Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!munnari.oz.au!metro!ipso!fawlty!johnmac
From: johnmac@fawlty.towers.oz (John MacLean)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: 3200 file format standard
Message-ID: <430@fawlty.towers.oz>
Date: 1 Aug 90 05:45:09 GMT
Organization: Tower Technology, Lane Cove, NSW
Lines: 43

I wrote to Matt D at Apple about standardizing 3200 color file formats,
given that I have already come accross 3 (2 of these have aux-type variations),
and that there is apparently already another.

He would like to see these graphics within APF format,
which sounds to me like a good idea.
He also asked me to put forward a proposal;
so here is what I think I will suggest:

1) For a uncompressed file format, I will suggest:
- use a new file type (ie: $00C1, auxtype $????) and store the data in
"Brooks Format" ($7D00 bytes of pixel data followed by
200x32 bytes of palette data - with palettes in reverse order)

2) For a compressed File Format, I will suggest:
- use APF (ie: $00C0, auxtype $0002).
- put the pixel data in the "MAIN" Information Block.
- and either:
a) define a new Information Block called "MULTIPAL":

	Length:		LongInt
	Kind:		String "MULTIPAL"
	NumPalettes:	Integer (should be the same as NumScanLines in MAIN)
	PaletteArray:	[0..NumPalettes-1] of reversed palettes
	
b) just use the existing Information Block "PALETTES",
and any software reading such a file should reverse the palettes.
If there are NumScanLine palettes then this identifies a graphic.

I prefer a), because the identification of this block ensures it is a
multiple palette graphic (1 palette per scanline), and software does
not need to reverse the palettes (all formats store the palettes in
reverse order).

Would any one like to comment on this before I make such a recomendation.
Please pass this on to others who might have an interest.

John MacLean.
-- 
This net: johnmac@fawlty.towers.oz.au                   Phone: +61 2 427 2999
That net: uunet!fawlty.towers.oz.au!johnmac             Fax:   +61 2 427 7072
Snail:    Tower Technology, Unit D 31-33 Sirius Rd,     Home:  +61 2 960 1453
          Lane Cove, NSW 2066, Australia.