 Crash 1997 new.media.gathering


 Opening words

  You are reading the invitation information for Crash 1997, released
  on the 19th of March.


  This file is formatted for 80x50 text mode.
  All times listed are in Mountain Standard Time (Canada).
  All currency listed is in Canadian Dollars.
  The Crash 1997 organizers reserve the right to change any information
  relating to this event, at any time, without notice.


  The information presented here is not final; an asterisk in the left
  most column denotes new information.  We will try to update this file
  at least twice a month, so please keep looking for releases that may
  be more recent.  This information is available in the following forms
  at the following locations:

* HTML (Currently a Netscape 3.0 800x600x16bpp or 24bpp version is
*       available):
*   Web page -
*     http://cal.shaw.wave.ca/crash
*   Textfile -
*     http://cal.shaw.wave.ca/crash/crash.zip


* Remember to purchase your tickets in advance because space and
* resources are limited (ticket sales will begin as soon as the date and
* location are finalized).  Groups rates will be made available; contact
* us.


  If you are looking to participate in the success of this event please
  contact us.


  Crash 1997, in a minimal sense, is a "demo-party".  A demo-party is an
  event for computer enthusiasts from around the world to get together,
  interact, discuss, ideas, compete, and have fun.  Crash 1997 is more
  than this.  The focus will be on hosting additional competitions and
  activities in the hopes to introduce new ideas and art forms into the
  demo scene.  The competitions will be focused around realtime
  audio/visual presentations for the PC, although not limited to any one
  platform or criteria.


* We are interested in your input.  Please keep in mind that with the
* small number of North American demo parties it will be necessary for
* you to give us your feedback.  It is your comments and ideas that will
* shape the future of the North American demo scene.  If you disagree
* with an idea presented here, contact us.  You can not help to better
* the demo-scene if you do not let your ideas be known.






 Contents

* Opening words
* Where and when
  How to get there
* Timeline
* Activities
* Competitions
* Rules and information
  Services/Event features
  Questionnaire
  Sponsors
* Contact information/Organizing
* Closing words






 Where and When

  The location of the event is in Western Canada, in the city of
  Calgary, Alberta.  It will be held in North America's largest indoor
  soccer arena.

  The event place consists of two domes, each dome containing four
  regulation length indoor soccer fields.  There will be only one
  entrance from the outdoors.  This entrance is to the slave arena.
  From here there are two indoor passage ways that lead to the master
  arena.  The master arena is where the main activities will be held.
  This arena is a self-supporting "bubble-like" structure, with it's
  entrances ressembling "revolving air-locks".  Fortunately there are two
  of these revolving air-locks, as this will most likely be the
  epicenter of traffic.  For obvious reasons one door will be used to
  enter the structure while the other is to leave.  Hopefully this
  procedure will minimize any inconveniences people have attempting to
  traverse from one area to another.

  The event will take place over a three day period.  A quarter (one
  soccer field) of the slave arena will be sectioned of as best as is
  possible to make room for sleeping arrangements (sleeping is not
  required and may be difficult).  Although 24 hour activities will be
  provided in the master arena, for those of you who require your sleep,
  you will need to provide yourself sleeping attire such as a sleeping
  bag, blanket, or pillow.  24 hour washroom and shower facilities will
  be provided and are located in the slave arena.

  Both arenas contain no windows and are almost entirely shut off from
  outside light sources.  This means that both arenas can become
  extremely dark and dynamic light sources can be used.  This will allow
  for ideal viewing conditions of all feature presentations.

* The doors will open at 10:00am on the 22th of August (Friday), and
* close at 8:00pm on the 24th of August (Sunday).

  Due to structural limitations we are limiting the person capacity to
  four thousand people.  Because of the local interest an event of this
  caliber will produce, it will be in your best interest to purchase
  event tickets in advance as this will guarantee your entrance and
  access to resources.

  Unlike previous North American demo-parties, Calgary is in the part
  of Canada where the majority of people speak english.  It will not be
  necessary to know French.






 How to get there

  The choice of transportation is up to you; how you prefer to travel,
  how much you are willing to spend?

