I re-installed via ftp. I also had a buddy who has hosted several Wordpress sites to load it as well - I still keep coming back to the same problem.

Could it be that the file that I downloaded is missing the chunks of code that you noticed?

Try installing via FTP. Here's a video if you need more info: http://wiki.envato.com/buying/support-buying/solving-broken-theme-issues/

No. The downloaded file came without the zip file to import, so I zipped the wpzoom folder and imported. Should I try to completely delete the theme and re-import? I had to do the import twice - the 1st import had something go funny and the options didn't load right, so I re-imported. Maybe something happened there.

Have you made edits to the theme files? Looking at the source code, I see some chunks missing.

I deactivated all of the Plugin (except for the Option Tree plugin) and there is no change - just a black background.

Have you tried deactivating any additional plugins you have installed to see if they are causing the problem? Let me know if that helps.

I am new to using Wordpress and loved the Zoom theme. But I am stuck on one thing so far - I have been able to add Posts, attached that post to a Page using the Categories and can see the thumbnails down on the bottom of the pages that make up the slide shows. But I cannot get the picture to show up in the main background area.

I have watched the YouTube instructions repeatedly and I feel like I have followed the instructions to the "T" but I am obviously missing something and need help!

If it helps, you can visit my website (www.bloomshoppe.com) and you can see what I am talking about.