Photodex, a software company specializing in multimedia slideshow creation, provides a range of free resources and trial versions of its products for consumers and photography enthusiasts. The company’s offerings include built-in libraries of free effects, music, and special sound effects, as well as downloadable content packs and fully functional trial versions of its software. These resources are designed to allow users to create professional-quality slideshows without an initial financial commitment, though paid versions remove watermarks and unlock advanced features.
The primary software products discussed in the source materials are ProShow Gold and ProShow Producer. Both are Windows-only applications, though Photodex also offers ProShow Web for Mac and PC users. According to the source material, ProShow Gold and ProShow Producer are sophisticated applications designed to incorporate stills, video, music, and soundtracks into a multimedia show. The software allows for the creation of multimedia presentations suitable for weddings, family portraiture, and commercial clients.
Free Effects and Content Libraries
Photodex offers several methods for accessing free content directly within the software interface. Users with version 7 or later can download content and free effects from within the software itself. Specifically, the "download effects + content" feature in the tools menu allows users to automatically download and install freebies. This feature is available for both ProShow Gold and ProShow Producer.
The free effects available cover a variety of themes and styles:
- Autumn and Seasonal Effects: Several freebies are available for creating seasonal slideshows. The "Rustic Autumn Landscape" freebie offers light and neutral effects perfect for fall portraits, including image orientations and title slides under the Themed category. The "Autumn Leaves" freebie adds the look of falling leaves, with clusters of colorful leaves flying across the screen in various directions. Another effect, "Portraits Picnic 04P Single," is described as suitable for seasonal photos like summer or fall, offering a picnic effect. Additionally, "Portraits Scrapbook 02L Single" features fall colors to complement photos of pumpkin patches and football.
- Valentine’s Day and Romantic Effects: For celebrations of love, Photodex offers free effects such as "Heart Strings," which adds vibrant heart strings and sweet captions; "Sweet Heart," a set of floating heart effects; "Valentine’s Day Heart Collage + Title Effects," which allows for heart-shaped photo collages and editable title masks; and "Sweet Valentine," a variety of photo and caption styles.
- StylePack 2 (Producer Only): While most freebies are available for both Gold and Producer versions, some are exclusive to ProShow Producer. For example, the "Old Film Projector Still" effect, which simulates an old film projector with flicker, dust, scratches, and warm-toned muted colors, is found in StylePack 2 and is available only for ProShow Producer.
Trial Versions and Paid Options
For users wishing to test the software before purchasing, Photodex offers trial versions. These trials are described as fully functional, allowing users to "take any of them for a spin." However, a specific limitation of the trial version is noted: it has "Proshow written across all your slides." This watermark is removed upon purchasing the full version.
The source materials reference two main paid tiers: * ProShow Gold: Described as capable of doing "everything you require" for general slideshow creation. It costs around £40 (approximately $50 USD, though pricing may vary). It includes the built-in library of royalty-free music and special sound effects, though with fewer options than the Producer version. * ProShow Producer: An "even more advanced" version that offers more features, including a larger selection of built-in music and sound effects, and exclusive access to certain effects packs like StylePack 2. It is available at a "substantial extra price" compared to Gold.
Photodex occasionally offers promotional discounts. For example, a code "SAVE20WITHSKIP" was mentioned in one source, allowing users to save 20% on any Photodex product purchase.
Software Features and Capabilities
The software is designed to be user-friendly for photographers and consumers, allowing for the easy incorporation of mixed media. Key features include:
- Multimedia Integration: Users can combine still images, short video clips, and music. The software supports video input up to 4K resolution and longer clips, and offers improved encoding for smaller file sizes and better quality.
- Output Options: ProShow Gold and Producer allow output to DVD, Blu-Ray, and Windows Media Player formats. ProShow Producer specifically allows output to HTML 5. The software creates files compatible with playback on DVD players and PCs.
- Editing and Layers: The user interface has been improved to include a larger layers list, facilitating multi-layer slides. The software allows users to store full-sized images as separate JPEGs alongside the slideshow, a feature requested by professionals who need to provide individual images to clients.
- Automation and Wizards: For quick creation, ProShow includes an automated wizard and instant effects, allowing users to create customized slideshows in minutes.
Support and Compatibility
Photodex is noted for providing robust technical support. One source mentions calling tech support over 50 times for general questions or troubleshooting, with support agents occasionally logging in remotely to assist with fixable issues. This level of support is highlighted as particularly valuable for users working with deadlines.
While ProShow Gold and Producer are Windows-only applications, Photodex also offers ProShow Web, which is compatible with both Mac and PC users. A comparison list is available on the Photodex website to help users decide which product best fits their needs.
Comparison with Competitors
The source material mentions other slideshow software options, such as Animoto. Unlike ProShow, Animoto is web-based and requires an internet connection. It is described as best for short videos (under 30 photos and a few video clips) and is very automated. However, it comes with a monthly or yearly cost. The automated nature of Animoto can sometimes make specific adjustments difficult, requiring users to remix versions and edit them in other software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut. In contrast, ProShow offers more control and a one-time purchase option (or trial), though it requires a software download and installation.
Conclusion
Photodex provides a comprehensive ecosystem for slideshow creation, centered around its ProShow software. The company distinguishes itself by offering a significant amount of free content, including seasonal and thematic effects, and fully functional trial versions that allow users to evaluate the software without cost. The availability of built-in royalty-free music and sound effects further enhances the value proposition. While the trial version includes a watermark, the paid versions (Gold and Producer) remove this and unlock the full potential of the software, including advanced output options like HTML 5 and Blu-Ray. For U.S. consumers and photography enthusiasts seeking professional results without a recurring subscription model, the combination of free trials and free downloadable content makes ProShow a viable option to explore.