  Perhaps the simplest method is by plane.  You will arrive at the
  Calgary International Airport.  From there all you need to do is catch
  the Crash 1997 shuttle bus which will take you directly to the event
  place.  There will be a nominal fee for the shuttle.

  If you choose to drive there is ample parking, free of charge.

  It is reasonable to expect that there will be bus trips from the
  colleges and universities of neighboring cities.  If your school or
  group is interested in organizing a trip to Crash, please contact us
  as we will assist in everyway we can.  Group rates may be made
  available to large organizations planning to attend.

  We are also planning for three cross-continent direct-transportation
  routes.  This will consist of multiple chartered greyhound busses
  (dependant upon demand).  All three routes will arrive at the party
  place.  The origin of these routes will be California, Florida, and
  Quebec.  The path the routes take, and the cities the routes stop
  along will be dependant upon the cities of individuals who request
  this system (Request may be made through e-mail).  We will not, for
  economic reasons, be able to pass through every location requested,
  but we will attempt to plan the routes so that they come as close as
  possible.  The cost of using this system will be a function of the
  distance from pick-up.  Tickets for this system must be purchased in
  advance, and the earlier your request is made, the more likely it is
  that we will pass directly through the city of your request.  If you
  are planning on using this system it would be to your advantage to
  purchase the event tickets in advance as well.






 Timeline

  The current timeline is subject to change as more activities are
  introduced.  Refer to this section for a quick reference of activities.

  This particular version of the timeline is extremely premature as the
  times and lengths of many activities have not been concluded.

* A complete version of the timeline will be made available at the
* event.


  Friday:
    6:00am - Organizers begin setup
   10:00am - Doors Open
    6:00pm - Opening ceremonies

  Saturday:
   10:00pm - Crash the Rave opens to the public

  Sunday:
    5:00am - Crash the Rave closes to the public
    9:00am - Demo-scene competitions begin
    5:00pm - Awards and closing ceremonies
    8:00pm - Doors close






 Activities

  There will be many activities at Crash 1997.  The organizers will
  attempt to add as many activities as possible up till the day of the
  event.  If you have any comments regarding the current activities,
  or would like to see additional activities made available, please
  contact us.

* The focus of Crash 1997 is to explore new forms of technology in art.
* To spread knowledge, awareness, and proffessionalism in this area, we
* have selected competitions to be the main incentive.  We will be
* offering some standard demo-party competitions, as well as additional
* competitions which we feel help to promote the ideas present with
* Crash.

* In addition to the competitions, you will find events that serve to
* demonstrate technology in art.

* An "intelligent" rave will take place from 10:00pm Saturday till
* 5:00am Sunday.  The rave will feature a creative variety of
* underground music, countered with interactive visuals and lighting.

* A fashion show may be preceed the rave.

* Movies from an independant developer film festival may be shown on the
* large screen during less active hours.  Movies will be selected from
* entries which meet the ideologies of technology in art.


  As a result of being located in a soccer arena, one soccer field may
  be used to host a round-robbin between demo-groups willing to
  participate.  Although this does not relate to the Crash theme, we are
  offering this as an activity if sufficient interest is displayed.





 Competitions

  Most competitions will make use of the main presentation area (big
  screen, audio system).  There are prizes awarded for the majority of
  competitions.  (Please refer to the Rules.)

    Demo-competition:
      The biggest attraction of Crash 1997.  In the demo-competition you
      will find a blend of all main competitions.  This competition
      incorporates music, 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional art, and
      programming.  Demos are a 5 to 15 minute presentation of the
      talent that makes up the team.

    Intro-competition:
      This competition is similar to the Demo-competition, with a focus
      on size.  Everything must fit within 65536 bytes of data.

    4Kb competition:
      The 4Kb competition is focused on the programmer.  The programmer
      is given 4096 BYTES to develop a presentation.  Everything about
      this is an exersize in size.  The common calculator has more
      memory then 4096 bytes, so if you think this competition is not
      impressive, keep in mind that what you are viewing will fit in the
      memory of your calculator.

    Animation raytracing Competition - Animation(1):
      This is so that 3d artists may demonstrate their skills.  This
      competition is meant for giant computer generated animations that
      usually take days to render.

