★ APPLICATIONS ★ PAO/PRESSE ★ MIRACOPY|Amstrad Computer User) ★ |
| Miracopy | Miraprint (Amstrad Action) |
Seven Stars, producer of the Miraprint font utility, has addressed the problem of producing high quality screen representations of screen files and produced Miracopy, a screen dump utility tailored to 24-pin printers. Miracopy is capable of producing 16 grey shades from standard colour screen files e.g. (TEST.SCN). Mode 0,1,2 screens can be printed in small (55x90mm) and medium (110x1800mm) screen dump sizes. Mode 0 screens also can be printed in large (270x170mm) size.The large size fits neatly onto an A4 sheet fillingmost of it. For high quality dumps 2 or 4 pins modes are available with a 24-pin mode for fast proofing. Two sets of gray shades, patterned and gray, are available to increase the output options and enhance plain screens or lettering. Positioning of copy is attached by adjusting the left margin via menu-driven option. Operation Miracopy is easy to load and operate. It is a straightforward application program for which you will either have a use for and cannot live without or will never need. If you are in the first category then you need look no further as this application is clear, concise and easy to use. All options are available from one opening screen, which is simple and uncluttered. The opening screen presents you with a status line that informs you of the current file loaded for printing, if any, and the method of shade in use (pattern or grey). The second line is the heading line for the drop-down menus, which seem to be well idiot-proofed. The sub-menus prompt for further information using the standard dialogue box approach and you can return to a submenu if you find yourself in the wrong one by using the ESC key. Loading screens Available screen files can be displayed by selecting Directory from the files menu. They can be loaded by selecting the appropriate screen mode option and then filling in the name of the file. You can also add a drive prefix to the file name if needed. Previewing screens Screens to be printed can be viewed by selecting the view menu from the main screen. The colours shown will be assigned shades of grey and different shades can be assigned to different colours. Any key gets you out of the view screen. Printing screens To print a screen file it is possible to select print from the main menu. Then pick the dump size and screen mode. Printing can be interrupted at any time by pressing any key. Options 2 and 4-pin printing are available when in this mode. A nice touch is that the pins used are randomized in order to minimize pin and ribbon wear. Conclusion Miracopy is an excellent printing utility, which is very workmanlike with no frills. It does the job. If you are looking for a 24-pin printer with print dump facilities, then I recommend you take a look at Miracopy.
|
