another of our longtime
partners, Pacific Software Supply, to be a distributor for the Atari
Falcon030. We will be working very closely with them to ensure that the
dealers that they sign up meet all of the criteria that we have established
for Atari dealers. All of the dealers that Pacific Software brings on board
will be signing the same dealer agreements as the dealers that we deal
directly with.
Of course, this means that Pacific is now also carrying a host of
accessories for the Atari Falcon030 as well, like the sometimes elusive
SCSI-II cables, a host of Falcon software, VGA monitors, and lots of other
goodies for our dealers. In short, the dealers are getting another terrific
resource to work with!!
Some of you may recall that I indicated in the last Dateline Atari! we were
still a ways off from being able to ship SpeedoGDOS and MultiTOS to
existing Atari owners. Both of these products are shipping with Falcon030s.
Today we received the diskettes back from the duplicators, and the manuals
arrived a couple of days ago, so we're actually ahead of schedule at this
point! We have begun assembling the packages so our customers will be able
to purchase MultiTOS and SpeedoGDOS along with 14 BitStream fonts within a
couple of weeks!!!
The manuals for Atari Works have still not arrived, which means that we are
still ON SCHEDULE <grin> for that product. Works should be in stock in
approximately fourteen more days. The retail price for the products to
current users has been slightly adjusted, and is now as follows:
SpeedoGDOS - $64.95
MultiTOS- $59.95
Atari Works- $118.95
We have also done an incremental upgrade to the Atari Falcon030 in our
on-going efforts to provide our users with the best units we possibly can.
We have upgraded the Atari Falcon030 from a 65 meg internal hard disk drive
to an 80 megabyte hard disk drive. We were able to secure the new
mechanisms at the very same price as the 65s, so there will be no increase
in price to our customers!
Currently, Atari Falcon030s are shipping with the following programs on the
drives:
MultiTOS
SpeedoGDOS
Landmines
Breakout
CalAppt
ProCalc
Talking Clock
They are also *supposed* to have on them Atari Works, System Audio Manager,
Audio Fun Machine, and FalconD2D. A small number of machines got out the
door without these programs installed on the drives. We will be shipping a
mail-in card to the dealers that got these machines a card for their
customers to mail into Atari so you will receive these products via mail.
We apologize for the mistake.
We are now in anticipation of another shipment of Falcons in about two
weeks. Included in this shipment is going to be a number of units that will
not have hard drives built in, specifically the Falcon030 with one meg of
RAM and no hard disk, and with four megs of RAM and no hard disk. These
units WILL NOT come with SpeedoGDOS, Atari Works, or FalconD2D. They will
have everything else, including the hard disk utilities in case you have
your own SCSI hard disk. We will be selling at a later date a hard drive
upgrade kit, which will ship with Atari Works, SpeedoGDOS, FalconD2D,
MultiTOS, etc. on the hard drive.
Regarding applications for the Atari Falcon030, Bill Rehbock has passed on
to me some information concerning products and availability. Please
understand that I am not professing literacy in all (or for that matter,
any) of these products. I am simply passing on some interesting information
to our users. I hope that this will prove encouraging, and help demonstrate
that the interest for Atari Computers is continuing to grow. In several
cases, these applications will not only run on the Falcon030, but other
Atari computers as well. Where I have commented about who will be carrying
the product in North America, this is based on the best information I have
at this time, and is subject to change.
Notator Logic, a music applications, by E-Magic Cubase Audio, a music
application, by Steinberg
Inshape, a rendering application by Roald Christesen, carried by Oregon
Research
TruePicture, a retouching application, by HiSoft, carried by
Oregon Research
Harlekin3, a utility, by HiSoft, carried by Oregon Research
OverGenlock, video software by Overscan, carried by COMPO
Screenblaster, graphic expansion by Overscan, carried by COMPO
Overlay, a video application by Overscan, carried by COMPO
DA's Vector, a graphics application by Digital Arts, carried by Pacific
Software
Convector 2, an auto vectorization application from SHIFT, carried
by Gribnif
Zoom, an icon editor from SHIFT, carried by Gribnif
MusiCOM, a music application from COMPO
MusiCOM 2, a music application from COMPO
Digitape, a music application from Trade iT, carried by Codehead
Falcon Speed, a PC board, from COMPO
TruePaint, a graphics application from HiSoft, carried by Oregon Research
Pure C, a programming language from Pure GmbH, carried by Gribnif
Pure Pascal, a programming language from Pure GmbH, carried by Gribnif
Studio Photo, a retouching application from Eurosoft, carried by COMPO
Chagall, a graphics application from Trade iT, carried by Codehead
GT-Look II, scanner software, carried by Pacific Software
Interface, a programming tool, from SHIFT GmbH, carried by Gribnif.
