Videonics PowerScript PS4000S, Instruction Manual

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Videonics PowerScript About File Type Extensions
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EPS File Types
E ncapsulated P ost S cript (EPS) graphic files contain PostScript code. You can use most EPS
graphic files with PowerScript. The files can contain objects (such as rectangles, lines, and
paths), or they can contain bit-mapped images. You might be familiar with EPS files that
you can output to a color laser printer. PowerScript works in a similar manner except that
instead of outputting to a printer, it sends the output to a television monitor. Unlike a
printer, however, PowerScript can work with transparent objects and it works at video
speed—which means it can display EPS graphics within a fraction of a second.
EPS files are the only supported graphic format than can contain objects, which are espe-
cially efficient for large graphics because they paint one object at a time rather than a
pixel at a time. Another advantage is that EPS objects do not have a background—so
oddly-shaped objects (such as a star) can be drawn and overlap other items already on a
page. Most bit-mapped formats, by contrast, always reside within an opaque rectangular
shape.
When creating EPS images, be sure to read “Creating Efficient Graphic Files for Use with
PowerScript” later in this section to learn how to create efficient graphics. The same EPS
graphic can range in size from as little as 5K to as much as 200K, depending on how you
construct and save it.
PowerScript EPS supports most PostScript Level 2 specifications, including clipping paths
and JPEG. Clipping paths allow a bit-mapped image to be cut out (that is, to render
defined portions transparent). JPEG allows the bit-mapped contents to be highly com-
pressed while still retaining good image quality.
PowerScript also supports APS files, which use the CMYA color model. APS is a Videonics
innovation that allows for the inclusion of a transparency (alpha) channel in the image.
See “Creating Transparency Channels” on page 142 for more information.
JPEG File Types
JPEG ( J oint P hotographic E xperts G roup) files are compressed bit-mapped images. This
format is especially good for still photos and complex artwork, including scanned
images. A chief advantage of JPEG is its high compression factor, and the fact that you
can choose the level of compression you want, trading file size for image quality.
JPEG is widely supported on the Internet World Wide Web. It is commonly supported by
most graphic software applications.
JPG J oint Photographic E xperts G roup—A special form of image compression
adopted by the JPEG group
GIF G raphic I nterchange F ormat. A common graphic file format used for
Internet graphics.
PCX Common file type used by Windows and DOS applications for saving files
containing bit-mapped image data.
Table 10: Acceptable File Type Extensions for Graphic Files (Continued)
File Type
Extension
Type of File