Just had a thought that maybe the browsers could sort this out. A browser could detect when a JPEG is shown smaller than full-size and choose to download only what is needed.
For example, if a JPEG is displayed 100% or larger then the full image is downloaded. If displayed at 20% then maybe only the first pass is downloaded. If then changed to 100% with Javascript or CSS or both, then a browser would download the rest of the image.
Matthew Hillman · January 15, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Hi Dave,
What about a solution using something like ajax or something like that, maybe php?
Admin comment by Dave Smith · January 17, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Yeah, that would work, but there would always be the need for the browser to download a thumbnail in addition to the full-size image. I was trying to think of a way around that, which is why progressive JPEGs came up.
Matthew Hillman · June 2, 2009 at 9:34 am
What would be the browser load time be like for that? I’m guessing it would be quick as it would only download part of the image (if I understand correctly?) then when you click the image it goes to 100%? Would this be just like a dynamically expanding image or in a pop up? (knowing me i’ve missed the point completely)
Admin comment by Dave Smith · June 2, 2009 at 10:26 am
Yep, it would be quicker and save bandwidth. Missed the point a little, the idea is that the browser handles how much of an image to download. I mentioned Javascript only to make sure that a browser would take dynamic/javascripted changes into account; if an image is made larger, then more of the image, if there is any, should be downloaded accordingly.