Rush #01: Informatorium: Spectrum and Emulator Insights

Recently, a curious infiltrator sneaked into the colorful rows of CD's on the PC shelves - a disk with emulators of various platforms. Rumors about it have already spread across the scene, and I deliberately began hunting for it...

So, what turned out to be on this mysterious disk? - Emulators for SPECTRUM, AMIGA, MAC, COMMODORE-64, YAMAHA MSX, and others. At the same time, the abundance of data specifically for SPECCY immediately catches the eye. The overwhelming majority of the information is archived (ZIP, RAR, ARJ), sorted more or less into directories. PC versions of archivers are also included.

If I'm not mistaken, the disk was formed from information taken from the INTERNET, while the creators cared little about the systematization and selection of data. After reading the information on the insert, I was almost speechless... No wonder - about 100,000 programs and 40 emulators for SPECTRUM, over 300 programs for AMIGA, and much more. In fact, it turned out to be nothing more than ordinary PC brainwashing.

Counting the approximate number of files, I found out that for SPECCY, the disk contains:
- 15-20 emulators (MS_DOS, WINDOWS),
- about 500 demos (many of which are little-known programs from abroad),
- about 5500 games, with many duplicates,
- about 1500 programs from magazines and newspapers, to debuggers and compressors.

It's a pity that all these programs are not sorted logically and sensibly, as it is not easy to make sense of the existing mess and variety of programs, emulators, and their formats. The disk also contains various file converters, graphics, and more.

For AMIGA, about 45 programs and the "UAE" emulator are included. Naturally, the disk reads perfectly on AMIGA, so it is easy to convert this software back. The data storage format is a regular disk image, and it's enough to throw them onto floppy disks. Despite the lies and freebies, the disk undoubtedly deserves considerable attention. I would recommend it to all Spectrum enthusiasts, Amiga fans, and especially to PC users. I think everyone will find many interesting programs on it. It is generally pleasing to think that much of what has been created on the scene is immortalized forever, as CDs are practically eternal information carriers. Works from many leading scene teams and many outstanding programs, particularly demos (although far from all), made it here. Personally, I was pleased to see, albeit a bit shabby, still our most serious program at the moment - "HALLUCINATIONS IN OPERA". :-)

I think it's worth spending a few dollars to become the owner of such an extensive collection of programs on one disk. Most likely, similar disks are sold not only in Ukraine but also in other CIS countries, and finding it will not be difficult.

We learned about another fascinating collection of Spectrum software from the electronic magazine "DejaVu #07". The guys from Binary Dimension decided to immortalize all the programs they have for Speccy and approached this very seriously, like true Spectrum enthusiasts.

We have placed here the full version of the informational article borrowed from "DV#07". We hope the guys from BD won't mind... :-)

And I want to thank them for their hard work and contribution to, at least, preserving ZX-Spectrum achievements.

CD-ROM Project

Di-All is happy to announce that the CD-ROM Project is finally completed in its alpha version! The significantly delayed release of this disk is due to the negligible interest of the Spectrum community in our product, and as we know, enthusiasm is an extremely poor driver. But still, we finished what we started, with the help of Baynov Daniil /Daniel/, who has recently become quite active after seeing that we had practically stopped working on this project. And so, basically, the creation of a compact disk with programs for the Spectrum is complete. It includes:

* Demos - 90 disks (60Mb);
* Games - 200 disks (130Mb);
* Full Disk Game - 40 disks (30Mb);
* Magazines - 160 disks (90Mb);
* Newspapers - 70 disks (45Mb);
* System programs over 500 pieces;
* Collections with FunTop'98, Enlight'97, Art Comp'98, authors, etc. - 86 disks (50Mb);
* Miscellaneous - 50 disks (35Mb);
* IS-DOS - 7 disks in .fdi format;
* Over 200 photos (15Mb);
* 2 videos dedicated to the release of the DEJA VU magazine (60Mb);
* 35 audio fragments from Enlight'96, Enlight'97, FunTop'98 in .mp3 format;
* Emulators, utilities, converters, etc. over 150 programs (partly archived).

ATTENTION! All TRD images are in an open format. You do not need to unpack anything to view any Spectrum program. EVERYTHING is in an open format!

Especially for you, a New Year's offer: You can purchase the CD-ROM not for ten dollars, but for 80 rubles!!!

