PCjs Machines
Home of the original IBM PC emulator for browsers.
PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #1028)
[PCjs Machine "ibm5170"]
Waiting for machine "ibm5170" to load....
Information about “AVSCRIPTER”
If you write scripts that require separate audio and video columns,
AVScripter is for you.
Unlike programs that graphically create two columns on your computer
screen, AVScripter works with full-screen ASCII text files created with
your word processor. Working with the whole screen, you see more text
on the screen at one time, you don't have to continually jump back and
forth from one column to the other, and you don't have to worry about
keeping the appropriate audio and video lines opposite each other.
AVScripter does it all for you, automatically.
Features include:
~ Sends two-column output--single-spaced, double-spaced, or
single-spaced video/double-spaced audio--to your printer, your screen,
or a disk file, automatically syncing audio and video lines
~ Allows variable-width audio and video columns
~ Automatically numbers and renumbers your scenes and pages
~ Looks for the best place to start each new page, then adds the
appropriate "CONTINUED"s where necessary
~ Automatically centers your title lines
~ Prints a header line at the top of each page
~ Permits you to switch between full-width lines and two-column
format within your script
~ Allows underlining anywhere, even in headers and title lines
~ Sends printer commands to your printer
~ Prints selected pages and multiple copies
~ Chains files for processing
~ Generates prompter/narrator scripts from the audio column.
AVSCRIPT.DOC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ +
+ AVScripter (R) +
+ Version 3.62 +
+ The Two-Column Script Formatter +
+ +
+ MINI-MANUAL +
+ +
+ (c) Copyright 1990 Tom Schroeppel +
+ 4705 Bay View Avenue +
+ Tampa, Florida 33611 +
+ +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Before using AVScripter, make a working copy of the +
+ master disk and read ALL the instructions, please. +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| A QUICK INTRODUCTION--HOW AVSCRIPTER WORKS: |
| |
| |
| 1. USING YOUR OWN WORD PROCESSOR AND AVSCRIPTER'S SIMPLE COMMANDS, |
| WRITE YOUR SCRIPT LIKE THIS: |
| |
| .v# This is a video entry. The # sign tells AVScripter that you |
| want a scene number for this block of audio and video lines. |
| .a This is an audio entry. To start a new audio-video block, you |
| would skip a line after this entry. |
| |
| |
| 2. SAVE YOUR SCRIPT AS AN ASCII OR DOS TEXT FILE. |
| |
| |
| 3. RUN THE ASCII FILE THROUGH AVSCRIPTER AND GET THIS: |
| |
| -VIDEO- -AUDIO- |
| |
| 1 This is a video entry. The # This is an audio entry. To |
| sign tells AVScripter that start a new audio-video block|
| you want a scene number for you would skip a line after |
| this block of audio and video this entry. |
| lines. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 1
+++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TABLE OF CONTENTS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++
SHAREWARE, PERMISSION TO COPY, DISCLAIMER.............2
OVERVIEW..............................................3
AVSCRIPTER FILES......................................4
REQUIREMENTS..........................................4
ASCII TEXT FILE (WordPerfect, MicroSoft Word).....4
WORDSTAR 3.3 AND AVSCRIPTER.......................5
DISK SPACE........................................6
PREPARING A TEXT FILE.................................7
CREATING AUDIO AND VIDEO COLUMNS..................7
CREATING AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCKS.......................8
NUMBERING SCENES..................................9
UNDERLINING.......................................9
CREATING STAND-ALONE LINES AND
BLANK LINES WITHIN A COLUMN...................10
INDENTING/LONG WORDS.............................11
CREATING HEADERS AND TITLE LINES.................12
PROCESSING A TEXT FILE...............................13
TWO-COLUMN OUTPUT................................14
PROMPTER OUTPUT..................................15
PRINTING TO DISK.............................16
AVSCRIPTER PROGRESS BOX..........................17
IF SOMETHING DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT..................17
PRINTING EXISTING FILES..........................18
IF THE PROGRAM CRASHES...............................19
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 2
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER IS SHAREWARE +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shareware, or shared software, may be copied and distributed
freely, with the understanding that, if a person likes and uses a
program, he or she will pay the program's author the suggested user's
fee.
Distributing a program as shareware reduces the program
developer's advertising costs, allows potential users to try programs
before they buy, and makes it possible to sell quality software at
greatly reduced prices.
If you like AVScripter, you can register your use by sending
$30.00* per user/terminal to
Tom Schroeppel
4705 Bay View Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33611
(Florida residents, please add $1.80 state sales tax.)