    Animation competition - Animation(2):
      This competition is usually based entirely upon public vote.  The
      more effectively an animation entertains, the more likely it is to
      place.  This is likely to be one of the more humourous portions of
      Crash.  The animations are usually hand drawn (as opposed to
      raytraced or rendered).

    Ray Tracing:
      This is much like painting in 3 Dimensions.  The artist builds a
      model of the 3 Dimensional image, gives the computer instructions
      on how to draw the image in 2 Dimensions, then the computer
      calculates the corresponding picture.

    Art Competition:
      The art competition is a competition where the artists draw a
      picture "Freehand" whether it be a mouse or tablet they use to
      draw with.  The is no computer aid in producing the 3 Dimensional
      effects upon this 2 Dimensional image.

    Music 4 channel:
      In the early days of computers 4 channels was all the processor
      could handle.  This competition is in one way nostalgic, and in
      another sense, challenging for the artist.  The musician must
      produce a musical master piece with only the use of four
      simultaneous instruments.  It would be unfair to have a 4 channel tune
      competing against a 32 channel tune.

    Music multichannel:
      In this competition the musicians can have as many channels as
      they want.

    Foreign competition:
      If you have produced a presentation for a computer that is not PC
      based, this competition is for you.  Be sure to bring the
      required hardware for the presentation.

    Wild competition:
      Here's the scenario. You get up on stage, and you have 2 minutes
      to entertain the crowd.  The winners will be selected by how
      long/loud the crowd screams.

    Scene Jeopardy:
      If you have ever seen Jeopardy you have seen this event.  We are
      going to take up a collection of "Demo-Scene" trivia, and prepare
      a test.  Whoever wants to compete can take a white paper test. The
      top 3 scorers of this test will be eligible to compete in "Scene
      Jeopardy".  Basically 3 people and a host get up on stage and try
      to answer the given questions.  On the big screen we are going to
      have a similar layout to Jeopardy.  Do you know enough?



    There will also be many other competitions and events during Crash
    1997.  Additional competitions considered:

      Lasertag

      Diskthrowing

      Cola Absorbing

      Coolest Computer

      Eating Contest

      Fastest Typer

      Best New Effect

      Wet Noodle Master

      Network Games



  There will be many surprise competitions through-out the event.  For
  example you might here us yelling on the intercom:

  "First one to the front desk with light cycles written in DEBUG.EXE
  wins 50 bucks!"


  Here is the cash prize table to date.  This table assumes a 1000
  person pre-registration.  Prize values will adjust proportionately to
  the amount of people present (the actual cash prizes will be fixed
  August 22nd).  Frequent the Crash webpage to find out how many
  advanced tickets have been sold.


         Demo-competition    Intro-Competition   4K Competition


1st Place         $10,000               $2,000             $500
2nd Place          $5,000               $1,000             $250
3rd Place          $2,500                 $500             $125



                32C Music      Art Competition     Animation(1)


1st Place            $500                 $500             $500
2nd Place            $400                 $250             $250
3rd Place            $300                 $125             $125
4th Place            $200
5th Place            $100


             Animation(2)


1st Place            $500
2nd Place            $250
3rd Place            $125


* Additional prizes including cash, software, hardware, Crash
* merchandise, etc, will be annexed as tickets are sold, additional
* sponsors are obtained, and competitions are finalized.





 Rules and information

* Each three day event pass entitles the holder to enter once in every
* competition (the entry must be of the pass holders own creation).


*   The computer the entries will be run on will be a (subject to change
*   as new hardware standards are introduced):

      - Intel Pentium 166 Mhz
      - Chaintech IFM1 Motherboard (T2 Hx Chipset)
      - Gravis PNP Ultrasound with 1024K onboard.
      - SoundBlaster AWE 32
      - Fujitsu 2.57 gb HD (Pico Bird 9)
      - ATI Expression Pro with PC2TV (12 ns ram)
        - UniVBE (or equivalent VESA 2.0 drivers) will be an
          available configuration option.
      - 16 MB EDO Ram

      The competition computer is being provided by Intelligent
      Solution Computer wholesalers.


