[Begin text]

 Crash 1997 new.media.gathering


 Opening words

  You are reading the invitation information for Crash 1997, released
  on the 7th of April.  (Previous revision was 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 update this file as new
  information is made available, so please continue looking for
  releases that may be more recent.  This information is available in
  the following forms at the following locations:

  HTML (Currently a Netscape 3.0/4.0 800x600x16bpp or 24bpp version is
        available):
*   Web page -
*     http://xi-media.com/crash
*   Textfile -
*     http://xi-media.com/crash/crash.zip


  Remember to purchase your tickets in advance because space and
  resources are limited.  Group 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 real-time
  audio/visual presentations for the PC, although not limited to any one
  platform or criteria.


* We are looking for feedback!  Please contact us to express your opinion.
* If you agree with what we are doing; let us know.  It is positive or
* constructive feedback that will help to motivate us, or integrate your
* ideas and suggestions into the current structure of the event.




 Contents

* Opening words
* Where and when
* How to get there
  Timeline
  Activities
* Competitions
* Rules and information
* Services/Event features
  Questionnaire
  Sponsors
* Ticket/Ordering information
* 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 resembling "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 off as best as
  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 with sleeping attire such as asleeping
  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 22nd of August (Friday), and
* close at 8:00pm on the 24th of August (Sunday). Although the doors
* open at 10:00am there will not be any activities available. We
* recommend that you show up around 3:00pm unless you want to help
* setup.  Intercontinental travelers who are arriving a day or two
* early should contact the main organizers.

  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.

  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 every way we can.  Group rates may be made
  available to large organizations planning to attend.

* If you would like to take a chartered bus to the event, please contact
* us as we will attempt to connect you to others in your area who are
* also interested in chartering a bus.







 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 until 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 professionalism 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 until
  5:00am Sunday.  The rave will feature a creative variety of
  underground music, countered with interactive visuals and lighting.

  A fashion show may precede the rave.

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

    4Kb:
      The 4Kb competition is focused on the programmer.  The programmer
      is given 4096 BYTES to develop a presentation.  Everything about
      this is an exercise in size.  The common calculator has more
      memory then 32,768 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 nearly 8 times over.

*   Computer Animation - Animation(1):
*     This competition is for computer generated animations, or computer
*     altered film footage.

*   Free Hand Animation - 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 humorous portions of
*     Crash.  The animations must be hand drawn.

*   3d Modeling (with respect to real-time rendering):
*     3 Dimensional Worlds are judged based on quality with respect to
*     the limitations of real-time rendering.

*   Art/Design:
*     This competition is focused on artistic design as it applies to
*     alternative forms of media advertising.

    4 Channel Audio Tracking:
      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.

 *  Multi-Channel Audio Tracking:
 *    In this competition the musicians can have as many channels as
 *    they want.

    Foreign:
      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:
      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 Typist

      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 "nibbles" 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                 $100



      Multi-Channel Music         3D Modeling    Computer Animation


1st Place          $2,000                 $500                 $500
2nd Place          $1,000                 $250                 $250
3rd Place            $500                 $100                 $100
4th Place            $300
5th Place            $100


               Art/Design

1st Place            $500
2nd Place            $250
3rd Place            $100



  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 1024Kb onboard RAM.
      - 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.

*   All realtime entries 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, as will several common DOS extenders (DOS4GW,
*   CWSDPMI, RTM32, DOS32).  You may execute any of the files contained
*   on the path from inside the entry or from a .BAT file (this allows
*   common elements to be excluded from the entry size).  All entries
*   will be run from this prompt.  If an entry reboots the system at any
*   time, it will be disqualified.  All file names must be ISO-9660
*   compliant (Standard MS-DOS file names).

    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:
  - Maximum size is 4096 Kilobytes.
  - Maximum time duration is 10 minutes.
  - Pure animation files are not acceptable.  This includes
    executables that just run an animation.
  - Must support a no sound option.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - May not decompress itself to the hard drive.
  - May not save any configuration files nor write to the hard drive.
  - May not reboot the system.


      Intro:
  - Maximum size is 64Kb (65536 bytes).
  - Maximum time duration is 7 minutes.
  - Pure animation files are not acceptable. This includes
    executables that just run a animation.
  - Must support a no sound option.
  - The file name must be ISO-9660 compliant (Standard MS-DOS file
    names).
  - May not decompress itself to the hard drive.
  - May not save any configuration files nor write to the hard drive.
  - May not reboot the system.


      4Kb Intro:
  - Maximum size is 4Kb (4096 bytes).
  - Maximum time duration 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).
  - May not decompress itself to the hard drive.
  - May not save any configuration files nor write to the hard drive.
  - May not reboot the system.