When you register, I'll send you the latest version on disk, com-
plete documentation explaining all advanced features, a handy command
card, and free updates for six months.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PERMISSION TO COPY +
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anyone can copy and distribute this program, under the following
conditions:
1. AVScripter may not be sold or distributed in any way for
monetary or other consideration; however, a reasonable fee may be
charged for materials and handling.
2. The AVScripter program files and documentation files may not
be modified in any way and must be distributed together.
3. Distributors must inform recipients that AVScripter is
shareware and encourage them to send $30 to the author if they use the
program.
++++++++++++++++
+ DISCLAIMER +
++++++++++++++++
In no event will the author be liable to any user of this program
for any damages, including any lost profits, lost savings, or other
incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or
inability to use this program, or for any claim by any other party.
AVScripter 3.62 3
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER OVERVIEW +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter works with full-screen ASCII text files created with
your word processor. Working with the whole screen, you see more text
on the screen at one time, you don't have to continually jump back and
forth from one column to the other, and you don't have to worry about
keeping the appropriate audio and video lines opposite each other. This
is what AVScripter does with your full-screen ASCII text file:
* It sends two-column output to your printer, your screen,
or a disk file, automatically syncing audio and video lines.
* It automatically numbers and renumbers your scenes and pages.
* It looks for the best place to start each new page, then adds
the appropriate "CONTINUED"s where necessary.
* It automatically centers your title lines.
* It prints a header line at the top of each page.
* It allows underlining anywhere, even in headers and title lines.
* It prints selected pages and multiple copies.
* It generates prompter/narrator scripts from the audio column.
ADVANCED FEATURES AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED USERS:
* Start AVScripter from the main menu, bypassing the monochrome
test screen and the shareware screen.
* Print your script with double-spacing.
* Print your script with the video column single-spaced and the
audio column double-spaced.
* Print variable-width columns: narrow video/wide audio, wide
video/narrow audio, or any setting in between.
* Switch to margin-to-margin wide lines in the middle of a script.
* Change page length and lines per page.
* Change starting page number or starting scene number.
* Insert non-printing comment lines--notes to yourself--inside your
script.
* Send commands to your printer each time you output a script.
* Chain files for processing.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 4
++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER FILES +
++++++++++++++++++++++
AVSREAD.ME Instructions for printing this mini-manual.
AVSCRIPT.EXE The program itself.
AVSCRIPT.DOC This mini-manual.
AVSDEMO.ASC A sample source file you can print out with AVScripter.
WS2ASCII.EXE A public domain program that converts WordStar 3.3
Document files to ASCII text files.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER REQUIREMENTS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++
+ ASCII TEXT FILE +
+++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter works on any pure unadorned ASCII text file--that is,
a file in which each line ends with a hard carriage return. AVScripter
outputs the same kind of file.
Many word processors produce ASCII files as their normal output.
Most others can create ASCII files upon request.
WordPerfect, for example, calls ASCII files "DOS Text Files" and
creates them with the CONTROL-F5 TEXT IN/OUT command. Save your file
this way, then when you exit and WordPerfect asks "Save Document? (Y/N)"
answer No. (If you answer Yes, your file will be saved in a non-ASCII
format.) Once saved, an ASCII file can be retrieved for re-editing
with the WordPerfect file menu command 5 - Text In.
In MicroSoft Word, select Plain printer/Print file from the Print
Options menu. Or use the Transfer/Save option; when it asks 'Format?"
answer No. (In Word 5.0, select "Format:Text only with line breaks.")
