A. It's a simulated first-person view of an actual location allowing the viewer to look in any direction as if they were actually there. Each 360 degree panoramic image is a composition of a number of still photographs stitched together to form an uninterrupted, interactive view. Anyone with a computer or i-device can view them on your web site.

A: A custom virtual tour is a collection of multiple 360 degree panoramic images, hot-spots, sound, and information presented within an intuitive user interface. It gives web site visitors the best sense of being at your location. Virtual tours are highly effective and are quickly becoming the industry standard of web marketing tools.

A: The interface is what makes these tours custom and allows interaction that exceeds other types of virtual tours. It is the set of menus, hot-spots, buttons and click-able elements such as maps or plans that allow the viewer to move around a virtual tour. It also determines the overall look of the tour.

A: Hot-spots are a click-able button within a virtual tour that can be used to show a still photograph, move to another interactive 360 degree panorama, show text, open a link, or even play audio or video files. Hot-spots are a great way to convey further information about an item within your 360? panoramic view or may be used for navigation within the panorama (For example, we can set hot-spots so the user will move to the next room when clicking the door).

A: Almost any business can benefit. Here is a list of some business that lend themselves to this technology particularly well: hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, wineries, wedding venues, concert venues, medical facilities, high end real estate, golf courses, dealerships, tourism promoters and businesses, etc.

A: Virtual tours give your business a competitive advantage by exhibiting visual content that sets your business or property apart from others. Virtual tours help people select places to stay, shop, eat, entertain, make purchases and more. Give clients the assurance they need. By viewing a virtual tour they can feel confident that they will be satisfied when they arrive. You can also incorporate marketing elements into your tour through the many multi-media options. Your virtual tours are accessible 24 hours a day to promote your business!

A: Through interactive 360 degree virtual tours, prospective clients will be able to fully appreciate the amenities you have to offer. Providing a fully interactive virtual tour will boost your web visitor retention and Online booking ratio. Instead of passively viewing an advertisement, photo gallery, or video tour, your potential client will interact with the tour and have the feeling of actually being there. This interaction provides a much better chance that the client will become connected and want to do business with you. Virtual tours can incorporate all types of media. This is the most feature rich method for showcasing your business or property.

A: No. Here are a list of features that are not always included by other providers: i-device compatible, full 180x360 F.O.V., HDR imaging, full screen, custom user interface, hot-spots, sound, high resolution, etc. Most of these features are included with our tours and all are available. Our virtual tours are light years ahead of the typical "tours" commonly seen in the standard real estate market.

A: No, the software needed to operate the virtual tour is standard on almost all modern internet enabled computers and idevices.

A: Yes. Every feature may not be available due to technology limitations of those devices, however, your tour will fully function.

A: HDR is short for High Dynamic Range and is used when the camera cannot capture detail in the brightest and darkest parts of the image at the same time. This technique is accomplished by taking 3 or more exposures of each image. For a given scene we capture dark, normal, and light versions of the image. We combine these images to form a more naturally balanced image as the eye would see it. For example, we'll properly expose the interior of a room while also properly exposing outside the window (instead of the windows looking like bright white rectangles).

A: Don't be confused when you see "HD" virtual tours. The term "high definition" is used interchangeably with "high quality". Although this term is used in conjunction with virtual tours, it is not a different type of technology. In effect, all of our virtual tours are HD or high definition. Our tours, for example, look amazing viewed at full screen size on a 50" HDTV as well as on a computer monitor or iphone.

A: Often when you view a virtual tour its initial presentation will be reduced in size - usually to fit into an existing web page or small sized browser window. However our virtual tours offer the viewer an option to see the image in full screen. This expands the tour to occupy your entire monitor screen area offering a truly immersive viewing experience - the best way to view a virtual tour.

A: Each 360 panorama can be photographed fairly quick. However, if any staging or preparation of the scene is required, this can take longer. In most cases, approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the situation. We provide a free consultation and will scout your location ahead of time to provide a more accurate quote before starting.

A: There is no limit. We will factor in extra travel expenses into our price quote so there are no hidden costs.

A: Every tour is different. Please contact us with more information about your project and we'll respond with a quote within 24 hours.

A: It depends on our work load. Sometimes we can schedule within a couple days but it may be longer. Please contact us for current availability.

A: After we discuss your needs and scout your location, we will make a proposal that includes costs and rough outline of what the project will entail. Adjustment can be made as necessary. Once that is agreed upon, we then schedule a convenient time to come and photograph your location. We create an Online client page to show proof images and designs as they progress during the approval and production phases. This allows you to circulate that URL internally for further input. Once all the pieces are put together, fully programmed, and approved, we then electronically deliver the files to your web developer with very simple instructions on how to implement the tour. If needed, we will also assist in getting your files Online and working.

A: Hide everything! Spacious, clean, and brightly lit rooms show the best. The facility should be tidy and clean as you would want it to look for any guest or inspector. All preparations should be completed prior to your scheduled appointment date. Keep in mind that these are 360 degree panoramas so everything will be visible. More often than not, shooting people within the 360 degree virtual tour is unavoidable. We find many industries prefer people within the images because it adds life and character to the virtual tour (for example a receptionist helping answer a customer's questions, or guests enjoying a nice meal and conversation, etc). Any consent or release forms that may be required are the responsibility of our client. Furthermore, staging people to pose in the photo-shoot is a great way to ensure predictable, good looking "action shots" within your virtual tour.
Here are some tips of things to look for:
Check that all light bulbs work and each tour room has available lighting.
Clean mirrors, windows, and shiny surfaces.
Clear off table arrangements, decor, and clutter in each tour room including desktops (i.e. everything but the computer), end tables, dressers, and nightstands.
Hide kitchen counter-top appliances, dish strainers, soaps, sponges, and items around sinks.
Hide toys, clothes, laundry baskets, and move large plants out of view.
Remove small area rugs.
Close closet doors.
Make beds and straighten furniture cushions.
Remove toys from floors and yards.
Hide trash cans and litter boxes.
Limit seasonal decor if the tour is to be used year round.
If a scene is to be shot in the front of the house, avoid scheduling on trash day and remove cars from the driveway and front of the house if possible. Remove toys, strollers, and other personal items from the yard as well.
Secure pets and all valuables during the photo shoot.
Ensure that the property is in sufficient condition for shooting by the scheduled time. The virtual tours will not be re-photographed due to condition of the property.

A: In most cases our clients will host their new custom 360 virtual tour on their own servers, however, we can also host your tour for an additional fee.

A: We will email the files with instructions for uploading to your server. This should be an easy task for your web site tech. We will assist in uploading your files to your website if you like.

A: Yes. We backup all our previous projects and are happy to provide a quote for updating your virtual tour or adding more options. If your facility has been renovated or added new construction since the previous photo-shoot, new photographs will have to be taken on location. In this case, please contact us for a "refresh" quote.