General Content
- Why choose YouVu?
- What is an Emotion Icon?
- What does YouVu do?
- Do I need to be a company to use YouVu?
- Can YouVu take photographs or film my property for me?
- Is it safe to use my credit card on the YouVu Internet site?
Technical Questions
- What browsers are supported? & I'm experiencing difficulty viewing Google maps while using Microsoft Internet Explorer. How do I fix this?
- What file formats are supported? & Do I need Version 9 of Adobe's Flash Media Player?
- Do I need any special software?
- Do I need to convert the files?
- Can I import my own logos and company branding?
- How long will it take to upload and complete my YouVu ad?
- How do I create the photos for my YouVu ad?
- Do I have to upload a video or virtual view to my ad?
- How much video should I shoot per room?
- What do you mean by virtual tour?
- How do I take a panoramic photo and do I need a special camera?
- Do I need a tripod to shoot a virtual view image?
- How much overlap should I have on a virtual view image prior to stitching my photos?
- What Zoom should I use when photographing a stitched image?
- How important is it to keep the camera level when photographing a virtual view image?
- Can I use my computers own or my camera’s stitching software?
- What can I do if my image hasn’t stitched properly?
- Are there any stitching programs I can download from the internet?
- How do I use my YouVu advertisement once it’s complete?
- How do potential buyers access my completed listing?
- Can I update or edit my ad?
General Content
Why choose YouVu?
YouVu gives your property the edge it needs to stand out. Each month, more than 7.5 million people view properties that are advertised on the internet in Australia. With YouVu, you have a better chance of selling because your property can be viewed and experienced with a greater level of content and depth than previously available. With 180 or 360 degree surround views, videos, pictures, and Emotion Icons with supporting text on key features, buyers can view the property from your perspective during a virtual tour.
What is an Emotion Icon?
An Emotion Icon “
” or point of interest, draws attention to details that are available within any given location. Click on an Emotion Icon to be taken to the next scene or detail. For example, click on the Emotion Icon over a window to be taken to a view of the backyard. Or place an Emotion Icon over key features such as fixtures and fittings, floor coverings, security systems and intercoms, ovens, benchtops, barbecue areas, blinds, or walk in wardrobes, so buyers can view extra images and details and get a personal feel for the property.
Why is YouVu different?
YouVu allows you to:
- Create a personalised property advertisement
- Manage a portfolio of property ads
- Tailor, add, update, or delete your ad at any time via a “drag and drop” browser at no additional cost
- Showcase your property with greater depth and detail than ever before, incorporating 180 or 360 degree surround views, videos, pictures, and Emotion Icons with supporting text.
Do I need to be a company to use YouVu?
No. YouVu supports both commercial and private treaty (owner seller) listings. YouVu can be used for:
- Properties for sale
- Executive accommodation
- Holiday homes
Can YouVu take photographs or film my property for me?
No. The production of professional images by qualified photographers can be an essential element in showcasing real estate, rental property, investment property and holiday accommodation properties to their full potential. YouVu is positioned to support photographers, agents and individuals.
Is it safe to use my credit card on the YouVu website?
Yes. It is perfectly safe as YouVu uses PayPal, a globally accepted e-commerce payment option.
Technical Questions
What browsers are supported?
YouVu supports Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape and Safari.
If you're having trouble using Google Maps with your Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, please refer the attached link. http://maps.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=21849&topic=10789
YouVu recommends the use of Firefox.
What file formats are supported?
YouVu supports the most popular photograph, movie and digital image formats, including JPEGs, GIF, Quicktime, WMV, and TIFF.
SPECIAL NOTE: YouVu requires Version 9 of Adobe's Flash Media Player to upload and view content. YouVu IS NOT currently compatible with Version 10 of Adobe's Flash Media Player, however compatibility testing is currently in progress.
Do I need any special software?
No. YouVu is accessed via your web browser, so special downloads and or plug-ins are not require
Do I need to convert the files?
No. YouVu will manage the most popular file formats and convert them for viewing on the internet.
Can I import my own logos and company branding?
