Shozam Blog

Shozam version 1.2.30 update is released

2008-10-07T04:12:00Z

Shozam version 1.2.30 update is now available for free download.

2008.10.06 - Version 1.2.30.0

Fixes:

Generate "modified files only" feature vastly improved and now requires far fewer files to be generated. When modifying large galleries, the time required to process, generate and upload your gallery files is decreased by 50-90%, leaving you more time to have fun!

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

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Shozam version 1.2.29.0 update is released

2008-06-09T19:05:00Z

Shozam version 1.2.29.0 update is now available for free download. Particularly users of versions #.26 through .28 should upgrade to this latest version.

2008.06.09 - Version 1.2.29.0

Fixes:

Issue in version 1.2.28.0 related to Vista permissions.
Issue in version 1.2.28.0 related to licensing of the upload module.

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

Download latest version of Shozam Free Trial (install on computer without any previous Shozam installation)

Shozam version 1.2.27.0 update is released

2008-05-06T18:15:00Z

Shozam version 1.2.27.0 update is now available for free download.

2008.05.06 - Version 1.2.27.0

Fixes - this release mainly fixes issues reported by users related to the previous release

NOTE: Fixing map issues in existing galleries requires re-generating all HTML files. For this you can uncheck the "generate modified files only" in Step 5. This will also reprocess and re-generate all image files, which is not neccessary. Another option is to re-generate (all) HTML files only. For this, just change the View Type for the Gallery Map following the steps below:
> Start Shozam
> Step 1 --> choose to modify existing gallery
> Step 3 --> choose to modify an album (does not matter which)
> Step 2 --> select the the Map Tab --> deselect all thumbnails
> Click the View drop-down selector and select a different type
> Generate gallery (you can keep "generate modified files only" checked)
> Follow the steps above again and change the View Type back and re-generate (optional)
> Upload

11122: Fixed issue where Shozam did not run on Windows Vista. Ticket: 3C1-0FAB185D-3662
[Technical detail: Issue was triggered by the change of version format from four number groups to three. Fix relies on changing back to the longer version identification. The significance of each number is now as follows: 1) Major version, 2) Minor version, 3)Update release number, 4) Typically not significant.
10972: Expanded previous Map fix to display all markers on the main map of the gallery. Now this happens not only in new galleries but also in existing galleries, created by previous versions of Shozam
[Technical detail: Added support for trimming the XML for an existing gallery, making it compliant with the new format required by the changes to the map section]
11128: Fixed issue where the map label appeared on existing galleries.
[Technical detail: Fix above also fixes this issue]

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

Download latest version of Shozam Free Trial (install on computer without any previous Shozam installation)

Shozam version 1.2.26 update is being repaired

2008-05-02T19:35:00Z

We have discovered several issues with the latest version 1.2.26 update released a couple of days ago.

There are two main issues related to this version 1.2.26.

1. Some users on Vista cannot run the program correctly. This is due to Vista permission requirements and the functionality was affected in this release. Installing the previous version of the program will rectify this situation. You can install this from the regular location, as we have pulled out the new faulty update:
http://community.shozam.com/files/

2. Some user report that some of their images are not being generated correctly after installing the latest update. Pages get generated but red Xs get displayed in the browser where images should have appeared. This seems to be a permanent corruption in the sense that installing the previous version of Shozam will not correct the issue. We are still investigating the cause of this and the best fix for it. As a last resort, users should install the previous version of Shozam, delete the affected images and then add them back to the gallery.

We appreciate you patience as we work on resolving the pending issues and are sorry for inconveniences caused to the affected users. Thanks to the users reporting the issues and assisting our fixing efforts through the Shozam Helpdesk. We currently expect all to be sorted out by early next week and provide a new clean program update at that time.

Shozam version 1.2.26 update is released

2008-04-30T21:53:00Z

Shozam version 1.2.26 update is now available for free download.

