Birdscape Screensaver Help Document

Introduction

Birdscape is an advanced screensaver application showcasing over 340 stunning images of Southern African birds along with their calls. This document provides detailed information on features, settings, installation instructions, and troubleshooting.

Features

While the screensaver is running, users have the following options, displayed in a menu at the bottom of the screen:

  1. Mute/Unmute Sounds
    Mute or unmute sounds globally by pressing M or U, or mute/unmute individual images by pressing the – or + key.
  2. Hide Images
    Hide any displayed images by pressing the Delete key.
  3. Navigate Images
    Scroll to the next or previous images by pressing the left or right arrow keys.
  4. Open Settings
    Access the settings form for further customization by pressing the X key.

Settings

Within the settings form, users can edit the application settings:

  1. Inactivity Delay
    Select the delay period of inactivity, in minutes and seconds, before the screensaver activates.
  2. Image Display Duration
    Set the duration, in seconds, that each image is displayed.
  3. Image Captions
    Show or hide image captions, at the bottom right of the screen.
  4. Fade Effect
    Option to fade images on transition.
  5. Image Collection Management
    Manage the entire image collection, selecting which images to show or hide, and mute or unmute.
  6. Image Order
    Choose to shuffle images randomly or display them alphabetically.
  7. Background Image
    Choose a background image or use the default blank background.
  8. Startup Option
    Option to run the screensaver each time the PC is restarted.
  9. Volume Control
    Adjust the volume of the sounds without affecting overall system sound levels.
  10. Check for Updates
    Check for application updates.

System Tray Icon

Upon launching, an icon is added to the system tray, indicating that the screensaver is active. Right-clicking the Birdscape icon provides the following options:

  1. Open Settings: Access the settings form.
  2. Mute/Unmute Sounds: Mute or unmute sounds globally.
  3. Open Help Page: Access the help page.
  4. Shut Down Screensaver: Shut down the screensaver.

Installation Instructions

  1. Download: Click here to download the setup file.
  2. Run Installer: Once downloaded, run the Setup.msi file. If Windows issues any warnings, click on the “More info” link, then click on the “Run anyway” button, and follow the prompts.
  3. Installation Folder: You may choose a different installation folder, but it is advisable to leave it as the default location.
  4. EULA: Read the End-User License Agreement (EULA), then click on “I Agree” and the Next button.
  5. Allow Changes: Allow the app to make changes to your device.
  6. Launch Options:
    • If you do not wish to launch the screensaver after installation, uncheck the “Launch Birdscape after setup” box.
    • If you do not wish to add the app to your startup group, uncheck the “Add to startup” box (note: you will then have to manually start Birdscape each time you restart your device).
  7. Complete Installation: Click Next to complete the installation.

Troubleshooting

  • Screensaver not activating:
    • If the screensaver does not activate after 1 minute of inactivity the first time it is launched, check for the Birdscape icon in your System Tray (up arrow on the right side of your taskbar).
    • If the icon is not present, restart your PC and launch the app again (if it was not added to the startup group).
    • If the icon is present, right-click on it and select Settings. Check the Inactivity Delay setting (optimum delay is between 1 and 10 minutes).

Copyright

The content within the application’s folders is copyrighted. Users acknowledge this in the End-User License Agreement (EULA) upon installation.

For further assistance or any suggestions, please feel free to contact our support team.
Happy birdwatching with Birdscape! 🐦