Shozam Community

Can someone let me know the status of setting thumbnail images for video files using my own jpg's. I saw where this was in the works a while ago, but don't see whether it's been implemented yet.

 I'm about to purchase the software, but my trial has expired, so I can't test it out.
 

 I copied this from the help files. I assume this is what you wanted to know. I haven't done anything with video yet so don't know for sure if this is implemented but I assume so since it's in the help files.

How video appears in a gallery

Video files are represented by a thumbnail icon which appears along side image thumbnails in the gallery pages. When a viewer clicks the video thumbnail, or if the video is played as part of a slideshow, the video will play in the same window where the images appear.

Changing the default thumbnail icon

You can change the default video icon with your own graphic in Step 4: Manage Theme for this Gallery. Click on the Customize tab, select the Icons heading in the Theme Editor, select Video Icon and browse to the graphic you wish to use.

Tom Purse:

You can change the default video icon with your own graphic in Step 4: Manage Theme for this Gallery. Click on the Customize tab, select the Icons heading in the Theme Editor, select Video Icon and browse to the graphic you wish to use.

 

Not exactly. From what I understand that changes the icon, but it is still the same for every video. I'd like to select a different picture for each video. Like if I saved a frame from each video so it would show what that video was about. I know Shozam can't create the thumbnails from the video, but I'd like the capability to assign a different thumbnail that I create to each video. 

Vickiwatson,

We have just released version 1.0.0.12. which adds the functionality you are looking for. Please see full details posted in the Blog announcing this release:

http://community.shozam.com/blogs/shozam/archive/2007/05/25/shozam-version-1-0-0-12-is-now-available.aspx

Ok, that's good.

I put 2 video widgets in an album in the trial version. It requires at least one image so I had to add a JPG before it would work. I'd prefer to have all video in there.

In Quickview, it displays the 3 thumbnails on the right, with the jpg large size on the left. When I click a video, the thumbnails disappear and only the video is shown. I'd like to keep the thumbnails for the album displayed to the right while the video is playing, just like the pictures work. Is that possible?
 

I just found a post about the video size not being scalable and possibly breaking the page layout if the thumbnails are retained. I would prefer the thumbnails remain and I'd say it's our fault if we break the page layout. You could indicate what the maximum video size should be for a theme, if it varies, and the gallery designer would be responsible to stay within those dimensions.

Vickiwatson,

It is a trade-off between maximizing video sizes and maximizing quick navigation between videos within analbum.Limiting videos to 549 pixel width (the maximum width for QuickView images) is not a trade-off we intend to impose at this time. However, we may consider providing additional options within the Shozam program, allowing the gallery author to make the trade-off which best suits their needs.

You may consider posting this in the Wishlist Forum and we may re-evaluate at a later time.

 Dear Razvan,

I've had my licensed Shozam Bus Ed for a year but still can't figure out how to do a video gallery with images that I select assigned as the unique icon for each video.

There was a bit of discussion (mostly on this thread) in May 2007...then nothing. I can only find one example of a video gallery, and it clearly demonstrates the problem of only being able to use an ugly icon for ALL videos. http://www.solihullarts.org.uk/  (and I'm not criticizing the gallery!)

Yes, I read above that there is a way to replace that icon with another but that's not the point: How can I use a unique image to identify each video?

Can anyone post links to Shozam galleries that demonstrate this in action?

Thank you,

 
Kent 

PS - Here's my existing gallery relating to a book about Cambodian dance. Shozam is great!

http://www.earthinflower.com/eif.php?page=photo_gallery

I want to add a video gallery with films of dance performances...if I can identify each video with a unique image to show the content. 

 Kent,

Look in Help here:

http://www.help.shozam.com/2Media-Video-About.aspx

I think that is what you want. Choose Video Tab under Related Topics.

Simple Icon Replacement:  USMC Silent Drill Team

Nice layout on your site.  Like how you close the gallery.

Cowboy

Hi Cowboy,

Thanks for your feedback. Your link really shows what the problem is.  You only have one video in your gallery here

http://www.ohiowebs.net/gallery/USMC/3/med/drill_team.htm

I can see that you have the still image thumbnail and a custom icon that says "Click to view video..."

1. I want to pick a unique image for *each* video

2. If your gallery had 10 videos in it I think you would just have the same icon repeated 10 times. In other words, there is no video gallery.

I want to create a video gallery. So imagine that your index here was for a video gallery:

http://www.ohiowebs.net/gallery/USMC/indexGallery.htm

Each image would activate a video. 10 videos = 10 thumbnails showing unique images/titles for each video.

Seems logical. Imagine if Shozam didn't show pic thumbnails...just icons saying "Click here for picture." (-; I want Shozam functionality for videos.

Semper Fi,

Kent

 Kent,

You are not interpreting the help file correctly.

Choose "Custom thumbnail image" under the video tab.  Relate the thumbnail to your video and that will allow you to have a custom thumbnail for each video whether one, ten or how many you have in an album. Don't use the Custom Icon in the theme.

I added another video and used an image to link to it so you can see what I mean:

http://www.ohiowebs.net/gallery/USMC/3/med/drill_team.htm

It is the second image thumbnail in the album.

Cowboy

 Thanks Cowboy! Yep I see two vids and two thumbs now. Just what the doctor ordered!

Let me test this in my gallery and I'll post the results here.

Kent