Lin Evans

Hi Folks, I downloaded the free Flash Encoder Ray mentioned in his post and encoded an SWF version of the zipped executable sample I posted a couple days ago. Anyone with a broadband and enough time to wait for the approximate 27 meg of swf download to happen before play begins is welcome to test it and comment. There is an email link at the bottom of the player. Link below: http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/testflash/index.html Thanks, Lin

Hi Ray, I downloaded and installed - seems to be a nice little free implementation with decent performance. Here's a link which I'm posting to the forum for testing. The only down side is that there seems to be no code generated for the flv implementation - at least I can't find it. FLV has pseudo spooling which is a good thing. As it, my swf trial must be totally downloaded to the client machine before it begins to play. The Flash file I generated with performance rather than "economy" of space is 27 meg and all 27 meg has to find its way to the client machine before play begins. Here's the link: http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/testflash/index.html Best regards, Lin

I have not been keeping completely abreast of changes in PTE since 5.1, especially in the area of music synchronization. I was quite surprised to find that the "auto spread slides along music" feature (found in Project Options, Main Tab) no longer worked as I expected. In the original 5.0/5.1 you could check this feature then on the timeline find that the slide timings were spread equally to match music timings. When I tried this recently I discovered that not only did it not work as I expected when viewing the music waveform on the timeline, but that when I went to the Objects and Animations screen and clicked on the "start preview from the current slide" even though I was on my last slide the music began to play from the beginning rather than from the point in the slideshow I expected. Igor explained to me that for some time now things work differently - duhhhh - my error for not keeping up! But I decided to write this because others may also be confused, especially those who are new to PTE or those who like me have not kept abreast of current changes to the music/image synchronization. If you want to see the slides equally spread on the waveform do not use "auto spread slides along music" feature - leave it unchecked (in fact it may now be obsolete and due for possible future removal). Instead, go to the timeline (from the main menu) and click on the "timed points tab" then click on "arrange all points". This will automatically do what the old "auto spread slides along music" feature did. If you want the music play in synchronization with your currently selected slide, then go to Projects Options Main Tab and put a check beside "synchronize music and slides" and the music will then play in its proper synchronization with "start preview from the current slide". If this block is not checked, music will play from the beginning regardless of which slide you may be on when you click on "start preview from the current slide" icon.

Hi Peter, Because it allows you to rename your files, etc., you can simply open an existing PTE file then swap file names, etc., it serves very nicely as a quick way to do what you want to do. Best regards, Lin

Hi Peter, As you have discovered, the "template" feature in PTE is really not a true "template". In old versions of PTE the template feature was a more primitive way of doing what the "zip" feature does today. The zip feature encapsulates the PTE file along with all the images so that you can later simply unzip it in a folder of your choice and continue with modifications or changes and additions to your project without having to keep track of the individual components and their locations. What Hawk did was explain how it's possible to copy and paste segments or complete slideshows and incorporate them in other shows. When theDom or I or anyone else creates a so called "template" it's simply a way of allowing the user to substitute their own files for the ones in the "template" so that they can enjoy the same transitions, animations, etc., as found in the "template" examples. But to do this, it requires the user to rename their images, use the same number of images and in some cases, crop or resize them so that they are virtually identical to the ones in the template except for image content. This, of course, is not a true "template". A true template is a pattern which allows the user to re-create the design over and over again. A true software template would automatically rename, resize, etc., various files and place them in their proper places. The reason Jeff and I did not spend a great deal of time with the template feature was that it would take many pages to explain to a novice user of PTE its rather convoluted use for the purpose you wish to use it for. We decided that the unofficial user guide was more suited to an overview of the features rather than a "tutorial" which many of us have created on various specifics of PTE use. The closest thing available to a true "template" is an Excel spreadsheet template done by Al Robins called PTE-5 Adjustor which you can read about and download here: http://www.picturestoexe.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6767 Best regards, Lin

Just playing around with some images from Canada Ken passed on to me (not mine) and a couple of my shots to demonstrate one of the techniques which can be easily done with Xara Xtreme 4 - essentially just messing around testing new computer. http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/sample/reflections.zip (about 33 meg download) Lin

Hi John, I'm only commenting on that part of your comments below: There is no need to "guess" or use the grid to match text size. Just look in the zoom box, pick the text object you want to match for size then copy and paste the zoom number of that text object into other text zoom boxes for a perfect match. Best regards, Lin

