PanoTour.com

What is the technology? What is the Interactive Navigator? How does it work? How does someone on the Internet see the Virtual Tours? Will it work with all computers and Internet browsers? Do I need a plug-In to see the tours on my browser? How do Quick Time VR or the IPIX system differ? How long will it take for the viewer to display the tours? How can I place a tour on my web site? Do I need a web site to use PanaTour? What are the costs? Can PanaTour design and host my web site? Why can’t my tour be hosted on my site?

What is the technology?

PanaTour delivers striking, full color, panoramic images that can be viewed with any Internet browser. The loading speed is remarkable. The Interactive Navigator allows the visitor to change point of view, moving effortlessly from one spot to any other spot on the tour.

What is the Interactive Navigator?

The Interactive Navigator’s map or floor plan accompanies the photographic image and uses a “radar-like” dynamic image. This graphic display orients the visitor to the direction of view, the proportions of the objects displayed, and the size of the room or object. In addition, the Interactive Navigator serves as a effortless navigation tool that allows panning the view or instantly switching to another location on the tour. The Interactive Navigator offers orientation, navigation and fascination at a loading speed that is the same or faster than the ordinary panoramic sites offered by others.

How does it work?

Along with the images, a small 14k Java applet is quickly downloaded in the background and runs in the browser window. The applet displays the image, allowing the user to pan the view 360 degrees. Another 6k Java applet provides a unique graphical reference displaying the viewer’s location on a map or floor plan that includes the direction and angle of view. The visitor may use the map or floor plan to navigate through the image and move to new vantage points.

How does someone on the Internet see the Virtual Tours?

Both Microsoft Windows and Macintosh users can view our virtual tours on most browsers.

Will it work with all computers and Internet browsers?

Yes. The PanaTour applet has been tested with Netscape Navigator 3.0 or later, Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or later and AOL 4.0 or later.

Do I need a plug-In to see the tours on my browser?

No. PanaTour provides the user’s browser with a simple, small Java applet while the image is downloading. There is no plug-in and no noticeable delay. The only requirement is that the user’s browser be set to run Java applets, a default setting on all current browsers. Some viewers such as QuickTime VR, require the user to leave your site to download and install a plug-in before displaying any image. Visitors to your site will stay on your site.

How do Quick Time VR or the IPIX system differ?

The visitor experience is very similar. All three products deliver a panoramic image to an Internet browser. The key differences are that QTVR requires a plug-in for the user to view the image. Neither QTVR nor IPIX have PanaTour’s unique Interactive Navigator.

How long will it take for the viewer to display the tours?

A “Tour” is made up of a number of panoramic images. Each image ranges in size from 30k to 60k requiring approximately 10-15 seconds to load when using a standard 56.6k Internet connection.

How can I place a tour on my web site?

If you have an existing web site, PanaTour will produce and host your tour in one of two ways.

1. PanaTour will provide you with a small icon to place on your site, including the HTML that will link the icon exclusively to your tour. When a visitor to your site clicks on the icon, a new window will open displaying your tour. When the tour is complete, the user closes the PanaTour window and automatically returns to your site.

2. PanaTour’s skilled designers can build a custom web page to look and feel like your web site, including your logo and graphics. Your visitor will seamlessly leave your site only to view the tour and then return.

Do I need a web site to use PanaTour? What are the costs?

Absolutely not. PanaTour has “Standalone” Tour packages that include an Easy Web Site with a virtual tour starting at $199.95 for setup and design and hosting at $12.50/month.

Can PanaTour design and host my web site?

Yes. Years of experience designing everything from local merchant sites to national magazine and e-commerce sites enables us to create web sites for any budget and design. Packages start at $99.95 for setup and design with hosting less than $8.50/month.

Why can’t my tour be hosted on my site?

The licensing agreement with the software developer requires that the applet and all panoramic images be hosted exclusively by PanaTour. However, PanaTour virtual tours incorporate into your web site seamlessly--touring visitors will be unaware of leaving your site.