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    PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

    After getting the new PR8 Image Machine set up on both MMUI and CSSUI sites I find myself in a love hate relationship with it. I haven't quite figured out why it seems that I have to enter the Product Display Layout Image Machine Image Element, Thumbnail Container, Closeup Container, Closeup Image Element and Closeup Close Element info on some sites and not on others. I'll have to pay closer attention as I do that. But it was one of the gotchas for me.

    I love how you can EASILY add additional image and the thumbnails get automatically created. Tweaking the CSS took a bit of figuring out. I think this is a huge plus for the store owner. It cuts out the need for creating a lot of Custom Product Fields. Being able to set the Product Display Layout Image Dimensions is fantastic.

    I'm trying to figure out how to have a "Click to Enlarge" message conditional appear if the page is using the Additional images and not the Legacy image. That Product Display Layout Image Dimensions > Legacy Fallback Image setting was another gothcha for me (am I just missing this stuff in the docs, probably so).

    But the biggest disappointment for me is that the store morph isn't available to edit to be able to use things like Lightbox or Magic Zoom. I find myself rolling back to the PR7 Product Display Layout because it's soooo much easier to pop the code in and use a few as needed custom fields to control it. I can even put in the conditionals needed to hide any Click here messages unless the zoom functions are being used.

    I apologize if my javascript tweaking skills are weak and I can't figure out how to override or augment the Image Machine functionalities - I've been really spoiled being able to do this ala store morph. I'm really frustrated that I can't just add tags to the images to implement different functions.

    One of the things I was "thinking" that was going easily be able to do is use the Attribute Swatches in a slightly different way than designed. I am wanting to be able to display just one swatch at a time in the swatch location and have it change when the attribute drop down is selected. I'm not wanting it to change the main image but that might be the way I'm going to have to go, but that means the client is going to have to redo all the swatch images to a large size to display in the spot...sigh.

    I've encountered some misunderstanding in the "mouseover" function of the Image Machine - I'm only finding onclick to swap the additional images and to display the popup (still would like to be able to conditionally display some sort of "instructions" for the customer). Is there any sort of mouseover functionality or would this be tweaking the ImageMachine.js via the Product Display Layout Image Machine > Head Template field? The javascript-foo is weak with this one (me).

    I do appreciate all the help and assistance I've received getting some of the self induced problems I have had trying to implement certain features into existing code. I've found it's been easiest to create a new PROD page, start with the basic implementation, test and then implement into existing code. Some how I have misplaced the post that had just the new items that need to be inserted, instead of the copy and paste of the entire field. Could someone post that link here?

    So that's my 2 cents (plus a bit more). I really do love the new features, I just want to be able to make them even better :)

    Leslie

    ps...I think we need a forum just for PR8 questions & comments.
    Leslie Kirk
    Miva Certified Developer
    Miva Merchant Specialist since 1997
    Previously of Webs Your Way
    (aka Leslie Nord leslienord)

    Email me: [email protected]
    www.lesliekirk.com

    Follow me: Twitter | Facebook | FourSquare | Pinterest | Flickr

    #2
    Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

    I'm trying to figure out how to have a "Click to Enlarge" message conditional appear if the page is using the Additional images and not the Legacy image. That Product Display Layout Image Dimensions > Legacy Fallback Image setting was another gothcha for me (am I just missing this stuff in the docs, probably so).

    Yes that would be useful...

    Also I note it seems we can't update the additional image screen by importing so each product has to be done manually - Rick we need this ability I think
    Steve Gerard
    www.flyshop.co.nz

    Comment


      #3
      Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

      You can import but you must setup image types to enable that.
      Thanks,

      Rick Wilson
      CEO
      Miva, Inc.
      [email protected]
      https://www.miva.com

      Comment


        #4
        Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

        Thank you Rick, got that sorted out now
        Steve Gerard
        www.flyshop.co.nz

        Comment


          #5
          Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

          Originally posted by SteveG View Post
          I'm trying to figure out how to have a "Click to Enlarge" message conditional appear if the page is using the Additional images and not the Legacy image.
          I would also like to implement this. Has anyone come up with a solution?

          Comment


            #6
            Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

            Originally posted by skepticwebguy View Post
            I would also like to implement this. Has anyone come up with a solution?
            me too! anyone...?
            rob
            www.personalizedboutique.com

            Comment


              #7
              Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

              Leslie, All,

              Its that age old conundrum: the easier something is to get, the harder it is to get exactly what you want. (My personal reason this country is in a mess--but enough with the political musings.)

              Personally, I've never had a problem implementing these features with a little bit of custom code--yea, I know, I'm a developer...but its not difficult code. The most important part of these features is getting a little logic built into the image name itself, or as you pointed out...using a custom field or two.

              One work around to the issue of image management is using "sprites." Basically, you take your normal image AND enlarged image views and put them in the SAME file. Then, use CSS to control what part of that image actually shows up on the screen. You can even do this with multiple image views. For example, top, side, front, back...then simply use controls to determine which appears when an object is clicked.

