Subject: Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ
Date: Sun, 03 Mar 1996 21:38:44 -0500
Summary: This posting addresses the multimedia developers who monitor comp.multimedia; however, it is not a comprehensive FAQ for the newsgroup.

Posting-Frequency: monthly (first Sunday)
Version: 1.4.1
URL: http://www.tiac.net/users/jasiglar/MMASFAQ.HTML


Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ Version 1.4.1
3/3/96

1.  What is an Authoring System?
2.  Why would anyone want to use an authoring system?
3.  What is an authoring paradigm?
4.  What is the Scripting paradigm?
5.  What is the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm?
6.  What is the Frame paradigm?
7.  What is the Card/Scripting paradigm?
8.  What is the Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm?
9.  What is the Hierarchical Object paradigm?
10. What is the Hypermedia Linkage paradigm?
11. Can I develop all of my material in the authoring system?
12. What is the best authoring system?
13. Given that my subject matter is <>, my delivery platform is <>, and my
design specifies <>, which authoring system should I use?
14. What are the names of some multi-platform authoring systems?
15. What are the names of some single-platform authoring systems?
16. What print magazines deal with authoring systems?
17. What books deal with authoring systems?
18. What software titles deal with authoring systems?
19. What USENET newsgroups deal with authoring systems?
20. What Independent WebSites deal with authoring systems?

1. What is an Authoring System?
An Authoring System is a program which has pre-programmed elements for the
development of interactive multimedia.  Authoring systems vary widely in
orientation, capabilities, and learning curve.  There is no such thing (at
this time) as a completely point-and-click automated authoring system;
some knowledge of heuristic thinking and algorithm design is necessary. 
Whether you realize it or not, authoring is actually just a speeded-up
form of programming; you don't need to know the intricacies of a
programming language, or worse, an API, but you do need to understand how
programs work.

2. Why would anyone want to use an authoring system?
It generally takes about 1/8th the time to develop an interactive
multimedia project, such as a CBT program, in an authoring system as
opposed to programming it in compiled code.  This means 1/8 the cost of
programmer time and likely increased re-use of code (assuming that you
pass this project's code to the next CBT project, and they use a similar
or identical authoring system).  However, the content creation (graphics,
text, video, audio, animation, etc.) is not generally affected by the
choice of an authoring system; any production time gains here result from
accelerated prototyping, not from the choice of an authoring system over a
compiled language.

3. What is an authoring paradigm?
Also known as the authoring metaphor, this is the methodology by which the
authoring system accomplishes its task. There are various paradigms,
including:

   Scripting Language
   Iconic/Flow Control
   Frame
   Card/Scripting
   Cast/Score/Scripting
   Hierarchical Object
   Hypermedia Linkage

4. What is the Scripting paradigm?
The Scripting paradigm is the authoring method closest in form to
traditional programming.  The paradigm is that of a programming language,
which specifies (by filename) multimedia elements, sequencing, hotspots,
synchronization, etc.  A powerful, object-oriented scripting language is
usually the centerpiece of such a system; in-program editing of elements
(still graphics, video, audio, etc.) tends to be minimal or non-existent. 
Scripting languages do vary; check out how much the language is
object-based or object-oriented.  The scripting paradigm tends to be
longer in development time (it takes longer to code an individual
interaction), but generally more powerful interactivity is possible. 
Since most Scripting languages are interpreted, instead of compiled, the
runtime speed gains over other authoring methods are minimal.  The media
handling can vary widely; check out your system with your contributing
package formats carefully.

5. What is the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm?
This tends to be the speediest (in development time) authoring style; it
is best suited for rapid prototyping and short-development time projects. 
The core of the paradigm is the Icon Palette, containing the possible
functions/interactions of a program, and the Flow Line, which shows the
actual links between the icons.  These programs tend to be the slowest
runtimes, because each interaction carries with it all of its possible
permutations; the higher end packages, such as Authorware or IconAuthor,
are extremely powerful and suffer least from runtime speed problems.

6. What is the Frame paradigm?
The Frame paradigm is similar to the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm in that
it usually incorporates an icon palette; however, the links drawn between
icons are conceptual and do not always represent the actual flow of the
program.  This is a very fast development system, but requires a good
auto-debugging function, as it is visually un-debuggable.  The best of
these have bundled compiled-language scripting, such as Quest (whose
scripting language is C) or Apple Media Kit.