I suggest you give your ASCII files the extension .ASC as in
MYFILE.ASC.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TURN AUTOMATIC HYPHENATION OFF. IN FACT, IT'S BEST NOT TO USE +
+ ANY WORD PROCESSING EMBEDDED CODES, SOFT HYPHENS, OR DOT +
+ COMMANDS (LINES BEGINNING WITH A PERIOD) OTHER THAN AVSCRIPTER'S +
+ DOT COMMANDS. I CAN'T PREDICT WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU DO. +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 5
RE-EDITING: When you reload an ASCII full-width file into your
word processor and start making changes, word-wrap will create some
funny-looking
short lines like the one above. Don't worry about them. AVScripter
will gather all lines, regardless of length, and format them correctly
into two columns. If the short lines irritate you, save your full-
width file twice: once as an ASCII file for AVScripter processing;
once as a regular word-processing file for re-editing. (Be sure to
give the two files different names, such as MYFILE.ASC and MYFILE.DOC.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
| OLDER MODEL DOT MATRIX AND DAISY WHEEL PRINTERS: |
| |
| On a very few models of older printers, AVScripter 3.62 will not |
| print page breaks correctly. If this is the case, print to disk, |
| then print the disk file from your word processor. (See page 16.) |
| Upon request, I'll send registered users Ver. 3.2, which works with |
| early printers, but not with laser printers. |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________________________________
| +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
| + WORDSTAR 3.3 AND AVSCRIPTER + |
| +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
| |
| If you have WordStar, the Non-document (ASCII) mode works fine.|
| However, if you want the convenience of word-wrap, go ahead and use |
| the Document mode. Don't use any soft hyphens--turn Hyphen Help off|
| with ^OH. |
| |
| To convert a WordStar Document file to ASCII format, use the |
| public domain program WS2ASCII.EXE. I've included it with |
| AVScripter. Type WS2ASCII and follow the prompts. |
| |
| When converting a file, I suggest you give each version of your|
| script a distinctive file extent, such as .WS or .DOC for the |
| WordStar Document file and .ASC for the ASCII version. That way |
| you'll always know which is which. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 6
++++++++++++++++
+ DISK SPACE +
++++++++++++++++
AVScripter requires working space on your logged drive roughly
equal to the size of your source file. Depending on how your system
allocates disk space, you may need 2 to 4 K more. In other words, if
the file to be processed is 20K, you should have at least 24K free
space on your logged disk drive for AVScripter's working files. These
working files are deleted at the end of the program. Your source text
file can be on any drive.
I usually put a disk with nothing but AVSCRIPT.EXE on it in the A
drive, log on to A, and call up the program. I keep my source files on
B drive. That way all of disk A except for AVSCRIPT.EXE is always
available as working space.
If you direct the two-column output to a disk file, that disk file
will occupy roughly twice the space of the original text file, plus
maybe 2K more. For example, if your text file is 20K, the two-column
file will take up approximately 40 to 42 K of space.
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| RAMDISKS: |
| |
| If you can configure part of your Random Access Memory as a |
| RAMdisk, do so, then copy AVScripter onto it. By calling up the |
| program from a RAMdisk, the time spent shuttling to and from the |
| working files on the logged drive--the RAMdisk-- will be greatly |
| reduced, and AVScripter will work much faster. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 7
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PREPARING A TEXT FILE FOR AVSCRIPTER +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING AUDIO AND VIDEO COLUMNS +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Type .V (upper or lower case) when you want something in the video
column. Type .A (upper or lower case) for the audio column.
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE. NOTICE THAT BOTH AUDIO AND VIDEO |
|LINES AUTOMATICALLY WRAP AROUND INSIDE THEIR RESPECTIVE COLUMNS |
|WITHOUT YOU HAVING TO THINK ABOUT IT. |
|.a This is the audio that goes with the first video line and ends up |
|opposite it. AVScripter automatically shortens audio and video lines|
|to 30 characters and spaces so they'll fit in the columns. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE. This is the audio that goes |
| NOTICE THAT BOTH AUDIO AND with the first video line and|
| VIDEO LINES AUTOMATICALLY WRAP ends up opposite it. |
| AROUND INSIDE THEIR RESPECTIVE AVScripter automatically |
| COLUMNS WITHOUT YOU HAVING TO shortens audio and video |
| THINK ABOUT IT. lines to 30 characters and |
| spaces so they'll fit in the |
| columns. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| WORDSTAR 3.3 USERS: |
| |
| When working in WordStar Document mode, you'll have to |
| manually add a carriage return to the end of the first line of each |
| .V or .A entry, or type ^B at any point beyond the right margin. |
| After that, word-wrap will work normally. |
| |
| (In the example above, you'd add a carriage return or type ^B |
| after "AND VIDEO" in the .v entry, and after "ends up" in the .a |
| entry) |
| |
| An alternative is to put a space in front of .a or .v when you |
| think the entry will extend beyond the right margin. WordStar will |
| then ignore AVScripter's dot commands and give you word-wrap from |
| .a or .v onward. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 8
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCKS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter works with audio-video blocks. An audio-video block is
simply all the audio and video lines, in any order, that you want
synced up together. To start a new block, skip a line.
