FAQ - frequently asked questions ReNovator for ReBirth 2
========================================================

1. Why use ReNovator ?
----------------------
Some people say that they use ModPacker and that is
easy enough for making mods.
ReNovator adds some comfort to this :
- You can use images and drums from directories of
  your choice. No need anymore to copy files.
- The names of the files don't have to be cryptic 
  like ModPacker needs it. You can use your own
  names or take ReNovator's name scheme.
- PC users often work with wav samples. ReNovator
  lets you use these instead of AIFF files and
  does the conversion automatically. You can even
  mix the formats.
- JPEG images have the disadvantage that you shouldn't
  alter them, because you will loose quality. Instead,
  you should use BMPs in 16mio colors - these keep their
  quality when you modify them. ReNovator treats BMPs
  and JPEGs equally and converts the BMPs automatically
  to JPEG when creating the mod.
- Removi - this previewer is indispensable for mod
  creation - at least it's what my beta testers said.
  See below for a short description.
- Last, but not least, you have a fully integrated
  program that helps you through all steps during
  mod creation. Especially the quick preview functionality
  for images and drums makes it easy !


2. I don't have ModPacker. How can I get it ?
---------------------------------------------
ModPacker is included on the original CD of ReBirth 2.
Just double-click the ModPacker install icon to install it.

Don't ask me to send it to you. When you don't have the
original CD, ModPacker is useless anyway.


3. I can't open other programs anymore in ReNovator
---------------------------------------------------
ReNovator for ReBirth 2 is exclusively for ReBirth 2 - like the 
name suggests. It is simply there to facilitate mod making 
and nothing else.

This is due to the new mod format (.rbm) which makes it unnecessary
to open / exchange exe files anymore.

However, I continued the work on ReNovator 1.10 and made it a real 
resource editor, i.e. you can change everything that is in the 
resource section of any exe or dll file like all icons, texts, etc. 
(sound and images, jpg and bmp, stay of course, too). This will 
probably be released as "ReNovator - the resource editor" or 
something like that. I cannot tell you any date, because there are 
still some things to do and I haven't got any time. Look from time to 
time to http://www.bome.com , there I will announce it and make it 
available for download.


4. Why can't I open an existing rbm file and extract the files ?
----------------------------------------------------------------
The new mod format contains the mod files in an encrypted fashion.
Thus it is impossible for me to open it.
This is made like that by Propellerhead Software in order to
protect the artwork of serious mod makers.


5. Where is the image viewer, like in ReNovator 1.1 ?
-----------------------------------------------------
Click on the toolbar "ImgViewer".


6. What is "REMOVi" ?
---------------------
REMOVi is a window in ReNovator that displays all your mod
components like they are displayed by ReBirth. It serves
as a preview while you create your mod.
All knobs, sliders, buttons, etc. are fully functional. Like
that you can really test your components and it is not necessary
anymore to compile the rbm file and open ReBirth to test
your mod.
Additionally, you can listen to your mod drums by simply
clicking on the drum buttons in the 808 and 909.
REMOVi is only available in the registered version of ReNovator,
see the file Register.txt for more information.


7. Why not use a crack ?
------------------------
We strongly discourage you to use a crack of ReNovator.
Crack users may encounter serious problems,..., 
we don't have any sympathy for people that use a crack 
of ReNovator. We aren't a big company, just 2 college 
students. Furthermore, $15 doesn't do any harm, does it ?


8. How can I contact the authors ?
----------------------------------
write an email to :
ReNovator@bome.com


9. Where can I download the MAC version ?
-----------------------------------------
There is no MAC version available. I am a Windows-only programmer.
Sorry !


10. I have problems with playing back samples
--------------------------------------------
One beta tester had strange lock-ups and crashes when playing samples.
I investigated a lot, but found nothing to get rid of his problems.
When you do have these problems, it would be very kind if you could 
send me a detailed description what happens exactly. Please also 
add some info about your system, like OS (Win95/98/NT), processor, 
RAM, sound card, etc.


11. JPEG - compression quality
-----------------------------
ReNovator uses the original compression algorithm of the Independant
JPEG group. Apparently, in rare cases, the JPEG image produced
by ReNovator is slightly altered compared to the original BMP,
even when setting JPEG quality to 100% (in the settings dialog).
I have tried many things, but I never resolved the problem. To write
my own JPEG handler is a bit too much, regarding the 26000 lines of
code for the one I use right now. I asked in newsgroups, but there was
no satisfying response.
So, if you aren't satisfied with the JPEG images produced by ReNovator,
there is only one way: convert the BMPs with another image program
and use these JPEGs with ReNovator.