      Computer animation:
  - 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 recent addition of this competition the rules have not
    been finalized.


      Free Hand animation:
  - 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 recent addition of this competition the rules have not
    been finalized.


      Art/Design:
  - Due to the recent addition of this competition the rules have not
    been finalized.


      3d Modeling:
  - Due to the recent addition of this competition the rules have not
    been finalized.


      Multi-Channel Audio Tracking:
  - Maximum size is 1024Kb.
  - Maximum time duration to be heard is 3 minutes.
  - 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 time duration is 5 minutes.
  - If the machine is nit 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 duration is 2 minutes.
  - Nothing illegal.



  We will have a traditional judges panel and voting system.  In
  addition to this 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

  Crash 1997 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 real-time 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 on site 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 smoking 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.

* Electricity will be free, so feel free to bring your computer.  There
* will be sufficient power bars and tables.  On site security will be
* very good.  All equipment will be tagged, and the owner given a
* matching tag.  No equipment will be permitted to leave the event
* location without matching tags.




                                     


 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
   big screen when there are no events)
A:





 Sponsors

  Current Sponsors are (in order of signing up):

  - Xi Entertainment
  - 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.







 Ticket/Ordering information

  We have booked the location and dates of the event.  We can now assure
  you they are final, and are not subject to change.
  

  Pre-event tickets available are as follows:


  Individual 3 Day admission:
    Cost : $55
    Purchase Number : #1
    This ticket will guarantee your access to all the activities that
    take place at Crash.  You will also be eligible to compete in all
    competitions.  You are allowed entrance to both arenas from 10:00am
    Friday till 8:00pm Sunday.


  Group (10 people) 3 Day admission:
    Cost : Purchase 9 of #1 and receive 1 of #1 for free
    Purchase Number : #2
    This ticket will guarantee 10 people access to all the activities
    that take place at Crash.  It will also allow each individual to
    compete in all competitions.  Each individual will be allowed
    entrance to both arenas from 10:00am Friday till 8:00pm Sunday.


  Rave admission:
    Cost : $20
    Purchase Number : #3
    This ticket grants you access to the main arena from 10:00pm
    Saturday till 6:00am Sunday.


  Competition Viewing admission:
    Cost : $20
    Purchase Number : #4
    This ticket grants you access to the main arena from 8:00am Sunday
    till 8:00pm Sunday.  This ticket does not allow you to enter in any
    competitions.


  Rave/Competition Viewing admission:
    Cost : $40
    Purchase Number : #5
    This ticket grants you access to the main arena from 10:00pm
    Saturday until 8:00pm Sunday.  This ticket does not allow you to
    enter in any competitions.




  Tickets available at the door are likely to be single day passes (if
  there are any available at all), and their price will be subject to
  demand.
                                
  T-Shirts and Posters will be available at the event and possibly after
  if there is sufficient supply.

  Pre-event purchases may be made by sending your cheque or money order
  to:

    Xi Entertainment
    237 Bedford Circle
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    T3K-2N8

  Please specify your purchase number and quantity.  All prices are in
  Canadian funds, and include the 7% GST (Goods and Services Tax).

  Cheques must specify Canadian currency.
  Post dated cheques will not be accepted.


  A list of ticket purchases will be available on the Crash web page
  under ordering information.  A textfile version will be available at
  http://xi-media.com/crash/salelist.zip.  If you have purchased
  tickets, make sure your name and appropriate information appear on
  this list.  If your name is not present after 1 month of mailing your
  purchase request you should contact us.  If your name does not appear
  on this list you may be denied access or requested to purchase single
  day passes upon entrance.  Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for this list to
  be updated with your purchase request.  Your cheque or money order
  will not be cashed until your request has been added to the list.


  The money made from this event will be used to pay for all equipment
  and activities, as well as the cash prizes.  The organizers are
  hosting this event, contributing their time without the expectation
  of making any money.  If more individuals pre-purchase tickets than
  anticipated, we will adjust some of the cash prizes, increase the
  event features, etc.

  
  As a condition of your use of the Crash 1997 facilities, you assume
  all risk of personal injury, property loss, or property damage, from
  any cause whatsoever including, but not limited, to the risks of
  attending Crash 1997.  The ticket holder may not hold the Sponsors,
  Crash 1997 organizers, or staff liable for any such personal injury,
  property loss, or property damage, and waives all claims with respect
  thereto.







 Contact information/Organizers

  For any questions or comments feel free to e-mail crash@shaw.wave.ca.

  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)
      e-mail: fysx@shaw.wave.ca

    Shawn Sterling (Seks)
      e-mail: seks@shaw.wave.ca
-- 
