please some news on Alladin v6 for Amiga

[Ral-Clan]

I wouldn't mind hearing about an updated version too.  I know there is only one programmer working on it so it will take some time, but it would be nice to have a new version.

The latest classic Amiga version runs great and never crashes even on newer versions of Workbench and RTG screens.  The only thing I'd like to see improved is the ability to control the aspect in the "layout" tool.  It seems that Aladdin was ideally designed for the Amiga's native screenmode "non square" pixels.  When using square pixel RTG screens, things are squashed vertically somewhat.....i.e. start up Aladdin 4d and use the Make Arc tool to create a 360 degree arc (a perfect circle).  If you are using an RTG screen the circle will be squashed vertically slightly (therefore will appear eliptical).  If you switch to a Native chipset screen (i.e. NTSC laced) the circle will look proper (no distortion).

There is an aspect setting which should fix this but it doesn't actually seem to do anything in the layout mode.

This is the only slight niggle I have with what otherwise is a great and well written application.

Note: the aspect distortion mentioned above is only apparent in the "layout" view....the actual rendered result looks fine (and there is also an aspect setting for the rendered output that will allow you to control the pixel ratio and set things to your liking - you can even make it match the slight vertical squashing of the layout screen if you want a perfect WYSIWYG setup).

[Ral-Clan]

you have told us that so many times already.. and it is so long ago..

I, sadly, have to agree.  I am a supporter of DiscreetFX and Alladin4d (I bought it and still use it), but I've seen several messages that said version 6 is "Coming very soon" in the past few years.  I've gotten to the point I was with Amiga Inc. - I'll believe it when I see it.

I wish DisrcreetFX well, but I won't put any cash down until the software has been demo'd, released, tested and reviewed by third parties.

[Ral-Clan]

Rule #1 of the Amiga world:

Never, EVER pre-pay for anything, no matter how legitimate the creator looks.

Seriously though, I sympathise.  Although I didn't pre-pay, I really wanted the Aladdin project to succeed.  I would be interested in knowing if Daren Kazimer (sp?), the programmer, is also wondering where his paycheques are.  If that is the case, they should just give him the rights to the code in lieu of pay and he can develop it as his own project.