Our 2008 release is ready! You may download it from http://www.photolynx.com/downloads/updates_hotfixes/pl.hotfix.2008-05-02.3322.offline.exe.

IMPORTANT - Please read this completely, before installing this update!

After the file is downloaded, you can verify that the download completed correctly, by right clicking on the file; it should read 94.9 MB.

Back up any important files!

You may transfer the 2008 update to another computer by copying it to a USB memory drive or CD ROM. While installing the update you receive a message requesting disk 2 or receive CRC file error, this means the file did not download correctly. Please delete the file and download it again. If you prefer to have a CD mailed to you, with a complete install, please respond to this email with your mailing address.

We suggest that you test this version on only one computer to insure that it does not interfere with your workflow. We have tested this version through our beta test program. But, it is impossible to test it in every workflow our customers use our software. Therefore, if you feel something is not working properly, please report it to http://photolynx.com/support/open.php. By using this form to report any issues, it will insure that it is received and prioritized correctly. If you need us to contact you, please include your name and phone number on the form.

This release includes version 2 of our green screen rendering software. PhotoLynx allows for you to input background choices very quickly and easily. Then automatically render out your images as picture packages with the selected background behind them. It will also allow you to export the images for the yearbook with a single background for consistency. Please download and read the version 2 green screen documentation.

Saturday May 10, 2008 - We will be hosting an online demonstration of PhotoLynx® Green Screen Version 2. The seminar will begin at 8:00am Pacific Time. The seminar will be about 45 minutes long. All you need to participate in the seminar is a computer, online connection, and a telephone. The seminar is broadcast to your computer through the internet. To participate in the seminar, please register at www.PhotoLynx®.com/seminar.

Before calling with assistance for green screen, we recommend you read the documentation and attend the online seminar.

Additionally, with RipLynx, you may now export images for yearbooks, or administration CD's on a centralized computer through your network. This way you can send several exports into a que without tying up your ImageMatch computer.

The 2008 version of SIS (School Image Software) will be released by July.

TRY PhotoLynx® SOFTWARE FOR FREE!

Prepare for your upcoming fall now! PhotoLynx® software is all you need for a complete school or sports workflow solution. We've created the software to fit into your workflow, not ours. It works with virtually every camera and can output virtually any product you or your customers can ask for. As part of our service, we provide free training and workflow consultation by phone. Service is what PhotoLynx® is all about! We answer our phones with a live person, ready to assist you 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Get started now, by downloading your copy of PhotoLynx® HERE. Once you have the software downloaded, please call us at 760-782-9000 so we may assist you with installing the software and getting it activated. If you would prefer a copy of the software on CD, please call us at the same number or reply to this email and we will be happy to send you one by U.S. mail.

TRADE SHOWS and SEMINARS


Saturday May 10, 2008 - We will be hosting an online demonstration of PhotoLynx® Green Screen Version 2. The seminar will begin at 8:00am Pacific Time. The seminar will be about 45 minutes long. All you need to participate in the seminar is a computer, online connection, and a telephone. The seminar is broadcast to your computer through the internet. To participate in the seminar, please register at www.PhotoLynx®.com/seminar.

NEED A LAB? ARE YOU FROM A LAB?
Check out the lab list on our website for an extensive list of PhotoLynx® partners by state. If you're from a lab and find that we are missing the name of your lab on our list, or would like to update your information on the list, please email Michael@PhotoLynx.com directly with your current information. Include any blurbs, advertisements, etc., and we will update the list with that information.




We would like to recognize our newest lab, Richmond Camera. Founded in 1938 by James Bullard, the first camera shop in Richmond, Virginia was based on the simple premise of providing quality products, fair prices, and timely deliveries. Since that time, Richmond Camera has provided superior photofinishing services as well as an endless selection of products and equipment for nearly 70 years, making Richmond Camera the primary source for photographic supplies in central Virginia. The founding philosophies live on in their processing laboratory and twelve retail stores. They are only satisfied with the best equipment, products, and personnel. Their goal has always been (and always will be) to provide excellent customer service while remaining on the cutting edge of photographic technology. Richmond Camera is also recognized as one of the best professional labs in the nation for quality, service, and professional results. 


NEW PhotoLynx® RELEASE COMING SOON!