2008.04.30 - Version 1.2.26

Improvements

10973 Improved interoperability with Microsoft FrontPage. Fixed issue where Shozam Slideshow Page displays tiny 31px x 31px images.
[Technical detail: Issue was caused by FrontPage with Server Extensions enabled on the server as FrontPage would edit gallery pages without any explicit command to do so or any notification to the user that it has done this. Fix includes specific code on the Slideshow pages instructing FrontPage to not touch those files.]
Knowledgebase: http://helpdesk.shozam.com/Customer/KBArticle.aspx?articleid=3
Forums: http://community.shozam.com/forums/p/639/3364.aspx
Forums: http://community.shozam.com/forums/p/496/3358.aspx
10972 Improved Gallery Map functionality. Fixed issue where Map does not display all markers on the main Gallery Map. This fix affects only newly created galleries.

[Technical details: Changed the assumption of showing the gallery map with only one particular marker as it is given to global gallery map. Default changed to show all the markers of maps in the gallery. If user does not selected any image in the album, then Shozam will disable all the controls, except the View selector which allows user to select the type of view for the Gallery Map.]
Forums: http://community.shozam.com/forums/p/949/3305.aspx

Fixes

10974 Improved program stability. Fixed crash which happened under some situations when user in Step 3 clicks on an album while Shozam is still loading other albums.
[Technical detail: implementation was changed as in the case of user clicking Next/Prev buttons.]
10381 Improve page layout artifacts and cross-browser compatibility. Fixed issue where on longer gallery pages (like when having many PayPal Buy buttons, which extend the height of the gallery page) the page footer does not go all the way to the bottom of the page when viewing the page in Firefox and Safari. Rather, it overlapped with page content (or the Buy buttons). Ticket: 232-0F248F19-881 (other support tickets related to this issue as well)
[Technical detail: Adjusted a CSS class from "height =..." to "min-height =..." to support both Firefox and Safari browsers along with IE.]
Forums: http://community.shozam.com/forums/p/903/3147.aspx

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

Download latest version of Shozam Free Trial (install on computer without any previous Shozam installation)

Shozam version 1.1.0.25 update is released

2008-04-03T17:48:00Z

Note this version update has been available for some time but not officially announced until now. You can check to see if you have the latest version by starting Shozam on your computer and looking at the version number displayed in the Shozam window title bar.

Shozam version 1.1.0.25 update is now available for free download.

2008.01.18 - Version 1.1.0.25

Fixes

10353 Program freeze at times when uploading large galleries (support ticket 203-0F104D91-93BC)
10365 The Other tab in Step 2 of the Trial Express edition did not display.
10366 Issue in image maps; sometimes last location would override all other locations

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

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Shozam version 1.1.0.24 update is released

2008-01-04T00:43:00Z

Shozam version 1.1.0.24 update is now available for free download.

2008.01.03 - Version 1.1.0.24

Fixes

10230 Shozam now accepts 6-digit affiliate numbers (support ticket 274-0EFBBC01-94AF9921)
9921 Fixed stability issue with VideoWidget (support ticket 06C-0ED10D5B-4B52)
10129 Fixed issue with gallery upload (support ticket 22F-0EE9A8B6-6159)

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

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Shozam at Imaging USA

2008-01-03T02:22:00Z

Shozam will be on exhibit at Imaging USA, the world's largest photography conference, in Tampa, FL. We are excited to be a part of this event and demonstrate Shozam to the uninitated. If you're planning to attend Imaging USA, stop by the exhibition and see us, KOMOTION, at booth #1823; we would love to meet you!

Imaging USA, January 6-8, 2008, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL.

Shozam version 1.1.0.23 update is released

2007-11-02T05:34:00Z

Shozam version 1.1.0.23 update is now available for free download.

