                               MPC Wizard
                                  v2.0


                             by Tony Curro


    Aris Entertainment, maker of several Media Clip CD-ROMs, has
    released the second version of MPC Wizard. Wizard is a CD-ROM that
    contains a collection of images and sounds, and much more.

    The "Best of Media Clips," contains 60 clips from a dozen CDs, all
    with accompanying audio tracks. In addition MPC Wizard 2.0 contains
    drivers, as well as eight Microsoft Video for Windows run-time
    videos.

    I found the diagnostic tools to be the best part of the CD. The
    tools will test you CD-ROM drive, video and sound. It will tell you
    if your system meets the required specifications for MPC and the new
    MPC Level 2 standards. If your system does not meet the
    requirements, the troubleshooting tips can suggest ways in which to
    improve your system. There are over 100 MB of drivers from virtually
    every manufacturer of Windows 3.1 sound cards and video boards.

    MPC Wizard includes Aris' standard interface to view the 60
    pictures; listen to the 60 sound tracks; and watch the eight Video
    for Windows run-time, live action videos. All images, videos and
    sound clips may be used royalty-free in any presentation, provided
    credit is given to Aris Entertainment and to the artists.

    The MediaClips are well-done quality photographs that cover a broad
    range from: Deep Voyage, Full Bloom, WorldView, Tropical Rainforest
    and many others.

    When you first start "Best of MediaClips," you are presented with a
    VCR-like screen. You have option buttons on the bottom from which to
    select from. It automatically brings up the first clip, and plays
    the accompanying sound track. You can click on Picture Info, to get
    information about the current clip. Or, you can use a text search to
    look for a specific clip.

    The Move Picker option allows you to select one of the eight videos
    to play. The Slide Show will show you all 60 clips in sequence,
    along with the accompanying sound tracks.

    You can save a file in: Small or Large 8-bit BMP, 8-bit PCX, or
    24-bit TIF format. These can then be transferred to your application
    as mentioned above. You will need at least 256 colors to enjoy this
    CD. However, I found that using 64K colors really enhances the
    quality of the images. I prefer to switch video modes to 64K when I
    use this CD.

    System Requirements: Requires true MPC compatible (Windows 3.1 or
    later, CD-ROM drive, SVGA with 512K Video RAM (640x480x256 colors),
    4 MB RAM and MPC compatible sound board such as Sound Blaster, or
    Media Vision).

    I would buy this CD just for the diagnostic tools, and think of the
    MediaClips as a free bonus. Then again, when you think about the
    price of this CD, it is ALL a bonus. This is version 2.0, and Aris
    has NOT raised the price on it.


                          Product Information

                             MPC Wizard 2.0

                          List Price -- $14.95

                        Aris Entertainment, Inc.
                          310 Washington Blvd.
                               Suite 100
                        Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
                              310-821-0234
