Question

PCD File conversion

Asked by: hathehariken

hello!

i have about 12 CDs from the 1994-ish era containing a lot of PCD files.
all the discs are from Corel

i want to convert the files to a more manageable TIFF or BMP format  for onward archival, and bin the CDs
i tried XN-view, but it reads only a middle resolution and not the best resolution.
Photoshop CS4 and Corel Photopaint X4 does not know what to do with it - posts "cannot read file"

can you recommend a software, preferably freeware, or a plugin (also preferably freeware) that can get the job done.
i can post a single file from the compilations for testing purposes.

thanks,
hathehariken.

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Asked On
2009-09-17 at 13:39:45ID24741373
Tags

BMP JPEG PCD Kodak Photo CD File conversion image

Topics

Images & Photo Software

,

Adobe Photoshop

,

Image Correction Software

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Answers

 

by: Philip_SparkPosted on 2009-09-17 at 18:02:37ID: 25362376

 

by: hatheharikenPosted on 2009-09-17 at 23:39:09ID: 25363296

thank you for the reply.

i installed IrfanView, and also the plugin pack (7.7 MB)

upon opening the files, the same thing is happening.
the visible size is 768*512 wheras the average file size is 4.5 mb.
i am inclined to think that there is another greater resolution within the file - how can i access that??

please help!

hathehariken.

 

by: Philip_SparkPosted on 2009-09-18 at 08:44:03ID: 25367150

Can you post the file as mentioned?

 

by: hatheharikenPosted on 2009-09-18 at 08:58:35ID: 25367307

here you are.
after downloading, just RENAME the extension from ZIP to PCD

 

by: Philip_SparkPosted on 2009-09-18 at 09:16:33ID: 25367497

I managed to open the file with Graphic Convertor,
unfortunately it's a mac only program

below are the details with file sizes etc.

What size are the cds?

We could maybe come to some arrangement whereby I could convert the cds gratis.

 

by: Philip_SparkPosted on 2009-09-18 at 09:21:32ID: 25367538

A google search threw up this link.

I've no idea on the ability of these

http://3d2f.com/tags/pcd/file/converter

 

by: Philip_SparkPosted on 2009-09-18 at 09:25:12ID: 25367562

One of the ones listed gives you a 30 day trial to test

http://www.graphics-converter-pro.com

 

by: hatheharikenPosted on 2009-09-18 at 12:51:34ID: 25369392

i am now confused.

the image you posted, shows the pixel size at 768*512.
XN-view, and IrfanView also comes up with the same thing.

so the natural conclusion is that 768*512 is the largest resolution available.
but even an uncompressed BMP file of 768*512*32 doesnt weigh that much (exactly 1,572,920 bytes)

so what gives?? the things dont add up! what is eating the rest of the space in the file?

each CD expanded to about 1.3 gb upon extraction from corel cabinets. multiply by 12 CDs, and i have 16.2 gb of PCDs lying about...



thanx for helping out, i really appreciate it.
hathehariken.

 

by: Philip_SparkPosted on 2009-09-18 at 13:47:40ID: 25369849

Is this what you're talking about?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400047398351#ht_6691wt_1167

How did you get on with

graphics-convertor?

 

by: hatheharikenPosted on 2009-09-19 at 02:01:31ID: 25372144

i was very busy with with work the previous 24 hours. i will check the apps you mentioned, i will post back within 12 hours.

thanks,
hathehariken.

 

by: hatheharikenPosted on 2009-09-20 at 09:27:01ID: 25377769

hi!

i tried all the apps you mentioned, but each and everyone of them are retuirning the same dimensions - 768*512

so am i to believe that 768*512 is the largest resolution in the files??


the link you provided you on ebay is not my collection.
i got this collection when i bought coreldraw 5 - it was bundled with the box pack.

i think the only solution now, is to install a VM windows 98 and install corel 5 and convert the PCDs to BMPs using Corel Photopaint 5

hathehariken.

 

by: hatheharikenPosted on 2009-09-21 at 10:04:58ID: 25385055

Philip,

i am closing this question.
you have strived to solve my problem to the best of your abilities, and i thank you for that.

we will meet again around EE.
hathehariken.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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