How long can I use this demonstration system?
The demonstration system is for a 30-day limited time use only. The start time is not necessarily the time you first accessed the system. If you have questions regarding using the system please click on Contact (at the bottom of each page) and send us e-mail with your request.

What image file formats are supported in the upload and download Net Services?
Except for those Net Services identified with (. zip), the remaining (individual photo) upload and downloads support Adobe Photoshop (.psd), Adobe Photoshop (.psd) with selection (stored in the first alpha channel), tiff (.tif), gif (.gif), and jpeg (.jpg) file formats. We accept RGB, CMYK, and Grayscale.

When I work on the web site, I keep waiting
This may be due to your connection speed to the Internet. Most connections to the Internet are through your computer’s modem. Modems can be slow for uploading/downloading graphic files. For a 200 K byte photo file the transfer time on a 56KB modem in your computer is at best 28 sec, sometimes up to 56 sec. Your modem or connection may be still slower increasing this time. Cable, DSL where available will provide better upload/download times. Smaller photo files (under 500K Byte, jpeg compressed) are recommended.

When I reach the web site, nothing happens
Your browser may not be up to date. The site is best viewed with the latest Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator Version.

You can download the latest version of Internet Explorer from http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ Netscape Communicator can be downloaded from http://www.netscape.com

Which browsers are compatible?
Generally, Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher and Netscape 4.0 and higher on both Windows and Mac are compatible. However, if you experience any problems, use of a later version is recommended.

Are there any browser plug-ins that are required to run eFXservices?
No. However, eFXservices requires the use of a browser that supports Java and Java Script.  A message will appear if your Java functions are turned off in your browser prefs.

When I enter the Advanced Changes page, I keep waiting
The Advanced Changes page contains a rich selection of photo changes and effects. To enable our Graphics User Interface, we download a Java applet. This may take up to a minute or more with a modem.

What desktop platforms are supported by eFXservices?
With an up to date IE or Netscape browser, eFXservices may be run on Mac and Windows platforms.

Explain the various upload and download Net Services

UPLOAD PICTURES (.ZIP):  The Net Service uploads a batch of "zipped" photos from your desktop to the eFXservices server. You will need to have the zipped files prepared and ready on your desktop. The file types accepted in the zipped file are .jpg, .tif, .psd and .gif. Formats other than .zip are not accepted for this Net service only. (When the zipped files arrive at the eFXservices server, they are unzipped, thumbnails created, logged into the database and put into a new Album.). To create .zip files for your Mac or Windows platform, please see "QUICKSTART".

DOWNLOAD THUMBNAILS FOR THIS ALBUM (.ZIP):  The Service downloads all thumbnails or low resolution versions of the photos contained in the Album as a zip file. This service is used if you need low resolution versions of high-resolution photos uploaded to the eFXservices server.

UPLOAD A NEW IMAGE:  The Net Service will upload a individual .jpg, tiff, gif or .psd from your desktop to the eFXservices server and add it to the Album. The data base is updated to note the addition of the photo to the album.

DOWNLOAD THE HIGH RES PICTURE:  This Net Service will download individual high-resolution photo from the Album to your desktop. This service is used if you need the high-resolution version on your desktop to manipulate using desktop-based tools. (In most cases you will want to upload the photo back to the eFXservices server after the manipulation)

UPLOAD A REPLACEMENT:   The Net Service will upload an individual .jpg, .tif, .gif or .psd from your desktop to the eFXservices server and replace the photo shown on the Change image page.

DELETE THIS IMAGE:  This service deletes the photo from the data base.

Does uploading a photo remove it from my desktop?
No. Your original photo is not affected and is still on your computer. A copy is uploaded to the eFXservices server.

Does downloading a photo replace the original on the desktop?
Downloaded photos retain the same name (the name your photo has when you uploaded it). Therefore it can replace the original photo if saved in the same location. To avoid replacing the original photo, save the downloaded photo to some other location.

What happens to my uploaded photo(s) at the end of the demo?
The uploaded photo is deleted at the end of your demo session. If you need to use this Net Service to store your photos please click on Contact (at the bottom of the page) and e-mail your request.

What gets downloaded to my system if I use this service?
The photo you uploaded and changed will be downloaded back to you when you finish.  No cookies or other inquiries are sent to your computer.

Are the photos displayed on the Light Table available in high resolution?
Yes if you uploaded high resolution photos. However, the Light Table displays low resolution thumbnails of high resolution photos resident on the eFXservices server. If you need to download the high resolution version see the Net Service "Download the High Res. Picture.

What is the purpose of the Change Image Page?
This page is intended for simple photo correction and enhancement functions. The demo shows brightness and contrast functions only. Andromeda will add additional one-click image quality control and correction functions on this page such as sharpen, color balance and custom requests.

What is the purpose of the Advanced Changes Page?
In contrast to the Change Image Page, this page offers a more elaborate Java based UI for advanced changes. Andromeda will continue to enhance the current selection of over 85 changes such as quality control, corrections, enhancements and effects. As you move the cursor over different areas of the UI, text in the helper window at the bottom of this page explains the available functionality.

Can I use the photos in the scroll list on the left side of the page?
No. The photos are visual examples of changes and effects available.

When I click Apply in the Advanced Changes Page, it takes a long time to see the result?
The request to eFXservices server to apply the change or effect may take several seconds if you have a large file (100K Bytes or above).

When I click Apply in the Advanced Changes Page, I do not get the changes applied?
The change or effect is applied in the area under the Cross Hair cursor visible in the Preview Window. Move it over the feature you want the effect applied and try again. Some changes are not sensitive to the positioning of the cursor, please see "QUICKSTART" for complete discussion on most productive way to use eFXservices.

How do I zoom in and out in the Advanced Changes Page?
When the Advanced Changes Page is entered, a thumbnail (low-resolution) version of the image is displayed. When you click on the Zoom Tool, the preview switches to high resolution, and the Pan Tool allows you to click and drag to view different sections of the image. This process may be slow if the image is large and you are using a slow modem. Click on the Zoom Tool again to zoom out.

Also, when you apply an effect to an image, it will take longer to finish if you are zoomed in. If response is sluggish, it is recommended that you use the thumbnail (zoomed out state) while working, and then only zoom in as necessary.

How do I work with images containing selections?
Some categories of effects are designed for images with selections, some are for text on a white background, and some are for ordinary photos. When you select a category, the name will tell you what kind of image is required. Additional information is contained in the helper text (viewed when you pass the mouse over an effect in the left column). If a selection is required, use a photo from the album containing images with selections. If you wish to upload your own photo, it should be a .psd file saved with a stored selection in the first alpha channel. If a selection is not required, use any format (.jpg, .psd, .gif, or .tif).

When I click Apply in the Advanced Changes Page, my effect is not similar to Visual Examples (Presets) on the left side of the page?
The effect applied is the same. However, what you see in the Preview Window may vary with the resolution of your uploaded photo. If your uploaded photo is high resolution (300 dpi or greater), the applied effect will be high quality and it is best seen by downloading the photo to your desktop and opening it in your favorite image editing desktop application. Please see "Q" for complete discussion on most productive way to use eFXservices.

What happens to the Light Table photo after applying a Change or an Advanced Effect?
On the Change image page if you save the photo, it replaces the original photo in the Album. You can see this by going back to the Light Table. When you click OK in the Advanced Changes page, the changes are saved and you return to the Change Image page.                    

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