Digital Slideshows
The following is an example of a digital slideshow. It was originally intended to display as the header for this website but unfortunately it doesn't render well in all browsers so I decided to abandon the idea in favour of a simpler design. Nevertheless it has merit and it does degrade well so I make no apology for showing it here. If you are one of those unfortunate people who don't see it working correctly, you'll see either the text and the first pretty picture in the series or nothing at all.
There's a lot of software available for creating similar effects but I used Amara Flash Slideshow Builder which you can download for a free trial from their website and if you like it, simply upgrade and register your copy for a small fee. The beauty of using Amara software against the much more comprehensive (and expensive) Shockwave Flash is that Amara allows you to buy only what you need to get the job done which is a boon if you don't have a fortune to spend on software that does more than you are ever likely to need. Believe me I don't have anything against the market leaders apart from the price but for most of us, the job can be done simply, faster and less expensively with something more compact and yet still functional. Here's a plug...
Amara Software develops no nonsense Flash web design tools including the following 5 Flash tools:
Amara Flash Slide Builder
- US$29.95 - (about £15) Create Flash
slideshows, Flash intros, Flash banners and Flash ads.
Amara Flash News Ticker - US$19.95 - (about £10) Build horizontal
and vertical news tickers, with special text effects
Amara Flash Menu Builder - US$29.95 - (about £15) Unlimited menu
builder with sub menus.
Amara Flash Intro
/ Banner Builder - US$39.95 - (about £20) Create
simple or complex Flash intros and banners
Amara Flash Photo Animation - US$49.95 - (about £25) Turn
your static photos into virtual tours or panoramic views
If you have any queries about any of these software applications please feel free to write to Amara's support team at support@amarasoftware.com and they will answer your queries as soon as they can.
Technical questions can be sent to Andy or John at techsupport@amarasoftware.com
Marketing and promotional related emails must be sent to mark@amarasoftware.com
Electronic Diaporama
Some years ago I enjoyed the art of 'diaporama' using two slide projectors, a piece of electronic control equipment that I designed and built myself, and a synchronised sound system. The result was a magical magic lantern show that had the power to impress and entertain in surprising ways. We now have the means to easily reproduce the effect digitally.