*   The competition machine will have Windows 95 Revision B installed.
*   The demos will be run from a Windows' version of DOS; NOT a DOS
*   window.  The AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS will be released in a
*   later version of this textfile.  The latest version of UniVBE will be
*   installed in the path, so if you require it simply execute it in a
*   .BAT file.  Several common DOS extenders (DOS4GW, CWSDPMI, RTM32,
*   DOS32) will also be located on the path.  You may execute any of the
*   files contained on the path from inside your demo (this allows a 4Kb
*   intro to use a DOS extender).

    When you submit an entry your picture will be taken with a digital
    camera. When it comes time to receive prize money, the person who
    picks up the money will have to match the picture.


      Demo-Competition
  - Maximum Size is 4096 Kilobytes
  - Maximum showing time is 10 minutes (The demo can be longer)
  - Pure animation files are not acceptable. This includes
    executables that just run an animation.
  - Demos must support a nosound option.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - The demo may not uncompress itself to the hard drive.
  - The demo may not save any configuration files nor write to the hard
    drive.
  - Demos should not require more then 550K of base memory.


      Intro-Competition
  - Maximum Size is 64Kb (65536 bytes)
  - Maximum showing time is 7 minutes. (The intro can be longer)
  - Pure animation files are not acceptable. This includes
    executables that just run a animation.
  - Intros must support a nosound option.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - The intro may not uncompress itself to the hard drive.
  - The intro may not save any configuration files nor write to the hard
    drive.
  - Intros should not require more then 550K of base memory.


      4K Intro-Competition
  - Maximum Size is 4K (4096 bytes)
  - Maximum showing time is 3 minutes.
  - Animations will be allowed.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - No music (this is to simplify the judging process.)
  - The intro may not uncompress itself to the hard drive.
  - The intro may not save any configuration files nor write to the hard
    drive.


      Animation Raytracing Competition
  - Maximum showing time is 3 minutes.
  - Maximum Resolution is 640x480.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - Due to the complexity of animations (The multiple standards)
    the rules here are not complete.


      Animation Competition
  - Maximum showing time is 3 minutes.
  - Maximum Resolution is 640x480.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - Due to the complexity of animations (The multiple standards)
    the rules here are not complete.


      Art Competition
  - Maximum Show time 15 Seconds.
  - No Maximum resolution or Pixel depth.
  - Picture format must be a format compatible with CSHOW V9.03a.
    No executables.  Pictures will be shown with CSHOW.
  - No Raytraced, scanned, ripped, borrowed, pictures or you will
    be disqualified.
  - 2 Pictures must be entered, one with a signature or group
    identification and one without.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - 5 stages of the picture will be required to verify its production.


      Music (MultiChannel)
  - Maximum Size is 1024Kb.
  - Maximum Length to be heard 3 minutes. (Length can be longer)
  - Thirty Two Channel Maximum.
  - The tracker name will not be shown on the big screen, only the size
    and number of channels.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).


      Foreign competition
  - Maximum Showing time 5 minutes.
  - If the machine isn't a PC, bring it. The projector can handle
    S-Video and RCA. We will have a VCR at the party place.
  - No illegal audio/videos.


      Wild Competition
  - Maximum time 2 minutes.
  - Nothing illegal.



  The judging for Crash 1997 is going to be a little different then all
  other competitions. We are going to have the traditional judges panel,
  and voting system.  We are adding a few new elements.  Here is an
  example:  The winner of the 4K competition will have the option to
  judge code for the 64Kb and 4096Kb competitions.  The coder of the
  winning 64K will have the option to judge the 4096K demo.  Same for
  music.  The winner of the 4 and 32 channel music competitions will have
  the option to judge the music portion of the Intro and Demo
  competitions.  No judge may evaluate their own production.  A coder
  may only judge the coding portion of the presentation, a musician may
  only judge the audio portion of the presentation, and so forth.
  Judging criteria and example sheets will be provided at a later date.
  A portion of the judging will also rely on public vote.  To vote you
  must have the valid voting program.  This program will be made
  available at a later date.






