Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ 3/3
Jamie Siglar
Posting-Frequency: monthly (first Sunday)
Expires: 1999/05/02
Version: 2.23
URL: http://www.tiac.net/users/jasiglar/MMASFAQ.HTML
http://www.tiac.net/users/jasiglar/MMASFAQ.TXT
UNIX Authoring Systems:
Gain Momentum <http://www.gainsoft.com/gm/> : Gain Software, Inc.
<http://www.gainsoft.com/> ; Windows 95, NT, Solaris, UNIX
Gain Momentum 3.5 is a hypermedia linkage authoring tool. Its GEL scripting
language and multiple views (including timeline and an object browser) provide
a large amount of development power.
IconAuthor <http://www.asymetrix.com/products/iconauthor/> : Asymetrix
<http://www.asymetrix.com/> ; Windows, NT, UNIX, , WWW (via Windows)
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for
its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text,
etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or
leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this
program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data
tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing
content. Avoid its internal "Move Object" path animation feature due to jerky
response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.
MetaCard <http://www.metacard.com/pi.html> : MetaCard
<http://www.metacard.com/>
; Mac, Windows95/98, NT, Solaris, UNIX
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system, currently in version 2.2. This
is one of the more powerful tools of its paradigm; the scripting language is
especially robust.
WWW-capable Authoring Systems:
Authorware Attain <http://www.macromedia.com/software/authorware/> : Macromedia
<http://www.macromedia.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via WebPlayer)
Currently in version 5.0, this follows the iconic/flow control paradigm with a
limit per individual file of 32,000 icons. Authorware supports jumping between
files (the maintainer has worked on projects greater than 100 MB in content),
jumping out to apps and even printing from them. This has unparalleled external
media support, and can encapsulate all non-motion media content into apps and
content libraries, or leave media files external for dynamic access. Authorware
supports character-styled text and extensive navigation structures including
hypertext. This tool is optimal for CBT and rapid prototyping.
CBIquick Authoring System <http://www.amtcorp.com/cbiquick.html> : AMT
International, Inc. <http://www.amtcorp.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via Stargate)
Cocktail98 <http://www.cocktail98.com/> : Samsung <http://www.samsung.com/"> ;
Windows, NT, WWW
Cocktail98 is a frame paradigm authoring system with support for multiple
languages, including double-byte languages such as Korean and Japanese.
Dazzler <http://www.dazzlersoft.com/visitors_index.htm> : Intela Media Ltd.
<http://www.dazzlersoft.com/> ; Java, Windows, NT, WWW
Dazzler is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system. It is descended
from MasterClass by ISC Media Systems, and is now in version 5.0. There
is also a Deluxe version.
Digital Chisel
<http://www2.pierian.com/products/authoring_tools/digital_chisel3/dc3.htm> :
Pierian Spring <http://www.pierian.com/> ; Windows95/98, NT, Solaris, WWW
Digital Chisel has been rewritten in Java for delivery to most platforms. It
has moved from its card roots to a frame paradigm.
Director <http://www.macromedia.com/software/director/> : Macromedia
<http://www.macromedia.com/> ; Mac, Windows95/98, NT, WWW (via Shockwave)
Currently in version 7.0, this popular general market product follows the
cast/score/scripting paradigm, which makes it the tool of choice for animation
content. Its roots as a cel- and sprite-animation program are unmistakable; its
inclusion of Lingo, its object-based scripting language, has made it the
animation-capable program to beat. The AfterBurner compression Xtra creates
Shockwave files, allowing Web playback.
Docent <http://www.docent.com/solutions/products/index.htm> : Docent
<http://www.docent.com/> ; Windows95, NT, WWW
Docent is a HTML Enterprise Training authoring tool, now in version 3.0; the
tool uses both an outliner metaphor and a tool palette; it can be considered a
cross between an iconic/flow control tool and a Hierarchical Object system.
Emblaze Creator <http://www.emblaze.com/creator.htm> : Geo International
<http://www.emblaze.com/> ; JavaScript, Mac, Win95, WWW
Emblaze Creator 2.5 is a cast/score/scripting tool which is designed for
Web-based playback of interactive multimedia.
Flash <http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/> : Macromedia
<http://www.macromedia.com/> ; Mac, Windows95, NT, WWW (via Flash Player)
Flash 3.0 is a cast/score/scripting tool, which primarily uses vector graphics
(and can create vector graphics from imported bitmaps). It is optimized for Web
delivery, and is especially common for banner adds and small interactive web
deliverables.
Formula Graphics Multimedia System <http://www.FormulaGraphics.com/> : Harrow
Software <http://www.FormulaGraphics.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW(via FG),
Java (via
FGX)
This is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, whose interface is more than
vaguely reminiscent of Visual Basic; has a relatively powerful scripting
language. Formula Graphics is available as shareware, with only the packaging
functions disabled.
