8. rE S o u r cE dE l i vE r y a n d uS E r iS S u E S
8.1. ov E r v iE W o F r E S o u r cE d E l i vE r y i S S u E S a n d u S E r i n tE r F a cE (vr t o u rS)
There are many ways to view digital panoramas: over the Internet via a web browser, on a
DVD-ROM, or directly off of a computer’s hard drive. Each of these methods has choices
and limitations for preferred viewing options. Because of the vide variety of playback
applications it is possible to view panoramas on almost any type of modern computer
or operating system. No special display or projector is required; any properly calibrated
color display will do. And the software required to view digital panoramas is (more likely
than not) already installed on the user’s computer or easily accessible.
However, internet connections can be slow or limited and publicly available machines
may be constrained or out-of-date. DVDs and hard drives are convenient and can include
necessary software, but of course the user has to be in the same location as the disc or
drive, limiting access and distribution. There are other factors that may influence choice
of one delivery system over another, including the panorama’s size, complexity, and
intended audience.
8.2. vi E Wi n G p l a tF o rM
Because computer hardware evolves so quickly, it is difficult to attempt to nail down
specific standards for the minimum and platinum systems for viewing digital panoramas.
Successful deployment depends largely on file size, network speed, memory and power
of the computer, quality of graphics hardware and amount of video RAM, playback
software and compression used, and many other factors. Be sure to check the minimum
and recommended system requirements provided with the viewing software that will be
displaying the panoramas. In general, most viewing software requires either a Windows
or Macintosh OS X system with at least 256 MB RAM, and a fairly new video card
(probably from within the last five years). The user will also need a mouse or trackball
and a keyboard to interact with the panoramas.
Depending on the intended audience, the ideal deployment strategy may be aimed at
several types of viewing environments in order to take full advantage of high-resolution