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE OF THE FIRST BLOCK. |
|.a This is the audio that goes with the first video line and ends up |
|opposite it. |
| |
|.A This is audio beginning the second audio-video block. |
|.V THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCK. ALL THE AUDIO AND|
|VIDEO LINES AFTER A BLANK LINE ARE SYNCED UP TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE This is the audio that goes |
| OF THE FIRST BLOCK. with the first video line and|
| ends up oppposite it. |
| |
| THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND This is audio beginning the |
| AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCK. ALL THE second audio-video block. |
| AUDIO AND VIDEO LINES AFTER A |
| BLANK LINE ARE SYNCED UP |
| TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
A block can consist of a single .v or .a entry. For example,
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.V DISSOLVE TO |
| |
|.v A SHORT VIDEO DESCRIPTION |
|.A This is the first point I want to make. |
| |
|.a And let me tell you something else. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| DISSOLVE TO |
| |
| A SHORT VIDEO DESCRIPTION This is the first point I |
| want to make. |
| |
| And let me tell you something|
| else. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 9
++++++++++++++++++++++
+ NUMBERING SCENES +
++++++++++++++++++++++
To get a scene number, follow the first .a or .v in the block with
the # sign. When AVScripter formats the file, it will automatically
number the scenes in sequence. This makes it very easy to move,
delete, insert and rearrange scenes, since no matter what order the
scenes end up in, they'll always be numbered correctly.
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v# THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE OF THE FIRST SCENE. |
|.a This is the audio that goes with the first video line and ends up |
|opposite it. |
| |
|.A# This is audio beginning the second audio-video scene. |
|.V THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND AUDIO-VIDEO SCENE. ALL THE AUDIO AND|
|VIDEO LINES AFTER A BLANK LINE ARE SYNCCED UP TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE This is the audio that goes |
| OF THE FIRST SCENE. with the first video line and|
| ends up opposite it. |
| |
|2 THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND This is audio beginning the |
| AUDIO-VIDEO SCENE. ALL THE second audio-video scene. |
| AUDIO AND VIDEO LINES AFTER A |
| BLANK LINE ARE SYNCCED UP |
| TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
A # sign on any line other than the first one in the block will be
ignored. (TIP: To keep the same scene numbers after deleting one or
more scenes, put ".V# [DELETED]" in place of the missing scene(s).)
+++++++++++++++++
+ UNDERLINING +
+++++++++++++++++
You can underline anywhere, even in headers and titles. Start and
stop underlining with the "_" underline character. In the following
example, the phrase, "underlining is easy," would be underlined on the
hard copy of the two-column script. Underlining is ignored when
printing to the screen or to a disk file.
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.a With AVScripter, _underlining is easy_ to do. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
Underlining works independently in each column. If you start
underlining in a .v entry, all video lines from then on--but no audio
lines--will be underlined, until you stop the underlining with a second
"_" underline character in a .v entry.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 10
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING STAND-ALONE LINES AND BLANK LINES WITHIN A COLUMN +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVscripter automatically wraps everything around in the last
designated column--audio or video--until it comes across the next .a or
.v line. For example,
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.a# NARRATOR: |
|Welcome to our program. Today we'll be talking about why you should |
|use AVScripter for all your audio-video scripts. |
|.v NARRATOR ON CAMERA |
|Super title: |
|JOE SPOKESPERSON |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 NARRATOR ON CAMERA Super NARRATOR: Welcome to our |
| title: JOE SPOKESPERSON program. Today we'll be |
| talking about why you should |
| use AVScripter for all your |
| audio-video scripts. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
which is probably not what you want. To create a stand-alone line or a
blank line in a single column, start a new .a or .v line:
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.a# NARRATOR: |
|.A Welcome to our program. Today we'll be talking about why you |
|should use AVScripter for all your audio-video scripts. |
|.V NARRATOR ON CAMERA |
|.v |
|.v Super title: |
|.v JOE SPOKESPERSON |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 NARRATOR ON CAMERA NARRATOR: |
| Welcome to our program. Today|
| Super title: we'll be talking about why |
| JOE SPOKESPERSON you should use AVScripter for|
| all your audio-video scripts.|
|_____________________________________________________________________|
By starting the audio line "Welcome to our program..." on a new .A
line, "NARRATOR:" stands alone. The same technique works for the
"Super title:" and "JOE SPOKESPERSON" lines in the video column.
The blank .v line after "NARRATOR ON CAMERA" shows how to create a
blank line in one column without starting a new audio-video block. A
blank .a line works the same in the audio column. A completely blank
line, of course, starts a new block.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 11
+++++++++++++++
+ INDENTING +
+++++++++++++++
You can indent at the beginning of any .v or .a entry. The
first space after the dot command is a separator and does not count;
so, if you want to indent 5 spaces, put six spaces between the dot
command and the first word following it.
