All advanced users, I need help.

[blueline]

I am getting my shop together, and have come across a big problem. In the demo the graphics of DVDs and software that are used are very small in size, generally about 1-2kbytes. My pictures of my products vary in size from 50-80kbytes.

 

This is obviously a huge problem when considering data transfer per month limitations.

 

If anyone has any ideas how to dramatically decrease the size of these images please let me in on your secrets. I currently have the Macromedia MX package, as well as Photoshop 7 for editing.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[rseigel]

Not sure if PS7 is the same as 5.5 (which is what I use) but File -> Save For Web cuts them down considerably. Save as jpeg/medium and you should end up at between 5 and 10k with very little loss in quality.

[Guest]

Hi,

 

First you want to reduce the physical size of your images. For the thumbnails 50 to 75 pixels wide is good. They should also be from 72dpi. You should also be able to compress them with your photo program. If your program doesn't compress the images I found a program at http://www.xat.comthat works wonders on compression. They have a free 30 day trial.

 

I am not associated with Xat.com and receive no compensation for recommending it.

[blueline]

Yes, I can do that...but at 10k per picture I am going to have some trouble. My hosting company is limiting my transfer to 5000K/month. With 1000's of products, each at 10k in size for pictures, I can't even imagine what I will be dealing with if someone wants to view all products. If and when that occurs I will have thumbnails of all of my images being shown.

 

My company sells car audio/video equipment, and also home theater products. Being in Atlanta, GA I have a big home base of customers, not considering those on the web. And I already have a list of people waiting for the site to be finished....Call me paranoid, but I guess I am hoping for a miracle when it comes to chopping the size of these files.

 

Thanks,

Chris

[Guest]

Well..........I'd be looking for a new host...fast.

[blueline]

Kim,

 

thanks for the advice about Xat.com. I will give it a shot sometime tomorrow and give everyone on the forums a heads up as to my results.

 

By the way, birdbrain, did not intentionally forget to thank you.

 

I do appreciate the help from anyone willing to spare it.

 

Thanks,

Chris

[Guest]

Chris,

 

You're welcome!

 

I can't promise miracles but, I ran a bunch of already compressed jpegs through it this afternoon and most were reduced another 40%.

[blueline]

Wow. You are making me want to try this out right now. Unfortunately I have a VERY big day ahead of me, and I need to get some sleep. Thanks again for the heads up, and as promised, I will let everyone in on what I find out tomorrow.

 

And if anyone else has any ideas for compressing the size of the images without giving up too much quality please let me know.

 

Thanks,

Chris

[blueline]

Hey all. I can't believe I said that I only get 5Mb/month in data transfer...I meant to say that I get 5Gb/month in data transfer. Sorry for the confusion.

 

Well, I am gonna go download that software, and I will report in just a little bit how it works.

 

Thanks,

Chris

[blueline]

Well, I downloaded the software, that was a breeze, and I started on a couple images. It definitely is capable of some serious compression, and this will definitely help in my journey to reduce file size. This, unfortunately, doesn't perform the same miracles that I was hoping for. It is going to help a lot, and it is a program that I will use, but I am afraid that I will still need more.

 

Any other ideas guys?

 

Thanks.

Chris

[Guest]

I get 5Gb/month in data transfer

 

Chris,

 

If you have 5 Gigs, you should be ok for a while but, if you're that worried about it, you should find another host.

 

You putting together a money making operation and there are things you can skimp on and things you can't...you don't want customer's to get a screen saying " We're sorry but, this guy has used his transfer quota for the month".

[blueline]

Yea, I am looking....

 

Gotta see what's available.

 

-Chris