As you can see, there really is a lot going on!!!
In addition to all of that, we've been busy on the game side of things as
well! We're ready to release three more titles for the Lynx: Gordo 106,
Lemmings, and Jimmy Connors Tennis. I've seen eproms of these titles, and
expect to have news on production in the near future.
Also on the game side of things, as CES is going on in Chicago even as we
speak, we've announced the Jaguar, our oft discussed new game machine. For
those of you who haven't had a chance to hear about the Jaguar, here is our
press release:
Atari Corp., the founder of the video game industry and the creative force
behind some of the world's best-known titles, has announced the launch of a
revolutionary new multi-media entertainment system, the Atari Jaguar. The
launch will be supported by aggressive advertising, promotion and marketing
efforts to be centered in the New York market in the fall, with a national
roll-out of the product within one year.
The Atari Jaguar, housed in a futuristic casing, is an interactive
multi-media system based on an Atari-designed proprietary 64-bit RISC
processor. The 64-bit system is four times the technology currently seen in
the market today. The Atari Jaguar features over 16 million colors in
24-bit true-color graphics and produces shaded 3-D polygons to be
manipulated in a "real" world in real time. The Atari Jaguar also has
real-time texture mapping and creates spectacular video effects.
The sound system is based on Atari's proprietary, high-speed, Digital
Signal Processor dedicated to audio. The audio is 16-bit stereo CD quality
and processes simultaneous sources of audio data, allowing for very
realistic sounds, as well as human voices, which are essential for future
multi-media applications.
The Atari Jaguar is truly expandable and will include a 32-bit expansion
port which allows for future connection into cable and telephone networks,
as well as a digital signal processing port for modem use and connection to
digital audio peripherals such as DAT players.
The unit will also have a compact disc peripheral, which will be
double-speed and will play regular CD audio, CD + G (Karaoke) and Kodak's
new Photo-CD(R). Currently, there are multiple software titles in
development, which will be available on MegaCart(TM). Atari, known for
such groundbreaking 3-D titles as "Battlezone 2000(R)" and "Tempest
2000(R)," will issue spectacular new versions for the Atari Jaguar. New 3-D
game titles will include "Cybermorph(R)," "Alien vs. Predator(R)," "Jaguar
Formula One Racing(TM)" and many more. Atari will license third-party
publishers to join the Jaguar family.
"The Atari Jaguar system will revolutionize the state of home entertainment
as we see it today," said Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "The idea of a
64-bit system is earth shattering and kids and adults will be amazed at
both the imagery and manipulative capabilities. And we are proud that our
entry into the multi-media entertainment category will be fully made in
America."
The Atari Jaguar will retail for approximately $200 and will be available
nationwide next year. The Atari Jaguar packaged unit will include one
software experience and a Power Pad(R) Controller with a ten-key pad and
other special features.
We did not show the Jaguar on the floor of CES. We have a videotape
demonstrating the units capabilities that we are showing to developers and
key retailers. We have been shipping Jaguar developer units for awhile
now, and are very excited at the reception of our new unit.
Rather than invest in an incredibly expensive rollout at CES, we've opted
for a "special event" kind of rollout. We will conduct our event at a date
to be announced in the fall.
We are extremely excited about this project!!!! It has been much awaited by
all of us in Sunnyvale, and we forsee it as a product that will recapture
the attention of consumers throughout the world!! I've been pleased that
already, in less than 24 hours after the press release has hit, a number of
publications (even the foreign ones!) are calling in, and looking for as
much information as possible. For the most part, we're sticking with the
press release at this time. We will release specification sheets at a later
time.
One thing that I know the Tramiels are particulary excited about with this
product, is that it will be an American prodcut, manufactured in America! I
hope that all of you share our enthusiasm for that!!!
With that, I'm ready to field any questions that our members might have
tonight, Lou. Let's talk Atari!!!