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v# (Title) |
|.v Tom Schroeppel |
|.a Hi, there. I'm the guy who wrote AVScripter. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 (Title) Hi, there. I'm the guy |
| Tom Schroeppel who wrote AVScripter. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
++++++++++++++++
+ LONG WORDS +
++++++++++++++++
AVScripter's audio and video columns can be between 20 and 40
characters wide. Words longer than the column are arbitrarily divided:
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v Teacher in classroom |
|.a Students, today's subject is antidisestablishmentarianismism. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| Teacher in classroom Students, today's subject is |
| antidisestablishmentarianism-|
| ism. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
If you have one or more long words and you're not sure how they'll
fit into the columns, use AVScripter's Screen Output option to check
the two-column layout. Then, if you don't like where AVScripter
divided the word, go back into your source file and put a hyphen where
you want the word divided. When you reprocess the file, AVScripter
will start a new line after your hyphen.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 12
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING HEADERS AND TITLE LINES +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you choose, AVScripter will automatically print a header, up to
65 characters (including _underline_ indicators) long, at the top of
each page. Type .HE or .he to begin a header line:
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.he AVScripter Revision 3.62 |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
You can have up to three title lines, each up to 77 characters
(including _underline_ indicators) long. Enter them as .tl or .TL
followed by 1, 2, or 3:
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.tl1 The Wonderful World of AVScripter |
|.tl2 By Tom Schroeppel |
|.TL3 (c) Copyright Tom Schroeppel 1990 |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter automatically centers each title line. VIDEO and AUDIO
identifiers are placed above the left and right columns on each page.
The top of page one will look like this:
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| AVScripter Revision 3.62 |
| |
| The Wonderful World of AVScripter |
| By Tom Schroeppel |
| (c) Copyright Tom Schroeppel 1990 |
| |
| -VIDEO- -AUDIO- |
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
The title lines are centered left to right on the page. To center
a title line above the audio and video columns, put six blank spaces
between the .TL dot command and the title line.
If you have only one or two title lines, or no title lines,
AVScripter will pull up the rest of the page to fill in the blank
space.
The tops of pages 2 through the end will look like this:
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| AVScripter Revision 3.62 Page 2 |
| |
| -VIDEO- -AUDIO- |
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 13
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PROCESSING A TEXT FILE WITH AVSCRIPTER +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ YOUR SOURCE FILE IS ALWAYS SAFE +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There is no way AVScripter can erase your original text file or
alter it in any way.
++++++++++++++++++++++
+ BEFORE YOU START +
++++++++++++++++++++++
Be sure your source file is in pure ASCII format, preferably
with the extension .ASC, as in MYFILE.ASC If not, re-read page 4.
Be sure your printer is set for the standard form length of 66
lines (11 inches).
Remember that AVScripter needs working space on your logged disk
drive roughly equal to the size of your source file. Depending on how
your system allocates disk space, you may need 2 to 4 K more. So, if
your source file is 20K, you should have at least 24K free working
space on your logged disk drive. This space will be freed up again
when you exit AVScripter.
+++++++++++++++
+ BEGINNING +
+++++++++++++++
Type AVSCRIPT at the system prompt, followed by a carriage return.
First is a monochrome display test, then the opening screen, followed by
the main menu. You'll be able to choose between Two-Column Output,
Prompter Output, Print, and Exit.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 14
+++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TWO-COLUMN OUTPUT +
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Use the directory search screen to either name or select your
original full-width ASCII file.
If you type in a name without an extension, the file extension
.ASC will be automatically added. (To name a file without an extension,
type a period after it, as MYFILE.)
Inside the directory window, you can move to a file by typing the
first letter of its name. For example, type T to go to TESTFILE.ASC.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TWO-COLUMN OUTPUT SETUP +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The default two-column output setup is:
Print to printer [screen, disk]
Start printing at the first page
Stop printing after the last page
One copy
No print pause between pages.
Printer port LPT1 (standard parallel port)*
If this is what you want, just press <ESC>. To change a default,
<SPACE> bar or arrow to the item, then press <ENTER> to toggle among
the options. Numeric first page is 1. Numeric last page is 999, or
any other number equal to or greater than your last page number.
Most people like to print to the screen first, to check for errors.
For information about printing to a disk file, see page 18.
NOTE: AVSCRIPTER DOES NOT WORK WITH PROPORTIONAL PRINTER FONTS.
The audio and video columns line up properly only when printed with a
non-proportional, monospace type font. This is a font, such as Courier
10, in which each letter takes up the same amount of horizontal space.
