Attn: TV people

[RetroHacker]

I wasn't aware of a Linux version of the client. I know that the Mac version didn't work worth a darn over here. Also, chances are, if there is a Linux client, it isn't distributed as source, which means that I'm not going to be able to run it on some of the boxen here (PPC, Alpha, etc). I actually use several variations of UNIX - MacOS X, Linux, IRIX and Solaris. (not to mention all the other weird OS's on the really old machines I have...) For Linux, I typically use a hacked up version of Debian, where most stuff is installed from source, some is installed through apt, kernel compiled by hand with no unnecessary components, and a handfull of homegrown stuff.

The point I was trying to make was that it's a pain to deal with weird, proprietary formats. Some might argue that PDF isn't open enough, but it's definitely the best tool for the task at hand. PDF readers are easily available for all platforms, as are tools to create PDF. PDF rendering is pretty fast, and the cross compatibilty is excellent. Also, they print without too much fuss with resizing. Now, I don't know how that's going to work with 11x17 paper though. I have an HP Laserjet 5siMX, and it'll print on 11x17 paper, but most printers won't. I don't remember offhand how well things will come out if the source PDF has an 11x17 schematic, and it's printed onto 8 1/2x11. Resizing it to fit on the smaller paper would make it illegible, and splitting it in half makes it a pain to patch together where the printer seperated it.

Point being, PDF is nice and established and it works. Djvu, while I'm sure I could make it work, I don't think jumping through hoops is the way to go.

-Ian