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Setting resolution in multiple movies
Example of DisplayMode Xtra in use

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DisplayModeExample_1.zip Description: Associated source files Size: 86 kB Requirements: Director MX DisplayMode Xtra

WinAPI method

In case of presentations consisting of many .dir files (invoked by play movie function) you should not use Default and DirectX options of DisplayMode Xtra for it leads to unwanted resolution switching while switching to other movie (.dir file) - a short flash appears on the screen then. WinAPI value should be applied in such cases.

Restoring resolution with RestoreDisplayMode function

You should not also use autorestoring when exiting a movie (the AutoRestore option) for it leads to resolution switching as well.

It should be assumed that resolution can be set automatically in the first movie (the .dir file used to start the projector), but restoring resolution must be done with RestoreDisplayMode Lingo function in every place in which you can close the presentation and return to the system.

How to create a presentation

We will show how to do this. We will create a simple presentation consisting of three .dir files. The first will be used to start the projector while the other two will be invoked during the presentation. It will be possible to navigate between movies with some simple text buttons and to quit the presentation from any of the movies, either by clicking "Close" or by pressing "Escape" or Alt+F4 combination.

Movie01.dir file

We start by creating a file with name Movie01.dir. We set 640 x 480 resolution. We put on the stage a text indicating that that is the movie no 1. We create global script (Movie type) and we add to it the following content:

on prepareMovie
  the centerStage = true
  the exitLock = true
  the keyDownScript = "gKeyDown()"
end

on gKeyDown
  if (the keyCode = 118) and (the optionDown) then
    -- Alt + F4
    gExit()
  end if
  if (the keyCode = 53) then
    -- Escape
    gExit()
  end if
end

on gExit
  quit
end
	

Comments on the above script:

the centerStage = true allows to center the Stage on the screen, the exitLock = true blocks the default work of the Escape button (quit the presentation), while the keyDownScript = "gKeyDown()" causes that every press of any key is intercepted by gKeyDown function. In this function we check if Alt+F4 or Esc has been pressed and if so, we invoke "gExit" function. At the moment that function just quits the presentation.

We add 2 text buttons which invoke Movie02.dir and Movie03.dir respectively. E.g. behavior attached to Movie02 button in the simplest case can have a form:

on mouseUp me
  play movie "Movie02.dir"
end

We add "Exit" text button with behavior attached:

on mouseUp me
  gExit()
end

Movie02.dir and Movie03.dir files

We create Movie02.dir and Movie03.dir in the same way assuming that from Movie02.dir you can switch to Movie01.dir and Movie03.dir, while from Movie03.dir - to Movie01.dir and Movie02.dir.

Test of presentation work

We create a projector from Movie01.dir and start it. We check correctness of evoking every movies and of quitting the presentation. It is high time to add setting resolution with DisplayMode Xtra.

DisplayMode Xtra in Movie01.dir

We add DisplayMode Xtra to Movie01.dir file. We assume the following option settings in the dialog window:

Display mode: 640 x 480 x 32 x 0 (refresh rate default)

AutoSet: On

AutoRestore: Off

Alternative modes: not used

Method: WinAPI

With these settings at the start of a movie 640 x 480 resolution will be automatically set with Windows API. When quitting a presentation original resolution must be restored - with the RestoreDisplayMode function of DisplayMode Xtra. In our example we add invoking this function to the global "gExit" function responsible for quitting the presentation. So:

on gExit
  member("DisplayMode1").RestoreDisplayMode()
  quit
end

DisplayMode Xtra in Movie02.dir and Movie03.dir

Similarly we add DisplayMode Xtra to Movie02.dir and Movie03.dir with one exception: the AutoSet option must be disabled for at the time of invoking those movies resolution will be already set by Movie01. However, since from those movies it should be possible to quit the presentation, we must also add member("DisplayMode1"). RestoreDisplayMode() instruction to the "gExit" function, in the same way as in the Movie01.dir.

Final test

Once again we create a projector from Movie01.dir and start it. At the start of the projector 640 x 480 resolution is set. Switching between movies does not cause any flashes. Quitting the projector in any way does restore the original resolution.


Any comments? -

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