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Thanks Bob. It does sound like more good news! Here
come the hands.......:-) Our first guest in Charlie Townsley.
<[Sexy] ARCHIVIST> Hi again Bob, thanks for being here. A little
question about the pricing of the new programs from Atari: You
quoted Atari Works as having a price of $118.95, does this include
SpeedoGDOS as was suggested earlier? Or is Speedo extra at at the
price of $64.95?
<BOB-BRODIE> Speedo is included with Works for the users that
purchase it...as a separate product, Charlie. They will also
get the fonts.
<[Just Folks] ARCHIVIST> Ah, OK I just wondered at the price jump.
that's all.
<BOB-BRODIE> I think it's actually lower, Charlie. We were going
to charge for Works $129
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Thanks Charlie. Next is Bruce Welsch of the KC
Fest.
<[Bruce] B.WELSCH> Hi Bob, Great news about the Falcon. Will the
manuals ship with the computers? And can we get a copy of the
Jaguar Video to show at the show? And where can we get the Kodak
CD drivers?
<BOB-BRODIE> Bruce, as I indicated in my opening remarks, there
were a few units that went out the door without the products,
and the manual. The manuals for System Audio Manager, Works, Audio
Fun Machine, FalconD2D are coming. We will be providing those
via mail for the customers that already have them. Re the video,
no...I'm sorry. That is not available at this time. Re the Kodak
Photo CD stuff, please send email to B.REHBOCK, he will be happy
to fill you in on the drivers.
<Y.SIU> What will be the RRP for the Jaguar? And what price should
the games be retailing at for the Jaguar?
<BOB-BRODIE> RRP, you mean MSRP??
<Y.SIU> Sorry....Retail Price I meant.....:-)
<BOB-BRODIE> Under $200. And no pricing on the games at this point
in time.
<Y.SIU> And more importantly, Atari appears to have lost many of
its professional base in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. What
will Atari do to regain those losses?
<BOB-BRODIE> Yat, the professional users that you are referring to
are by and large DTP people. We expect to be able to reclaim those
people as more of the apps start to take advantage of the things
in the Falcon030 like the DSP chip. On the other hand, your
question seems to imply that we have lost ALL of the
professionals, which is simply not true. We are GROWING a new,
higher level, professional audio/sound/ music class of users that
recognize the Falcon030 as a world class sound system!!! These
users will continue to give credibility to the Atari line of
computers.
<[Brad] B.SUSLOVIC> Bob, just wanted to say that I had no idea of
the broad nature of the Jaguar. WOW. How does one develop software
for the Jaguar? What immense potential!!! go team
<BOB-BRODIE> Brad, our developer support group here in Sunnyvale
for the Jaguar is headed up by John Skrutch. Please feel free to
write him, or contact him via Bill Rehbock here on GEnie and tell
them that you are interested in becoming a registered developer
for the Jaguar, and we'll be happy to pass along the necessary
info to you. We appreciate your interest in developing for the
Jaguar.
<[Dave Munsie] D.MUNSIE> Thank you! Good Evening Mr. Brodie..I
have two questions... First..Does Atari plan on having any
regional reps to handle dealer sales regarding the Falcon?
<BOB-BRODIE> Yes, Dave, we have a team of over 16 regional reps in
place now.
<[Dave Munsie] D.MUNSIE> OK, there are two two dealers in the
Dallas/FT worth area....with over 2000 users in this area we are
waiting for the Falcon to show up...any word on Megabyte and
Computer Discoveries? thanks..
<BOB-BRODIE> David, I really don't care to discuss each dealer's
status in public, as I think that it is unprofessional as a
rule...but I will in this case say that we just got the app from
Megabytes a couple of days ago, and we're still waiting for the
rest of the package to come back from Computer Discoveries. So,
with that in mind, I'd also like to point out there are two
dealers already selling the Falcon in the Dallas Metroplex area,
they are both Guitar Center locations. One is in Arlington, and
one is in Dallas proper. Would you like the address and phone
numbers so you can contact them to purchase one?
<[Dave Munsie] D.MUNSIE> Maybe you could post it so I can pass it
on to the others here? Thanks.
<BOB-BRODIE> Send email, Dave.
<[James] J.FRENCH2> Is the Falcon a transitional machine?? Jaguar
seems to have more advanced technology thaty would fit nicely in a
full blown computer.