 Services/Event features

  This will be a full-featured event.  Almost everything you could
  require for a three day excursion will be provided for you.  All
  services are available 24 hours each day unless stated otherwise.

  The master arena will contain most of the main attractions as well as
  several other smaller displays and activities.  The main entertainment
  system will consist of a large screen projector and a powerful P.A.
  system, as well as several other interesting devices that will
  promote the eclectic atmosphere of this event.

  The projector is likely to be a 20 foot by 15 foot rear projection
  display capable of receiving S-Video and RCA input with a resolution
  up to 1600x1200.  Due to the size of the projected image, a 320x200
  pixel image will contain pixels over 2.5 cm in length and width.  For
  this reason, the image will be filtered through a resolution
  enhancement device that will raise the quality of all images to the
  full 1600x1200 resolution.  The primary use of this device will be to
  display realtime graphics generated by PC, although the input device
  is capable of displaying VHS and other sources of input.

  The audio system will be a real kicker with 20,000 watts of sound on
  each of four speakers and two 2x18 sub-woofers.  The audio equipment
  will be configured with two of the speakers and two of the subs making
  up the left and right channels, while the final two speakers will make
  up the rear channel.  All sound will be processed through a Dolby
  Pro-Logic decoder for true surround sound.  This is the approximately
  the same configuration they use for giant concerts (raves), so believe
  us when we assure you that it is LOUD.

  The projection screen will sit against the far wall of the master
  arena.  Immediately in front of this screen will be the
  presentation/dance floor.  On the four corners of the floor will be
  located the audio systems output.  Surrounding the floor will be
  several different forms of light sources.

  Regarding personal hygiene; washrooms and shower stalls will be located
  in the slave arena.  You will need to provide yourself with a towel,
  soap, tooth brush/paste, hair comb, etc.

  Meals and snacks will be available for a cost set by the providers.
  A bevy of food variations will be provided, from fast food to fine
  dinning.  The event place hosts an onsite restaurant and licensed
  lounge as well as snack and pop concession machines.  We are also
  communicating with several fast food chains to provide a stand with
  your favorite fast food items.  Current fast food providers in mind
  are SubWay, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Pizza Hut.

  Addressing the issue of smoking; smoking will be allowed in the
  master arena and outdoors.  The turf in the slave arena is
  non-removable and will burn.  Anyone smocking in the slave arena will
  be tagged.  If there are any burns on the turf in the slave arena
  those who are tagged will be responsible for the cost of damages.  If
  they are not willing to pay for damages, the cost will come out of the
  prize money, and the names of the individuals not willing to pay the
  fine will be released on the internet.  If you smoke, smoke in the
  master arena, outdoors, or in the lounge, and you have nothing to
  worry about.

  We are planning to provide several IPX Hubs as well as the necessary
  cables and network cards.  Anyone with access to a computer may
  sign-out a network card and cable so that they may connect with the
  network Hub.  There will be several network game competitions
  organized.  You will need to provide yourself with a computer that
  meets the competitions requirements (requirements are set based on the
  lag a computer not up to specification would cause on the whole of the
  network).  We will provide all the necessary networking hardware and
  software.  Internet will mostly be accessed the same way.







 Questionnaire

  We would like to hear from you.  Please feel free to fill out this
  questionnaire and e-mail it to us.  If required you may modify
  this form to suit your suggestions.


Q: What other "demo-parties" have you been present at?
A:

Q: How long are you planning to visit Crash 1997?
A:

Q: Do you plan on entering any of the competitions?  If yes, which ones?
A:

Q: What "demo-groups" are you an active member of?
A:

Q: What is you function in these groups?
A:

Q: What platforms are you familiar with?  In what way?
A:

Q: Age/Sex?
A:

Q: Food preferences/Fast food chain (if not listed above)?
A:

Q: Activities you would like to see that weren't mentioned above?
A:

Q: Your piece of scene trivia to add to the data base? (For Jeopardy)
A:

Q: Favorite demo/intro? (The most popular demos will be shown on the bigscreen
                        (when there are no events)
A:





 Sponsors

  Current Sponsors are (in order of signing up):

  - Xi
  - H2O Entertainment
  - Intelligent Solution Computers

  We are currently communicating with several company's in regards
  to the role they may assume in sponsoring the event.  They are not
  listed here because the details of their sponsorship have not been
  completed at this time.






