** PD Review, Graphics/1 page/831 words/ grabs/Christophe Boyanique 
and Denesh Bhabuta ** ** 1Mb ST and above/Shareware **

Bitmap View  v4

Christophe Boyanique and Denesh Bhabuta introduce you to an Image 
Processor from France...

Bitmap View 4 (BV4) is a modular image processor for all Ataris, 
making use of the M&E modules protocol from PARX in France. There are 
benefits of using these external modules rather than building them 
within the program itself. Mainly, common code can be shared between 
various programs resulting in smaller but powerful programs.

M&E is a set of modules for loading, scanning and generating (RIM); 
saving, printing and fax driving (WIM); and processing effects on 
images (IFX). BV4 loads and saves images using these external modules 
and is thus restricted to the formats supported by the modules. 
Luckily support for other formats is constantly being added to the M&E 
modules.

The M&E distribution contains other modules for operations such as 
memory management and picture dithering. PARX.MEM takes care of all 
memory operations letting you allocate or free as many memory blocks 
as you want from within your program. Whats more, this module 
unfragments the memory automatically!

The dithering module, PARX.TRM is probably the most powerful one. It 
lets you use your program on any Atari configuration (resolution, 
number of colours, video card). BV4 can therefore load, dither and 
zoom pictures on any standard or enhanced video card and easily works 
in high resolutions under MagiCMac nd MagiCPC.

BV4 can load and save pictures like other image processors yet it can 
also work on undisplayed pictures. For example, you can convert a JPEG 
picture in 24-bit True Colour to a 16-bit TARGA on a MegaSTe with 
monochrome display. Bulk automatic conversions are also possible. 
Further, BV4 running in monochrome lets you scan pictures in 24-bit 
colour and print them out on a colour printer.

BV4 supports the M&E 'generator' modules for driving scanners and 
digital cameras. You can also use these modules to create fractals and 
textures without a source picture! Slideshow (various options), full 
screen mode, zoom and GDOS printing are all options found within the 
program.

Sporting a slick GEM interface it has numerous configuration options 
allowing you to customise it for the way you work. Iconification, 
colour and 3D interface on every Atari (and not just the Falcon) makes 
for a nice working environment. Even Selectric, the file selctor, is 
supported as you are able to set up path shortcuts from within BV4. 
Precious memory can be made available by unloading unused modules 
which can later be loaded in again when required.

BV4 is constantly being updated. Planned features are support for 
animation and improved management of pictures in memory. Latest 
versions can be obtained from the internet on the author's web page at 
http://www/lenet.fr/raceme or CyberSTrider's web site on 
http://www.cyberstrider.org

If you are in to graphics, give BV4 a test drive today!

*** Boxout start ***
Special Offer: You can register BV4 for only œ10 (UK only. Overseas 
add an extra pound) instead of œ13 for 2 months from the publication 
date of this issue. You may photocopy this section, fill it in and 
send with your payment to: CyberSTrider, PO Box 78, Manchester M21 
8SJ, UK.

As an extra incentive, you will also receive along with your keycode 
(to uncripple picture display) a disk containing the full and latest 
versions of BV4 and PARX modules.

I wish to register my copy for BV4 at the special price of œ10. Here 
are my details:

Name: ______________

Address: __________________________________________________

E-mail: __________________________

*** Boxout end ***


*** Boxout start ***
List of PARX modules as of February 97:

RIM (loading pictures):
APX (Apex blocs); Art (Art Director); BMP (Win/OS22); IMA (Cloe) DS? 
(Dali); P[IC][1-6] (Degas); ESM; FAX; FLI (animation); GEM (Metafile); 
PUT (GFA); GIF; PIC; HTP/CHL (Chili); IFF; IIM (Inshape); IMG/XIMG; 
JPG (DSP); MAC (Mac Paint); MBK (STOS sprite); MIM (Magic picture); 
NEO (Neochrome); PCX (PC Paintbrush); PCD (Kodak Photo CD); DOO 
(Doodle); PNT (Prism Paint/True Image); RGH (ZZ Rough); SCA (Mustek); 
SEF (Studio Photo); SEQ (animation); BIT (Spat scanner); SP[CU] 
(Spectrum) ; PAC (SAD); TGA (Targa); TIFF; Tiny; XGA (TC Falcon)

RIM (texture generators):
Degrade; stone; grass; labyrinth; fractal; plasma; wood.

RIM (scanners):
Mustek PANDAAL hand scanner 64grey levels
CAMERON Handy scaner type 10
CAMERON Handy scaner type 2
PRINT-TECHNIC hand scaner
VIDI 12 video digitiser
VIDI ST vide0 digitiser
MUSTEK PARAGON SCSI 1200DPI 3 passes; fully configurable
MUSTEK PARAGON SCSI 600DPI 3 passes; fully configurable
MUSTEK PARAGON SCSI 600DPI 1 pass; fully configurable
MUSTEK 600IISP SCSI

WIM (saving pictures):
ART (Art Director); P[IC][1-6] (Degas); FAX (200 dpi); FTC (Photo Show Pro);
GEM (Metafile); PUT (GFA); GIF; IFF; IMG/XIMG; MAC (Mac Paint); NEO
(Neochrome); DOO (Doodle); PNT (Prism Paint/True Image); TGA; TIFF; TXT
(Text art); FLC/FLH (Animator); MOV (Apple Quicktime); SEQ (animation)

WIM (colour printers):
BJC4000; BJC70; HP500C; HP550C; Stylus Color

*** Boxout end ***

BVIEW_1.GIF
Bitmap View: The customisable work environment makes it a dream to 
use.

BVIEW_2.GIF
Customising Selectric options from within Bitmap View

BVIEW_3.GIF
Amaze your friends by generating textures for your desktop and web pages