Overview
When uploading jobs to the Timestone Internet Ordering System (IOS), choices are available as to how to display the packages on offer.
Render (real time) - a process also referred to as live rendering
Use preview always - pre-defined 'static' graphics are used to represent each package
Use preview if defined - in order, will use either Package Templates, static graphics or live rendering
The preferred method is selected in the Package images section of tsIOS as per the screen grab below
Figure 1: Selecting how to display packages
The three options
Render (real time)
Live rendering displays the selected subject image inside the packages thus providing a real time, live preview of the products. Furthermore if the package includes a composite or a group product the customer will see the actual rendered product belonging to the subject.
Note
For composite and named groups to be live rendered, they must be first formed in the apps before uploading the job.
Figure 2: Real time rendering. The subject image is displayed inside the product
Live rendering and multi-product packages
As can be seen in the example above, simple live rendering displays each product in the package one after the other. For this reason, it works best with simple packages containing only one or two products.
Once a package contains several products a better look is obtained with Package Templates and the 'Use previews if defined' option. Even with single products, it is often preferable to have a Customer Version of the template rather than display the Normal (printing) Version.
Use preview always
The packages can be displayed using fixed, static graphics. This is most often used with pre-ordering before photography since at this point there are no images to render into the packages.
Static graphics can also be used when images cannot be displayed for privacy reasons.
Figure 3: Using graphics as previews
In tsAdmin the user sets a graphic for each package. The graphics are created by the user in Photoshop or similar.
Setting the previews for a package
Launch tsAdmin
Select the appropriate offer
Select the Online tab
Select the option 'Bitmap image'
Browse and select the graphic file
Warning
It is important to understand that the Use previews always option will not upload any entity images even if present.
Use preview if defined
Perhaps the most common option for displaying IOS packages is 'Use preview if defined'.
Not only is this the option needed with Package Templates but it also offers the most flexibility as it can be used to display either Package Templates, static graphics or live rendering depending on which is available.
In order of priority the 'Use preview if defined' option will use:
Package templates if set, otherwise..
Static graphics if set, otherwise ..
Live rendering
Figure 4: The same packages as in Figure 2 but with Package Templates and Use preview if defined option.
Setting a Package Template for a package
Launch tsAdmin
Select the appropriate offer and package
Select the Online tab
Select the option 'Preview template'
Enter the name of the package template without extension, for example GoldPKg
'Use previews where available' will upload and display subject images where available.
FAQ
What are the options for displaying packages in the Timestone Internet Ordering System (IOS)?
The options are: Render (real time), Use preview always, and Use preview if defined.
What does 'Render (real time)' mean?
'Render (real time)' refers to live rendering, which displays the selected subject image inside the packages for a real-time preview.
When should I use 'Use preview always'?
'Use preview always' is best used when there are no images available to render, such as for pre-ordering before photography.
Can static graphics be used even if there are images?
Yes, the static graphics option will not even upload images. It is therefore useful when images are available in the job but cannot be displayed for privacy reasons.
Where do I select the preferred option?
The preferred method is selected in the Package images section of tsIOS.
How does 'Use preview if defined' work?
'Use preview if defined' will display Package Templates, static graphics, or live rendering based on what is available.
Is it necessary to form composite and named groups before uploading for live rendering?
If they are not formed, the packages will still be available for ordering but those products will not be rendered for a live preview.
What steps are involved in setting a preview for a package?
To set a preview, launch tsAdmin, select the offer, go to the Online tab, choose 'Bitmap image', and select the graphic file.
Will 'Use previews always' upload any entity images?
No, 'Use previews always' will not upload any entity images even if they are present.