Frequently-Asked Questions

What kind of technology do virtual tours require?

IWP360 uses two different types of virtual tour platforms, both of which are very common among all
computers.

QuickTime
The general consensus among virtual tour photographers is that QuickTime displays the greatest image
clarity and provides the most seamless rotation option. Developed by Apple, QuickTime is preinstalled
on all Macintosh and on a significant percentage of new Windows computers. It’s also available as a
free download. Packaged with iTunes, Apple has reported 10 million new downloads per month during
a period of almost three years. To learn more about this universal platform click on the following link.
(www.apple.com/quicktime/whyqt/).

Java
IWP360’s virtual tours displayed on the Java platform remain among the highest quality on the market.
Preinstalled on many computers in use today, Java rarely requires download.

How do I know which program to use?

It is IWP360’s intention to take out the guesswork for you and your client. We use a backup system, referred to in web design as a “sniffer.” This basic technology allows your website to decide if a user’s computer is equipped with QuickTime. For the minority of computers that do not have QuickTime installed, the user will automatically view the tours in the Java Platform.

Tell me more about Web site integration and IWP360’s tour window presentation.

The site integration section of this Web site shows a number of examples of IWP360’s preferred integration technique that we call the tour window. The tour window is a stand-alone browser window that is design by IWP360 to be a fluid extension of your present site. With your feedback, your logo, and your website colors, the tour window is designed to have the same look and feel as your site.

In the above answers, you have had a chance to learn about our two different virtual tour plug-ins and about our backup system. It is within the tour window design that we are able to utilize this particular Web design expertise. Typically it is the preference of your Web designer that an outside company not be granted access to the server of your Web site and, as a policy, we do not seek such access. We are more than happy to provide technical support to a designer who wants to integrate our tours into the content of your site. However, it has been our experience that our team’s proficiency with virtual tour files has typically lead to more esthetically pleasing and cost-efficient virtual tour presentations.

The tour window option also enables IWP360 to host the tours on our Web server. The tour windows are designed so that your client never knows that they are leaving your site. Hosting your tour gives our team easy access for maintenance and upgrades. Hosting the tour window is not a requirement but does allow us to provide you with traffic statistics, and also alleviates any concerns about the tours occupying excessive space on your server.

Another tour window advantage is IWP360 has developed a series of extremely user-friendly designs, which is of primary importance in modern web design. Overall, client feedback has revealed that the tour window is a very effective technique.

How long does it take to complete a virtual tour project?

IWP360 has developed an extremely efficient project development system. Barring unforeseen obstacles, entire virtual tour projects, including tour window presentations, are typically ready for approval within five to six weeks of the scheduled photo shoot.

What is involved in a photo shoot?

Because the scope of every project varies and certainly the physical layout of every facility varies, the number of virtual tours shot in a day will vary as well. Generally we like to budget about a half hour for each room or space. Typically we will try not to schedule more than twelve virtual tours in a day.

How much does a virtual tour project cost?

We encourage you to contact us to discuss our pricing. Having the opportunity to discuss the extent of the project that you have in mind and walking you through our very reasonable price structure, we find to be the best approach in this regard.

How big are virtual tours files?

IWP360 has developed the ideal balance between high-definition image quality and efficient file size. File size of each 360-degree image is typically around 800KB.

Can IWP360 host the virtual tours?

IWP360 is happy to host your virtual tour at no additional cost. Learn more about our integration technique and hosting in the above question about Web site integration and IWP360’s virtual tour.

How do I get started?

A representative from IWP360 is awaiting your call or e-mail and is ready to answer any additional
questions you may have, better understand the extent of the project that you have in mind, and then
develop a proposal for your approval. What will follow is the scheduling of your shoot date(s).