<BOB-BRODIE> No, the Falcon is not a transitional machine. They
are 100% different animals. The Jaguar doesn't have many of the
Falcon hardware "computer things", like SCSI, floppies, a monitor
port, etc. The Jaguar will have many other features that are more
focused toward entertainment and multimedia. But the Falcon is a
versatile computer.
<[James] J.FRENCH2> Can you tell us about the video hardware by
Compo?
<BOB-BRODIE> The hardware is really by Overscan, not Compo. Compo
is going to be carrying it here in the US for Overscan. It will
allow greater screen rez, like 800x600x256. It's shipping now in
Germany to good reviews. I don't have pricing at this time, and
suggest that you email COMPO, or bring it up in one of their
topics here in the ST RT.
<[Jeff] J.WHITE99> Naturally, most of my questions center on
availability. Will the forthcoming shipment of F030s be of a size
similar to the last? When is peak production anticipated? Did you
mention D2D Systems in your application-compatible list?
It is naturally reassuring that there is going to be some sort of
effort by corporate to promote some of their products. Seeing that
the Jaguar is only a consumer product and the Falcon really has a
lot of direction to that market as well, what's the possibility of
directing some of those efforts towards the birds as well as the
cats.
<BOB-BRODIE> Jeff, we never comment publically on the size of the
shipments. If you look at the marketplace as a whole right now,
(computer hardware that is) there are a number of well known
manufacturers that are being very cautious about their productions
capacities. Certainly, that is in repsonse to the still poor
economy, where growth in the retail end is still quite small
overall. We have seen at Atari, a number of our "traditional"
marketing partners disappear over the last few years, like the
Highland Stores in the midwest, which were once gigantic, and are
now closed. So we will earmark production as the economy continues
to slowly rebound.
Re the sharing of the technology... I think that there is no
question that there are things that can be used in future products
(note the DSP stuff in the Jag) and we will apply those across all
of our products. But the Falcon is a much different product than
the Jaguar, make no mistake about it. I hope I answered all of
your question, Jeff. All the /sends coming in made it pretty hard
to read. Give me a call next week...we'll talk.
<E.NIKOLAISE2> Bob I was just wondering if you have contacted
Sculptured Software about becoming a Jaguar Developer. Also, can
you tell us what video output the Jag. will have? SVHS
<BOB-BRODIE> Erik, we'll release the spec sheet at a later time,
not tonight. And I'm not at liberty to say who are developers for
the Jaguar are at this point in time, sorry.
<[ken] K.BURKENHEIM> I have one of the new Falcons with the 80
meg hd. I also am waiting for the software. I LOVE the machine and
am typing to you on it in High REz and In color.
<BOB-BRODIE> Ken, that's great to hear, I'm glad you're so pleased
with your Atari Falcon030!!! We will do our best to get you the
software as quickly as we possibly can. We got another rev of SAM
today and I'm told that it is solid, as well as D2D. So, it should
be working on the F030! Just a question of getting the manuals
done now that the software is *FINALLY* solid.
<[Brian G.] B.GOCKLEY> Hi Bob, Two Questions: Glad to hear you're
on schedule with Falcon shipments. Will there be any for sale at
the CT show next week? We have three dealers attending who have
signed their ADAs, but don't _yet_ have any product to sell. We're
looking forward to our best show ever, June 12-13 in Hartford,
sorry you can't join us this year.
<BOB-BRODIE> Yes, the dealers that we have authorized to sell
Falcons at the CT Atarifest are The Computer Zone of North
Attleboro, Mass and East Hartford Computer Repair. Both of them
should have Falcons at the show.
<[Brian G.] B.GOCKLEY> Thanks, Re: the Jaguar, what about a bundle
of some old favorites like Asteroids, Space Invaders, Frogger for
those users who cut their teeth on Ataris. (That's from Angela!)
<BOB-BRODIE> Brian, those are great ideas.
<C.CASSADAY> Bob, how does one go about getting apps
like Talking Clock, ProCalc, CalAppt, Landmine, and Breakout? I'm
not going to purchase a Falcon030, but I will purchase MTOS as
soon as it becomes available. Are some of these programs included
with MTOS?
