Mainpage Software Press Newspaper Deja Vu #05 Honor Roll

Deja Vu #05: Honor Roll: Overview of Artcomp'98 Festival

Source - zxpress.ru 
SoundTrack: SUNNY BY SECTOR/SERIOUS'97 (!)
__________________________________________

(C) COMPUTER RATS GROUP
__________________________________________

             ╔══════════════╗
             ║ ARTCOMP 1998 ║
             ╚══════════════╝

                  v.2.1

-----------------------------------------   The international festival of computer art Artcomp'98 will take place simultaneously in several cities of Russia throughout 1998 and will conclude on October 1 of the same year.
   The goal of this festival is to unite all people who are somehow related to the Speccy and Profi computers. It is on the basis of these platforms that the festival will be held.
   The main difference between Artcomp and FunTop and Enlight is its originality. The fact is that Artcomp will be conducted by mail. This circumstance allows participation in the festival for those who, for one reason or another, cannot travel to St. Petersburg or Moscow. In addition, participation in several events at once is allowed. For example, if you want to hang out at FunTop and at the same time participate in another festival, it's simple: you send your works to us, and you go to FunTop, taking the same works with you.
   The festival will be held on the principle of a popular jury. That is, after we (CRG) evaluate the works, they will be evaluated by other representatives of the computer world, trying to show these works to as many people as possible to obtain a more objective assessment. They, in turn, will pass the baton to others, and so on. Ultimately, the works will return to us in Kurgan. We will count all the evaluations, and that's it. Then collections of works will be compiled, and a report on the event will be prepared, after which all of this will be put up for sale (through well-known traders, of course), and the funds collected in this way will be directed to the winners.
   This system allows jury members to participate in the festival as well.

    The composition of the proposed jury is as follows:

 1. COMPUTER RATS GROUP (Kurgan)  
 2. Serzh Soft, Lone Wolf, Fanat, and Rex (Shadrinsk)  
 3. Dio-Gen (Tula)  
 4. Laser Software (Obolensk)  
 5. Binary Dimension (Kemerovo)  
 6. Brown Beret (Artyomovsky)  
 7. Rover Soft (Chelyabinsk)  

   Consent has been obtained so far from Computer Rats, Serzh along with the Shadrinsk team, Playgear Company/BD, Mitchell/LS, Rover Software, Brown Beret, and Dr.Dash/DG. We are establishing relationships with others. Additionally, Chelyabinsk residents have expressed a desire to participate in the festival and are already preparing their works.

    Who's next ???

   Ice Di Griz/Rover Soft/Triumph, one of the largest software traders for Speccy and Profi, has agreed to handle the sale of works.

   We also invite well-known traders such as Flash Inc, Magic Soft, and FFC Computers to collaborate.

Now about the rules.
-----------------
   No more than one work from each author or group will be accepted in each nomination. Works will be accepted until October 1, 1998. The letter must indicate a return address, the participant's last name (group name), phone number (if available), and the full title of each work. Works are accepted on 5.25" and 3.5" disks.

              ZX DEMO COMPO
              ------------
   Transition between parts of the demo should not require a key press. Pure animation is prohibited. It is advisable to adhere to the Eurodemo standard (Trackmo). The maximum size of the demonstration is 1 disk. The demo must not contain copy protection.

            ZX 8K INTRO COMPO
            ------------------
   The same requirements as for the demo, but the size of the intro must not exceed 32 sectors (8192 bytes).

               ZX GFX COMPO
               -----------
   Works must be in standard format - 6912 bytes. Scanned or transferred graphics from other platforms, as well as processing of other works, are prohibited.

              ZX MUSIC COMPO
              --------------
   Only interrupt music is accepted. The duration of the music is not limited. Works are accepted only in the source text for the following music editors: Sound Tracker, Sound Tracker Pro, Asc Sound Master. If the music is written in another editor, the editor along with the compiler must also be sent.

            ZX MINIATURE COMPO
            -----------------
   This compo will involve both artists and musicians. The idea is as follows: there is a picture on the screen and Digital music is playing. It is very important that the picture fits the meaning of the music. Originality will be taken into account when evaluating the works.

             PROFI DEMO COMPO
             ---------------
   The size of the demo is no more than 800K. A CFG file is mandatory. The demo must be on a disk with the system; otherwise, compatibility issues may arise.

