14 DAY TRIAL // Burning your photos to an optical disc is no longer something that you should be proud of. If they can be stored on a disk and viewed using a user friendly interface, the better. I think that good memories need a good presentation, and this is what we're going to see now...
There are a lot of programs able to turn your photo collections into executable files with included viewer, or create a HTML page with thumbnails linked to the pictures enabling you to browse and view them. What about a program that can create screen savers, slide shows, generate MPEG videos of your shows and more?
This is what I will present you next, and it's called ProShow. I have in front of me the 15 days trial of the Gold edition. Its installation kit is 13MB in size, but I'm sure it makes up in features for this.
After installing and passing the startup nag screen I face a clean and nice interface. The icons from the toolbar are wonderfully done and the overall feeling is that you can get total control in no time.
There are three main areas: the file browser, the presentation timeline and the preview area. You just have to drag graphics or audio files to the slide show and that takes care of the big picture. Now let's browse quickly through the details...
The toolbar provides access to most of the great features available in ProShow Gold. You can create video DVDs and CDs or video files from your slideshows in an instant.
You can also create an AutoRun CD with image viewer included and a very nice interface from those available. Need executable image galleries or screen savers from your photo collection? No problem!
If you miss "that song from high school" and you would like to add it to your slide show, this is no problem. Just drag the desired audio file into the soundtrack area.
If it sounds like an easy drag and drop operated program, don't take things lightly. You can customize absolutely everything in your presentations, and the only limit is your imagination.
ProShow can use a lot of file formats as input and also supports transparency for PSD, PNG, TIFF and GIF formats. It has good image enhancement features and it's highly customizable.
I don't have enough words to describe how useful and easy to work with this program can be. There could be a lot of other things to say, of course, but I will resume to only two words: try it!
The Good
ProShow Gold is a great program: has tons of transition effects, can burn your photos to CDs or DVDs, publish them on the Web or create screen savers... and it doesn't end here!
The Bad
Although this is a 15 days trial, you get a banner over your rendered slideshows which makes them useless. Apart from this, I couldn't find any other weak points in this program.
The Truth
ProShow Gold delivers gold quality for the same price. For people who want top quality and are willing to pay for it, this is the best choice. For the others, the trial version lets you test and enjoy this great program. Since this is one of our picks, I can only advise you to pick it too as soon as possible!
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