<BOB-BRODIE> Chris, no those programs are not included with
MultiTOS. MultiTOS and SpeedoGDOS both come with a text file
telling every user how to sign up for GEnie, that I personally
wrote! :) Re the other programs, I don't know what to tell you
right now. CalAppt is a comprehensive program, and requires (at
least I required) a manual in order to use it. The games....I
don't know what to tell you yet about that. I'll see what can be
done. They are written to take express advantage of the Falcon,
but will work on other machines as well. My wife is cutting into
my computer time at home on the TT so she can play Breakout. :)
<[Stevan] B.STEVAN> Bob, From a dealers perspective will we get
some sort of an upgrade from the 65MB HD to the 80MB as well as
the other programs that were not shipped with the dealers units?
Also with regard to service parts we have been unable to get just
about anything since Atari Canada closed up...what is the
situation with that. Also is Canada going to be getting any of
those reps you were mentioning?
<BOB-BRODIE> Stevan, No...there will be no upgrade from the 65 meg
units. It was intended to be an incremental upgrade. Frankly, we
were very surprised that it happened this fast. We thought that it
would be longer before we got the newer drives. Sorry. Re the
programs, I indicated in my opening remarks that there were a
limited number of machines that went out the door without the
programs that were supposed to be installed on them, and we
apologize for the mistake. We will be sending the affected
dealer(s) post cards for them to provide to their customers so
that the can get the programs mailed to them once the manuals are
ready. Re the Canadians, we have signed on a rep for the music
side, and I'm attempting to bring on one for the Computer side as
well. We'll see how it goes. I know that parts are a problem right
now and we're trying to correct it. Right now, fax Shirley Taylor
with your orders at 408-745-2088 and she will do the best that she
can to help you with your parts needs. Also, don't forget that
there are other suppliers than Atari, like BEST Electronics in San
Jose, that stock just about anything and everything for Atari
products.
<[Yat] Y.SIU> Concerning the Central European market...there was
much criticism about the fact that thre was no Falcon coming in a
TT-like design, with a VME bus and/or '040? How are the plans for
such a future computer...and if not an 040...what about the
16Mhz....MTOS is still too slow in my opinion to run on a
Falcon030....
<BOB-BRODIE> Yat, I remind you of what I told you last month. I do
not work for Atari Corporate, or the Europeans. I work for Atari
US which also has Canadian responsibilities. Not Europe. I really
am not in a position to comment on what the plans are for
specifically for our European markets. I suggest that you take
those issues up with Bob Gleadow, the GM of Atari UK. I will be
happy...IN EMAIL, to provide you his contact info.
<[Yat] Y.SIU> Sorry...my question was not meant to focus on
Europe, but on the future of maybe some probable Falcons..i.e.
Atari Products... Thanks for your answer....
<[pat] P.FORISTER> Bob, when using a Falcon030 without MTOS loaded
will I still get the 3D gadgets?
<BOB-BRODIE> No, Pat. The 3D gadgets are a result of loading a
new version of the AES specifically designed for MultiTOS.
<[Rob] R.ANISKO> Bob, - are there any plans to release any special
filesystems for MultiTOS in the near future? I've heard good
things about the Minix filesystem, for instance (in terms of
speed, and breaking the 8.3 filename limit), and would be
interested in seeing MultiTOS take advantage of such things. It
would be nice to simply add a filesystem, and then pop in *any*
disk format (like an Am*ga or M*cintosh formatted disk) and go
from there.
<BOB-BRODIE> Yes, Rob...I have spoken with Eric Smith, and there
is some new things in the works for the file system, espcecially
the extensions to the MINT file system.
<[Rob] R.ANISKO> One other question - what would be your thoughts
on maybe bundling some shareware titles on the Falcon's harddisk
(like Gemview, ConNect, etc) that should already be suited to take
advantage of the Falcon's capabilities?
I'm not sure of the legal stuff, but it would be nice for those
folks without modems to get a look at some of these programs
(actually, bundling a modem wouldn't be a bad idea either |-)
<BOB-BRODIE> I doubt if we'll bundle modems, Rob....not until we
have our own DSP modem available. Most of the time, I think
including shareware diskettes are a good tool for a dealer to use
to make the customer feel that he is getting a enhanced value for
his purchase. I got a ton of free software back when I bought my
original 1040, and really felt good about my purchase.