2007.11.01 - Version 1.1.0.23

Fixes

8876 Clicking on view files after changing gallery name no longer crashes program
9797 Fix situation when a previously created gallery was not recognized by Shozam any longer (support ticket 192-0EB6DBD3-D7B8 )
9798 Fix situation where images form revious albums appeared selected in a new album for Intro Animation.
9800 Fix situation where intro animation does not appear if album has manual option selected and also images from other albums

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

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Shozam version 1.1.0.22 update is now available

2007-09-25T02:11:00Z

Shozam version 1.1.0.22 update is now available for download.

2007.09.24 - Version 1.1.0.22

Fixes

8791 Step 2 - Right-click on thumbnail displays the context menu and no longer produces an error

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

Download new Shozam Lite Edition (install on computer without any previous Shozam installation)

All Shozam UPGRADE versions are now available

2007-08-15T03:16:00Z

If you were waiting to upgrade your Shozam Edition and found a "SOON" button holding you back, wait no more... All upgrades are now available. Just click on the upgrade link on the left side in Step 1 of the program. This will display a Web page showing you the editions you can upgrade to and the special upgrade price for each. The SOON buttons have been replaced by BUY buttons. Happy Shozamming!

Shozam version 1.1.0.20 update is now available

2007-08-11T03:02:00Z

Shozam version 1.1.0.20 update is now available for download.

2007.08.10 - Version 1.1.0.20

Improvements

8143: Changed generate metatag for Shozam BusinessPlus Edition

7813 and 7812: Split the Free/Trial Edition into dedicated versions of the program

New version of Shozam Lite Edition (now is a paid version but no Promo Album is generated)

8129: Updated EULA to accomodate new Shozam Lite Edition and Shozam Trial

Fixes

7921 System is no loner crashing in Step 2 (without any album) when clicking on "close" and then "back" button.
7918 Step X (on close) now displays properly
7916 Step 1 now displays the correct file
7910 Help link: “About Shozam Editions” is not showing complete absolute link.
7923 Images from previous gallery no longer get displayed on Step 2 while creating a new gallery
7837 Video widget is now added when"Generate modified files only" is checked.
7954 Edit the pop up message when converting a WGW gallery with new Trial edition on Step 1
7946 Shozam Trial: Correct features are now enabled when moving from higher edition to lower
7942 Lite Edition -> Step 5 - No longer crash on 'Image' and 'Protect' tab
7941 Lite Edition -> Step 2 -> No longer crash when clicking on 'trying' disabled tabs.
8137: Program now does not fail when previewing generated gallery and default Web browser is Firefox
8495: Changed the MAC address dependency of the program works when Internet Connection is disabled from the Windows Network Connections Window (Error was: Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library,Assertion failed!)

Download Shozam update (older version of Shozam required; updates all editions)

Download new Shozam Lite Edition (install on computer without any previous Shozam installation)

How to move galleries from one computer to another

2007-08-10T22:30:00Z

This question may come up in the following scenarios:

You are a Web designer who creates galleries others, and you need to send completed galleries to someone else
You bought a new computer to replace your old one, so you need to move the Shozam program, the galleries and your images to your new computer
You use a desktop computer and a laptop; you may want to use both to operate on the same gallery online

There are a number of solutions for each of the scenarios above. To determine what is right for you, it is best to understand how Shozam works. All the input you enter in Shozam when you create a gallery is captured and stored in a gallery project file named WebGallery.xml. This file is created by Shozam in the root of your gallery folder, which by default looks like this:
C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Shozam Galleries\[Gallery Title]/WebGallery.xml

This xml file includes the paths of all the images you add to your gallery, image captions, album descriptions and all other options and settings that you enter in the program when you create your gallery. The xml file is created the first time you generate the gallery and is updated each time you modify your gallery. In Step 1, if you choose to modify an existing gallery, you basically need to point Shozam to the folder that contains the existing gallery. The program then looks for the xml file and needs to be able to validate it and read it in order for you to be able to advance to the next step and modify your gallery.

