A PC photo lab

Article Abstract:

Astral Development's Picture Publisher 1.1 provides photo enhancement and montage features for TIFF gray-scale images produced on a scanner. 256 levels of gray can manipulated using features such as contrast and tonal range adjustment, retouching and cut and paste. The function works on all or any part of the picture. Halftone dot pattern, angle and line screen frequency cannot be controlled, though the upgrade due Sep 1989 will provide these features and more. Picture Publisher stores large TIFF images in RAM to improve performance, moving them out to hard disk when RAM is full. The program can be used with Pagemaker, Ventura Publisher and other desktop publishers. Images will print directly to PostScript, HP Laserjet or Windows-compatible printers. Learning to edit the images takes time and skill. Little on-screen help is provided, so projects may require a lot of trial and error. Picture Publisher costs $595 and requires an IBM PC/XT or AT with 640Kbytes of RAM and DOS 2.0 or later.

Product information, Image Enhancement, Astral Development Corp., Picture Publisher 1.1 (Image processing software)

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A brighter view through Windows: improve your vision with the latest in mid-sized monitors for IBM PCs and compatibles

Article Abstract:

The introduction of Microsoft Windows 3.0 gives users better graphics capabilities, but also requires high-resolution color monitors. Upgrading a system presupposes owning at least a Super video graphics array (VGA)-level graphics software card, software with video drivers compatible with high-resolution modes and a monitor compatible with graphics cards. A Super VGA card capable of 256-color 800 by 600 resolution and 16-color 1,024 by 768 resolution costs only a few hundred dollars more than a standard VGA card. An 8514/A or compatible card providing 256-color, 1,024 by 768 resolution costs less than $1,000. Mid-sized 16- or 17-inch monitors can cost as little as an additional $200 or $300. While prices may vary, almost all models surveyed in this article come with front-mounted controls and non-glare screens. Screen size, dot pitch, pixel resolution, interlacing and scanning frequency are the major factors to consider.

Usage, Directories, Color, Microsoft Windows (GUI), End users, buyers guide, User Need, Monitors, Graphics System, VGA Standard

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For demanding palettes: Halo DPE and Publisher's Paintbrush - the latest generation of PC paint programs

Article Abstract:

Halo Desktop Publishing Editor (DPE) from Media Cybernetics ($195) and Publisher's Paintbrush from Zsoft is ($285). They represent latest generation of PC paint programs. Professional-quality illustrations can be created using most popular page makeup programs. Both programs assume that a scanner is available; both recommend 2Mbytes of memory. Distinct features include: advanced drawing tools such as horizontal and vertical screen coordinates for precise cursor control; grids for aligning objects; and the ability to rotate in 90-degree increments, scale, and flip large or small images. Shortcomings of Halo DPE include an absence of scroll bars for moving quickly around the screen when doing pixel editing, and limited zoom capabilities; and Halo DPE is not easy to learn. Publisher's Paintbrush is easy to learn, and the program has many added features.

Software, Product/Service Evaluation, Desktop publishing software, DTP Software, Media Cybernetics L.P., ZSoft Corp., Publisher's Paintbrush (Image processing software), HALO DPE 1.20 (Desktop publishing software), GEM Paint (Computer graphics software), PC Paint Plus (Computer graphics software), Windows Paint (Computer graphics software)

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