          PROFI 16K INTRO COMPO
          --------------------
   The same requirements as for the demo, but the size of the intro must not exceed 16384 bytes.

             PROFI GFX COMPO
             ---------------
   Works created in the Grand Croix editor (GRF format) are accepted. Scanned or transferred works from other platforms are not accepted.

            PROFI MUSIC COMPO
            ----------------
   Music written only in the Synth Master editor (STM format) is accepted. Conversion of music from other platforms is prohibited. The duration of the music is not limited.

   Works for Profi will be reviewed on a computer with the following configuration: Profi v5.03, 9MHz, RAM 1024K, palette, Covox, FDD 5.25" and 3.5".

    Works are accepted at the address:

    640011 Kurgan  
    Dostoevskogo St. 76a-18  
    Gura Andrei Nikolaevich  
    (as Eagle/CRG for Artcomp).

    Phones for inquiries and suggestions:

    (35222) 7-78-65 (Andrei)  
    (35222) 5-38-92 (Alexander)  

   These rules are not final and may be changed, so we look forward to your works and suggestions.

                  GREETZ
                  -----
   Serzh, Lone Wolf, Fanat, Rex, Laser Software, Dio-Gen, Binary Dimension, Digital Reality, Flash Inc, X-Trade, Mafia, Extreme, Progress, Brown Wolf, Brown Beret, Rush, Code Busters, Triumph, Copper Feet, Allen, PTV, Owl, Shock Brigade, Phantom Family, Eternity Industrial, FFC Computers, Global Corp.

         and everyone I haven't mentioned.
-----------------------------------------P.S. The life of ARTCOMP is in your hands!
-----------------------------------------
 15.05.98.