HyperCard <http://www.apple.com/hypercard> : Apple Computer
<http://www.apple.com/> ; Mac, WWW (Mac-only via LiveCard!)
HyperCard is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version 2.4.1. It
runs natively on both 68K and PowerMacintosh machines, and is widely used
because of its easy availability at $99. Its largest drawback is the lack of
integrated color; current color implementation is via the ColorTools XCMD set
(included) or via third-party XCMDs.
IconAuthor <http://www.asymetrix.com/products/iconauthor/> : Asymetrix
<http://www.asymetrix.com/> ; Windows, NT, Solaris, UNIX, WWW (via Windows)
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for
its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text,
etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or
leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this
program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data
tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing
content. Avoid its internal "Move Object" path animation feature due to jerky
response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.
mBed Interactor <http://www.mbed.com/html/mbdframe1.html> : mBed
<http://www.mbed.com/> ; Java, Mac, Windows95, WWW
mBed Interactor is a cast/score/scripting authoring system optimized for WWW
delivery; it comes in Lite, Standard and Professional Editions.
MediaForge <http://www.clearsand.com/webpages/prod/mf/index.htm> : Clearsand
Corporation <http://www.clearsand.com/> ; Windows 95, NT, WWW (via Mirage)
MediaForge is a frame paradign authoring system, with a scripting language
(MediaBasic) similar to Visual Basic. The current version features multiframe
sprites and enchanced transparency (including .AVI files), plus it allows the
creation of templates for runtime editing -- read "engine creation".
Multimedia Fusion <http://www.imsisoft.com/mmfusion/> : IMSI
<http://www.imsisoft.com/> ; Windows 95, NT, WWW (via Vitalize!)
Formerly Corel's Click-and-Create, this frame paradigm authoring tool is one of
the easiest to learn.
Quest <http://www.allencomm.com/p&s/software/quest/> : Allen
Communications <http://www.allencomm.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via QuestNet)
Quest 6 for Windows is a frame paradigm authoring system. Its most notable
feature is its scripting language, which is ANSI C.
Question Mark <http://www.questionmark.com/perception/> : Question Mark
Computing Ltd <http://www.questionmark.com/> ; WWW (via Perception), DOS, Mac,
Windows
Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.
Realimation STE <http://www.realimation.com/overview/ste.htm> : Realimation
<http://www.realimation.com/> ; Windows95, NT, WWW
The Realimation Space-Time-Editor is a 3-D Virtual Reality authoring tool.
StorySpace <http://www.eastgate.com/Storyspace.html> : Eastgate Systems
<http://www.eastgate.com/> ; Mac, Windows, WWW (via HTML)
Hypertext authoring system, uses "Writing Space" links, corresponds pretty
closely to the frame paradigm. The newest version supports export of a
complete
story space to HTML.
SuperCard <http://www.incwell.com/SuperCard/SuperCard.html> : IncWell
<http://www.incwell.com/> ; Mac, WWW (Mac and Win32 via Roadster)
SuperCard 3.5 shines among the card/scripting authoring systems. With built-in
support for 24-bit color, hypertext, and external media handling (QuickTime,
PICS, Filmstip, PICT, AIFF), this is the best of its paradigm. This is an
excellent tool for hypermedia implementation.
ThingMaker <http://www.thingworld.com/> : Parable
<http://www.parablecorp.com/> ; Windows95/98, NT, WWW (via ThingPlayer)
ThingMaker is a cast/score/scripting tool, optimized for WWW multimedia
production. This has one of the fastest-to-learn interfaces for
multimedia-via-the-Web delivery.
Toolbook II <http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/> : Asymetrix
<http://www.asymetrix.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via Neuron), Java
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components:
Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems,
optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system.
Toolbook
includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called
"Widgets") of
interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web delivery.
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/instructor/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/assistant/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cbtsystems/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cmsplus.html>
Platform-independent (Java, JavaScript) Authoring Systems:
Dazzler <http://www.dazzlersoft.com/visitors_index.htm> : Intela Media Ltd.
<http://www.dazzlersoft.com/> ; Java, Windows, NT, WWW
Dazzler is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system. It is descended
from MasterClass by ISC Media Systems, and is now in version 5.0. There
is also a Deluxe version.
Emblaze Creator <http://www.emblaze.com/creator.htm> : Geo International
<http://www.emblaze.com/> ; JavaScript, Mac, Win95, WWW
Emblaze Creator 2.5 is a cast/score/scripting tool which is designed for
Web-based playback of interactive multimedia.
Formula Graphics Multimedia System <http://www.FormulaGraphics.com/> : Harrow
Software <http://www.FormulaGraphics.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW(via FG),
Java (via
FGX)
This is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, whose interface is more than
vaguely reminiscent of Visual Basic; has a relatively powerful scripting
language. Formula Graphics is available as shareware, with only the packaging
functions disabled.
