[probooth]

Is it possible to use our own overlay for the countdown timer instead of using the @secsToNextPhoto@ token?

for instance i would like to have an arrow pointing up at the camera with text such as (Look at the Camera!) to replace the "1" during the countdown.

another cool thing would be the ability to have a animated overlay, like a fading or scrolling countdown.

does anybody know if it is possible? and if it is not, Chris - how much would it cost me to make it happen?! :)

BJ

[Chris Breeze]

The only overlay you can use is the live_view_overlay.png overlay which is the same throughout the countdown. You could use the taking.jpg screen to display an arrow and "Look at the camera" text. This is displayed approximately 1 sec before the picture is taken.

[scottishmovies]

I know this is a bit late for a response to this thread but thought I'd share what I did for others?

In the dialogue box where you change the @secsToNextPhoto@ token I changed it so that the font size is 72 and BOLD.
I put two instances of the token so it now reads "@secsToNextPhoto@ @secsToNextPhoto@" which displays two big bold countdown numbers either side of a nice frame for the live view.

I then designed all the 1,2,3 and 4 screens with a "target" graphic for the secs number to sit on top of.

I then changed the "taking" screen so that it had ARROWS pointing upwards to the camera instead of the targets - this way it's in the same place as them and the @secs number is diplayed in the correct position.

I also changed the processing.jpg so that the arrows changed to point down to where my printer is located and put my logo in the live view area and switched live view off for the processing part - that way I get to prompt guests with my company details :)

Hope that helps?

Pat

[alexsiskahn]

can you post the photos some where. their are free image hosting sites where you can save images easily.

[apples]

When we started we had similar arrows pointing up - think they are still on the video on our website - however, now removed as when we asked people, the responses we got were that they were very confusing. I personally thought they were ok, but was proved wrong. . . . . . . . . I think we have to remember we have looked at our screen images hundreds of times and know what they mean - guests only ever see them once (or more for some . . . .).

Also Scottish, I would really change the printer position of your booth, so that prints are outside the booth, that is a bad design fault. People will linger in the booth too long waiting for prints and would be tempted to press go again. - just my tuppence worth. This subject has been well discussed over at PBT, Rolland will tell you!

[scottishmovies]

@apples I quite agree that printing inside the booth "might" be an issue. All depends on the event. Some people like to hang around (happened to me at a Gala Dinner - they loved it all) but I'm not one to restrict my options. My booth can also do prints outside so that a guestbook can be controlled. Best of both world's really :)

As for Roland over at PBT - reding between the lines, not a lot of people have a lot of nice things to say about him, but I take your point and I wouldn't want to judge someone on the basis of not knowing him - although I think he does add value to alot of people's experience of PBs via you tube etc. each to their own!

[apples]

he'll send you a PM now . . . . . . get ready . . .. .:D

[scottishmovies]

I assume you've had a pm and that was from experience then?

[apples]

oh yes, we are all on his blacklist . . . . . .
actually he has given lots of valid advice, but gets uptight, especially to those who didn't buy one of his booths - like me! He was banned from this forum at one point.

[scottishmovies]

That doesn't single him out in the PB world :D loads of people seem to get uptight! :lol:

And I've seen some of his stuff on you tube and to be honest, anyone that goes to such lengths (even if they are selling something) deserve some credit. What's wrong with thinking what you've personally designed is the best? Isn't that something you would condone and support?

And some of his ideas, while not my cup of tea, aren't that bad and if someone has gained some knowledge from it all then all the good to him. As I don't know the history behind it all, I can't comment but for what it's worth, anyone who helps out the general community in the big bad world of the internet isn't that bad in my book.

By the way, having read some older posts about this subject, I should point out - I'm NOT Roland! :) before I get flamed!