7.  What is the Card/Scripting paradigm?
The Card/Scripting paradigm provides a great deal of power (via the
incorporated scripting language) but suffers from the index-card
structure.  It is excellently suited for Hypertext applications, and
supremely suited for navigation intensive (a la Cyan's "MYST" game)
applications.  Such programs are easily extensible via XCMDs and DLLs;
they are widely used for shareware applications.  The best applications
allow all objects (including individual graphic elements) to be scripted;
many entertainment applications are prototyped in a card/scripting system
prior to compiled-language coding. 

8. What is the Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm?
The Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm uses a music score as its primary
authoring metaphor; the synchronous elements are shown in various
horizontal "tracks" with simultaneity shown via the vertical columns.  The
true power of this metaphor lies in the ability to script the behavior of
each of the cast members.  The most popular member of this paradigm is
Director, which is used in the creation of many commercial applications. 
These programs are best suited for animation-intensive or synchronized
media applications; they are easily extensible to handle other functions
(such as hypertext) via XOBJs, XCMDs, and DLLs.

9. What is the Hierarchical Object paradigm?
The Hierarchical Object paradigm uses a object metaphor (like OOP) which
is visually represented by embedded objects and iconic properties. 
Although the learning curve is non-trivial, the visual representation of
objects can make very complicated constructions possible.

10. What is the Hypermedia Linkage paradigm?
The Hypermedia Linkage paradigm is similar to the Frame paradigm in that
it shows conceptual links between elements; however, it lacks the Frame
paradigm's visual linkage metaphor.

11. Can I develop all of my material in the authoring system?
Yes, but you probably shouldn't.  Although most packages allow you to
create content using their in-built tools, these tend to be rudimentary
when compared with those available in dedicated programs.  For more
professional output, you should use software dedicated to the creation and
editing of that medium, and then import/integrate the content into your
multimedia program.  Major content-development packages are likely to
include:

   Paint programs for still images (photos, original digital artwork)
   Paint effects programs
   Illustration (draw) programs for still images (modeled and rendered objects)
   Video digitizing/editing programs
   Video effects programs
   Audio sampling/editing programs
   Word processors (script and program text)
   Database programs
   Animation programs
   Pre-Authoring programs; to date, there's only one, Allen
Communication's Designer's Edge. 
          http://www.allencomm.com/mmsoft/designer/

12. What is the best authoring system?
This is the most impossible question you could ask.  It's like asking
what's the best hammer -- it depends upon the job you're trying to do, and
sometimes (like when you're working on plumbing), there is no answer. 
Qualify your question, and there'll be a prayer of answering it.

13.  Given that my subject matter is <>, my delivery platform is <>, and
my design specifies <>, which authoring system should I use?
This is a question an authoring specialist can answer (just as soon as you
fill in the blanks, and add any other qualifying data).  

14. What are the names of some multi-platform authoring systems?
Remember, you can use any of these on one of their single platforms, as
well as developing for
multiple platforms. 

   Apple Media Tool :  Apple Computer   Mac, Windows player
      http://www.info.apple.com/productinfo/datasheets/as/mediatool.html
      Apple Media Tool is a frame paradigm authoring system.  To create
complicated interactive structures, you will likely need to get the
accompanying AMT Programming Environment.

   Authorware Academic :  Prentice-Hall ;  Mac, Windows
      http://www.prenhall.com/013/289801/28980-1.html
      This is the 500-icon limited version of Authorware; it follows the
iconic/flow control paradigm and is sold mainly through university
bookstores and other ".edu" markets.  The other limitations include:  no
.UCD support, limited .DLL support, no JumpFile (between
Authorware-generated files) or JumpOut (to other applications/files)
support.

   Authorware:  Macromedia ;  Mac, Windows
      http://www.macromedia.com/Tools/Authorware/index.html
      mailto:macropr@macromedia.com
      MacWeekReview:  
      Currently in version 3.0, this follows the iconic/flow control
paradigm with a limit per individual file of 32,000 icons.  Authorware
supports jumping between files (I've 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.  Text support for styles,
and navigation structures including hypertext are new features.  This tool
is optimal for CBT and rapid prototyping.

   CourseBuilder; Discovery Systems Int'l.; Mac, Windows Player
      http://www.io.org/~tmaler/CBinfo.html
      US:   mailto:73014.761@compuserve.com
      Canada:  mailto:tmaler@io.org
      CourseBuilder is an iconic/flow control paradigm authoring system
optimized for CBT delivery. Allows scriptless interactive courseware
construction.

cT(R) : Carnegie Mellon University & WorldWired ; Mac, Windows, Unix
      http://www.worldwired.com/
      mailto:dstone@mindspring.com
      cT is a scripting paradigm authoring system, with player
capabilities for the World Wide Web.  cT's media handling includes support
for both QuickTime and Video for Windows, bitmap and vector graphics;
interactivity capabilities include hottext and response-tracking/judging. 

