Installation & Software FAQ (back)

Where do I find the files to download?
What are the minimum system requirements?
How do I install the software?
How do I unlock the software?
How do I know I have the latest version?
How will I know about updates?
How often is the software updated?
Where is the documentation?
What format do I select when creating a show?
How do I view a show after creating it?
Can I edit a show after creating it?
How do I select a specific background?
Can I use custom backgrounds?
Can I use a background that moves?
Where do I find additional backgrounds and music?
How do I put captions on my photos?
How do I put text on an empty screen?
How do I zoom in on a face?
What video effects are most funeral homes using?
How do I insert my funeral home logo?


------------------------------------------------- Answers to Questions ---------------------------------------------------


Where do I find the files to download?
All files are available for download in the members area www.timeless-tributes.com/members/
(You received your user ID and password by email when you purchased the TimelessTributes™ software)

What are the minimum system requirements?
• Microsoft Windows® 98, 2000 or XP.
• Personal computer with Intel Pentium® II, III or IV.
• 128 MB of RAM minimum.
• 30 MB of available hard-disk space to install the software.
(Additional space is required to store photos, music and videos)
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive required to run install CD.
• CD-R or DVD-R drive required to burn videos to CD or DVD.
• Super VGA display with 800x600 resolution minimum.
• Internet connection required to upload videos to the web.
(Broadband Cable or DSL connection recommended))

How do I install the software ?
Please read the "READ ME FIRST!" file or "Getting Started Documentation" located on the CD.

How do I unlock the software?
When you purchase the software we will send you a license key for your program and for your music/graphics library. In the Getting Started documentation, you will see how to unlock your software. Here is a brief explanation: First, copy the license key that we emailed to you into your clipboard. Next open the TimelessTributes™ software and click on the HELP button at the top. Next, click on the ENTER LICENCE KEY selection from the drop-down menu. A window will appear into which you paste the license key. Click the OK button and you’re done.

How do I know I have the latest version?
Under the HELP menu in the software select ABOUT. This will display the software version you have. The most current version is published in the members area.

How will I know about updates?
We will automatically email you when new updates are available. We will also inform you of new updates in the members area.

How often is the software updated?
Updates are usually available every 4 - 8 weeks.

Where is the documentation?
All documentation, training videos and FAQ's are located in the members area.

What format do I select when creating a show?
For practice shows and creating videos to be published to the Web, select HTML. For creating shows you will play from a DVD, there are two formats you can use - MOV and AVI. We encourage you to use the .MOV format as it is quicker and works with our DVD burning software included with the TimelessTributes™ software. However, we offer the AVI format in case you prefer to use your own AVI-based DVD burning software.

How do I view a show after creating it?
Click the "View Show" link in the top right corner of your TimelessTributes™ software. Note that if you make changes to your show you must re-create it by click "CREATE" before you view the show again.

Can I edit a show after I create it?
Yes, but you will need to save your “Project”. To save a “Project” click on the FILE button at the top of the screen and then select SAVE. Make sure you are saving all of your Projects to the C:\VideoTributes directory. (That way they are all in one place and you can easily find them.) After clicking on SAVE, the program will ask you to name the file, we recommend you name the Project the same name you call the final Show you produce. NOTE, There is a common misunderstanding that creating the show saves the Project… it doesn’t. Creating a show is like printing a letter. You can’t go back and edit your letter unless you have first saved the “Project” file.

How do I select a specific background?
Click on the SETTING Tab at the top-right corner of the TimelessTributes™ program window. A new screen will appear, select the CUSTOM button (on the left-hands side about 1/3rd of the way down from the top). If you have purchased the Music & Background option you will have a broad collection of backgrounds from which to choose. Click on the desired background then select the desired photo and text layout from the column to the right of the background selection. Click the OK button and you’re done. (If you haven’t purchased our Music & Backgrounds Option, you will want to create your own custom backgrounds).

Can I use a custom background?
Yes, we will be publishing a detailed “How-To” document shortly. In the interim, here is a brief overview. You will need to save your background image as a JPG format - 720pixels X 480pixels, 72 dpi resolution. Name your background file “bg.jpg” and copy it into the C:\Program Files\timelesstributes Creator\skins\Custom directory on your hard drive. When you create your background, choose the “Custom Background” option.

Can I use a background that moves?
Yes, we are working several new styles that include this feature. We will let you know when it’s available.

Where do I find additional backgrounds and music?
New music and backgrounds are available for download in the members area.

How do I put captions on my photos?
Simply click on the photo and enter text in the captions box. See the Getting Started Documentation for more info.

How do I put text on an empty screen?
Use the Blank Photo. It is located at C:\VideoTributes\Photos directory. The file name is “Blank_Photo.png”. This is a transparency that enables you to show the background while presenting meaningful text on a slide.

How do I zoom in on a face?
In the EFFECT drop-down box located on the right-hand side of the TimelessTributes™ software screen, select the ZOOM TOP CENTER option. Shortly you will have the ability to zoom in on a particular object. For now, we have made it quick and easy.

What video effects are most funeral homes using?
Most use simple fade-in and fade-out between photos. Most photos are held without any effect with approximately 20% using a zoom. On special photos many use effects such as a closing heart (for wedding pictures) or snow for a winter-photo. We recommend starting simple and developing a style you and your families like.

How do I insert my funeral home logo?
You can create and install your own logo. You will need to create a logo in a PNG format with dimensions of 150 pixels wide by 100 pixels high. Use a 95 dpi resolution and a transparent background. Name this file “logo.png”. Next, copy this logo file into your C:\Program Files\timelesstributes Creator\skins\TributeLogo directory – replacing the logo.png file that is already there. We can edit and insert your logo for you, email us at support@timeless-tributes.com for more information.