Visual Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

Home

About

Portfolio

Presentations

News

Support

Contact

VT launches 3D department

VT launches new website

Re/Max selects Visual Tours

Visit our news archive

DIY Virtual Tours - FAQ

	What is a virtual tour?
	A virtual tour is a 360 degree view of a scene taken from a particular viewpoint. Several 360 degree scenes can be created in different rooms and then connected together through links allowing the user to take a complete tour of any space.

	What can I do with a virtual tour?
	Virtual tours add exciting interactivity to your website. It enables you to interactively view residential, tourism and commercial real estate, vehicles, restaurants and more.

	How do I pay for my virtual tour?
	Payment is required upon completion. Account customers will be invoiced and required to pay within 28 days.

	What are the sizes of the virtual tours (i.e., how fast will they download)?
	360 degrees virtual tours download extremely fast. The virtual tours are from 60k to 120k and can be downloaded within 15 seconds on a dial-up connection!

	Will viewers have to download additional software to view the virtual tours?
	Our virtual tours use the latest technology. Flash is generally available by default on a user's web browser. In the unlikely event that it needs to be downloaded, it will take about a minute on a standard dial-up connection. See below for instructions.

	I cannot view the virtual tour
	Should you not be able to view a virtual tour, it is usually due to one of the following reasons: • User does not have flash installed on their computer or does not have the latest version installed. Click HERE to view our step by step instructions to install flash • User does not have Java installed on their computer or does not have the latest version installed – this only affects old virtual tours. Click HERE to view our step by step instructions to install Java • Users pop up blocker is blocking the virtual tour from opening. Click HERE to view our step by step instructions to allow the virtual tour popup

	Can I shoot a virtual tour myself?
	Yes, Visual Tours DIY Starter kit allows you to use your existing camera & tripod to shoot great looking virtual tours.

	What is contained in the DIY Starter Kit?
	Starter Kit comprises of the following: 1 x panoramic rotator 1 x image processing software CD, used to sort and compress your images 1 x unique user name and password for our online admin system 1x instructions on taking virtual tours and processing your images To order the Starter Kit please fill in the Panoramic Rotator Measurements document and email to support@visualtours.co.za or fax to (021) 423 3172. The Starter Kit costs R850.00 ex VAT & postage and takes approx. 7 days to get built and delivered.

How do I shoot a virtual tour?

Use the following step-by-step instructions to shoot your virtual tour:
• Setting up your equipment correctly:
• Place your panoramic rotator on your tripod and screw it in.
• Place your camera on the panoramic rotator head - camera always faces away from the spirit level
• Make sure the panohead is correctly leveled using the spirit level on the base of the panoramic rotator head

Choose a suitable spot in the room you choose to photograph like:
• The centre of open plan areas
• Near the en-suite bathroom door of main bedrooms
• Patio/Balcony entertainment areas with or without views
• Entrance / driveway areas

Ensure your camera settings are correct:
• Make sure your camera is on and zoomed OUT.
• Set the image size to small (low resolution – for web).
• Always have your flash on when shooting panoramas.

Shooting Tips
• Take a few minutes while shooting – be careful – try your best
• Always - Turn the head in a clockwise direction when taking the pictures
• Always - Take a minimum of 10 pictures – even if there are walls in the way
• Never bump or move the tripod once you begin shooting • If you bump or move the tripod you must start over again
• It takes 18 images to take a full 360 virtual tour, anything less is a partial tour
• The more careful you are the better the result will be
• Good luck and contact us if you need more help
• Never zoom in at any point while shooting a virtual tour

For support or any other questions, please e-mail support@visualtours.co.za

	What do I do once I have shot the virtual tour?
	Once you have downloaded the images from your camera to your computer, you will need to use our image processing software to sort and compress your images. Once you have done this, the file that is created will need to be emailed to images@visualtours.co.za. We will then stitch, enhance and process your images into a virtual tour. For assistance you can request our Image Processing Guide by emailing support@visualtours.co.za or calling (021) 422 4848

	How do I split or join up virtual tour views?
	This can be done using the image processing software. Once you have processed the first virtual tour view/panorama, you can either submit and process the tour’ or you can select ‘next’ to process the next virtual tour view and it will be added to the same virtual tour.

	Can you change the name and order of the virtual tours?
	You can name and choose the order of the virtual tours when you process the images with our image processing software. If you forgot to do this then you can contact Visual Tours and we will be able to do it for you.

	After I tried processing my images using the software, the system just froze. What do I do?
	Download the latest verison of the software by clicking here

	How long will it take to receive my completed virtual tour?
	Visual Tours is able to return your completed virtual tour within 24 – 48 hours, bar any problems. 75% of all virtual tours are returned within 24 hours.

	Can Visual Tours edit items out of the virtual tour?
	Visual Tours is only able to edit items out of virtual tours for an additional charge. Rather ensure that the rooms are well presented prior to shooting.

	Why can’t I view all the way around the room?
	Virtual tours can be shot as partials or as a full 360. For a 360 the photographer should have taken 18 images. If less were taken then you will be left with a partial virtual tour view.

	Why do the walls looked curved?
	Some curvature is common due to the lens used. There are techniques we use to minimize this curvature and you can also request our ‘java warp’ viewer to be used, which straightens walls.

	Can the virtual tour come in a larger size?
	Virtual tours come in 2 sizes – standard (210px high) & large (300px high), which can be selected on the bottom right hand side of the viewer.

	I want to put the virtual tour on a CD, how do I do this?
	You will require the virtual tour file which you can request, for a small fee, by emailing support@visualtours.co.za.

	I want to view the virtual tour without connecting to the internet, how do I do this?
	All virtual tours are accessed via an online link. Should you want to view the virtual tour without being online you will need the virtual tour file, which can be requested, for a small fee, by emailing support@visualtours.co.za

	How do I find an old virtual tour?
	You can find all old tours by accessing your account on our online admin system. If you are unsure how to do this or require your user name and password please email support@visualtours.co.za

Van der Merwe Miszewski Architechts, Anya van der Merwe

"I would like to record that I have been most impressed with the service and quality of this company."
Learn more

MCI Consultants, Michael Adams

"I have recommended my client to use your services instead of your competitors because of the excellent service I have received from you. Thank you once again."
Learn more

Jawitz Properties, Paula Nield

"We have had a rave reviews, from both the public and our customers. These are excellent marketing tools."
Learn more