 Contact information/Organizers

  For any questions or comments feel free to email crash@shaw.wave.ca.

  The cost of admission will grant you access to all of the activities
  that take place at Crash.  This also means you are eligible to compete
  in all competitions.  The pre-purchasing of event tickets will
  guarantee your entry, as there is a limit of 4000 persons.  By
  pre-purchasing your tickets you can reserve a work table next to the
  big screen or elsewhere if you prefer.  Ticket sales will begin as
  soon as the date and location are finalized.  Check the Crash Home
  Page for updated information.

  Ticket Cost:
    Individual 3 Day admission        : $50
    Group (5 people) 3 Day admission  : $225 ($45 per person)
    Individual Single Day admission   : $20

  The cost of this event may be more then you would expect, in
  comparison to other North American Demo-Competitions.  Please keep in
  mind that this is in Canadian Dollars, and you do pay for what you
  get!  The money made from this event will be used to pay for all
  equipment, activities, as well as the cash prizes.  The organizers are
  hosting this event, contributing their time, without the expectations
  of making any money.  If many more individuals pre-purchase tickets
  then anticipated, we will adjust some of the cash prizes
  appropriately.

  There are going to be many Crash items such as:
    Crash T-shirts
    Crash Posters
    Or pre-order the Crash CD. Which will have all the entries
    from Crash 1997.

  We would like to here from you.  We are interested in what you feel
  will help to make this a more enjoyable, more successful, event.


  The main organizing is being done by the current Xi members:

    Maxwell Sayles (Fysx)
*     email: fysx@shaw.wave.ca

    Shawn Sterling (Seks)
*     email: seks@shaw.wave.ca

* Additional organizing and promotional design by:
*
*   Neil D. Voss (ndv, sequencer)
*     email: ndv@shaw.wave.ca


  Crash 1997 is NOT being organised by a Large Corporation out to make
  money.  Crash 1997 is being organised by 3 guys in a basement.  Want proof?
  Go on IRC and talk with us.  We are usually there around
  9:00pm-Midnight Mountain Standard Time.

    Efnet irc.openface.ca - #coders  (fysx, seks403, ndv/sequencer)
                         or
    Anothernet neato.org  - #trax    (fysx, seks403, ndv/sequencer)



  As Crash 1997 draws near, the demand placed on us increases.  During
  the event, we will need as many helpers as possible to help ensure
  that everything goes smoothly.  If you do volunteer, you are
  eligeable for a free Crash 1997 t-shirt.  The following job positions
  are available if you are willing to volunteer your time:

    Setup and Strike:
      This would require you to move large amounts of heavy equipment
      around.  This position would require your presence before and
      after crash opens and closes to the public.  We will begin setup
      at approximately 6:00am on Friday, and begin the strike after the
      event closes, approximately 10:00pm on Sunday.

    Security:
      This job will run the duration of the event.  It will most likely
      require many individuals.  We will require individuals to accept
      entrance fees and give out the appropriate arm bands, tag and
      check incoming and outgoing computer equipment, enforce arm band
      laws (such as liquor and visitation length), and enforce smoking
      laws.

    Technition:
      Someone who is knowledgeable in regards to computer hardware.
      Basically this person would setup computer hardware, lights,
      cables, power, or whatever else would be needed. He/She would need
      experience with networking, as this is where we anticipate most of
      the problems will arise.






 Closing words

* It is the support of the many individuals in the "demo-scene" that has
* allowed this event to gain as much momentum as it has.  We are
* counting on you to continue this support by attending.  By
* pre-registering your ticket, you are demonstrating to us that
* everything we are doing is being done for a reason.  Perhaps, this is
* the simplest way of showing you believe in the North American
* Demo-Scene.  We appreciate it.

  In the event that not enough people pre-register, we will give full
  refunds to any individuals who request it.

  We are open minded to all suggestions you are willing to offer.
  Please contact us and let us know how we can make this a more
  enjoyable event for you and everyone who participates.

  We hope to see you there.