   Director :  Macromedia ;  Mac, Windows, various players
      http://www.macromedia.com/Tools/Director/index.html
      mailto:macropr@macromedia.com
      Currently in version 4.0, 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; and its inclusion of Lingo, its object-based
scripting language, has made it the animation-capable program to beat. 
Director's major disabilities are its rudimentary text handling and slow
running of navigation-intensive content.  

   Formula Graphics Multimedia System : Harrow Software ; Windows, NT
      http://www.magna.com.au/~formula/
      mailto:formula@magna.com.au

   Gain Momentum :  SyBase ;  NT, UNIX
      http://www.sybase.com/Offerings/Whitepapers/gain1.html
      mailto:webmaster@sybase.com

   HyperWriter : Ntergaid ; DOS, Windows
      http://www.ntergaid.com/inde0002.htm
      mailto:sales@ntergaid.com
      HyperWriter uses a word-processing document metaphor, whose
capbilities correspond closest to the frame authoring paradigm.
HyperWriter comes in several flavors: plain, which includes support for a
single platform; Professional, which includes both DOS and Windows
versions,  Wizards, AutoLinker, optional encryption and an installer; and
Training (CBT-optimized).

   IconAuthor :  AimTech ;  Windows, OS/2, NT, UNIX, Mac Player
      http://www.aimtech.com/Ifaq.htm
      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"
animation feature due to jerky response.

   mTropolis : mFactory ; Mac/PowerMac, Windows player
      http://www.mfactory.com/mtrop_info.html
      mailto:info@mfactory.com
      mTropolis is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system.

   Microcosm : Microcosm Support & Development Team, University of
SouthHampton ; DOS, Windows
      http://cosm.ecs.soton.ac.uk
      mailto:mcm@ecs.soton.ac.uk
      Microcosm is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, now commercially
available.

   Oracle Media Objects :  Oracle ;  Mac, Windows
      http://www.oracle.com/info/products/omo.html
      Oracle Media Objects is a card/scripting paradigm authoring system.

   Quatrain : Softwords ; DOS, Mac, Windows, UNIX
      http://www.softwords.bc.ca/Quatrain.html

   Question Mark : Question Mark Computing Ltd; WWW (via Windows), DOS,
Mac, Windows
      http://www.demon.co.uk:80/qmark/
      Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.

   ScriptX : Kaleida Labs ; Mac, Windows player
      http://www.kaleida.com/
      mailto:kaleida.direct@kaleida.com
      ScriptX is a scripting paradigm authoring system.

   STiP : MacVonk ; Mac, Windows Player, CD-I Player
      http://www.ccinet.ab.ca/macvonk/stip.html
      mailto:macvonk@ccinet.ab.ca
      STiP Professional is a frame paradigm authoring system, with a
visual "tree" metaphor for defining branching.

   SuperCard :  Allegiant ;  Mac, Windows player
      http://www.allegiant.com/
      mailto:info@allegiant.com 
      SuperCard 2.5 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, and
has the best support staff on earth.

TenCORE : Computer Teaching Corporation ; DOS, Windows
      http://www.tencore.com/~ctc/products.htm
      mailto:sales@tencore.com
      TenCORE is actually two products: TenCORE Producer, which is a frame
paradigm authoring system, and TenCORE Language Authoring System, which is
a scripting paradigm authoring system.  TenCORE LAS has discernable Plato
roots.


**Players require authoring on a "full" platform, then a port to the
player platform.**


15. What are the names of some single-platform authoring systems?
Remember, these will only author for a single platform; you can also use
one of the multi-platform
tools on any of their single platforms. 

Amiga Authoring systems:

Scala MM400 ; Scala
      http://www.scala.com/scala/Mm400pre.html


DOS Authoring systems:

GLpro : G-media
      http://www.gmedia.net/glpro/dosinfo.html
      mailto:glpro@imsc.demon.co.uk
      GLpro is a scripting paradigm authoring system.

Multimedia Grasp : Paul Mace Software
      http://www.pmace.com/mmgdesc.htm
      mailto:info@mace.mind.net
      Multimedia Grasp is a scripting paradigm authoring system.

Neobook : Neosoft
      http://www.pixelquest.com/cybershelf/neobook.html


Macintosh Authoring systems:  
   Digital Chisel : Pierian Spring 
      http://www.pierian.com/oasis/pierian/marketing/chisel.html
      MacWeekReview:  http://www.zdnet.com/~macweek/mw_12-11-95/rev16.html

   HyperCard:  Apple
      http://www.info.apple.com/productinfo/datasheets/as/hypercard2.3.html
      HyperCard is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version
2.3.  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.