Payment only by postal transfer! Address for payment:

652401 Kemerovo,
p/o Komissarovo, ul. Svetlaya, 11-1
Naumov Alexander

Contents of the publication: Rush #01

  • AMIGA NEWS
    Amiga Inc works on Amiga OS 3.5 with enhancements like CD drive and PowerPC support. Split development for M68K and PPC processors. Delayed release to late 1999 or early 2000.
  • AMIGA NEWS
    Description of the 'Fast JPEG 1.10' viewer for Amiga, focusing on its features, installation, and usage. It highlights advantages like fast processing without quality loss and provides user tips. Readers are encouraged to share their software experiences.
  • AMIGA NEWS
    Basic programming for classic Amiga, discussing challenges and sharing knowledge in Amiga coding. Overview of Amiga graphics capabilities and processor features. Introduction to Amiga assembly language specifics.
  • AMIGA NEWS
    Overview of events related to the Amiga platform from early to mid-1998. Highlights include new hardware, software releases, and notable company collaborations. Future updates and developments are scheduled for the next issue.
  • AMIGA NEWS
    Collection of cheats and secrets for classic Amiga games compiled by Postcard Man. Readers encouraged to share their findings on complex games. Selection of tips and level codes provided for various games.
  • AMIGA NEWS
    Discussion of Phase-5's graphics cards and Permedia 2 processor capabilities. Details on Permedia 2's 2D/3D acceleration and compatibility. Mention of GLINT Delta processors and comparison of prices and availability.
  • AMIGA NEWS
    Analysis of Amiga's survival in the 90s, highlighting community efforts and technological advancements. Discussion on hardware improvements and software development. Encouragement for further exploration and learning about the Amiga platform.
  • Spectrum Programming
    Explanation of a fast method for real-time 3D graphics on the ZX Spectrum. Introduces efficient rotation and deformation techniques for 3D objects. Emphasizes improvements over traditional methods with practical examples.
  • Spectrum Programming - Ticklish Jim
    Discussion of combining sound effects with music for Spectrum's AY chip. Examples from development of 'CSC: Deja Vu' and technical challenges faced. Contains practical guide and code examples.
  • Spectrum Programming
    Discussion on byte mirroring and background restoration in ZX Spectrum programming, with examples.
  • Spectrum Programming
    Comprehensive guide for system programmers with practical tips for creating efficient and user-friendly software, including coding techniques, device compatibility, and program testing strategies.
  • Spectrum Programming
    Advanced coding techniques and modern graphics methods for ZX Spectrum. Tips for optimizing graphical procedures and coding on assembly. Useful advice for programmers to improve performance and efficiency.
  • The End
    Reflections on the creation of the first issue of the magazine 'Rush', its goals, audience, and future development.
  • ZX-SOFT - Вячеслав Медноногов
    Development updates on Vyacheslav Mednoy's new game 'Black Raven II', including gameplay changes, new spell introductions, and performance improvements.
  • ZX-SOFT
    Overview of new features in the updated commander from REAL software for ZX Spectrum, including file management, autodetection, and media viewing. Improvements in text, font, and music handling. Questions addressed regarding future updates.
  • ZX-SOFT
    Debate on which demo deserved the top spot at Funtop'98: Forever by DR or Refresh by XTM. Discussions in the demoscene community highlight the clash between technical prowess and conceptual depth. Different opinions reflect on the evolution of demoscene preferences.
  • Authors
    Acknowledgment of contributors and partners in creating Rush magazine. Detailed roles of each author and collaboration insights. Recognition of technical support and media partnerships.
  • Virtual Specky
    Discussion on converting graphics from PC to Spectrum, featuring insights from various experts. Techniques for improving conversion quality and tools like Photoshop are detailed. Emphasis on post-conversion refinement in Spectrum graphics editors.
  • Virtual Speccy
    Discussion on the CBSpeccy emulator for ZX-Spectrum on Amiga, highlighting its features, community opinions, and technical performance. Criticisms and praises for its emulation capabilities, particularly compared to PC emulators. Examination of potential improvements and community debates around version updates.
  • Virtual Speccy
    FAQ on ZX-Spectrum emulation on PC, covering popular emulators and file formats. Instructions for using different emulators and managing file types like Hobeta and TR-DOS. Discussion on Russian ZX-oriented servers and resources for enthusiasts.
  • Introduction
    Introduction to the Rush magazine, emphasizing creativity, progressive scene, and the goal to create a superior information source. The magazine seeks to gather promising groups and offer a unique perspective. Focuses on content and atmosphere, welcoming creators to contribute.
  • Introduction - Grunge
    Introduction to Rush, a new scenemag for Speccy/Amiga enthusiasts, aims to provide quality content and news while encouraging reader feedback.
  • Interview - Konex