Manager's Edge <http://www.allencomm.com/software/manager/> : Allen
Communications <http://www.allencomm.com/> ; Java, Windows 95, NT
In its 2.0 version Manager's Edge has expanded from its CMI roots to being a
full authoring suite, while remaining CBT-optimized and compliant with AICC
standards. It includes HTML/Java export capabilities for browser-delivered
courses.
mBed Interactor <http://www.mbed.com/html/mbdframe1.html> : mBed
<http://www.mbed.com/> ; Java, Mac, Windows95, WWW
mBed Interactor is a cast/score/scripting authoring system optimized for WWW
delivery; it comes in Lite, Standard and Professional Editions.
Toolbook II <http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/> : Asymetrix
<http://www.asymetrix.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via Neuron), Java
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components:
Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems,
optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system.
Toolbook
includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called
"Widgets") of
interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web delivery.
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/instructor/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/assistant/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cbtsystems/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cmsplus.html>
17. What print magazines deal with authoring systems?
AV Video and Multimedia Producer <http://www.kipinet.com/av_mmp/>
EMedia Professional <http://www.emediapro.net/>
formerly CD-ROM Professional
Inside Technology Training <http://www.ittrain.com/>
formerly CBT Solutions Magazine
Macromedia User Journal <http://www.pinpub.com/muj/>
NewMedia <http://www.newmedia.com/>
Screen Multimedia <http://www.screen-multimedia.de/>
German-language multimedia magazine
T.H.E Journal <http://www.thejournal.com/>
18. What books deal with authoring systems?
Lingo Sorcery by Peter Small. Includes hybrid Macintosh/Windows CD-ROM. This
is the best object-oriented Lingo book available; be sure to work your way
through the problems! <http://www.wiley.com/compbooks/catalog/96302-X.htm>
Multimedia--Making it Work by Tay Vaughan. Includes hybrid Macintosh/Windows
CD-ROM. Now out in its 4th Edition; essential if you're just starting out --
useful if you're breaking out on your own.
<http://www.timestream.com/products/books/mmwork/>
Additional book pointers are collected at:
Betsy Bruce's Authorware Books site <http://pobox.com/~bbruce/>
Macmillan Computer Publishing lists their books on authoring in the
Graphics section.
<http://www.mcp.com/resources/graphics/>
McGraw-Hill lists their books on authoring in the Multimedia section.
<http://mcgraw-hill.inforonics.com/cgi/listit?subject=Computing--Multimedia>
19. What software titles deal with authoring systems?
Interactive Multimedia - Getting Started: A CD-ROM Hands on Guide to creating
interactive multimedia by Interactive Media Corporation. Macintosh CD-ROM.
<http://www.imcinfo.com/MMGettingStartedDataSheet.html>
The Lingo(TM) Timesaver(TM) <http://www.updatestage.com/TLT.html> : UpdateStage
<http://www.updatestage.com/index.html> ; Hybrid Macintosh/Windows CD-ROM.
Multimedia, Working it Out! by Tay Vaughan. Hybrid Macintosh/Windows CD-ROM.
Invaluable resource for independent professional and would-be multimedia
developers. <http://www.timestream.com/products/discs/mmcd/index.html>
20. What USENET newsgroups deal with authoring systems?
General Authoring:
bit.listserv.edtech
comp.infosystems.kiosks This moderated newsgroup deals with kiosk issues,
including software development for kiosk delivery.
comp.multimedia This unmoderated newsgroup is the omnibus multimedia
forum; issues covered range from sound cards to authoring tools
to C++ libraries.
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.multimedia
comp.os.os2.multimedia
comp.publish.cdrom.multimedia
comp.sys.amiga.multimedia
Authorware
alt.authorware Inundated with spam, this group is mostly oriented to
newbie questions; more technical questioners tend to be pointed
to the AWARE mailing list.
bit.listserv.authorware This newsgroup has a uni-directional feed
from the AWARE mailing list; posts to the newsgroup no longer
bounce back to the list. Questions range from newbie to highly
technical.
Director
alt.multimedia.director Fairly well spammed, this group is mostly
oriented to newbie questions; more technical questioners are usually
pointed to DIRECT-L.
HyperCard
comp.sys.mac.hypercard
ToolBook II
bit.listserv.toolb-l
Windows Help and Multimedia Viewer
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.winhelp
21. What Independent WebSites deal with authoring systems?
General Resources:
Gamasutra Sponsored by the same crowd that runs the Computer Game
Developer's Conference; in the Production and Programming sections there are
threads on authoring. <http://www.gamasutra.com/>
In-Depth Reviews Roger Moncrief has written a number of excellent reviews
ofvarious multimedia tools. <http://www.indrev.com/>
The Kinte Space This is Bryan Wilhite's demo space; check it out --
especially the Kinte FAQs! <http://www.kintespace.com/>
Maricopa Authoring Web Excellent authoring site; regular updates and new
pointers. <http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/authoring/>
MediaBuilder <http://www.mediabuilder.com/>
Multimedia Resources Page. This is the comprehensive multimedia site,
although it is becoming a little cobwebby.
