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======================================================================== CD-I Developer's Source Guide Version: 1.2.4 of 930312 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disclaimer: This list is made to the best of my knowledge, but inevitably it may have mistakes or omissions. No responsibility will be taken by Philips or the author for the information presented herein. For comments, additions, corrections, or if you have remaining questions, contact: Lex van Sonderen Manager Knowledge Transfer Philips Interactive Media of America 11050 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: +1 310 444 6689 Fax: +1 310 477 4953 Internet: lex@aimla.com CompuServe: 71552,2204 ======================================================================== Introduction With the successful launch of CD-I in the United States, Philips is receiving an increasing number of calls from people who are interested in developing CD-I titles. Our goal is to encourage anyone to exploit this exciting new medium and the following list is an attempt to answer basic questions as well as to direct those who are new to CD-I to the many sources of CD-I development hardware, software, and information. ======================================================================== Questions answered in this document: Where can I buy CD-I players and CD-I discs? Where and how can I sell my CD-I consumer titles and ideas? How can I make corporate or educational CD-I titles? Where can I buy CD-I development systems? Where can I get information on CD-I? outside of the USA and Canada? What tools do I need to produce CD-I titles? What system do I need for CD-I authoring? What system do I need to for CD-I programming? What is an emulator? Do I need a CD-Recorder? What is the 'Green Book?' What are the technical specifications for a CD-I player? Where can I read more about CD-I? How can I keep in touch with the CD-I development community? ======================================================================== Where can I buy CD-I players and CD-I discs? Consumers in the US who want information on where to buy CD-I discs and/or Philips CD-I players can call toll-free number for the Philips Consumer Electronics Hotline: 1 800 845 7301 ======================================================================== Where and how can I sell my CD-I consumer titles and ideas? Philips Interactive Media of America (PIMA) PIMA's primary focus is on the publication of high-quality CD-I titles for the home entertainment market. PIMA enters into a limited number of agreements to co-produce home entertainment and educational titles with other organizations. Because of the large number of inquiries, we ask that prospective co-producers mail background information to the Senior Vice President in charge of Product Development, Sarina Simon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Co-Productions Sarina Simon, Senior Vice President Product Development 11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90025 When sending your proposals to Ms. Simon, please describe the subject matter for the proposed title in two or three sentences. Because we cannot guarantee confidentiality in the handling of your proposal at this early stage of the proposal process, we advise you not to send a detailed outline or discussion of your ideas. But, do provide detailed information on your company (brochures, company background, etc.), its personnel (resumes or biographies), and facilities. Because Ms. Simon receives a large number of proposals, a response will take a least 3 weeks. Upon approval of your proposal for further consideration, the next step would be a business plan and a mutual confidentiality agreement. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Distribution for Independent Producers Robert E. Schaulis, Vice President International Product Management and Distribution 11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: +1 310 444 6627 Fax: +1 310 478 4810 As part of PIMA's publishing activity, independent producers are encouraged to seek distribution agreements for their CD-I titles. PIMA establishes and maintains distribution channels in North America. PIMA can also arrange distribution through foreign channels. The procedure for obtaining a distribution agreement with PIMA is outlined in a document titled "Guidelines for Distribution License Agreements," which is available upon request from the International Product Management and Distribution office. ======================================================================== How can I make corporate or educational CD-I titles? CD-I is not a proprietary system; therefore, any company or individual can develop their own CD-I titles. Suppliers of development systems can give assistance in finding complete solutions for CD-I development, and they often can provide courses for authoring and programming as well as offer support. ======================================================================== Where can I buy CD-I development systems? Philips Consumer Electronics (PCEC) PCEC is the supplier of Philips hardware in the United States. This organization provides CD-I development players, and it is very active in the commercial and industrial markets. In addition, PCEC can assist developers in designing and putting together hardware systems. For further information, please contact your regional sales manager: West Coast John Hill Phone: +1 615 521 3101 Central Jerry Huffman Phone: +1 317 841 0224 East Coast John Elicker Phone: +1 908 827 8648 Southern Linda Olsen Phone: +1 404 952 0064 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OptImage OptImage, a Philips joint venture company, is a major supplier of development systems for CD-I. They have a large catalog of hardware and software tools for CD-I designers and engineers. OptImage also organizes courses and workshops for CD-I authoring and programming. For further information, please contact: OptImage Attn.: Pam Wilber 1501 50th Street West Des Moines, IA 50625 Phone: +1 515 222 2073 Fax: +1 515 222 2080 Western Region: Barry Horton Phone: +1 714 859 9162 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ISG ISG is a supplier of development systems for CD-I. They have a catalog of hardware and software tools for CD-I developers. ISG specializes in Macintosh-based CD-I engineering systems. For further information, please contact: Interactive Support Group Attn.: Anne Badger 9420 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 200 Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: +1 818 709 7387 Fax: +1 818 709 8160 In Europe: Attn.: William Vablais St John's Innovation Centre Cambridge, CB4 4WS +44 223 426114 +44 223 420015 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Script Systems Script Systems is a supplier of development systems for CD-I. They have a catalog of hardware and software tools for CD-I developers. Script Systems specializes in MS-DOS based CD-I authoring systems. For further information, please contact: East Coast Attn.: Jim Bertlesman The Market Place, Building 5 Manlius, NY 13104 Phone: +1 315 682 8714 Fax: +1 315 682 4730 West Coast Attn.: Tom Bertlesman 214 Spring Grove lane San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: +1 415 258 9768 Fax: +1 415 258 0673 In Europe: Attn: Peter Theihzen Phone: +31 5700 10655 Fax: +31 5700 10621 ======================================================================== Where can I get information on CD-I outside of the USA and Canada? Philips Interactive Media Systems UK Attn.: David Ward Freeland House Station Road Dorking Surrey RH4 1UL United Kingdom Phone: +44 306 875777 Fax: +44 306 875789 Philips East Asia Attn.: Frank Pauli 35-1 Sagmiohno 7-chome Sagamihara Kanagawa 288 Japan Phone: +81 427 410255 Fax: +81 427 495094 Philips East Asia Attn.: Chris Hofland 28th Floor, Hopewell Centre 17 Kennedy Road, Wanchai Hong Kong Phone: +852 821 5340 Fax: +852 528 2259 Philips Australia Attn.: G. Lee Australia Centre 3 Figtree Drive Homobush NSW 2140 Australia Phone: +61 2 7428311 Fax: +61 2 7644060 Philips IMS Authoring Systems Attn.: Cees van Versendaal P. O. Box 80002 5600 JB Eindhoven The Netherlands Phone: +31 40 736228 Fax: +31 40 734234 ======================================================================== What tools do I need to produce CD-I titles? You can make CD-I titles by using an authoring system or by writing custom programming. Authoring is a method for creating an interactive presentation using user-friendly, high-level tools. An authoring system enables the producer to make interactive presentations by integrating thousands of images, hours of sound, partial screen video clips and on- screen buttons and controls. An authoring system consists of a personal computer system (Macintosh or MS-DOS PC), a professional CD-I player, an emulator and software packages. Usually the video or audio assets are created or captured on the personal computer and then combined on the professional CD-I player. At the present time, one cannot use popular personal computing authoring packages (for example; Macromind Director, ToolBook) to create CD-I presentations; thus, one of the several specific CD-I authoring packages that exist should be used. For more complex presentations that require greater interactivity and faster execution, custom programming is necessary. Programming for CD-I can be done on a Macintosh, an MS-DOS PC or a Sun using a C-cross compiler and software libraries. ======================================================================== What system do I need for CD-I authoring? The following is a guideline of some of the systems commonly used for CD-I authoring. No specific recommendations or price information is given here, because this information is best provided by the suppliers of the development systems. Before making any decision about the systems to use, CONSULT YOUR CD-I DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM SUPPLIER FIRST. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hardware High-end personal computer system Macintosh II or Quadra with at least 3 Nubus slots OR 486-based MS-DOS compatible PC running MS-Windows, SCSI interface and at least 3 empty slots Connections Ethernet cards + NFS software Serial cables SCSI cables Professional CD-I player Philips CD-I 605 NTSC/RGB color monitor Optionally: a low-end monitor to reflect end-user quality on TV in the living room Emulator, including software Philips CD-I emulator OR ISG emulator board for the Macintosh OR Script Systems emulator for PC type systems Capture and encoding hardware, including software high end audio capture board high end video capture board or scanner LOTS of storage space Minimal 2G Byte hard disk space per production 8mm Exabyte tape drive ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Software Authoring Media Mogul, for the Philips CD-I 605 OR Media Showcase, for the Philips CD-I 605 OR Designer Work Bench, for MS-DOS Image & audio conversion Audio conversion utilities (ACUs) Image conversion utilities (ICUs) Animation and movie conversion utilities Image & audio conversion and asset management Media Stockroom, runs on MS-DOS PC under MS-Windows Audio and image editing applications: for example; for Macintosh: Adobe Photoshop, Studio 32, Macromind Director, DigiDesign SoundTools II File transfer software to transfer files from Mac or PC to CD-I: from OptImage, ISG or Script Systems ======================================================================== What system do I need for CD-I programming? The following is a guideline of some of the systems commonly used for CD-I programming in the C programming language. No specific recommendations or price information is given here, because this information is best provided by the suppliers of the development systems. Before making any decision about the systems to use, CONSULT YOUR CD-I DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM SUPPLIER FIRST. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hardware High-end personal computer system or workstation Macintosh II or Quadra with at least 3 Nubus slots OR 486-based MS-DOS compatible PC running MS-Windows, SCSI interface and at least 3 empty slots OR Sun Sparc Emulator Philips CD-I emulator OR ISG Cassiopee board for the Macintosh OR ISG emulator board for the Macintosh OR Script Systems emulator board for the PC type systems Professional CD-I player Philips CD-I 605 OR ISG Cassiopee board for the Macintosh NTSC/RGB color monitor Optionally: a low-end monitor to reflect end-user quality on TV in the living room Connections Ethernet cards + NFS software Serial cables SCSI cables Capture and encoding hardware high end audio capture board high end video capture board or scanner ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Software Programming MPW on Macintosh, SunView on Sun OS-9 Cross Compiler for Sun, Mac or PC OS-9 source level debugger OR ISG X-Link Optionally: GNU Cross compiler on Sun or Mac OptImage Balboa C Library OR ISG C++ Library OR Script Systems CD Vista C Library Image & audio conversion Audio conversion utilities (ACUs) Image conversion utilities (ICUs) Audio and image editing applications: Eg , for Macintosh: Adobe Photoshop, Studio 32, Macromind Director, DigiDesign SoundTools II File transfer software to transfer files from Mac or PC to CD-I: from OptImage, ISG or Script Systems Disc Building OptImage Master/Green OR ISG CDL and BD ======================================================================== What is an emulator? During the development stage of CD-I production, software is continuously tested and run. Because of the specific characteristics of the CD-I medium, the software cannot be run and tested with just a hard disk. In particular, the data delivery, the data rate, and the (slow) access time of the CD need to be taken into account. An emulator is an intelligent, computer peripheral device with a high-capacity hard disk. During the development stage, a disc image is built onto the hard disk of the emulator. Then, when the emulator is switched to the emulation mode, it behaves in the same manner as a real CD player. The alternative would be to burn a CD-I disc for each test run, which is slower and more expensive. ======================================================================== Do I need a CD-Recorder? Usually, a CD-recorder is not required for development of CD-I titles. Typically, an emulator is used, and only when the disc image is completely finished is it sent to a mastering house to be reproduced in compact disc form. If one regularly needs to make a very small series of CDs (1-10), a CD recorder can be useful. ======================================================================== What is the "Green Book?" The Compact Disc-Interactive Full Functional Specification is better known as the "Green Book." The "Green Book" is the official standard for CD-I compliant hardware and software. It is co-authored by Philips and Sony, and is only available to official licensees of the Compact Disc- Interactive standard. To become a licensee contact Philips, Sony, or the CD-I Association. ======================================================================== What are the technical specifications for a CD-I player? A