 Eagle/CRG

Contents of the publication: Deja Vu #05

  • Аперативчик - Max
    Detailed instructions on managing the DEJA VU interface, highlighting different input methods and navigation commands. Explanation of the new and old interfaces for enhanced user experience. Discussion on additional features like frame scrolling and music management.
  • Аперативчик - Max
    Discussion on supporting machines with more than 128k memory, leading to separate shells for 128k and 256k systems. Testing was mainly done on Scorpion and Profi, with functionality on other models anticipated. Article includes guidance on unpacking source files and insights on using improved algorithms.
  • Тема - M.M.A
    This article explores the theory behind digitizing sound on ZX Spectrum, focusing on sampling and quantization processes. It provides practical insights into converting sound files using specific hardware and software. Additionally, it offers methods to enhance sound quality while working within the hardware limitations.
  • Theme
    The article discusses the Save Our Scene initiative aimed at uniting Spectrum users and developers to promote software distribution and enhance the scene's development.
  • Charter of the Amazing Soft Making Association
    Discussion of the founding charter of the Amazing Soft Making association, detailing its goals, membership criteria, and operational principles.
  • Theory of Magazine Creation
    The article provides a detailed guide for aspiring magazine creators, focusing on technical aspects such as interface design, memory management, text formatting, and music integration for ZX Spectrum publications.
  • Solder Drop
    The article provides a personal account of purchasing and using the General Sound device for ZX Spectrum, detailing installation and sound performance. It discusses the initial issues encountered and praises the enhanced audio experience in compatible games. The author encourages further software adaptation for the device and reflects on multimedia capabilities with simultaneous hardware use.
  • Solder Drop
    The article discusses the capabilities of Sound Forge 4.0c for professional audio processing on PCs, highlighting its extensive features such as sound editing, effects, and restoration tools.
  • SOFTWARE
    The article reviews the latest software developments for the ZX Spectrum from Samara, including updates to MAXSOFT SCREEN PACKER, File Commander, and new applications like S-Terminal.
  • SOFTWARE - Card!nal
    Review and walkthrough of the logical graphic adventure game 'Operation R.R.' with detailed level instructions. Discussion on game elements like music choice and graphic design. Mentions new coder MAX/CYBERAX/BINARY DIMENSION's involvement.
  • SOFTWARE
    Discussion on the current state and evolution of the demoscene, highlighting the rise of 4K intros and upcoming competitions like FUNTOP'98.
  • CODING
    Article discusses assembly language coding techniques for optimizing screen scrolling on ZX Spectrum, featuring example code and performance analysis.
  • CODING - RLA
    The article explores stack manipulation techniques during second type interrupts for graphical effects on ZX Spectrum. It discusses solutions for preserving data integrity when interrupts disrupt graphical operations. Practical examples are provided to handle stack issues efficiently.
  • CODING
    The article describes the MS-PACK packer and its DEPACKER, detailing usage scenarios and providing BASIC and assembly code examples for handling packed files. It emphasizes optimizing performance by allowing unpacking with interrupts enabled and separating the DEPACKER from packed files. Additionally, it includes insights on programming techniques for loading and executing BASIC files on ZX Spectrum.
  • CODING
    The article discusses various coding techniques for ZX Spectrum, focusing on sprite rendering, rotation algorithms, and optimization methods to enhance performance.
  • ANOTHER WORLD
    Discussion on the evolution of multimedia technologies and their impact on various fields, including education and entertainment. It covers advances in computer hardware and software that have facilitated the integration of audio, video, and text. The article reflects on past developments and speculates on the future of multimedia systems.
  • ANOTHER WORLD
    Comparison of PC and Amiga systems highlighting performance, software costs, and user experience with multimedia capabilities.
  • Honor Roll
    Interview with PROGRESS discusses their creative journey on ZX Spectrum and AMIGA, addressing challenges in demomaking and the current state of the scene.
  • Honor Roll
    The article details the activities and future projects of the Eternity Industry team, based in Kovrov, including successful releases and collaborations with other groups.
  • Honor Roll
    Discussion of the Artcomp'98 festival, focusing on its mail-in format and guidelines for various competitions, including demo, graphics, and music categories.
  • Honor Roll
    The article provides a glossary of terms used in the demo scene, explaining roles such as musician, coder, and graphician, as well as different types of demos and effects. It serves as a useful resource for understanding the terminology and dynamics of the community. This is a descriptive piece aimed at educating readers about the jargon of the demo scene.
  • Honor Roll
    The article discusses the issues with mouse support in various ZX Spectrum magazines and the frustrations of users when encountering compatibility problems. It critiques developers for not adhering to standards, leading to poor user experiences. The author expresses the importance of consistent improvements in software for the ZX Spectrum community.
  • Honor Board
    The article discusses the process of creating tricolor images for ZX Spectrum using Photoshop and a simplified approach. It outlines how to divide an image into RGB channels and convert them for use on the Spectrum. Additionally, it provides tips on how to manage the files for optimal results.
  • Honor Roll
    The article discusses the comparison and perspectives on various computer systems, particularly emphasizing the strengths of AMIGA over PC and advocating for appreciation of all machines.
  • Seven and a Half
    Article discusses the humorous absurdities and peculiarities of military training and academia, blending satire with real anecdotes and witty observations.
  • Seven and a Half
    The article provides a satirical manual on programming methodologies, mocking the rigidity of formal programming practices and advocating for a more creative approach to coding.
  • Seven and a Half
    Instructions on safe sex practices, including guidelines on eligibility, preparation, and actions during and after the sexual session, along with handling emergency situations.
  • Seven and a Half
    The article discusses a call for a talented artist in Krasnodar for a ZX Spectrum group, raises concerns about the unethical practices of Scorpion regarding software rights, and critiques a video review of E'97.
  • Seven and a Half
    The article 'Семь и 1/2' narrates a humorous picnic adventure involving the editorial team of Deja Vu, highlighting their camaraderie and mishaps while preparing a barbecue.
  • Trial of the Pen
    The article is a humorous take on the fictional adventures of Winnie the Pooh as he interacts with computers and friends, discussing the absurdities of technology and daily life.
  • First Pen
    The article discusses the new section in Deja Vu dedicated to fantasy and science fiction literature, featuring book reviews and reader participation in content creation.
  • Advertisement
    The article is an advertisement section from Deja Vu #05, promoting collaborations with designers and musicians for future issues, and offering various software and hardware for ZX Spectrum.
  • News
    The article announces the launch of a new magazine, AMIGA RULES, focused on the AMIGA computer, addressing the lack of quality Russian-language publications. It aims to provide information on programming, hardware, software, and gaming, while fostering a community among AMIGA enthusiasts. The magazine will include contributions from readers and regular updates on the AMIGA scene.