PSPX4: Errors when running Topaz Plug-ins

[OldRadioGuy]

Although Paint Shop Pro X4 runs the filters from Topaz Labs correctly on a single file, PSPX4 chokes when running the filters as part of a script in batch files. Not only was the program unable to apply the plug-ins correctly in a batch file, the errors were different depending on the plug-in.

I ran my tests on 8 JPG files with dimensions of 4021x3024 pix, file size averaging 2.8 MB. I then reduced the files to 800x600 pix dimensions and ran the same tests. Results were the same on both size groups. I recorded a script with only each Topaz filter, then tested the script on a single image. The script worked. The problems occurred when run in batch processing. I tested against another company's plug-in, running Alien Skin's Xenofex 2 Burnt Edges in a batch file with script on the 8 images with no problem. I also tested the same Topaz Labs filters in PhotoLine 16, recording and playing actions. The plug-ins ran perfectly in PhotoLine.

When batch processing was run in PSPX4, it was run with the test script selected and silent mode selected. Silent mode means the script should run from start to finish with no intervention by the user. Here's what happened in my tests.


Topaz Adjust 4 - Batch file runs correctly through 4 images, then the process freezes. The Windows Task Manager shows PSPX4 to be "running."

Topaz Detail 2 - Batch file runs correctly through 4 images, then the process freezes. The Windows Task Manager shows PSPX4 to be "running."

Topoaz Clean 3 - Batch file runs, but Topaz window opens on each file, requiring user selection before progressing to next file. However, the process freezes after the fourth image. The Windows Task Manager shows PSPX4 to be "running."

Topaz InFocus - Batch file runs, but Topaz window opens on each file, requiring user selection before progressing to next file. However, the process freezes after the fourth image. The Windows Task Manager shows PSPX4 to be "running."

Topaz Lens Effects - Batch file runs, but Topaz window opens on each file, requiring user selection before progressing to next file. However, the process freezes after the fourth image. The Windows Task Manager shows PSPX4 to be "running."

Topaz DeNoise 5 - Batch file runs for all 8 files, however Topaz window opens on each file, requiring user selection.

Bob

[Kathy_9]

That's interesting Bob. I use all the Topaz plug-ins and some of them in scripts but I never batch process anything, so I haven't run across this issue.

You mentioned PSP freezes after the 4th image - does it ever finish or is it just stuck there? Just a shot in the dark here but could it be memory related? Do you have the scratch disk enabled?

[OldRadioGuy]

You mentioned PSP freezes after the 4th image - does it ever finish or is it just stuck there? Just a shot in the dark here but could it be memory related? Do you have the scratch disk enabled?

That's one of the reasons I tested with both huge files and smaller ones. On one error i walked away and returned after 30 minutes. Yes, I do have the scratch disk enabled.

I see you are running 7 and 64 as I. If you get a chance, could you try one of these filters in a batch file to determine if you get the same results?

Thanks.

Bob

[Kathy_9]

Well Bob, it's not just you. I started with a simple script to apply Topaz Adjust (Spicify) to an image, so nothing fancy there. I chose 7 images to batch process with the script. The images were various sizes (none greater than 1.23 mb and some as small as 144 kb).

My results: The program outputted 1 finished image and the dialog box said processing image 3 of 7 and just froze there. I had to exit X4 via the Task Manager.

I'm glad batch processing is not part of my work flow because it's a real pain the the butt to have to go through this.

[OldRadioGuy]

Well Bob, it's not just you. I started with a simple script to apply Topaz Adjust (Spicify) to an image, so nothing fancy there. I chose 7 images to batch process with the script. The images were various sizes (none greater than 1.23 mb and some as small as 144 kb).

My results: The program outputted 1 finished image and the dialog box said processing image 3 of 7 and just froze there. I had to exit X4 via the Task Manager.

I'm glad batch processing is not part of my work flow because it's a real pain the the butt to have to go through this.

Thanks for verifying this bug, Kathy.

Bob

[Simone Corel UK]

@Kathy9 and OldRadioGuy

I will have a look into this issue.

[OldRadioGuy]

Installed the new service pack today. I like the color icons and the workspace options.

However, this patch did not address the batch-file problem with Topaz Plug-ins, and apparently it introduced a new SNAFU with the plug-ins.

I recorded a script with Topaz Adjust 5. No other changes to the image in the script. I then ran the script in a batch file with about ten images. The script started and PSPX4 crashed before Topaz Adjust 5 opened.

I then opened a single image and attempted to run the script with Topaz Adjust 5. PSPX4 crashed when I started the script.

Topaz 5 is a brand new version of one of the Topaz plug-ins I encountered failures with last month, and I have not yet tested any of the other Topaz plug-ins in a batch file with this patched version of PSPX4.

Will be trying that later.

bob

[WilsonC]

I then opened a single image and attempted to run the script with Topaz Adjust 5. PSPX4 crashed when I started the script.
bob

Same thing happens here Bob. This is on a Vista 64 system with PSP X4 and Adjust 5. Topaz Clean 3, Remask 3, Simplify 3, and Adjust 4 work with a script though. (have yet to test the batch operation)

[WilsonC]

Using the batch operation with Adjust 5 it crashes right away. With Adjust 4, Simplify 3, and Clean 3 the images are created but the processing dialog freezes.... I can press the "Ok" button, but it does not disappear.