The xml file contains several important references which need to be correct in order for the program to validate it as a Shozam gallery project file. You can open this file in Notepad and see some of those references. Here is an example of the pertinent information which can be found in the xml file (additional information in the file that is not relevant for this discussion has been removed):

<data version="1.1.0.19">
<WebInfo>
    <Folder>C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Shozam Galleries</Folder>
    <Theme>0</Theme>
    <GenAdvOpt>0</GenAdvOpt>
    <AlbumNameSeed>1</AlbumNameSeed>
    <ThemeFolder>C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Shozam Themes\[Custom Theme Name]</ThemeFolder>
    <ThemeName>[Custom Theme Name]</ThemeName>
    <WebName>[Gallery Title]</WebName>
</WebInfo>
<album>
    <info>
      <albumpage>1</albumpage>
      <albumimagepath>C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Pictures\8957ae.jpg</albumimagepath>
    </info>
    <group>
      <picture>
        <name>C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Pictures\8957ae.jpg</name>
      </picture>
      <picture>
        <name>C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Pictures\B2_07.jpg</name>
      </picture>
      <picture>
        <name>C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Pictures\B2_03.jpg</name>
      </picture>
      <picture>
        <name>C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\My Documents\My Pictures\B2_04.jpg</name>
      </picture>
    </group>
</album>
</data>

NOTE: As a convention, we are placing variables in square brackets and italics; so, for example, when you see [User Name] in a path above and the name for your Windows user account is John Doe, then you should have that name instead. So your My Documents folder path will be C:\Documents and Settings\John Doe\My Documents

As you can see highlighted above, the xml file contains references to the folder containing the gallery folder, the folder containing the custom theme (if a custom theme is used) and the paths for each image used. For Shozam to be able to open and edit an existing gallery, it needs to ensure that at least the first two are valid.

So, if you want to be able to edit on a new computer a gallery that was generated using an old computer, here are the general steps you should take:

Install Shozam on the new computer.
Copy the gallery(ies) from the old computer to the same relative location on the new computer; so if the gallery files resided in My Documents\My Shozam Galleries\[Gallery Title] , copy the [Gallery Title] folder and paste it in My Documents\My Shozam Galleries on your new computer. If the new computer is used by another user, then you will need to edit the xml file and replace [User Name] with the correct one.
Copy the custom theme(s) from the old computer to the same relative location on the new computer; so if your themes resided in My Documents\My Shozam Galleries Themes\[Custom Theme Name], copy the whole My Shozam Themes folder (or just the themes you want) and paste it in the same relative location on your new computer. As above, make sure the new path is the same as the old path and if not, edit the xml file accordingly.
Do the same for all images. Note that this is optional. It is not critical for Shozam to find the original images at the location from where they were originally added into the program (and captured in the xml file.) This is because if Shozam does not find the original at that location, it will then use the image it has previously generated and that is already part of the gallery files. However, it is important to understand that if the program does not find the original images, it will not be able to perform certain functions such as change the level of compression or place watermarks on the images. All image processing features require the program to be able to access the "original" images, at the location from where they were originally added from.

This content was also posted in the FAQ section of the Shozam Online Help:
http://www.helpconsole.com/Shozam/default.aspx?page=FAQs2.aspx

Bypass Shozam image processing/ Setting image file compression to 100

2007-08-10T22:19:00Z

This article provides more information on two related topics:

Users who want to bypass Shozam image processing so they can do JPEG compression and image sharpening in their image editing program of choice
Users who want to learn more about the JPEG compression slider and what happens if they set it to 100

EXPLANATION

Shozam always processes images that it generates. You can control the file size vs. compression trade-offs in Step 5 on the Image tab for all images or in Step 2 on the Other tab on an image by image basis. Setting the slider all the way to 100 means that the program will minimize the compression of the file; the JPEG compression algorithm will provide utmost fidelity to the "original" image given. This works the same as in Adobe Photoshop when you maximize the quality of the JPEG compression (and probably the same as in your image editing program). JPEG image processing/compression has to happen each time the image is saved. Setting the slider to 100 does not mean the image will not get processed/compressed; it just means that it will compress it very little in order to achieve highest fidelity, albeit at a much larger size.

