soPdf - Better than Yet another PDF to LRF converter

[theguru]

One question: any plans on evolving into a gui with options to choose from?

It shouldn't take too long to wrap this in gui. I will look into it after I complete the output to image option.

[DDHarriman]

Thanks!

Great program!

[ProDigit]

If it's working great,maybe you can contact the guys at calibre, and integrate it in their software.
Calibre has already got the option of converting some documents, if yours works better (faster, more accurate,etc) then maybe a joint venture might be a good idea?

[theguru]

Originally Posted by ProDigit

If it's working great,maybe you can contact the guys at calibre, and integrate it in their software.
Calibre has already got the option of converting some documents, if yours works better (faster, more accurate,etc) then maybe a joint venture might be a good idea?

I have published the source. They can integrate it w/o my permission if they wish to do so.

[=X=]

two point

1) This thread is better suited at the "Format Conversions" section since this is not SONY only. This tool can be used by any eBook Reader that supports PDF.

2) Can this tool implement a feature that splits 2 page PDF to a single page?

=X=

[daesdaemar]

When I run sopdf, all I get is a quit flash of an apparent DOS window and nothing else. Using Vista 64. Any suggestions?

OK, worked it out. Opened a CMD window first and then ran the program.

[daesdaemar]

Can someone please explain the usage of soPdf (I'm a newbie). Why would I want to take a PDF file and convert to another PDF file? Ultimately, for my Sony 505, my preference would be an LRF file, but I agree that pdflrf certainly has limitations especially in terms of its massive file size outputs.

Thanks in advance.

[theguru]

Originally Posted by daesdaemar

Can someone please explain the usage of soPdf (I'm a newbie). Why would I want to take a PDF file and convert to another PDF file? Ultimately, for my Sony 505, my preference would be an LRF file, but I agree that pdflrf certainly has limitations especially in terms of its massive file size outputs.

Thanks in advance.

Because when you convert to another pdf file it becomes easier to read on your Sony 505.

[daesdaemar]

Originally Posted by theguru

Because when you convert to another pdf file it becomes easier to read on your Sony 505.

I hope there's more to the explanation than that. I like to understand things. Why is it easier to read?

[=X=]

Originally Posted by daesdaemar

Can someone please explain the usage of soPdf (I'm a newbie). Why would I want to take a PDF file and convert to another PDF file? Ultimately, for my Sony 505, my preference would be an LRF file, but

Originally Posted by daesdaemar

I hope there's more to the explanation than that. I like to understand things. Why is it easier to read?

There is another limit to PDFLRF. Because the text is now turned into an image the view will be the same for S/M/L. And while PDFLRF does a good job smoothing fonts there are still times when fonts pixelization are still displayed.

With soPDF the text and layout is preserved. The only thing that is modified(removed really) is the borders, PDFLRF also removes the margin. So now instead of trying to view a PDF (typically 8.5x11") down to a 6" screen you are trying to view (7.5x10") (margin are usually 1") which makes it much easier to view the text. Because the PDF is still text base text reflow still works and the font size can be increase if need be.

With soPDF and PDFCroper I find I rarely if ever use PDFLRF.

Hope this helps,
=X=

[daesdaemar]

Originally Posted by =X=

There is another limit to PDFLRF. Because the text is now turned into an image the view will be the same for S/M/L. And while PDFLRF does a good job smoothing fonts there are still times when fonts pixelization are still displayed.

With soPDF the text and layout is preserved. The only thing that is modified(removed really) is the borders, PDFLRF also removes the margin. So now instread of trying to view a PDF (typically 8.5x11") down to a 6" screen you are trying to view (7.5x10") (margin are usally 1") which makes it much easier to view the text. Because the PDF is still text base text reflow still works and the font size can be increase if need be.

With soPDF and PDFCroper I find I rarely if ever use PDFLRF.

Hope this helps,
=X=

Thank you very much... ;-)

[Boyodublin]

Does this program only work in Windows xp?

When I try to launch from Vista, I get an error that says "this application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect."

Thanks!

[valiant]

Great program. It would be close to perfect if it maintained chapter marks (bookmarks/contents page). It's not especially important for reading some stuff but a real pain if you're dipping in and out of reference material.

[ProDigit]

When I ran "Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist.pdf" through all the program did was it tiled the book 90 degrees.

I prefer the original on the Sony PRS. Clicking on the 'zoom' will show the book in text format like a normal LRF,which is more readable than the output version of this program.

I find the program has a too small border on the left, almost making it appear as if there is no border.


What does this program do to 'png' books (text scanned to png, but not ran through an ocr)?

[=X=]

Is there any way this tool could add the feature to split PDF pages that have 2 pages one page. There is a similar algorithm right now that does this but I'm looking for a feature to specifically convert a 2pg pdf to 1pg.

=X=