Ronniebootwest

Peter Kilminster and I have been trying to sort out just how to pan a filmstrip so that each of the images 'pauses the display' for a few seconds before moving on to the next image. We had a number of problems in achieving the end result (even now it still requires some tweeking) That's where you come in, have a look at the quick demo and let me know if you have any suggestions on how it can be improved. Ron Panning_a_Filmstrip.zip The filmstrips were made with Photoshop Actions created by Panos. Visit his Web Site for full details, Here:

I recently posted an example slide show of what can be done with The Doms Photo Album Template and sent the link to all those PTE Forum members who have been registered with my 'Tutorial Group Listing' It has been a very popular download so I thought that any other member of this forum might like to see it - so here is the link: http://www.mediafire.com/?4j1hpzpyzv0 Please feel free to download it and offer me any comments that you might care to make. I would also add that a FREE pdf tutorial is available on my web site: http://www.ronniewestdigital.co.uk Ronnie West.

I recently posted an example slide show of what can be done with The Doms Photo Album Template and sent the link to all those PTE Forum members who have been registered with my 'Tutorial Group Listing' It has been a very popular download so I thought that any other member of this forum might like to see it - so here is the link: http://www.mediafire.com/?4j1hpzpyzv0 Please feel free to download it and offer me any comments that you might care to make. I would also add that a FREE pdf tutorial is available on my web site: http://www.ronniewestdigital.co.uk Ronnie West.

I have to agree with Brian, 650mb is far to ambitious (and such a long show might tend to be rather boring also) Why not split the show into separate .exe shows and link them together in a 'daisy chain' using the option 'Run show after last slide' Ron

Brian, You don't say if you already have experience of creating 'animation'. If you are new to this, then I suggest that you will need to learn the basics before jumping in at the deep end otherwise you will be a little overwhelmed. Start with some simple panning and zooming and move on to the complicates stuff later on. You will find some very popular free written (pdf) tutorials on my web site if you would care to make a visit there. Ron

I agree! In fact I have put 4 of my shows up on Youtube already beacause I like the idea of reaching a larger audience. The quality drop is enormous, compared to the original PTE.exe file but I would provide a link to where the full resolution slide show could be downloaded by anyone interested. Problem is, Youtube does not seem to provide the means of doing this. Ron

This is a great idea and I have already tried your suggestion and opened a 'You Tube' account. I have used the PTE Codec because the one you have suggested is not on my list. Can you tell me where to download the 'DivX 6' codec and how I should add it to the codec list in PTE please? Ron

Hello Robertg, Thankyou for the kind remarks. If you are new to version 5 and are a little apprehensive about trying the new features, please visit the Tutorials Page on my web site where you will find some (free) very easy (and simple to follow) tutorials to have a go with. Ron

Hey just hold on there! Tampering with the .ini file can cause problems unless you really know what you are doing. As far as backing up files are concerned, I agree that the 'Back up Zip' option is very good but remember to capy it to an EXTERNAL media such as a CD or DVD to ensure a real back-up. I would also point out that the 'Template' option is much more than a back-up facility - it is a 'Work in Progree' fail safe. Ron

Hi jfa, I read with interest about your workflow and it seems that you rely totally on an Image Editor. I agree that this method is perfect for compiling a 'Background' track but what about the option to add a 'Sound Bite' as well. I often find that I need to add just a simple sound effect (for a particular slide) over the top of any existing background music. Do you use this feature? Ron

Hi Carol, Using small images can often prove to be a reason why such images 'pixelate' when using the zooming feature of version 5. If you intend to zoom into an image during a slide show, it is essential to use larger images. Ron

Hi nobeefstu, Nice to hear that you always use (and undersand) the Templates option. Speeding up production is not the primary reason for using this option however. I think that it's primary use is to create a 'work in progress' situation where all of your images, sound files (used in the slide show) are saved in a special folder. I always use the Templates option to make a folder of EVERY slide show and then I copy the finished .exe slide show into this folder and then I copy the whole folder to a DVD backup. I still intend to make a tutorial on the Templates option so that everyone can have a chance of seeing just how useful this particular feature is. Ron.

Hello Heathranger, You seem to have 'double Posted' your reply and have just repeated my posting - I cannot see that you have made any kind of reply. Perhaps you would delete both double postings and have another go at making your comments. Ron

The introduction of Video Builder (in PTE) has much improved the quality of DVD's over the competition but it is still not quite good enough I fear. I am aware that it will never match the quality of an exe file played on a computer monitor but I am sure that there must be a way of tweaking the settings in Video builder in order to maximise the final quality when played back on a television set. Has anyone come up with the 'Optimal Settings' yet? Ron

I cannot get your link to work I'm afraid. Is it still current? Ron

Why does everyone seem to forget that the 'Make a Template of this show' still exists. It works very well, why not give it a try. Ron

If you want a good simple introduction to panning and zooming, have a look at my two pdf tutorials. They have been very popular so might meet your requirements. You will find them both on my site on the 'Tutorials' page' Here: Ron

I only get 'as good as the original' copies of a DVD by using an external DVD Copier such as the one available from Storedigital. Have a look here: DVD Copier Ron

Hello 'Oldie' I think that you are right! At the moment it is wise to run Version 4.48 alongside Version 5. You can continue to run all of you older shows on version 4.48 (although there are some good reasons why you should re-save them in version 5) but no need to go into that at the moment. Many people will find the learning curve a little steep with this latest release but there are many Forum Members willing to help, as I am sure you already know. Please take your time with Version 5 and learn at your own pace and I am certain that you will not be disappointed. Ronnie West

Hello M O E L W Y N, I know that I won't upset you by spelling your name correctly because I have copied & pasted it from you previous post. However, I might upset you a little with my further response (though this is certainly not my intention). I agree with the comments made by Lin Evans and think that you really ought to have spent more time with this new version of PTE before bursting into print about how bad the program is. It is a NEW VERSION and therefore will take some time to settle down. I very much doubt that you will find another program that will give you the quality of presentation that PTE will give and if,as you say, you have previously used the program (I assume that you are referring to Version 4.48) then why not continue to use that until we have sorted out any further 'bugs' that may be found in this latest incarnation. I must say though, that I get a little weary of hearing 'how much better' the competition is - if this were so, how come so many are switching to Pictures To Exe. I will tell you why, it is because it is probably the best audio visual slide show software on the market. To those who think otherwise I simply agree that they are entitled to their own opinion. As for me, I will stick with Pictures To Exe. Ronnie West

What has happened to the 'Pinned Bug Report' ? I know that this is the final release but there will still be some bugs I reckon. For example: I am having problems with the option that allows a 'Right Click' of the mouse to 'pause' the slide show. It now seems not to work properly - is anyone else having the same problem? Ron West Update: I have just created a 'New Show' to test this problem and everything is working fine. It seems that an exe file saved in a previous 'beta' version must first be loaded and then saved in the final version, before the 'pause' option will work as expected. (unless it is just a problem with my computer)

I am not aware of any 'Freeware' for this kind of software but I use 'Extensis Portfolio' whnich will do all you want and more. Have a look at this link, Here:

Hello Dave, TheDom has already explained how to get a list of these shortcuts, why not don't you 'have a go' and make up a list of your own? Ron

Jeff, Thanks for this detailed explanation, I will try what you have suggested and see what happens. Ron

hello Mike, but have you linked your laptop into your 'wide screen' television and then run the .exe file? Ron