It is important to realize that if the image was already compressed for a certain file size vs. quality ratio, then setting the JPEG quality slider to 100 will only increase file size with no increase of quality. The quality of the image cannot be increased beyond that of the original, particularly if no scaling is being performed on the image.

Preventing processing of images is not typically possible at this point with Shozam but may be a feature we can consider adding at a later time (give option to not process any images that do not need to be scaled). Note that if the original image fits the size of the Large Pages but it is larger than images to fit the QuickView Pages, the images would still need to be "touched" to be scaled down for the QuickView Pages and thus processed including using the Shozam engine to do JPEG compression. So the benefit of a feature to leave "large" images alone will be limited to the Large Page images.

There are two cases by which images bypass the Shozam image processing engine:

Including Original images in Step 2 Options tab and deselecting any scaling option
If the image has already been processed and is available in the gallery and is not available any longer at the original location from where it was added into Shozam
This means that if you desire a high degree of finesse and control over the compression and sharpening of each image, you can go into the respective folders where the images reside within the gallery file structure and redo them there. If Shozam cannot find the originals at the path it expects them to be (where they were originally added into Shozam) then the program will not touch these images any longer.

This article has been posted in the Shozam Help Desk Knowledgebase:
http://helpdesk.shozam.com/Customer/KBArticle.aspx?articleid=4

Online video converters

2007-06-27T22:52:00Z

We have updated the "About video" help page with some good information related to Video resources:

Video Resources

Online video converters

The following online Web service sites can convert you video into various formats so they can get optimized for viewing over the Web.

Zamzar - converts all sorts of file formats, including several video formats.
Media Convert - a media converter with a huge amount of options; resulting videos can sometimes be out of sync with audio.
Vixy - a simple converter that can only convert Flash apps from the web to several other video formats.
Hey Watch! - an online video converter focusing on file formats that works on portable multimedia devices, like the iPod.
MediaConverter - a video converter that can be slow and needs polishing, but can sometimes yield really good results.
Movavi - another video converter that allows you to upload videos and convert them to formats you wish to use.

Online video tools

The following online Web service sites provide you with additional video related tools

Hellodeo - Record videos from your webcam and post them on any Shozam gallery web page.
Flikzor - Send and receive video comments on your Shozam gallery.
Flixn - Record a video message right in the web browser and share anywhere including your Shozam gallery.
Bubble Guru - A site for recording webcam video messages and getting them onto your website or sending to others.
ClipSyndicate - publish broadcast quality news on your web site.
Broadbandsports - a big collection of sports-related videos.

Online video sharing services

Video services, like YouTube, let you upload your videos. YouTube accepts video files from most digital cameras, camcorders, and cell phones in the .WMV, .AVI, .MOV, and .MPG file formats. For more about uploading and converting video on YouTube, visit their Help Center and Video Toolbox.

YouTube - YouTube is the king of the video sharing sites, it has more users and videos than the others. Any video you can think of it probably already on YouTube.
Google Video - Since Google bought YouTube, Google’s Video player is mainly used for for-pay content like TV shows. Also there is a search here that indexes all of the video sharing sites on the internet (well, most of them).
Blip.tv - Blip.tv is the perfect video sharing site for video podcast makers. It’s designed to let them easily upload all types and qualities of media and then send them to their feed for the users. They also let you add ads to you video so you can make some money.
Veoh - Watch long form, television quality content and publish your own videos.
DailyMotion - Video sharing platform with multiple video search options. You can join groups of people who publish videos based on a common interest.
Metacafe - A site that helps you discover the best videos through a community that filters, reviews and rates new videos every day.
UnCut - Video uploading and sharing community by AOL. Embed all the videos you want in your Shozam gallery.
5min - Video sharing site with a particular vision: collecting videos that can visually explain anything in 5 minutes.
Viddler - Viddler lets add tags and comments to video that will show up at specific times.
Revver - The first video sharing site that provides users with the possibility to earn money from the videos they upload.
Yahoo Video - Yahoo’s version of online video. Similar to Google video, but done the Yahoo way.
HelpfulVideo - Share your knowledge and skills with others for free or little charge via video clips.
BroadbandSports - A video sharing site specifically for sharing sports related videos.
Travelistic - A video sharing site that allows users to post video content specific to travel.
Kewego - A video sharing network where you can upload your own videos and view videos by others.
Godtube - It’s a Christian version of YouTube. All things Christian welcomed.
VMIX - Another video sharing website; All content is screened, so be sure everything you upload is legit.
Grouper - Video sharing site with a big selection of content; enables you to create playlists and easily upload videos to MySpace.

