2004.10.01 07:22 "[Tiff] BigTIFF extension issue", by Joris Van Damme

2004.10.04 08:53 "Re: [Tiff] Re: BigTIFF extension issue", by Andy Cave

A laser printer which was Level 1 can print a "Level 2" file as long as the "Level 2" file is constrained to using Level 1 features.

Hi Bob.

An interesting point that one. If a .ps file contains only Level1 features, then surely one would say it's a Level1 PS file - not a Level 2 file.

Another interesting case - think of PDF - a PDF 1.4 file that only contains 1.3 code will more often than not NOT print on a RIP that works with PDF 1.3. That's because some RIPs check the version number and then error when they see 1.4 - even though all the 'commands' are 1.3. To make it work, you have to put in a version number of 1.3.

[Anyway, this is to a degree a mute point 'cause I rather abused the definition of backwards compatible.]

The simple argument I think is that all/most users will (probably) think of such a file as a TIFF file and that .tiff/.tif is what denotes a TIFF file.

I'm sure discussions could go on for lots of emails... I think the top 'N' people or so involved with LIBTIFF should make a decision. Once it's made, us programmers will get on and implement what ever is required!!

Andy.

PS I'm a programmer as well as running my own company.

Andy Cave,
Chief Executive Officer,
Hamillroad Software Limited.
www.hamillroad.com