We will be releasing the next version of the PhotoLynx® software suite in May. 
We have put a lot of effort over the last several months perfecting the quality of the Green Screen when using ImageMatch™ to create packages and exports. In our preliminary tests, 95 percent of all the images get rendered with acceptable results without touching any images. Some images, because of clothing or other factors, will need some individual attention and we have built tools into the software to allow you to correct those images.


Screen on final release may be slightly different.


A much requested product, the multiple looks from one pose proof, is now easily created as shown in the sample below. You can create this product for your own production or for fulfillment through a PhotoLynx® Alliance Lab



Included with the release will be an updated version of School Image Software™ to work on the newest version of Java. This will allow for better compatibility with modern PCs. The Mac version will run natively on OS 10.

After this release, we will no longer be able to support any PhotoLynx® software running on systems with Windows operating systems prior to Windows XP SP2.

MIKE'S BLOG


Be sure to check out Mikes' Blog here!

He has added several new entries since the last newsletter:

• How to Beat LifeTouch
• Fuji S5 Rumors
• Paperless Photographic Products
• Drobo Storage Solution for Your Images
• Copyright Your Images
• PodCasts

HOURS


Our tech support hours of 6:00am to 6:00pm Pacific Time Monday through Friday. PhotoLynx® provides more than just tech support, we will consult with you to assist in all of your workflow needs. We start with the camera all the way through to the printer. This service is included with your licensed software.

For help after hours, or if you want to save a phone call, many common questions have been answered in our PhotoLynx® forums:
http://www.PhotoLynx.com/modules.php?name=pport_Forums

Also, Michael often checks his email over weekends and after hours. He will do his best to address anything by email after hours. MichaelStevens@PhotoLynx.com

PhotoLynx® offers in-house training for $1250 a day. We will send one of our trainers out to your facility for $1250 a day. Our trainer will work and consult with your staff to find the most efficient ways to include PhotoLynx® software

INDUSTRY NEWS




Now's the time! Looking for a graphic designer for your products? Get custom designs from Keene Image Designs. She will design things from Company Logos and Identity Branding to designing School Templates for School Photography Companies that easily plug in to the PhotoLynx® software such as Class Group Templates, ID Card Templates, Announcement/Graduation Card Templates, Holiday Card Templates, Winter Picture Borders, FunPack Templates and Sports Templates to name a few. They are always open to design something that is custom to your Company and would love to help. The prices vary depending on what you are wanting. Typically, they charge just $60 an hour for design services. You will receive complete copyright and ownership of each the template and design. We encourage you to go to their website: www.keeneimagedesigns.com and see their designs. This website will be up on February 9th, 2008. You can also reach them at 615-498-1412 or email them at kenzi@keeneimagedesigns.com.

NEW TECHNICAL SUPPORT PLANS
PhotoLynx® now offers annual technical support plans available for products that were formally offered by IWS. We added hot folder support to PC EVENT and PC PRO, as well as a new look to PC EVENT.


We also offer Annual Upgrade & Support Programs for School Days+ (I took Studio off since we don’t have any users of it or offer it for sale at this time)

Please contact Tawnya at PhotoLynx® to find out how to purchase an Annual Upgrade & Support Program for these products at 760-782-9000 or Tawnya@PhotoLynx.com.

MONTHLY SPECIAL


With the purchase any PhotoLynx® software over $1,000 in value:

• Free Mr. Gray
• 15% off Keene Image Design
• Free 2 hour online training
• Sports Pak

LINK TO THE LATEST HOTFIX


The 2008 release from PhotoLynx® will be available in May.
TIPS AND TRICKS

Track Delivery of your Jobs in ImageMatch! This trick works even better when using ImageMatch in conjunction with TrackLynx, but it works on a job by job basis in ImageMatch as well. Designate a field in ImageMatch as your "progress" field. Set up a series of codes that indicate the what step each job is at. For example:

1=At Lab

2=Shipped to School

3=School Admin CDs produced and delivered

4=Yearbook CDS produced and delivered

5=ID cards produced and delivered

As the job goes through your workflow, the person responsible for that task will add his entry into the field you designated. He will enter the code by using replace data within ImageMatch. So when that field reads something like 1,3,5 anyone can tell that the job is at the lab, the school Admin CDs are complete and delivered, and the ID cards are produced and delivered.