| Name | Magic TV 2 Beta |
| Description | Software Flicker Fixer |
| Author/Group | Neil Crawforth / BlackArts |
| Price | Freeware |
| System Requirements | AmigaOS 3.0+, AGA |
I reviewed version 1.3 of this in issue 5 under the Patches section, but now it has been updated, and I decided to have another look at it.
What is it? A software flicker fixer describes it all, really - and it works! If you're using a TV, you can now view 640x512 without any flicker. If you have a monitor, you can use modes like 800x600 with out burning your eyes out.
Okay, it doesn't work with everything. Firstly, only 8 or 16 colour screens are supported. Also, it has the effect of 'dulling' the colours, so it doesn't look quite right. Nonetheless, this is a small price to pay, in my opinion.
As you can see from the name, it is still a beta version. It claims to be bug free, but don't believe it. Admittedly, this is a beta version, but it is still something to be aware of. There seems to be problems whenever there is a change in the screen palette; the screen blanks completely; sometimes, you are lucky, and the screen returns to normal, but other times, it just crashes your system completely. It has particular problems with the error flash/beep on the Workbench screen. So much so, I no longer use it for Workbench, but it seems okay for the likes of WordWorth and SoundStudio.
Other limitations are that the mouse is turned to black (not really a problem, and it may be fixed in future), and you cannot choose which screens are affected (this may change in future, also).
Another problem is that with Shapeshifter, the Mac screen is, well, invisible. It reacts to the mouse, but I cannot see it! Again, not a problem, as I am now running SS in 256 colours, thanks to the Savage driver.
Other improvements have been made since the previous 1.3 version. Apparantely, no CPU time is used, except when changing palettes. Also, before there was a pause when dragging or switching screens before the interlace was fixed - you do not see this now.
All in all, a very promising piece of software, and I look forward to future versions.
Mark
| Magic TV 2 Beta | |
| Speed | N/A |
| Interface | N/A |
| Documentation | Adequate - 85% |
| Features | It Fixes the Flicker, but needs the bugs fixed - 91% |
| Value For Money | N/A |
Overall -90% | |