              The benefits of Sprites is that image management is easier (one file). All images can be easily imported along with product info, and faster page loading. (A single file of 100K loads faster than 4, 25K files...plus, the Sprite file is likely to be something like 75K).
              Bruce Golub
              Phosphor Media - "Your Success is our Business"

              Improve Your Customer Service | Get MORE Customers | Edit CSS/Javascript/HTML Easily | Make Your Site Faster | Get Indexed by Google | Free Modules | Follow Us on Facebook
              phosphormedia.com

              Comment


                #8
                Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

                Originally posted by Bruce - PhosphorMedia View Post
                Leslie, All,

                Its that age old conundrum: the easier something is to get, the harder it is to get exactly what you want. (My personal reason this country is in a mess--but enough with the political musings.)

                Personally, I've never had a problem implementing these features with a little bit of custom code--yea, I know, I'm a developer...but its not difficult code. The most important part of these features is getting a little logic built into the image name itself, or as you pointed out...using a custom field or two.

                One work around to the issue of image management is using "sprites." Basically, you take your normal image AND enlarged image views and put them in the SAME file. Then, use CSS to control what part of that image actually shows up on the screen. You can even do this with multiple image views. For example, top, side, front, back...then simply use controls to determine which appears when an object is clicked.

                The benefits of Sprites is that image management is easier (one file). All images can be easily imported along with product info, and faster page loading. (A single file of 100K loads faster than 4, 25K files...plus, the Sprite file is likely to be something like 75K).

                I read sprites and immediately the Vic-20 came to mind.. Gosh im old, I digress.... Anyways, back on topic. It is very confusing, even more so if you want to go that extra step. Leslie hits it right on the button, there needs to be more details on this and what other avenues can be taken. I myself from one MMUI store, to 2 CSSUI stores have gained about 15 notches on the BP scale and balding spots from scratching head to much... I give complete props to the new setup and the vision that its going thru, yet it needs more docs, more blog posts & perhaps some real life examples.. 2 Cents
                Dan

                Girlfriends Lingerie - "Keeping It Sexy!"
                Sexy Lingerie - Twitter - Facebook- Pinterest - YouTube

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

                  hey dan. totally off topic, but didn't you used to use ONE PAGE CHECKOUT for your sites?
                  i noticed that you don't anymore, and i was wondering why you switched...
                  rob
                  www.personalizedboutique.com

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

                    That Product Display Layout Image Dimensions > Legacy Fallback Image setting was another gothcha for me...
                    A couple of people have mentioned difficulties with that, so I have to ask: Is there some problem / snafu with using full size for the Legacy Fallback Image setting?
                    Mark Romero
                    ~~~~~~~~

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

                      Rob, yes we did. We are simply trying out default for A/B testing purposes. Still no concrete decision either way as of yet.
                      Dan

                      Girlfriends Lingerie - "Keeping It Sexy!"
                      Sexy Lingerie - Twitter - Facebook- Pinterest - YouTube

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

                        Originally posted by lesliekirk View Post

                        I'm trying to figure out how to have a "Click to Enlarge" message conditional appear if the page is using the Additional images and not the Legacy image. That Product Display Layout Image Dimensions > Legacy Fallback Image setting was another gothcha for me (am I just missing this stuff in the docs, probably so).
                        I swear someone posted how to do this - I'm still needing to display a click to enlarge message only if there is a larger image. Did I see a solution somewhere? If so, could someone please post it or the link to it?

                        Many thanks!
                        Leslie
                        Leslie Kirk
                        Miva Certified Developer
                        Miva Merchant Specialist since 1997
                        Previously of Webs Your Way
                        (aka Leslie Nord leslienord)

                        Email me: [email protected]
                        www.lesliekirk.com

                        Follow me: Twitter | Facebook | FourSquare | Pinterest | Flickr

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

                          I just (re)discovered another "issue" that is bugging me. The product itself cannot have any additional images. I wanted to add a popup Additional Image to main product. If I do that, it remains as part of the thumbnails for the color swatch image. Yes, I know that sounds confusing. I would post a link to it, but I don't want to keep the Additional Image with the product because it causes confusion for the product having an image that doesn't relate to the color being displayed.

                          Leslie
                          Leslie Kirk
                          Miva Certified Developer
                          Miva Merchant Specialist since 1997
                          Previously of Webs Your Way
                          (aka Leslie Nord leslienord)

                          Email me: [email protected]
                          www.lesliekirk.com

                          Follow me: Twitter | Facebook | FourSquare | Pinterest | Flickr

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros & Cons

                            This is what I use, does what I need it to;

                            <mvt:if expr="ISNULL l.settings:product:image">
                            <br>+ click image to enlarge </mvt:if>

                            Originally posted by lesliekirk View Post
                            I swear someone posted how to do this - I'm still needing to display a click to enlarge message only if there is a larger image. Did I see a solution somewhere? If so, could someone please post it or the link to it?

                            Many thanks!
                            Leslie
                            Steve Gerard
                            www.flyshop.co.nz

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Re: PR8 Image Machine Pros &amp; Cons

                              Originally posted by SteveG View Post
                              <mvt:if expr="ISNULL l.settings:product:image">
                              <br>+ click image to enlarge </mvt:if>
                              Wouldn't this show "click image to enlarge" for ALL products with images? I only use 'additional images' on a few products. I need a conditional that looks for products that use additional images (but excludes products that use legacy images).
                              Last edited by skepticwebguy; 11-07-11, 12:16 PM.

                              Comment

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