______________________________________________________________________
| |
| IF AVSCRIPTER DOESN'T PRINT CORRECTLY ON YOUR PRINTER: |
| |
| LASER PRINTERS: Be sure you're in the default setup by clearing |
| the printer memory. On HP LaserJets, use RESET. For other lasers,|
| check your manual. |
| |
| SYMBOLS AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE CHARACTERS: Print to an ASCII disk |
| file, then print the file from your word-processor. (See page 16) |
| |
| FOR OTHER PROBLEMS, SEE PAGE 17. |
|____________________________________________________________________|
* If you have a serial printer connected to COM1 or COM2, set it to
1200 baud, no parity, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 15
+++++++++++++++++++++
+ PROMPTER OUTPUT +
+++++++++++++++++++++
Use the directory search screen, as described for Two-Column
output, to select the full-width ASCII file to be converted to
a single-column prompter or narrator script.
If you type in a name without an extension, the file extension
.ASC will be automatically added. (To name a file without an extension,
type a period after it, as MYFILE.)
The prompter output comes from your audio column. The only
blank lines it inserts are an extra line between numbered scenes
and .a blank audio lines.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PROMPTER OUTPUT SETUP +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The default prompter output setup is:
Print to printer [screen, disk]
Start printing at the first scene
Stop printing after the last scene
Column centered on page [left, right]
Column width 24 characters [15-60]
Double spacing [single, triple]
Print across perfs (skip page breaks)
One copy
No print pause between pages.
Printer port LPT1 (standard parallel port)*
If this is what you want, just press <ESC>. To change a default,
<SPACE> bar or arrow to the item, then press <ENTER> to toggle among
the options. Numeric first scene is 1. Numeric last scene is 9999,
or any other number equal to or greater than your last scene number.
To create an ASCII file to be used in a computerized prompting
system, choose the Left column position and print to Disk.
______________________________________________________________________
| |
| IF AVSCRIPTER DOESN'T PRINT CORRECTLY ON YOUR PRINTER: |
| |
| LASER PRINTERS: Be sure you're in the default setup by clearing |
| the printer memory. On HP LaserJets, use RESET. For other lasers,|
| check your manual. |
| |
| SYMBOLS AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE CHARACTERS: Print to an ASCII disk |
| file, then print the file from your word-processor. (See page 16) |
| |
| FOR OTHER PROBLEMS, SEE PAGE 17. |
|____________________________________________________________________|
* If you have a serial printer connected to COM1 or COM2, set it to
1200 baud, no parity, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 16
++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PRINTING TO DISK +
++++++++++++++++++++++
The disk file produced will be an ASCII text file, which can be
edited with any word processor. I suggest you give your two-column disk
files the file extension .TWO for quick identification, as MYFILE.TWO.
Give your prompter disk files the file extension .PRM, as MYFILE.PRM.
Disk files are useful if you want to give a copy of the two-column
script or the prompter file to someone else via diskette or modem.
A left-column-position prompter disk file can be used in
computerized prompting systems.
Sometimes it's necessary TO EDIT OR PRINT AN AVSCRIPTER-CREATED
DISK FILE WITH YOUR WORD PROCESSOR; I do it to print out foreign
language scripts. Import the disk file as an ASCII file, then change
your word processor PAGE DEFAULTS to the following:
(Suggestion: put them all in a macro for quick use.)
page length = 66 lines* (11"), number of lines per page = 66*
left margin = column 0 or 1, right margin = column 80
top margin =0, bottom margin =0
turn off hyphenation
turn off automatic page numbering
Some word processors may use inch measurements for the margins.
What you want is to set up to print the entire page, top to bottom,
side to side, with zero margins or the minimum margins all around.
LASER PRINTERS: With a laser printer, the macro shown above may
print out extra blank lines between pages. In WordPerfect 5.0 it
prints out 6. If this happens, add the following search-and-replace-
with-no-confirm to the end of your macro: Search for: [HRt] [HRt]
[HRt] [HRt] [HRt] [HRt]; Replace with: (nothing--just press F2 again.**)
[HRt]--Hard Return--is the <ENTER> key. This will replace the six
extra carriage returns (<ENTER>'s) between pages with nothing. Check
your page breaks on screen before printing, as this method may in
some rare cases delete too many blank lines.
You can also print an existing ASCII disk file with AVScripter.
Select "Print" from the opening menu. See "Printing Existing Files"
on page 20.
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| There is one drawback to the disk files created by AVScripter. |
| They don't include underlining. Underlining is possible only when |
| you process your original source file and print it out immediately |
| on your printer. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
* Or any alternate page length set with the .PL n command.