   Libra Authoring Tool for the Mac: Michael Farris, Southwest Texas State
University
      http://www.agoralang.com:2410/libra.html
      mailto:MF03@academia.swt.edu
      HyperCard-based tool optimized for Interactive Videodisc Instruction
production.

   MediaLink : InterEd & University of South Carolina
      http://ppc.csd.sc.edu/medialink/
      mailto:medialink@spider.csd.sc.edu
      MediaLink is a Hypermedia Linkage paradigm authoring system, and has
extensive hyperlinking functionality. This is one of the few freeware
tools available.

   Special Delivery : IMC 
      http://www.imcinfo.com/SD2.0DataSheet.html
      mailto:marketing@imcinfo.com
      MacWeekReview:  http://www.zdnet.com/~macweek/mw_12-11-95/rev16.html

   StorySpace : Eastgate Systems
      http://www.eastgate.com/Storyspace.html
      mailto:info@eastgate.com
      Hypertext authoring system, uses "Writing Space" links, corresponds
pretty closely to the frame paradigm.


Windows Authoring Systems:

   Buccaneer : Buccaneer Developments Ltd.
      http://ourworld.compuserve.com:80/homepages/buccaneer/
      mailto:buccaneer@compuserve.com

   CBTExpress : AimTech 
      http://www.aimtech.com/Cfaq.htm
      This is a CBT-optimized, stripped-down version of IconAuthor;
follows the frame paradigm.  Plenty of templates provided for novice CBT
developers.

   HM_Card : Dr. Nick Scherbakov, Technical University of Graz
      http://hgiicm.tu-graz.ac.at:80/118169A5/A0x811b9908_0x00145856
      mailto:nsherbak@iicm.tu-graz.ac.at 
      HM_Card is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, with two modules:
a content database and a linker.  Optimized for hypermedia, HM-Card should
be ideal for producing electronic references.  This is one of the few
*shareware* authoring systems available. 

   HyperPlus :  Object Plus
      http://www.ocm.com/objectplus/hyperpls.htm
      mailto:75702.727@compuserve.com 
      HyperPlus is a conversion program for HyperCard 2.1 stacks to run
under Windows.  Does not support ColorTools XCMD set (introduced version
2.2), so you'll need to port your color graphics separately and then
integrate.

   Inigo : University of Twente
      http://www.iaf.nl/cbt/overini.htm

   MediaWorks : Instinct
      http://www.instinct.com/mw.html
      mailto:Instinct@Instinct.com
      MediaWorks is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system, with
a point-and-click interface (i.e., no scripting language), optimized for
CBT.

   Multimedia Toolbook :  Asymetrix
      http://www.asymetrix.com/mmtools/tbfamily/index.htm
      Multimedia Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system currently
in version 4.0.  It includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many
examples (called "Widgets") of interactivity.  There is a non-multimedia
version called Toolbook, and a CBT-optimized edition called Multimedia
Toolbook CBT Edition.

   Podium : University of Delaware
      http://www.udel.edu/podium/
      mailto:podium@udel.edu
      Podium is a Hypermedia Linkage paradigm authoring system.

   Quest 5 for Windows :  Allen Communications
      http://www.allencomm.com/mmsoft/quest/
      Quest 5 for Windows is a frame paradigm authoring system currently
in version 5.1.  Its most notable feature is its scripting language, which
is ANSI C.  It includes full compliance with MCI.

   ShowBasic : MIKSoftware
      http://www.cnj.digex.net/~mik/sbasic.html

   STDemo : MIKSoftware
      http://www.cnj.digex.net/~mik/stdemo.html

   SuperLink : Alchemedia</A><BR>
      http://www.sos.net/home/alchemy/suprlink.html
      mailto:alchemy@sos.net 
   SuperLink is the successor software to Linkway, and follows the
card/scripting paradigm, while holding the content externally to the
script file.

   WinPlus :  Object Plus
      http://www.ocm.com/objectplus/winplus.htm
      mailto:75702.727@compuserve.com
      WinPlus is a card/scripting authoring system.

   WinPlus Multimedia Edition :  Object Plus
      http://www.ocm.com/objectplus/winplusm.htm
      mailto:75702.727@compuserve.com 
      WinPlus Multimedia Edition is a card/scripting authoring system with
enhanced multimedia features.


UNIX Authoring Systems:

   MetaCard :  MetaCard
      http://www.metacard.com/
      mailto:info@metacard.com
      MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system.