Hi Jean-Claude, It's an excellent suggestion and as long as the screen display can be adjusted as in your model it should be feasible. On the other hand I don't agree that having large numbers of objects is a misappropriated use of PTE. We must remember that users of PTE have diverse interests. Some want and need precise object relationship timings with sound and with other objects (the purpose of having the suggested features); others use PTE as a unique creative type of 3D modeling and display tool. Both are legitimate uses of this fine tool. Some animations currently done with PTE and not possible with competing products would not be possible without the capabilities of using large numbers of objects. So in suggesting changes one must be sensitive to all users and not only those who may use the software as we do. The present versatility is a major selling point, especially with younger users such as school children many of whom tend to be much more interested in object manipulation than in synchronizing images to music, etc. You may want to look at Jean-Pierre's early model of the atom for example, or one of my simulations of the rotating Earth and orbiting moon. Such animations are very popular in teaching science to children and PTE can play an important role here. PTE fills a rather unique niche in that it bridges an existing gap between 3D modeling software and presentation slideshow software. I believe this versatility is a strength which shouldn't be diluted by drifting too far away from its design. Of course changes which do not adversely affect its present strength yet improve its versatility are always welcome and necessary for continued improvement. Changes such as with your suggestion seem feasible without adversely affecting present versatility. Best regards, Lin

That's one way of doing it, but download the first link I posted, unzip it and look at how it was done. The first keyframe is automatically created and placed at the beginning of the timeline for each image or each object added. The second keyframe you insert where you want the animation to "end". You click on the second keyframe to highlight it and the green rectangle will appear. Drag or size the image while the second keyframe is highlighted and PTE will create all necessary intermediate images or the code to create them when you run the preview. The essence is that all animation takes place "between" the keyframes. With keyframe one highlighted you size and place the image as you want it to appear at the start of the slide display. With keyframe two, etc., highlighted you size and place the image as you want it to appear at the time represented by the second keyframe. PTE then creates the necessary movement, size, rotation, opacity, etc., to make it happen between keyframes. Lin

Here's a quick sample for you. The main image with the moon is on the main slide list. The two hawk images have been added to the Objects and Animations list. A single keyframe automatically is inserted for each image at the beginning of the timeline as you see in the Objects and Animations screen. Set the time you wish the slide to display by selecting the main slide and clicking on the Project Options to change times universally or on the main tab of the "Customize Slide". Add a keyframe for each object where you want the action or animation to end. Highlight the keframe by clilcking on it, drag the image to the new position and/or size and rotation. Link to sample: http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/samples/samplemove.zip See extreme example in this demo: http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/samples/cubefunz.zip Lin

Put the main image in the slide list. Add other images to the objects and animations object list. The main image will cover the bottom layer and each "object" image will occupy a separate layer. Layers are automatically assigned as you place your images on the Objects list in Objects and Animations. Which object appears on which layer is initially decided by the order you place them onto the objects list. You can move objects up or down at will using CTRL PgUP CTRL PgDn or via the menu thus making the ones you wish either pass in front or behind other objects. That's all there is to it. Size the objects in the Objects and Animations list and place them anywhere you wish by drag and drop. Zip up your project and post it and I will move them and place them for you so you can easily see how its done. Best regards, Lin

Hi Claude, Check the Mac and see which codecs are presently available. Choose a codec from your list on PTE which matches one from the Mac. With the PC's you can download free Codec Packs from the web such as the Ace Mega Pack which has hundreds of codecs which can be installed selectively on your pc. Once they are installed they will appear on the drop-down list. I'm sure there is a similar codec pack available for the Mac but I'm not that familiar with present Mac use to make a recommendation. It's only necessary that the same codec used on your AVI creation on the PC be resident on the Mac to make it work. Best regards, Lin

Hi Bruno, Zip the PTE file (click File, Create Backup in Zip). Post the zip file and let's find out what's wrong... Lin

PicturesToExe Deluxe 5.5 "We're grateful to all beta-testers who helped us create this new version! I always remember that we couldn't make PicturesToExe alone without their generous help. Thanks for bug-reports and suggested ideas!"

Hi Jim, I does get "confusing" at times - LOL. There are some subtle effects in there which probably go unnoticed but show the power of PTE to do things with objects not possible with other presentation slideshow software. Best regards, Lin

Bravo Igor and team - well done! Lin

Hi Gary, Violating the condition that it "must" have an initial keyframe is what got you into trouble in the first place - LOL. The system is designed to work with assumptions. Because it's "possible" to violate these assumptions and not get into trouble in some cases doesn't invalidate the necessity for maintaining the keyframe in an initial position at the start of the keyframe. Let me give you a silly automotive example. Let's say you are going on a trip in your car. The manufacturer's assumption is that you need brakes to stop the vehicle. But you decide you really don't need them because the trip is all on level ground, there is no other traffic on the road and you have calculated that if you begin to coast exactly a half mile from your destination from a speed of 65 mph you will stop right at the proper point. Everything is going great until a farmer's cow breaks through a fence, stands in the middle of the road and you must swerve into the ditch to miss it. Had you not removed the brakes you could have avoided the accident and arrived at your destination as planned....... Good programming techniques (creating slideshows with PTE is actually programming) require making some initial assumptions and one of them is the initial default keyframe placed at the beginning of a file by default. If you leave it there or "replace" it when it's missing then the rest of the program will work as expected. But if you accidentally move it or move it inadvertently because of a copy paste action, then put it back manually to avoid the problems like you encountered. Yes, you can get away without having it there in some cases, but you then have to know when those cases are. There is no "penalty" for having it where it belongs and there may be unanticipated consequences for violating the rule so....... Best regards, Lin

