MSX 2 PC
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A MS-DOS program to display and convert pictures generated on a MSX 2 computer.

Hardware requirements: PC with 80286 or higher processor and VGA video card.

The use of the program should be pretty self-explanatory: After starting the 
program a standard "text-windows" interface will appear, after which commands 
can be given from the pull-down menu on top of the screen. These commands can 
be given with the mouse-cursor, or after activating the menu by pressing the 
F10 key, after which the arrow-keys can be used to move around the menu. 

The following commands are available from the menu:
- Save PCX (F2): Save the last MSX picture loaded as a PCX file. The filename 
                 will be the filename of the MSX picture file, but with the 
                 extension .pcx. PCX files can be viewed and edited by most 
                 PC drawing programs, e.g. the drawing program included with 
                 Micro$oft Windows.
- Save as: Same as Save PCX, but here you will have the oppurtunity to type 
           a different file name for the PCX file.
- Open (F3): Loads and displays a MSX 2 picture file. To load and view the 
             picture correctly, the type of the MSX picture in the Options 
             dialog should be set to the appropriate MSX screen mode.
- Change dir: Gives you the possibility to change the current directory 
              without having to load a MSX file.
- Exit (Alt-X): Exits the MSX 2 PC program and returns you to MS-DOS.
- Show Picture (F9): Displays the last MSX picture loaded once again. To 
                     return to the menu, press any key or a mouse button.
- Program Options (F8): Displays a dialog window in which the user can 
                        specify the type of the input MSX picture file. The
                        MSX 2 screen mode can be specified:
                        - MSX screen 5: 256x212, 16 colours. Used by MSX 
                          programs such as HALO and Michelangelo.
                        - MSX screen 7: 512x212, 16 colours. Used by MSX 
                          programs such as HALO and Michelangelo.
                        - MSX screen 8: 256x212, 256 colours. Used by most 
                          MSX 2 drawing and by all MSX 2 digitizing programs.
                        - Dynamic Publisher: The input file is a stamp (.stp) 
                          file generated by Dynamic publisher (512x212, 
                          black and white).
                        Furthermore, there is a check box in which the user 
                        can specify whether the input MSX picture file also 
                        contains palette information, or the standard MSX 
                        palette is to be used. This options only applies to 
                        MSX screen modes 5 and 7.
- About: Displays the infamous About... dialog box with program name and 
         version number.

A MSX picture filename and the program options can also be specified on the 
command line. Syntax: msx2pc [-switch1] [-switch2] [filename.ext]. Valid 
command line switches are:
/5: Input file is in MSX screen 5 format.
/7: Input file is in MSX screen 7 format.
/8: Input file is in MSX screen 7 format (default).
/D: Input file is a Dynamic Publisher stamp.
/P: Use standard MSX palette (screen modes 5 and 7 only).
If a file name is specified on the command line, the program will 
automatically return to MS-DOS after displaying the MSX picture.

The MSX 2 PC program is being distributed as freeware, i.e. completely for 
free and fully functional. If you enjoy this program, and have access to 
E-mail, send the author a mail, so the spread of the program can be traced. 
The author can be reached on the internet as mario@astro.uva.nl.

Enjoy!

Mario van den Ancker (mario@astro.uva.nl)
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Legal Stuff:

You are free to use, copy and distribute the MSX 2 PC program.
This programs is being made available on an "as is" basis, and carry no
warranties, expressed or implied.  The author shall in no way be held liable
for any damages resulting from the use of this program or the media on which
it is distributed, including, without limitation, loss of business profits,
interruption of business, loss of information, damage to equipment, or any
other incidental or consequential damages.
If you cannot accept these terms, please do not use this program.
By using this program, you indicate you agree with these terms and will 
abide by their restrictions.
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