YouVu allows companies involved in selling or leasing real estate to import their logos. YouVu also supports companies’ personalised style, colours, and fonts on property listings.
How long will it take to upload and complete my YouVu ad?
The efficiency of your ad production depends on:
1.Your internet connection speed
2.The number of images you are uploading
3.The number of videos or 180 & 360 degree virtual views you are uploading
As a guide, however, please refer below:
| Connection | # Of Photos | # of Video’s | # 360 Degree Images | *Required Upload Time |
| DIAL UP | 35 | 3 | 4 | 50 Minutes |
| ADSL | 35 | 3 | 4 | 30 Minutes |
| BROADBAND | 35 | 3 | 4 | 20 Minutes |
How do I create the photos for my YouVu ad?
1. Prepare your property
- Set the scene for success. Make sure your property is clean and tidy.
- Less is more
- Remove unnecessary furniture to increase an impression of space
- Remove clutter from benchtops and shelves
- Remove all items from the front of the fridge
- Pay particular attention to the garage (stack boxes and remove the car)
- Add a splash of colour. Colour will create warmth and will add a personal touch
- Keep a vase of bright flowers on a table
- Put a bowl of fresh fruit on a table or bench
- Use coloured pillowcases and sheets
- Use coloured towels in the bathroom
- Don’t forget outside
- Mow the lawns (don’t forget to trim the edges)
- Clean up the garden
- Remove all rubbish bins from view
- Vacuum the pool
- Sweep the paths
- Dust down and wash windows and sills.
2. Film and/or photograph your property
You can hire a professional photographer or, alternatively, you can use any digital camera or camcorder (even the one on your mobile phone) to film or photograph your property for your YouVu advertisement.
- Make sure your film or photographs contain the key features of your property. You will then be able to assign an Emotion Icon™ to these features to give the buyer further detail.
- Always consider a property’s view. Each new location offers a unique insight into the property.
The key elements to consider when filming or photographing your property are composition and lighting.
a) Composition
Always remember you are shooting for interactivity – this is important when incorporating Emotion Icons™. This means you will need to photograph “Primary Photos” and “Secondary photos” - images within images. While there may be variations between the images taken for real estate sales, rental property, executive leasing and holiday accommodation, the principles still remain the same.
Refer below for an example of photographing a primary and secondary set of images.
| Composition of an YouVu | |||||
| Primary Image* | Kitchen | ||||
| Secondary Photo 1 | Secondary photo 2 | Secondary Photo 3 | Secondary Photo 4 | Secondary Photo 5 | |
| Secondary Image | Range hood | Cook Top | Pantry | Oven | Double Sink |
- Primary Image
The primary photo is a location’s template. This image will hold the Emotion Icons
- Secondary Image
A secondary image lies under each assigned Emotion Icon “” Secondary images are close up images that will allow you to showcase additional details about your property.
a) Lighting
- Indoors
Taking good indoor shots can be tricky. The biggest problem with indoor pictures is that too often the picture is underexposed (not enough exposure to light). Create more light by switching on the lights and opening the windows and doors.
- Outdoors
Bright sun can create deep shadows. Eliminate shadows by using your flash as a light filler. On overcast days you can take pictures without the flash. The soft light of overcast days sometimes gives quite pleasing results.
Do I have to upload a video or Virtual Tour to my ad?
No – the choice is yours. Should you decide not to upload a video or Virtual Tour, YouVu will enable a scrolling function within the video screen to ensure your ad is 100% polished and complete.
How much video should I shoot per room?
The tip here is keep it short and simple – no more than 20 seconds per room. YouVu utilises compression software to ensure your video downloads as fast as possible (however, shorter video files are suggested).
What do you mean by Virtual Tour?
“Virtual Tour” is the name given to a set of stitched panoramic images (images that have been stitched together to create a 180° or 360° view of a room or location).
YouVu advises that you work with your local real estate agent to ascertain the number of virtual tours appropriate for each property type. As a guide, we suggest no more than one virtual view per room.
However, if you are doing the photography yourself (private treaty or a holiday accommodation you are promoting yourself), refer to the next set of questions to learn how to take, stitch and produce 180 degree or 360 degree virtual views.