    Interview with ANTARES group after FUNTOP-98. Discussion on their demos, challenges, and future plans. Insight into the group's formation and dynamics.
  • Interview - Kvazar, DUX
    Interview with Alexander Seleznev (KVAZAR), discussing his history with computers, the state of the ZX Spectrum scene, and future plans.
  • Interview - Kvazar
    Interview with Vitebsk group POWER on demo 'Crazy Love', development experiences, and future projects.
  • Informatorium
    Exploration of a CD with emulators for various platforms, highlighting Spectrum. Details the content organization and diversity. Concludes with insights from the CD-ROM Project's Spectrum software collection.
  • Informacrium
    Compilation of interesting and useful Internet addresses related to Amiga resources, including magazines, hardware manufacturers, and software companies.
  • Informacrium - Viator
    Overview of existing and upcoming publications on the Amiga platform. Discussion of the availability and distribution challenges for Amiga literature. Appeal for collaboration with new publications.
  • About the Magazine
    Discussion on creating a multi-platform magazine focusing on Spectrum, Amiga, and PC. Emphasis on broader understanding of computer scene. Encourage professionalism and adaptation to changing technology.
  • Parallel Worlds
    Overview of the evolution of Windows OS and PC processors from 1981 to 2000. Development milestones of MS-DOS, Windows, Intel processors, and competition with AMD and Cyrix. Challenges in maintaining compatibility with new processor technologies.
  • Parallel Worlds
    Overview of Macintosh models and their relevance in design and graphics fields, covering prices and specifications from 1997-1998. Discussion includes the evolution of Apple's hardware, notably the PowerMac series, and compares new G3 processors with PC counterparts. It highlights the resurgence of Macintosh post-crisis and its ongoing influence in the market.
  • Development of the Spectrum - Slider
    The article discusses a new graphical extension for the ZX Spectrum that enhances color palettes without increasing resource demands. By using a modified flash signal, new colors are created without interfering with existing software compatibility. The article provides implementation details and addresses practical usage concerns.
  • Development of Spectrum
    Connecting a CDOS modem to the 'Compact-128' computer by addressing keyboard port conflicts. Description of hardware modifications to solve the issue. Solution includes automatic blocking using a transistor inverter.
  • Development of Spectrum - Ars
    Discussion on AZX-Monstrum 512K development, its hardware compatibility, processor options, and potential enhancements in graphics and OS.
  • Development of SPECTRUM
    Discussion of Clive Sinclair's new computer platform, the ZX2000, designed to outperform PCs with enhanced speed, affordability, and battery efficiency.
  • Development of Spectrum - Андрей Савичев
    Examination of the evolution and ongoing relevance of the Z80 processor, and its role in embedded systems. Comparison of Z80 with its successors, highlighting advantages like energy efficiency and command enhancements. Overview of integrated Z80-based CPUs and their peripherals.
  • Advertisement
    This article is an advertisement for Scorpion products including hardware for ZX Spectrum and Amiga software, along with pricing and ordering details.
  • Advertising
    Collection of advertisements for Amiga and ZX Spectrum hardware and software, with contact information for sellers and details about the new Amiga magazine subscription.
  • Advertisement
    Advertisement for X-TRADE's General Sound music board. Includes pricing, technical details, and purchase instructions. Features a FAQ section and compatibility info.
  • Meaning Without Meaning - Viator
    Philosophical reflections on existentialism, immortality, and human destiny. The narrative weaves through stories of ambition, the quest for eternal life, and a utopian downfall. A blend of introspection and speculative fiction.
  • Scene vs Professionals
    Exploration of the demoscene's creativity versus commercial game development. Discussion of potential for professional-quality programs by scene members. Call for collaboration with leading scene groups.
  • Scene Chronicle - Андрей Савичев
    Reflections on ZX Spectrum's enduring appeal, its community's resilience, and its potential resurgence in Russia.
  • Scene Chronology
    Overview of the Rush group's activities, including past projects, current endeavors, and future plans, with emphasis on software development and gaming.
  • Scene Chronicles
    The article discusses various ZX Spectrum scene news, including game releases, demoparties, and updates from developers and teams.
  • Chronicles of the Scene
    The article discusses the FUNTOP'98 international computer art festival held in Moscow, highlighting key events, notable attendees, and the various competitions held during the event.
  • Scene Chronia
    Discussion on Amiga scene development through collaboration, addressing user isolation and promoting network expansion.
  • Shell Management
    Статья описывает управление оболочкой для ZX Spectrum и Amiga, включая клавиши и функции для навигации. Упоминаются особенности работы на Amiga с PAL монитором и предоставляется контакт для поддержки. Также отмечено, что текстовые файлы имеют стандартную MS-DOS кодировку.