16. What print magazines deal with authoring systems?
   Interactivity
      http://w3t.mfi.com/db/properties/prop_222.html
      mailto:interactivity@mfi.com

   NewMedia
      http://www.hyperstand.com/index.html
      mailto:circ@newmedia.com


17. What books deal with authoring systems?
   Authoring Interactive Multimedia  by Arch C. Luther.   Excellent,
albeit non-comprehensive, reference.
     
http://bookweb.cwis.uci.edu:8042/Books/Academic/Indiv/Luther-Authoring.html

   Authorware with Style by Rod Sims
     
http://www.firmware.com.au/cgi-bin/mediacat.cgi?BAuthorware_With_Style.html@

   Macromedia Director Design Guide by Lee Swearingen & Cathy Clarke.
     
http://www.mcp.com/3001126857837/cgi-bin/bag?isbn=1-56830-062-X&last=/hayden

   Macromedia Director Lingo Workshop</A> by John Thompson, et.al.
      http://www.mcp.com/hayden/multimedia/lingo/index.html

   Multimedia Authoring : Building and Developing Documents by Scott Fisher
     
http://bookweb.cwis.uci.edu:8042/Books/Academic/Indiv/Fisher-Multimedia.html

   Multimedia Literacy  by Fred T. Hofstetter.  Includes CD-ROM
     
gopher://gopher.infor.com:5000/0exec%3A-v%20a%20R10851319-10853509-/.text/Main%3A/.bin/aview

   Multimedia--Making it Work by Tay Vaughan.  Essential if you're just
starting out; useful if you're breaking out on your own.
      http://www.timestream.com/web/products/tsprod.html

   Multimedia Starter Kit for Macintosh by Michael D. Murie.  Vital
reference for newbie multimedia producers.
     
http://www.mcp.com/3001126857837/cgi-bin/bag?isbn=1-56830-113-8&last=/hayden

   Utilizing Multimedia Toolbook 3.0 by Tom L. Hall
      http://www.thomson.com/rcenters/src/utilmtb.html

More books are listed at Betsy Bruce's Multimedia Books site.
      http://www.ctc.edu/~bbruce/books-home.html

18. What software titles deal with authoring systems?
   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/web/products/mmcd/mmcdpr01.html

19. What USENET newsgroups deal with authoring systems?
   alt.authorware
   bit.listserv.authorware
   bit.listserv.toolb-l
   comp.multimedia
   comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.multimedia
   comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.winhelp
   comp.os.os2.multimedia
   comp.publish.cdrom.multimedia
   comp.sys.amiga.multimedia
   comp.sys.mac.hypercard
   misc.education.multimedia

20. What Independent WebSites deal with authoring systems?
   Authorbase Cobweb site -- not updated for a couple of years.
      http://wwwetb.nlm.nih.gov/authorb/index.html
   Maricopa Authoring Languages site -- Excellent authoring site; regular
updates and new pointers. 
      http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/authoring/lang.html
   The Authorware Professional (AWARE list) Page -- If you are doing any
level of Authorware development, check out the AWARE mailing list and its
mirror at news:bit.listserv.authorware. 
      http://www.hvu.nl/aware
   Betsy Bruce's Multimedia page -- Includes the current list of
Authorware books.
      http://www.ctc.edu/~bbruce/ftp.html
   DIRECT-L List home page --  for the Director mailing list; if you're
doing Director or Shockwave development, check this out.
      http://www.tile.net/tile/listserv/directl.html
   Maricopa's Director Page -- Here is *THE* Director resources site. 
Excellent!
      http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/director/
   Director FAQ-in-progress. 
      http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/director/faq/index.html
   The Kinte Space   This is Bryan Wilhite's Authorware demo space; check
it out -- especially the Kinte FAQs!
      http://users.aol.com/Wilhite213/kinte.html
   The Media Shoppe   Wade Wells' Authorware site.
      http://WWW.WADEZWORLD.COM/
   Morph's Outpost Daily Spectrum -- Although the print mag Morph's
Outpost is no more, the on-line version is still humming; updated
weekdays.
      http://www.mecklerweb.com:80/netday/morph/daily.htm
   The Multimedia Toolbook (TOOLB-L list) Page -- US Mirror
      http://www.lib.siu.edu/tbkwww/tbkwww.html
   The Multimedia Toolbook (TOOLB-L list) Page -- UK Mirror
      http://www.ets.bris.ac.uk/tosolini/tbkwww/
   Multimedia Toolbook Resources Page
      http://www.thomson.com/rcenters/src/srcmmt.html 



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The Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ is maintained by Jamie Siglar
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