** If you have a LaserJet II, replace with three Hard Returns.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 17
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER PROGRESS BOX +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I always get a little nervous when a program is grinding away and
I'm waiting. I like to be reassured that it's really working and not
hung up somewhere. That's why I added this feature.
When AVScripter is working, it keeps a running tab of lines
processed in a box on the screen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ IF SOMETHING DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If the two-column or prompter script doesn't look right, in order
of probability it's due to:
1. Your source file is not in pure ASCII format. Re-read page 4.
2. You have some embedded word-processing commands or soft
hyphens in your source file. Take them out.
3. Your printer is set to the wrong form length. Reread page 15,
"BEFORE YOU START."
4. You've inadvertently given AVScripter a dot command. Check
all your lines in which the first character other than a space is a
period. The program checks each initial period to see if it's followed
by an AVScripter dot command. If so, the dot command is executed; if
not, the line is printed as is.
5. Your laser printer is not in the default setup. To clear the
memory and restore your defaults, use RESET on HP LaserJets. For other
printers, consult your manual.
6. You are using non-standard symbols or foreign language
characters. Print to disk, then print the disk file from your word
processor. (See page 18.)
7. You have an incompatible older model printer. Reread page 4,
"OLDER MODEL DOT MATRIX AND DAISY WHEEL PRINTERS." Print to disk,
then print the disk file from your word processor. (See page 18.)
8. There's a bug in the program that slipped by me. If this is
so, please send me as much information as possible, including copies of
your original full-width and two-column files. I'll try to figure out
what went wrong and send you a corrected copy of the program.
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 18
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PRINTING EXISTING FILES +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To print an existing file, select "Print" from the main menu.
You can then select to print a full-width ASCII text file (the source
file you prepared for AVScripter), an AVScripter-created two-column
file, an AVScripter-created prompter file, or this manual. The only
choices you have are how many copies, whether to pause between
pages, and which printer port.
Your full-width text file will be printed out, broken into
11-inch pages. Each page will have the file name and the page number
at the top.
As long as your page/form length is the standard 66 lines, you
can print your AVScripter-created two-column and prompter files
exactly as you created them. If you are using a non-standard page
length, you'll have to print the two-column or prompter file from
within your word processor (see page 16).
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| WORDSTAR 3.3 USERS: |
| |
| To print a copy of your Non-document ASCII text file from |
| within WordStar, use the "Suppress page formatting" option on the |
| WordStar printing menu. Answer YES to "Suppress page formatting |
| (Y/N):". Otherwise your AVScripter dot commands will be treated by |
| WordStar as WordStar dot commands, with unpredictable results. This |
| method prints the file straight through, with no page breaks. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 19
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ IF THE PROGRAM CRASHES +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If your original ASCII text file is prepared properly, with no
embedded word processing codes and no soft hyphens, there are only two
things that I know of that can cause the program to crash:
1. You don't have enough space on your logged disk drive for
AVScripter's working files. Remember, you need space there roughly
equal to the size of the file or files being processed. Depending on
how your system allocates disk space, you may need 2 or 4 K more. If
your source file is 20K, allow for at least 24K working space on the
logged drive.
2. You don't have enough room on your disk for the disk file
output. Remember, a two-column script file takes up approximately
twice the space of the original text file, plus maybe 2K more. If your
source file is 30K, allow at least 62K for the two-column file.
If AVScripter crashes, you should see a screen with something
like this:
CODE = 106
ADDRESS = 0:1554
The CODE and ADDRESS will probably be different. Whatever you
see, please write down the information. Then please write me with as
many details as possible, as this would mean there's a bug I don't
know about in the program. Please send me as much information as
you can, including copies of your original full-width and two-column
files. I'll try to figure out what went wrong and send you a corrected
copy of the program.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Thank you for using AVScripter. +
+ I hope it serves you well. +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 20
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| TO: TOM SCHROEPPEL |
| 4705 BAY VIEW AVENUE |
| TAMPA, FLORIDA 33611 |
| |
| |
| Please register my use of AVScripter and send me the latest version|
| on disk, complete printed documentation explaining all advanced |
| features, command card, and free updates for six months. |
| |
| I enclose $30* X _____ user/terminals for a total of $ ___________ |
| |
| I got my copy of the program from:________________________________ |
| |
| My computer(s):___________________________________________________ |
| |
| My disk size:_____________________________________________________ |
| |
| My word processor is:_____________________________________________ |
| |
| My printer(s):____________________________________________________ |
| |
| What I like about the program:____________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| Improvements I'd like to see:_____________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| Name (print) _____________________________________________________ |
| |
| Address __________________________________________________________ |
| |
| City __________________________________ State ____ Zip ___________ |
| |
| * Florida residents please add $1.80 state sales tax |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
AVScripter 3.62 Mini-manual 21
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ A PLUG FOR MY BOOKS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
I've written and published two books on film and television
production which you may find useful for yourself or your associates.
