OCP is in the process of converting the documentation for its rental
productions to PDF Files. This project may take awhile, so please be
patient and check back from time to time as we progress. At this point
only a few productions have been converted to PDF. Here are the answers
to some frequently asked questions about PDF files and their use at
tech.operaphilly.com:
What does PDF stand for?
PDF is an acronym for "Portable Document Format"
What is PDF?
PDF was developed by Adobe as a cross-platform file format which can
be easily viewed and printed on any type of computer. It makes it
possible for anyone to download and use documents created by specialized
software, such as CAD programs, without having to buy and install anything
special. PDF files are compact and easily downloaded over the internet.
Why are you converting files to PDF?
As OCP's scenic inventory grows so do the number of requests for information
on our productions. While OCP is happy to provide hardcopy information to
other opera companies, it is time-consuming and expensive. We are moving
as much information online as possible in an effort to provide speedy
service and keep our costs and staff overhead down. PDF files offer the
same quality as hardcopy materials and are viewable on all types of
computers. They can be printed as needed, providing scale plans and
properly formatted text.
What other file formats do you support at tech.operaphilly.com?
Our scenery information pages contain JPEG files of all our photos and
plans. JPEG's are universally recognized by all web browsers, are
easily viewed and printed. JPEG's work especially well for color photos,
but are less suited for plans and printed material. You can easily view
JPEG versions of the plans for our shows, but they will be lacking in
detail. PDF versions of these files retain all the original detail
and are well-suited for printing. You may also download the original
CAD files from OCP's archives, provided that you have the appropriate
software. To learn more please see our archives
info.
How does Portable Document Format work?
PDF files are based on the PostScript language, the same imaging model
used by laser printers and desktop publishing programs. PostScript
insures that documents will look the same, no matter what hardware
you're using. Since PDF is hardware and software independent, you can
view a Macintosh CAD file using a Windows PC. With a free program called
Adobe Acrobat Reader you will be able to view the file, zoom in and out
to show detail, save it on your computer and print it.
How can I access PDF documents at tech.operaphilly.com?
Simply click on the PDF links which you will find under each opera listed
in the Scenery Information section. If your web browser
is properly configured an Adobe Acrobat Reader window will open and
display the PDF file. Use the icons on the toolbar to zoom, copy, save
or print the file.
Can I see an example of how you're using PDF files?
Click on the following link to see a directory of PDF files from OCP's
production of Madama Butterfly.
I get an error message about an unknown file type.
What should I do?
Either your web browser is not properly configured or you need to download
a copy of Acrobat reader. You may download a free copy of Acrobat Reader
at Adobe's
website.
If you're still having trouble and are using Netscape, go to the Preferences
item under the Edit menu. Click on Applications and scroll down the list.
You should see "portable document format". PDFViewer should be configured
as a plug-in. If not then you will need to properly install and configure
Acrobat Reader and PDFViewer. If you are using Internet Explorer follow
the same basic procedure, however pick "File Helpers" from the Preferences
dialog box.
Since PDF files are so widely used on the internet, none of this should be
necessary unless you have an older computer. If you continue to have
problems seek out a local "computer guru" to assist you in configuring
your web browser properly.
Who can I contact with questions about the PDF files at
tech.operaphilly.com?
Please direct any inquiries to
Boyd Ostroff, Director of Design and Technology.