<SAM-RAPP> Hey Bob! What were the factors that lead to the
decision to market the Jaguar in the New York Area as opposed to a
nationwide roll out? Also, please elaborate on the Lynx situation.
What happened to the new games? (2 a month!) What about the RPG's
in specific? I can buy ST stuff easier than Lynx around here!
<BOB-BRODIE> One of the major factors in the roll out in NY is
that it is a densely populated area, with terrific media exposure
that makes it easy to both sell and promote a product greatly,
rather than doing a big rollout all over the US. Re the two games
a month, right now it's been more like two games a quarter. I
suspect that part of the reason for that is the emphasis has been
to get the Jaguar ready, and we've made some sacrifices in order
to ensure that that happened.
<SAM-RAPP> One more question... any pricing/availability on the
16(14) meg boards for Falcon? GA. (and thanks!)
<BOB-BRODIE> I should know that, but I don't. I know that we have
a limited amount of them in stock right now, but I'm also told
that Zubair is producing a 14 meg board, too. So you might want to
check with them, and see what they're doing.
<[Connor] CAN-ASST> Hi Bob! Part of one of my questions was
already answered, but I called Atari a week or so ago to find out
about Canadian dealers for pricing info and was told that there
were only 2 authorized Falcon dealers in Canada...
<BOB-BRODIE> Whoever told you that was mistaken.
<[Connor] CAN-ASST> I called the one in Toronto and they weren't
sure of the pricing.
<BOB-BRODIE> The pricing is posted in the BB here in the ST RT.
<[Connor] CAN-ASST> Thanks, Bob.
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Connor, I believe Bob is saying that only US
pricing is posted because of the fluctuating exchange rate. :-)
<BOB-BRODIE> Actually, I can post it again right now if you would
like.
<[Connor] CAN-ASST> Ok, that would be great Bob. Thanks.
<BOB-BRODIE> OK, Connor. The prices for the Atari Falcon030 follow. These
are in US dollars, due to the fluctuations in the exchange rate that are
presently happening. All prices are MSRP, GST and Duty are additional:
Falcon030 1/0 814.98
Falcon030 4/0 1018.98
Falcon030/4/65 1324.98
Falcon030/14/80 1936.98
The price on the 4/65 is really for a 4/80, sorry. Old habits. :)
<[Jeff] J.WHITE99> Trying not to incur wrath and still be pointed
is difficult. Marketing... Any retailer of any product will tell
you it is easier for them to support a product people are asking
for. Why not advertise F030s as aggressively as Jaguars? ;-) You
had mentioned the 'futuristic' aggressive advertising for the
Jaguar.
<BOB-BRODIE> Tell me about the Jaguar commercials you've seen, Jeff? :)
It's like this...we recognize that we need to do more things to market the
product. The problem is to do it a cost effective way that is going to make
sense, and not burn up hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process. In
looking at the most recent issue of Computer Reseller News, I see that for
the top ten computer mfgs of desktop computer systems last year, there are
only TWO that I recognize as doing any TV advertising for at all. In fact,
a couple of them are people that I don't remember ever seeing any
advertisement for at all, anywhere!!! So, on the one hand, building a
demand for the product is a big item, but clearly, there are a number of
different ways to go about it. Dealers always want to see you spending
big, so they don't have to spend. On the other hand, being from the Bay
Area, you've seen how effective a good partner in promotion can be used
like Fry's Electronics. Virtually NO TV, but major print and radio ads. And
their stores are full...I know, I shop there, too. So, we'll be looking for
the Falcon at doing some cost effective things in conjuction with quality
partners, both retail and developers. We want to resume doing things like
the campaign we did with FOSTEX, Dr. T's, Steinberg, and C-Lab once before
where we shared the cost of the promotion between all of us. It was great!
And we also need other things, too, like POP materials. They will come,
Jeff. Promise. <whew>
<[Lou] ST.LOU> I want to thank Bob for bringing so much information to us
tonight in the longest Dateline Atari! session so far. Given the numbers
who attended, I am sure you realize how important these sessions are to
Atari users. Thanks. I would like to thank all of you for attending
tonight. It was great for me to see so many new and old names! Any closing
comments, Bob?
<BOB-BRODIE> Thanks, Lou. Another great job tonight in moderating such an
excitable group. Well done, and thanks to all for attending.
=========================================================================
(C) 1993 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May be
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