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What is Spinner-Scripts? An overview ...
Spinner-Scripts is a multi-function, integrated script designed to provide an alternative to plug-in based interactive multi-media experience.
Currently Spinner-Scripts includes
Spinner-O, an Object player, which allows you to turn an object interactively in one or two axis, partially or completely around;
Spinner-P, Panorama player, which let you rotate your viewpoint looking out a full 360 degrees, or with limits if you require; and
Spinner-S, Slide Show which lets you display multiple images in the same frame without re-loading and under complete user control.
All Spinner-Scripts implementations are fully interactive, scriptable and user controllable. Spinner-Scripts are still evolving, with plans to add greater functionality and flexability in upcoming releases. Additional Spinner-Scripts multi-media functions are also under development.
Spinner-Scripts takes advantage of the 4th generation browser support for advances in web standards, combining scripting and CSS to emulate multimedia effects previously only available through 3rd party plug-ins, players or Java applets.
Spinner-Scripts have the advantage of not requiring additional downloads, plug-ins or players, and are faster and more stable than Java equivalents. The scripting/CSS implementation of Spinner-Scripts does not suffer from the notorious Java applet/engine memory leakages that frequently causes browsers to crash, become sluggish or stop responding completely.
For users - no plug-ins!
What this means for the average user is no need to download or install plug-ins, no annoying update or purchase messages and no confusing conflicts with competing multimedia players.
An alternative for developers.
What Spinner-Scripts means for QTVR developers is the ability to provide alternatives to compliment their QTVR material to accomodate visitors who don't have the right plug-in, or are experiencing problems with their players.
Windows developers and those with clients adverse to using perceived non-windows technology will find Spinner-Scripts provide an equivalent basic functionality on windows to that previously obtained mainly through non-windows components.
While Spinner-Scripts are currently provided free of charge, use on commercial sites requires a nominal site licence. Developers should enquire about the incentive scheme available. Access to tools and tutorials designed to make implementing Spinner-Scripts easier is only available to registered users/developers.
Extended cross-platform.
Spinner-Scripts are also truly cross-platform. Not only supported by a narrow definition of "cross-platform" on Windows and Macintosh, but successfully tested under various *nix - Linux, FreeBSD Unix and Solaris. Spinner-Scripts are developed to support all major platforms as well as provide *nix users access to multimedia functionality previously only available to Windows and Mac users, or through Java applets frequently unstable in the *nix environment.
Current and evolving.
Spinner-Scripts are also in a constant state of evolution. As web standards evolve and are implemented by browser manufacturers, changes are made to accommodate variances in levels and methods of support. Emphasis in the first instance is in supporting the implementations provided by the browsers with the largest market share, in order to reach the widest possible audience. Parallel development for sectors with no other practical alternative (eg *nix) is an equal priority.
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