Sierra Communications Co. P.O. Box 906 Belmont, NH 03220 VIDEOTAPE CATALOG SYSTEM 2.1 INSTRUCTIONS Thank you for using Sierra Communications Co. Videotape Catalog System for the IBM & Compatible Computer. This manual will guide you in the features present in the program, and serve as a reference guide later on should the need arise. The Videotape Catalog System was developed to be used by Novice Computer users, and as you can see from the size of this Manual, it is not complicated at all. In fact, you may just want to jump in to the program and start entering your tape library immediately. Go ahead, as there is really no better way to learn, and as a matter of fact, that's exactly what most people do when trying ANY new program. Let us just say what the program is about, and if you choose, read this manual later on at your own convenience. First make a backup copy of the program using the DOS "copy" command. The program is supplied on one (1) low-density 360k floppy. If you plan to catalog your tapes and keep them on a floppy you may want to copy the program to a high-density 1.2meg floppy instead, to assure adequate space for expanded files. For instance, if you have 100 movies on tape, your space requirements may increase to about 700,000 bytes, more than a low-density floppy can hold. The best approach is to copy the program VIDEO.EXE (the only one supplied) to your hard drive into a directory called "video" or some other appropriate name. After entering your first movie, the required data files and key files will automatically be created. If at this point you do not know how to make copies of disks, refer to your DOS Manual for information. The Videotape Catalog System is just that, a system to catalog and organize your videotapes so that you will be able to find any movie you want, when you want. The program was developed in response to a need that arises when taping rented movies. Let's face it, it may be illegal, but it is a common practice. The problem is that since three movies may be recorded in EP speed, or 6 hours per tape, you end up with Titles scattered about with no practical way to find a movie unless you visually scan all the tapes. After entering your library into The Videotape Catalog System, you will be able to view all the movies in any sort criteria you want, and of course print out a master list for reference. The program contains all pertinent data that should be included for the proper organization of Movie Titles. Title Year ( the year the film was made or released) Actor 1 ( the main actor) Actor 2 ( another main actor or supporting actor) Actor 3 ( supporting actor) >Director Rating ( room for five characters, a star system, etc.) Runtime ( how long in minutes) Tape ( by numbering your tapes use this as an index) Description ( enables a variable length description) To start the program type VIDEO at the prompt, and the opening screen will appear. From there just highlight the selection and press enter. When running the program for the first time, an UPDATE screen will appear prompting you to enter data on the first movie. You may start anywhere you like in this process as the program will sort them later. After filling in the appropriate information press CONTROL_ENTER to save the data. To add more records press the INS key. These commands are visible on the UPDATE screen. To revise any entry, highlight the movie and press ENTER and the UPDATE screen will appear again. Just type over any of the fields to revise. For individuals with large movie collections, the program really shines. You may sort on screen or to your printer by several choices. Just highlight what you want to do from the main menu and press enter. If you would like to find a movie but cannot remember the correct information, first highlight the appropriate catagory, and at the LOCATE prompt type in what information you do have. As you do, the closest selection will highlight. The more information you have, the closer you will get. For instance, you have a movie in the database called "One Better Day", but the only part of the title you remember is "One". Upon typing this at the prompt, the first movie title that begins with "One" will highlight. From there, you can scroll down to find the right title. To start again use UP ARROW to erase what you typed. It's just as easy to print reference lists of your tape library. Highlight PRINT REPORTS from the main menu and a MENU OF REPORTS will appear. From this list highlight which selection you desire and press ENTER. The program requires no printer setup and works with all the printers we have tested. That's it! We know you will enjoy watching your tape library grow while using this system, and if you have any comments or suggestions, please forward them to: Sierra Communications PO Box 906 Belmont, NH 03220 If you use this program send $15.00 to the address above. This is Important! Also enclose any suggestions you may have for improvements. * IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corp. * DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft This program is (c) Copyright 1992 Sierra Communications Co.