CD-I player plays all CD-I titles, CD Digital Audio (CD-DA), CD+Graphics, Photo CD, and CD ROM-XA bridge discs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Memory - 2 banks of 512K bytes RAM - 8K bytes non-volatile RAM - 650M bytes CD ROM-XA ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audio - CD-DA: max. 72 minutes - ADPCM level A: max. 144 minutes, two channels, hi-fi quality - ADPCM level B: max. 288 minutes, two channels, normal quality - ADPCM level C: max. 576 minutes, two channels, speech quality ADPCM audio can be played directly from disk, with negligible computer interaction, or can be loaded into memory to be played with precise timing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Video - Resolution: 384x240 when displayed on NTSC, 384x280 when displayed on PAL. - 2 8-bit video planes - Background plane in 1 of 8 colors - 16x16 hardware cursor in 1 of 8 colors - Video effects: transparency, mattes, color keying, pixel hold, mosaic. - Programmable video processor to execute video commands on a field and line basis. Commands include: change CLUT; change coding method; change transparency factor; define video memory address, etc. - Each plane can have multiple image coding methods (video modes) selectable on a per-line basis ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Image coding methods - CLUT4: 16 colors out of 16 million, double horizontal resolution (768 pixels) - CLUT7: 128 colors out of 16 million - DYUV: 16 million colors, for continuous tone images - RL3: 8 colors out of 16 million, hardware run-length compression, double horizontal resolution (768 pixels) - RL7: 128 colors out of 16 million, hardware run-length compression Note: DYUV and RL video modes do not allow direct access to the value of an individual pixel. Two more video modes exist that are rarely used: - CLUT8: 256 colors out of 16 million only possible in one plane, the other plane can only be DYUV; it is restricting compared to CLUT7. - RGB555: 32768 colors uses both planes, and requires twice as much data per screen, it is restricting and slow compared to the other video modes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Processor - 68K family, equivalent to 8 MHz 68000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Operating system - CD-RTOS: OS-9 with CD-I extensions. Light-weight, real-time multitasking operating system ======================================================================== Where can I read more about CD-I? Periodicals - CD-I World Bi-monthly CD-I magazine on paper & disc. Parker Taylor & Company Inc. 49 Bayview, Suite 200 Camden, ME 04843 Phone: +1 207 236 8524 Fax: +1 207 236 6452 - New Media Monthly magazine about multi-media in general Hypermedia Communications Inc. 901 Mariner's Island Blvd., Suite 365 San Mateo, CA 94404 Phone: +1 415 573 5170 Fax: +1 415 573 5131 - The Interactive Engineer Publication about CD-I software engineering Philips Interactive Media of America 11050 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: +1 310 444 6519 Fax: +1 310 477 4953 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Books - CD-I Designer's Guide Hoffos, Signe; Sharpless, Graham; Smith, Philip;Lewis, Nicholas McGraw-Hill (UK), 1992 ISBN 0-07-707580-3 - The CD-I Design Handbook Philips IMS, Philips Electronics UK Ltd. Addison Wesley, 1992 ISBN 0-201-62749-3 - The CD-I Production Handbook Philips IMS, Philips Electronics UK Ltd. Addison Wesley, 1992 ISBN 0-201-62750-7 - CD-ROM Handbook Sherman, Chris McGraw-Hill, 1989 ISBN 0-07-056578-3 - Compact Disc-Interactive, A Designers' Overview Preston, J.M., Philips International Inc. McGraw-Hill, 1988 ISBN 0-07-049816-4 - Discovering CD-I Miller, Eric; Miller, Walden Microware Systems Corporation, 1991 ISBN 0-918035-02-3 - Introducing CD-I Philips IMS, Philips Electronics UK Ltd. Addison Wesley, 1992 ISBN 0-201-62748-5 - OS-9 INSIGHTS An advanced programmer's Guide to OS-9 Second Edition, by Peter Dibble ISBN 0-918035-03-1 ======================================================================== How can I keep in touch with the CD-I development community? CD-I Association A professional association for developers of CD-I or for those interested in developing CD-I. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, "Inside CD-I", and other publications. CD-I Association of North America Attn.: Laura Foti Cohen 11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: +1 310 444 6619 Fax: +1 310 479 5937 European CD-I Association Attn.: Julien Lynn-Evans 188 Tottenham Court Road London W1P 9LE United Kingdom ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CompuServe The CompuServe information system is an electronic bulletin board that has a very active community of CD-I users, designers and engineers worldwide. Experts in all fields of CD-I check in daily to answer questions and exchange knowledge. See the multimedia forum, section CDI (GO MULTIMEDIA, Section 17). CompuServe 5000 Arlington Centre Boulevard PO Box 20212 Columbus, Ohio 43220 Phone: +1 614 457 8650 ========================================================================