Codecs & Package for CD

[Scott McKnight]

I have a ppt presentation that contains a couple wmv files which I
created in Windows Movie Maker. I'd like to put this presentation on
a CD and send it around to other computers. It looks like I should be
able to do this using Package for CD, except for the possibility that
users won't have codecs to play the wmv files. My experience shows
that wmv files are more likely to be unplayable without codec
downloads than, say, mpg files. Would the folks here agree that it's
likely potential viewers will not be able to play my wmv files? Is
there a way that codecs can be packaged with the CD to aid in
installation if necessary? I'm guessing not, or I would have seen
mention of this in my research so far.

Thanks in advance.
-Scott

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Scott

A true MPEG1 is the most reliable video format IMHO when you do not know what machines your presentation will be played
back on.

After that, the next choice is an AVI with a really common codec (not the best quality or playback....but most
compatible)


See
The Myers Multimedia FAQ by Austin Myers (PowerPoint MVP)
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00099.htm

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

awesome - powerpoint backgrounds,
free powerpoint templates, tutorials, hints and tips etc
http://www.powerpointbackgrounds.com

 

[Echo S]

Supposedly, WMV is quite compatible, but I'm with you -- I've had fewer
issues using MPEG1 (with a standard codec) in PPT.

I would probably go the MPEG route. I'd also try to provide a "video-less"
alternative if at all possible, just in case the audience can't get the
video to work.

I'm actually doing a session on just this very thing at PPTLive in October.
I've been wondering if my presentation will be a total bust because it will
be more about what you can't or shouldn't do than what you really can do
when distributing a presentation. So thanks for asking this question!

 

[Scott McKnight]

Scott

A true MPEG1 is the most reliable video format IMHO when you do not know what machines your presentation will be played
back on.

After that, the next choice is an AVI with a really common codec (not the best quality or playback....but most
compatible)

Unfortunately I can't see where MS Movie Maker gives you any choice
but wmv files. Is there something I'm missing, or is there an easy
way to convert without losing too much fidelity? For what it's worth
the video files were originally MPG with audio added using Movie
Maker.

See
The Myers Multimedia FAQ by Austin Myers (PowerPoint MVP)
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00099.htm

I found that site earlier and it was very helpful.

Thanks for the response,
-Scott

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Unfortunately I can't see where MS Movie Maker gives you any choice

but wmv files.

For what it's worth the video files were originally MPG with audio added using Movie Maker.

Perhaps try using another piece of software to add the audio? Have a search on google.com or download.com ?

Cheers
TAJ

 

[Scott McKnight]

I guess with WMV being a microsoft thing and MPEG not being a microsoft thing....that's probably why <g>

Gee, ya think?

Perhaps try using another piece of software to add the audio? Have a search on google.com or download.com ?

I started out doing that, but the MS product was free, which kind of
tilted the balance in that direction.

Thanks for the response.

-Scott

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Scott,

Don't quote me on this one.....but I'm pretty sure that 'audacity' can add music/wav/voice/sound etc to an existing
movie/video file (certainly avi....not sure about mpegs)

Audacity is free

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

awesome - powerpoint graphics,
free powerpoint pictures, tutorials, hints and tips etc
http://www.powerpoint-graphics.com

 

[TAJ Simmons]

I've just had a check on the audacity site.....I don't see anything about editing movie files either.

Either I imagined it...or I have mixed it up with another piece of software.

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Have a look at Audacity anyhow, if you haven't already.
I have used it. It's very good at handling extremely large audio files.

It's easy to use....and get to grips with...and it's free.

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

awesome - powerpoint graphics,
free powerpoint pictures, tutorials, hints and tips etc
http://www.powerpoint-graphics.com