<http://viswiz.gmd.de/MultimediaInfo/>
News from the Field, by TRIA M EUROPE BV, a webmagazine aimed at authoring
specialists. <http://www.tme.nl/>
Picking a Multimedia Authoring Tool, article by Andy Oeftering, Data-Tech
Institute <http://www.datatech.com/hot/s96_3.htm>
XTalk Access Collection. This is a resource page for users of X-Talk tools
(most notably HyperCard, MetaCard and SuperCard).
<http://www.flexibleLearning.com/xtalk/index.html>
3DML A new tagging protocol for delivering 3-D and other multimedia
content via browser.
<http://www.flatland.com>
CBT Resources:
CBT Autorensysteme German (Deutsch) article about CBT Authoring Systems by
Markus Beisser. <http://www.ifs.univie.ac.at/~c9303344/cbe1.htm>
Apple Media Tool Resources:
Apple Media Tool (AMT)
Apple sold AMT to Encore Developpement, which has halted development and active
support of AMT.
<http://www.sky4studios.be/amt/>
The Unoffical Apple Media Tool Site
<http://ccsmacinfo.ccs.queensu.ca/Mark/AMT2/>
Authorware Resources:
The Authorware Professional (AWARE list) Page. If you are doing any level of
Authorware development, check out the AWARE mailing list and its USENET mirror
at bit.listserv.authorware. <http://www.e-media.nl/aware/>
The Authorware Ring A linked group of sites belonging to professional
Authorware developers. <http://www.ix-software.nl/authorware/authoring.html>
The Authorware Resource Center Don Knaak's collection of Authorware
resources,
including a list of contractors and "how-to" examples.
<http://www.stingray-interactive.com/awunder/index.htm>
Betsy Bruce's Multimedia page Includes the current list of Authorware books.
<http://pobox.com/~betsy/>
DirectXtras Producers of externals for Authorware and Director.
<http://www.directxtras.com>
The Media Shoppe Wade Wells' site, 3rd party Authorware UCDs and Xtras.
<http://www.mediashoppe.com/>
Stefan van As, Multimedia developer at Davilex, has the best collection of
ActiveX stuff for Authorware.
<http://home.wirehub.nl/~dav-stefan/>
Whirlwind Multimedia Tim Miller's site, 3rd party Authorware XCMDs, UCDs
and Xtras.
<http://www.whirlwind-media.com/>
Director Resources:
Behaviors.Com; Lingo and Behaviors website
<http://www.behaviors.com/>
Director FAQ-in-progress.
<http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/director/faq/index.html>
Director Online User Group
<http://www.director-online.com/>
Director Web at Maricopa; Here is the Director resources site. Excellent!
<http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/director/>
Great Bay Interactive; a New England Director shop <http://www.greatbayint.com/>
UpdateStage; a fantastic Director site; marketer of a number of wonderful Xtras
<http://www.updatestage.com/index.html>
HyperCard Resources:
The HyperCard Resource Page, maintained by GlassCat Communications
<http://www.glasscat.com/hypercard/>
mTropolis Resources:
mTropolis Survivor's Page John Dunning's resources page.
<http://web.globalserve.net/~spud/mTrop/index.html>
mTroposite iXmedia inc. hosts the mTropo-List mTropolis mailing list
and website listing third-party mTropolis scripts and modifiers. The mailing
list archives are searchable. <http://mtrop.ixmedia.com/>
Shockwave Resources:
ShockeR Shockwave Sites Mailing List and Search Engine
<http://www.shocker.com/>
SuperCard Resources:
Australian SuperCard User's Group <http://www.curtin.edu.au/other/supercard/>
DevHQ The MacOS developers site has a SuperCard section.
<http://www.devhq.com/supercard/>
Fourth World Richard Gaskin's site; 3rd-party SuperCard tools
developer/distributor <http://www.fourthworld.com/>
SuperCard News <http://members.xoom.com/machottest5/supercardnews/>
Toolbook Resources:
Australian Toolbook User Group <http://www.atug.com/>
Marcio's ToolBook & Multimedia Hotlist maintained by Marcio d'Avila, and
includes a Portugese version!
<http://www.inet.com.br/~mhavila/toolbook/>
The Toolbook List <http://www.biocom.arizona.edu/tbook/>
The Toolbook User's Web <http://www.ets.bris.ac.uk/tosolini/tbkwww/>
End part 3 of 3
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