Corel CMX Viewer Plug-in for Netscape 2.0 -- Corel's CMX Viewer was the first app to deliver an unprecedented technological breakthrough -- vector-based images on the web. As opposed to pixel-based raster images (GIFs and JPEGs for example), vector-based images rely not on pixels but instead on user-defined objects with custom properties. The most noticeable result is that vector-based images can be enlarged or reduced without sacrificing the integrity of the image (no more 'jaggies' -- the rough edges that appear when resizing traditional images). While image scalability will perhaps be the most popular feature, it's definitely not the only advantage to be gained in using CMX images. Automatic transparency ends the days of multiple formatting steps to ensure background transparency with GIFs and JPEGs. Vector images also tend to take up less space than traditional formats (to the tune of 4-6 times smaller than typical raster formats), which means that you'll be receiving a much-needed performance boost when delivering your images over the 'net. In fact, a full-page vector image will often occupy less file space than the common sponsorship banners found on many popular web sites. Finally, another result of using vector images is superior printout quality relative to raster images. The CMX Viewer is currently available only for Windows 95 and Windows NT platforms, but additional versions are expected to be released in the near future. In addition, Netscape 2.0 is currently the only web browser to offer support for the CMX Viewer. As with all plug-in modules, careful Consideration should be given to your target audience when designing 'plug-in enhanced' sites -- remember that not everyone subscribes to the Netscape 2.0 theory (as of yet), and to all other browsers, the results of a browser-specific plug-in module appear as nothing more than broken links. Having said this, I still feel that web designers should never sacrifice an opportunity to take advantage of the available technological possibilites in order to merely conform to the lowest common denominator of web browsers. So, to end my sermon, go ahead and exploit plug-ins to your heart's content, but keep in mind that not all of your audience will be able to partake in your revelry. Back to Corel's CMX Viewer, this is bleeding-edge technology in its most raw form. As web page designers and image exploiters worldwide, it's our job to determine where this technology should proceed from here. Corel wants your input -- feel free to drop the developers a note and let them know what you think about vector images and the CMX Viewer. Pros: Vector-based images on the web, offers many advantages over pixel-based images Cons: As with all plug-in modules, CMX images are limited to the browsers that support the module New: This is the initial review of CMX Viewer Version Reviewed: Beta 1.0 Date of Review: 12/13/95 apps conference Main Menu