THE BARE BONES CAMERA COURSE FOR FILM AND VIDEO explains the
basics of shooting for editing. Nestor Almendros, the Academy Award
winning cinematographer of "Days of Heaven" and "Kramer vs.Kramer,"
called it "a marvel of clarity and conciseness." It's currently used as
a text at over 150 universities.
THE BARE BONES CAMERA COURSE covers: How the camera works,
Exposure, Color temperature, Using light meters, Lenses - wide angle,
normal and telephoto, Zoom lenses, Focus, Depth of field, Composition,
Rule of thirds, Leading lines, Camera angles, Screen direction, How to
cross the line, Using screen direction to solve shooting problems,
Making camera moves, Lighting, Using reflectors and bounce lights,
Planning and shooting a sequence, Storyboards, Shooting out of
sequence, and more. 89 pages, 8 1/2 x 11. Over 200 illustrations.
My second book, VIDEO GOALS: GETTING RESULTS WITH PICTURES AND
SOUND, is a practical guide to the entire process, from initial concept
to final edit. It covers: Planning the shape of your program,
Establishing a style, Writing dramatic and non-fiction scripts, Pre-
production, Directing the basic sequence, Directing to edit, Directing
actors, Selecting the appropriate microphone, Recording voices and
presence, Basic rules of editing, Editing sound, Selecting and cutting
music, Editing montages, Preparing for the sound mix, and more. 116
pages, 8 1/2 x 11.
Here's a coupon to order either or both books if you want:
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| TO: TOM SCHROEPPEL |
| 4705 BAY VIEW AVENUE |
| TAMPA, FLORIDA 33611 |
| |
| Please send me _____ copies of THE BARE BONES CAMERA COURSE FOR |
| FILM AND VIDEO at $6.95 each, plus $1 postage/handling per book. |
| |
| And _____ copies of VIDEO GOALS: GETTING RESULTS WITH PICTURES |
| AND SOUND at $7.95 each, + $1 postage/handling per book. |
| |
| I enclose check or money order for ________ total. |
| |
| Name (print) _____________________________________________________ |
| |
| Address __________________________________________________________ |
| |
| City __________________________________ State ____ Zip ___________ |
| |
| Florida residents please add 6% state sales tax |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
FILE1028.TXT
Disk No: 1028
Disk Title: AVScripter
PC-SIG Version: S3.62
Program Title: AVScripter
Author Version: 3.62
Author Registration: $30.00
Special Requirements: A word processor capable of ASCII file output.
If you write scripts that require separate audio and video columns,
AVScripter is for you.
Unlike programs that graphically create two columns on your computer
screen, AVScripter works with full-screen ASCII text files created with
your word processor. Working with the whole screen, you see more text
on the screen at one time, you don't have to continually jump back and
forth from one column to the other, and you don't have to worry about
keeping the appropriate audio and video lines opposite each other.
AVScripter does it all for you, automatically.
Features include:
~ Sends two-column output--single-spaced, double-spaced, or
single-spaced video/double-spaced audio--to your printer, your screen,
or a disk file, automatically syncing audio and video lines
~ Allows variable-width audio and video columns
~ Automatically numbers and renumbers your scenes and pages
~ Looks for the best place to start each new page, then adds the
appropriate "CONTINUED"s where necessary
~ Automatically centers your title lines
~ Prints a header line at the top of each page
~ Permits you to switch between full-width lines and two-column
format within your script
~ Allows underlining anywhere, even in headers and title lines
~ Sends printer commands to your printer
~ Prints selected pages and multiple copies
~ Chains files for processing
~ Generates prompter/narrator scripts from the audio column.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989 PC-SIG, Inc.
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #1028
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
AVSCRIPT DOC 65567 10-20-90 6:41p
AVSCRIPT EXE 100016 10-20-90 1:19p
WS2ASCII EXE 6096 2-18-88 11:02a
AVSDEMO ASC 4418 10-20-90 6:35p
AVSREAD ME 621 10-20-90 6:21p
FILE1028 TXT 4071 11-09-90 4:33p
6 file(s) 180789 bytes
139264 bytes free