Need Help Making Shell Animations

I want to make shell animations for a blind I'm working on.

I've looked through the forums, and all the references to making .avi files are for outdated skinstudios or for programs I can't afford.

Is there a free program to make .avi files? Can I make them as .png files and convert them somehow? Help!!

72,346 views 24 replies
Reply #1 Top
http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/AVI-Quick-Download-35693.html
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Reply #2 Top
Ok got that. Thanks.

What format do the files need to be to input them in there?? I tried .png, .bmp, .gif. None of those appear in the box when I brouse for them, so it seems like those wont work.

The AVS Converter site does not give me a clue.
Reply #3 Top
Xiandi If you want after they are in a .gif I will be glad to do them for you.I use "Movie Gear" It has been awhile and it is the only thing I use it for but think it costs about 20$.But I will be glad to convert it for you.Let me know and I will give you some specifics! :)
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Reply #4 Top
You have a PM!
Reply #5 Top
What format do the files need to be to input them in there??


AVI Quick uses .bmps


I got it on a disc somewhere, but I can't find it to check... went to the link I posted to get another one... keep getting a DNS error




But it seems alls okey dokey... theAVMan has got you covered...
Reply #6 Top
The AVS Converter site does not give me a clue.


wasn't what I was linking to - appears AVI Quick no longer found anywhere



just found out AnimationShop will do .avi

will take various frame formats .bmp, .gif, .png, .psp, etc

so if you want to try one using other than .gif, let me know and I'll give it a shot too.
Reply #7 Top
You have a PM!


Give me a little bit I am typing you up a text page :)
Reply #8 Top
AVI Quick uses .bmps

I got it on a disc somewhere, but I can't find it to check... went to the link I posted to get another one... keep getting a DNS error

I've looked everywhere for a free program that will convert bmp to avi...nothing. and every link I found to download AVI Quick is busted. :( 

There are a couple programs out there with free trials. Guess I'll give them a spin and see if they will do the trick. I didnt want to have to purchase a program just to make these animations...that's all I would really use it for. :NOTSURE: 

I really want to learn how to do this myself rather than rely on you to convert them for me. The offer is very much appreciated though, and if I have no luck, you or theAVMAN will be hearing from me. ;) 
Reply #9 Top
Give me a little bit I am typing you up a text page


Okee Dokee! :D 
Reply #11 Top
Good link for AVI Quick

I could kiss you!!! Thank you so much!!! :D 
Reply #13 Top
I could kiss you!!!


That is just wrong ;) ;p :p :LOL:
Reply #14 Top
excellent Pic!


I also found this:

http://jansfreeware.com/jfgraphics.htm

Movies 13 says it converts gif to avi

haven't downloaded and scanned it yet
Reply #15 Top
I'll check that one out too. Thanks!
Reply #17 Top
Notes

#1 has to be an animated .gif which only supports a 256color palette (so try and stay away from drastic color gradients

#2 The top left pixel in every frame is the one used to set transparency.I don't use trans because it works like the magic pink kinda choppy!So as you finish the .gif make sure the top left pixel in every frame is a color NOT in your animation!(I usually use that pink since it is never in my animations!

#3 Must be a RLE8 compression rate


If I can help let me know!! :)
Reply #18 Top
Right click image below save and then open in your art program and you will see the frame structure.

You probably already know but the size of each frame must be exactly 272pix wide and 60pix tall.(aviod much animation in the bottom 4 pixels ex....57,58,59,60 as they get cut off on some machines altough I never figured out why!

Hope it helps!
Harley :)
Reply #19 Top
That's very interesting, the way that's set up. I'll make a couple to get the hang of it. Thanks, that does help!  :CONGRAT: 
Reply #21 Top
xiandi, i use avimaker, i use bmp files.....it supports up to 128 frames... :) 

and thats a freebee one too. xxx
Reply #22 Top

#3 Must be a RLE8 compression rate

 

No it dosent and rle8 compression looks like crap for anything remotely advanced...

But there is a significant size difference.. from megs to kb's

Blackruby uses RLE8 with dither looks ok but not perfect..

Blackbird dont use RLE8 but... i made some crappy animatons on that one :) but thats not the point look at the sizes of the blinds ^^ 4mb vs 10mb

Reply #23 Top

No it dosent and rle8 compression looks like crap for anything remotely advanced...

You should check out the animations in 3D Metal WB it took me forever just to render but RLE8 never messed with the quality much but the 256 color pallette for the .gif now that has caused havok several times.

Reply #24 Top

you are probably right avman.