Multimedia Corner

Quest for Multimedia La Mancha

Jousting for the best multimedia tool is a challenge, with many serious contenders. On the front page you will find the Times Mirror product, Quest 5.1 for Windows, offered through their multimedia subsidiary, Allen Communications. The Quest Multimedia Authoring System(TM) for Windows allows users to create applications totally through a point and click authoring system, or by using the popular C programming language.

The product seeks a niche in the marketplace by having a programming course of manuals, tutorials, and examples. Companies who have C programmers, or would prefer to develop products through the use of this kind of technical talent, can also use the product effectively. The package does not require the programmer to learn a special language such as Macromedia Director's Lingo multimedia language.

The package can be used for educational multimedia, information kiosks, on-line reference systems, and computer-based training. Developers of educational titles, simulations, electronic performance support systems, and computer games can use the program with equal facility. Developmental teams consisting of both non-programmers and programmers can coexist within the authoring capabilities of the system.

New authors can create applications by starting at the big window view of the Title Design element. Here, you can design the complete project by assembling text, graphics, buttons, and more by dragging them from the what-you-see-is-what-you-get environment. To add animation, simply draw a line to form a path to the file you need with your mouse.

The package includes FasTracks(TM), which is the manufacturer's name for a group of pre-designed templates, screen layouts, backgrounds, and button patterns the owner can use to develop multimedia presentations. Audio and video can be added without program code in complete synchronization. Intermediate and advanced multimedia developers can use Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL's) to communicate with other Windows-based applications, or use the C-code to use Windows API elements directly.

C programmers can enter, edit, and compile code at the frame level without going to an external program editor. The Quest C Coach allows programmers to select the appropriate function from the easy-to-use pull-down selection list. The package includes a complete C programming debugger to get the code up and running in a hurry. All elements of the system can be manipulated as objects', allowing non-programmer elements to beintermingled with those of the programmer.

Allen Communications Quest multimedia authoring system requires an 80486-DX 25 MHz or better CPU, with an 8 Mb of RAM (16 Mb recommended), 24 Mb of hard disk space (40 required if all elements are to be used), a VGA graphics card and display (SVGA recommended), mouse, and Windows 3.1 or better. Device drivers for any specialty devices such as Video for Windows are not supplied, but may be required.

Products developed under the system require an 80386 25 MHz or better CPU, with a 4 Mb of RAM, 1.2 Mb of hard disk space (plus the actual code of your program), a VGA graphics card and display (SVGA recommended), mouse, and Windows 3.1 or better. Card and device drivers also need to be supplied and licensed from their vendors.

Contributed by C. W. Mann, who also writes the syndicated computer column, BuzzBytes.

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