Online video editors

Eyespot - add effects and transitions to the videos you upload, or use some of the large amount of free video clips and music from Eyespot’s media partners.
MuveeMix - Upload your movie, mix it with music, add cool effects and share it on your Shozam gallery.
Motionbox - This service features the ability to link to a very specific point or “segment” within the clip itself.
Cuts - Insert sound effects in your videos, add captions, loop the best parts and in minutes you can share your creation with the world.
JumpCut - a free service that enables you to upload, edit and share your videos. Offers keyframe-based editing, effects, transitions and actions.
VideoEgg - A video editing platform that you can add to create a social network and offers opportunities for monetization.
Mojiti - Select videos from popular video sharing sites, personalize them with your annotations and share them with others.
StashSpace - Upload, store and edit your videos online. You can also record videos directly from your camcorder or digital camera.
BubblePly - Video annotating service where anyone can add text bubbles that are synchronized with video.
Veotag - Service that lets you display clickable text, called “veotags,” within an audio or video file.
Vidavee Grafitti - add graphics and text into any video; the service is called a “legal form of artful vandalism” by the creators.
Vmix - Vmix is a community and a hosting provider for your videos, aimed at creative authors who want to create remixes of their music and videos.
MovieMasher - a combination of a video editor with a timeline and lots of various effects, a standalone player and a media browser.
MixerCast - Mix your media with professional video, images, music, and network your MixerCast everywhere.
Fliptrack - Make a free musical photo slideshow and music video. It’s easy to do and you do it online.

Online video hosting

The following online Web service sites provide you with hosting for video files

TinyPic - Host videos and images for free; it is possible to upload videos in the most popular formats and link videos on your Shozam gallery Web pages
Vidilife - Upload videos and store them online. There is no limit in terms of length of the files you can upload.
Dropshots - Good site that lets you upload videos, share them and embed them on other sites and in your Shozam gallery.
ZippyVideos - Upload and store video files (maximum 20 MB) in the most popular video formats.
Supload - Free service to host video clips and images. Maximum video file size allowed is 20 MB.
Rupid - Another provider of free video hosting: you can host your videos and share them with others.
Pixilive - Free images and video hosting for your Shozam gallery and other sites. Maximum size for videos is 10 MB.
Mydeo - store and stream your videos online. You will be able to embed a video on any website and send streaming video messages.
YourFileHost - Upload files anonymously and share them with others. You can upload any file format up to 25 MB.

Online video how-to

Better YT Video Quality - This guide helps you with getting the best possible video quality on YouTube, can be applied to other sites as well.
Make Internet TV - This guide has step-by-step instructions for shooting, editing, and publishing videos on the Internet.
How to put your readers at the scene - A scene-setting guide for online web journalists.
Tips for shooting better online video - learn the equipment, shooting and editing basics from this collection of tips.
Online video tips - a Squidoo lens with several useful online video shooting and editing tips.
Home video tips - Chris Pirillo’s tips for shooting better videos at home.
Camcorderinfo - Every online video comes from a camcorder, so here is the best place to get opinions on your next camcorder purchase.
5 Ways To Create a Great Video Podcast - A great article that applies to both video podcasts and video production in general.