How do I take a panoramic photo and do I need a special camera?
All real estate agents utilise photographers who are experienced at photographing virtual views. However, if you wish to give it a go it’s quite a simple task and you don’t need specialised equipment to achieve good results. Any digital camera will be fine, but those with a "stitch assist" mode are the easiest to use.
Do I need a tripod to shoot a virtual view image?
It works a lot better if you have a tripod or a monopod, but you can still get good results without one. Where possible, avoid taking stitch photos holding the camera just with your hands. Instead, look for level surfaces, try placing the camera on the edge of benchtop or table and rotate in a clockwise direction. It is possible to take the shots freehand. If you try to photograph freehand, make sure you hold the camera close to your body and try to stand in one spot as you take the pictures.
How much overlap should I have on a virtual view image prior to stitching my photos?
Around one quarter of the frame works best, but the stitcher is quite forgiving. If you have stitch assist mode on your camera, just use the overlap from that and it should work well.
What zoom should I use when photographing a stitched image?
You should not work in a zoom less than 24mm, as this distorts the image and may cause issues when you attempt to stitch the images together.
How important is it to keep the camera level when photographing for a virtual view image?
For both horizontal and vertical strip photos, the camera must be perfectly horizontal (or vertical). If not, then the images will get a rounded edge or appear stacked up in waves. To ensure your camera is level, you can buy a bubble level that fits the camera's hot-shoe. Or go to your local tool shop and purchase a small bubble level (place on your camera to ensure you are level).
If you opt to use a level surface or you don’t have a levelling bubble handy, simply scan the scene: pan (move) the camera from one end of the scene to the other to check that the image is roughly level and is in alignment.
Can I use my camera’s stitching software?
Yes. Most cameras’ now come with software, which facilitate stitching.
What can I do if my image hasn't stitched properly?
Your stitching software should give good results, but there can be occasions where problems occur, especially if you haven't used a tripod. In many cases you are able to manually repair a stitched image. If you are unsuccessful with stitching images together you can opt to upload a video file instead.
Are there any stitching downloads available on the net?
Yes there are, below a few of the ones we have used in the past.
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/digital-panoramas.htm
http://www.tshsoft.com/en/index.html
http://www.phong.com/tutorials/photostitch/
How do I use my YouVu ad once it’s complete?
Once you have finished your ad, you will receive a URL. This URL is yours and can be used anywhere, at your discretion.
Here are some examples of how to use your YouVu URL to market your property:
1. Upload the URL onto Australian real estate portals as a link to an interactive online virtual tour. Australian real estate portals include:
domain.com.au
realestate.com.au
homehound.com.au
justlisted.com.au
realestateview.com.au
realmap.com.au
aussiehome.com
rent.com.au
open4inspection.com.au
2. Once you have uploaded your YouVu ad online, you can:
- Use it as your property website within listings (great for holiday portals)
- Imbed the ad in your existing website as an interactive link
- Imbed the ad in email communications (attach it to your email signature)
- Incorporate the URL in eNewsletters
3. If you are advertising your holiday accommodation, you can upload your YouVu URL onto holiday portals such as:
www.stayz.com.au
www.cheapholidayaccommodation.com
www.takeabreak.com.au
www.lastminute.com.au
www.Hotels.com
www.Cancellations.com.au
www.aussiepetholidays.com.au
4. Your YouVu ad can even be printed in:
- pamphlets
- store window displays
- newspaper advertisements
- brochures, catalogues
- property listings
- newsletters
- On footers and headers of business documents
How do potential buyers access my completed listing?
Once your ad is complete and payment is made, it takes only a few seconds for your URL to become activated. Once your URL is activated, prospective customers can access your YouVu property advertisement from the website/s and or electronic publications (including emails) you have uploaded and or incorporated it into.
Can I update or edit my ad?
Yes. You can add, update, or delete your ad at any time via a “drag and drop” browser at no additional cost.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us and we'll respond via return email. If it's a question that will assist other users, we will add it here to our FAQs. Email faqs@youvu.com.au
