PhotoMorph: Video Special Effects 2
PhotoMorph 2 Video Special Effects PC CD merge images into movie clip edit tools
Application
Windows
Andover Advanced Technologies
1995
CD
$34.99
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Photomorph 2 is a more advanced morphing program reviewed. To say that this is just a morphing package does this software an injustice. It has advance pre-production and post-production features make this software suitable for professional broadcast quality video.
In addition to doing standard morphing as described for Photomorph Lite, it has the added abilities to morph two .AVI movie files, filters for special effects, masking, blue screen, chroma key and luminance key. Don't know what these features are, that's ok, we shall review them right now. However, a complete discussion of each feature is beyond the restraints of this article. We shall touch upon the highlights of the features, just realize there is more that may be accomplished then what is covered here.
Morphing Movie Files
The morphing package reviewed so far, only morph still pictures. Photomorph 2 however can load two .AVI movie files and create a morph transition. This allows a moving morph to take place. What immediately comes to mind to illustrate this point is the movie Terminator 2. The liquid metal robot morphed from person to another while in motion.
Frame and Text Overlay
The text overlay feature allows you to title video clips (.AVI files) and picture files. The feature uses TrueType and PostScript fonts. Photomorph 2 also has a framing feature that allows the user to place a frame around a picture file.
Filters
Filters are unique features. They provide interesting special effects. The swirl filter for example takes a standard picture and creates an animation in which the picture swirls as if it were a liquid and someone stirred it with a spoon. I've seen this effected used on broadcast TV numerous times.
Photomorph 2 is package with the following video distortion filters: Lens, Pinch, Ripple, Rotate, Rotate Center, Rotate and Shear, Shear, Spherize, Comp. Width, Comp. Height, Swirl, Tear, Tumble, Twirl, Wave, Zigzag, Zoom In, and Zoom Out. These particular features are accessed through the Distortion Editor.
Blue Screen, Chroma Key and Luminance Key
Blue screen, chroma key and luminance key allow the user to make selected parts of an image transparent. The transparent portions allow a secondary screen or background to show through. Blue screen allows the user to key a range of blue colors to become transparent. Chroma key allows the user to select any color to become transparent. Luminance key allows the user to select a range of luminance or brightness to become transparent.
Blue Screen has been used successful for many years in Hollywood. Here actors are placed in front of a blue background. The scene is played. In post production the blue screen is made transparent and a suitable background is used instead. This is the technique used many times to place actors flying space fighters in outer space. Photomorph 2 is able to blue screen one .AVI clip onto another .AVI clip.
Chroma key is consider more powerful than the blue screen technique because it allows the user to key on any color. Figure 3 is a chroma key example. In this picture we chroma keyed on the womans skin. This allowed the second photograph of the beach scene to show through on this color.
Special Effects with Photomorph 2
The special effects one may accomplish using PhotoMorph can not be properly illustrated in a magazine because the resulting files are movies. The transitions and video distortions possible elevate this program beyond the narrow definition morphing. This is a high end program that may be used to create professional effects suitable for broadcast television.
Warping Too
Each of the packages reviewed is capable of warping images. Warping as its name implies distorts the image. The amount of distortion is in proportion to where the secondary morphing points are place. Typically just the first picture file work area contains a picture. The points are placed on the first picture. The second picture file work area does not contain a picture file.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
In addition to doing standard morphing as described for Photomorph Lite, it has the added abilities to morph two .AVI movie files, filters for special effects, masking, blue screen, chroma key and luminance key. Don't know what these features are, that's ok, we shall review them right now. However, a complete discussion of each feature is beyond the restraints of this article. We shall touch upon the highlights of the features, just realize there is more that may be accomplished then what is covered here.
Morphing Movie Files
The morphing package reviewed so far, only morph still pictures. Photomorph 2 however can load two .AVI movie files and create a morph transition. This allows a moving morph to take place. What immediately comes to mind to illustrate this point is the movie Terminator 2. The liquid metal robot morphed from person to another while in motion.
Frame and Text Overlay
The text overlay feature allows you to title video clips (.AVI files) and picture files. The feature uses TrueType and PostScript fonts. Photomorph 2 also has a framing feature that allows the user to place a frame around a picture file.
Filters
Filters are unique features. They provide interesting special effects. The swirl filter for example takes a standard picture and creates an animation in which the picture swirls as if it were a liquid and someone stirred it with a spoon. I've seen this effected used on broadcast TV numerous times.
Photomorph 2 is package with the following video distortion filters: Lens, Pinch, Ripple, Rotate, Rotate Center, Rotate and Shear, Shear, Spherize, Comp. Width, Comp. Height, Swirl, Tear, Tumble, Twirl, Wave, Zigzag, Zoom In, and Zoom Out. These particular features are accessed through the Distortion Editor.
Blue Screen, Chroma Key and Luminance Key
Blue screen, chroma key and luminance key allow the user to make selected parts of an image transparent. The transparent portions allow a secondary screen or background to show through. Blue screen allows the user to key a range of blue colors to become transparent. Chroma key allows the user to select any color to become transparent. Luminance key allows the user to select a range of luminance or brightness to become transparent.
Blue Screen has been used successful for many years in Hollywood. Here actors are placed in front of a blue background. The scene is played. In post production the blue screen is made transparent and a suitable background is used instead. This is the technique used many times to place actors flying space fighters in outer space. Photomorph 2 is able to blue screen one .AVI clip onto another .AVI clip.
Chroma key is consider more powerful than the blue screen technique because it allows the user to key on any color. Figure 3 is a chroma key example. In this picture we chroma keyed on the womans skin. This allowed the second photograph of the beach scene to show through on this color.
Special Effects with Photomorph 2
The special effects one may accomplish using PhotoMorph can not be properly illustrated in a magazine because the resulting files are movies. The transitions and video distortions possible elevate this program beyond the narrow definition morphing. This is a high end program that may be used to create professional effects suitable for broadcast television.
Warping Too
Each of the packages reviewed is capable of warping images. Warping as its name implies distorts the image. The amount of distortion is in proportion to where the secondary morphing points are place. Typically just the first picture file work area contains a picture. The points are placed on the first picture. The second picture file work area does not contain a picture file.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