Ken, Peter, Sorry, I left a "period" out on the server file name for number 8. It's corrected now. Lin

Hi Gary, All images have a timeline whether there is animation or not. The timeline represents the start of display in real-time for the slide to the end of time of display for the slide. There must be a keyframe at the beginning of the timeline whether or not there is any "action" or "animation" on the slide. It's put there by default. So even if you have only a still image, the keyframe must stay at the beginning of the slide. Whether there are other keyframes is optional depending on whether or not you want some change in appearance of that slide. No problem. It's sometimes like a "light" comes on and suddenly the big picture becomes clear. Best regards, Lin

Hi Gary, In 10 places you have a single keyframe moved far along the timeline with no keyframe at the starting point. Here are some screen captures: http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary1 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary2 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary3 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary4 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary5 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary6 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary7 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary8 http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/gary/gary9 There "must" be a keyframe at the beginning of each timeline...... Best regards, Lin

Hi Brian, Same person, totally different project. She had downloaded 5.0 and gave up on making DVD's until she downloaded the deluxe and couldn't get the registration key to work a few days ago. Best regards, Lin

Hi Gary, I see what your problem is now. You have moved the starting keyframe rather than creating a new keframe on a number of slides. I have added the starting keyframe at the beginning of each sequence for you and zipped them with a link for you below. Each sequence of motion must have a starting keyframe at the beginning of each timeline then a secondary keyframe at the time where you wish to end that particular sequence. So the order of events is to not move the original default keyframe from the starting position for any object but highlight the starting keyframe, adjust your image or object as you want it to appear at the beginning of that sequence, then go along the timeline to the time where you want the sequence to end and create another keyframe. Drag the image into the condition you wish it to end in or enter corresponding values in the pan, zoom, rotate block to achieve the desired effect. Bottom line is that there should "always" be a keyframe at the beginning of each object's timeline. Here's your link http://www.learntomakeslideshows.net/samples/gary.zip Best regards, Lin

Hi Gary, I can't seem to duplicate the problem you're having. Could you give a step-by-step of how you get to the point where you have no keyframe when you add text. For example, you said that you "bring out the image" then add text. How did you get the image to the dot size in the first place? Did you do it visually by clicking on the green bounding rectangle top, bottom or side square and drag or did you enter values into the zoom block? If you entered values into the zoom block what value did you use. When you shrink the object or image using the green rectangles you usually can not get a zero size. It is possible to type in zero but then you will have .001 in the opposite block because the program "protects" the object until you decide to delete by choosing "delete". Then when you have a tiny dot how are you "bringing out" the object? Do you enter a value in the zoom block or do it with the mouse cursor and green bounding rectangle? If I could duplicate the problem perhaps I could see at which point the problem occurs but I've not been able yet to exactly follow the progression and recreate the missing keyframe. Best regards, Lin

Hi Brian, Actually that's wrong data. Laura has a photography business and her project is for a wedding engagement party next week. She tried to upgrade to PTE 5.1 deluxe just a few days ago but couldn't figure out how to buy the upgrade only. It's not real clear on the web that you only need to click on "buy now" and then choose from a drop-down menu. Once she had purchased the upgrade she couldn't get the registration key to work so she also purchased the whole 5.1 deluxe packgage just a couple days ago and has not been able to get a DVD burned with correct sound. The deadline promised her client for the DVD which is to be tested for use on the equipment at the facility where the party will be held next week is today. She will make that deadline with the burned DVD I sent her overnight. A family emergency took her out of town until late Tomorrow night and when she returns we will know more about the cause of the problem. Her system is between two and three years old so she is using XP. She hasn't had time yet to run dxdiag to find out details but when she returns she will have an additional copy of the known good DVD and we will be able to test it on her external DVD player to eliminate or pin that as a problem. If it plays properly on her external DVD player then we know the problem is isolated to her system. She will borrow an external DVD burner to burn a copy using the known good PTE file I sent her. If that works then we have pinpointed the internal DVD player as the culprit. If it doesn't work we have isolated the problem to the computer and can begin to look further. Best regards, Lin

Hi Gary, I can't be certain from your explanation but: Pay particular attention to whether the text becomes a "child" of the file or whether it stands on its own as an object. If the object is selected when the text is applied it will automatically assume the child relationship, if not it will become its own object. Best regards, Lin