PPT to video, VCD and DVD applications recommendations

[Mitch Gallant]

I'd like comments from users who have bought PPT to VCD/DVD converter
applications. More specifically, I can't afford the CamTasia Studio which
seems to be one of the most highly recommended and documented converter
applications.

I am looking for something in the area of US$100 (absoute max is $130.).
Please no responses from people promoting their own products.

I don't want/need streaming output. Just very good quality (and good
encoding speed) PPT to avi, mpeg1/2 e3tc.. conversion. I already have very
good DVD video burning softare.

Thanks,
- Mitch Gallant

 

[Echo S]

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.

Utilities like PPT2DVD or PowerPoint DVD Maker might work well for your
particular presentation(s) -- or they might not. Usually these types of
programs have trial downloads; I highly recommend using the trials to see
how your specific PPT files convert.

You might also want to do a Google search for Screen Recorder or Screen
Recording Utility or things like that. Some I'm aware of that cost less than
Camtasia include Mr. Captor, My Screen Recorder, QuickScreen Recorder, and
HyperCam. I have not used these for anything extensive, so again, if at all
possible, try before you buy.

If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows Movie
Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for Windows XP. In
fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie Maker installed.

Sorry I can't really answer your exact question, but I thought I'd toss this
information into the ring anyway.

 

[Mitch Gallant]

Thanks Echo.
Yes I have XP Pro sp2 and in fact I just yesterday noticed Movie Maker on my
start menu! Haven't tried it yet.
Here is my situation:
I am assisting in some potentially large historical electronic
presentations, which are being developed by various contributors in ppt and
that are being targetted to museums, schools and perhaps as CD/DVD rom
add-ins to textbooks. I want to do a lot of upfront fleshing out before
committing to an approach for CD/DVD. I don't have extensive experience with
PPT (am using Office 2003 Pro PPT), but am on the steep learning curve in
helping with modification of presentations, adding mp3 recordings to a lot
of slides (I do all the analog recording .. and MP3 digitization myself . I
have lots of experience in that audio digitization area).
I am trying to get the team to think ahead about what audience they wish to
push this content to (hence the DVD conversion questions).

I think the ppt animation and transition fluff could be sacrificed in the
conversion for CD/DVD but the audio clips are critical, and also the high
quality images are essential. I am thinking about the storyboarding
approach, but considering the potential size of the project I might prefer a
more automated video converter approach. Keeping costs low is very important
as this is a volunteer project.

From the MS docs, Windows Movie Maker is really intended for capturing video
from capture cards, not screen video capture (similar to Photo Story). I'll
have a look to see if these free MS apps can manage the audio stuff synched
with slides.

I've seen that pptfaq and am still reading parts of it. Trying to get
experienced user input at the start to narrow down the best approach.

- Mitch

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.

Utilities like PPT2DVD or PowerPoint DVD Maker might work well for your
particular presentation(s) -- or they might not. Usually these types of
programs have trial downloads; I highly recommend using the trials to see
how your specific PPT files convert.

You might also want to do a Google search for Screen Recorder or Screen
Recording Utility or things like that. Some I'm aware of that cost less
than Camtasia include Mr. Captor, My Screen Recorder, QuickScreen
Recorder, and HyperCam. I have not used these for anything extensive, so
again, if at all possible, try before you buy.

If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows Movie
Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for Windows XP.
In fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie Maker
installed.

Sorry I can't really answer your exact question, but I thought I'd toss
this information into the ring anyway.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

I'd like comments from users who have bought PPT to VCD/DVD converter
applications. More specifically, I can't afford the CamTasia Studio which
seems to be one of the most highly recommended and documented converter
applications.

I am looking for something in the area of US$100 (absoute max is $130.).
Please no responses from people promoting their own products.

I don't want/need streaming output. Just very good quality (and good
encoding speed) PPT to avi, mpeg1/2 e3tc.. conversion. I already have
very good DVD video burning softare.

Thanks,
- Mitch Gallant

 

[Echo S]

It's very very wise of you to think ahead, as converting PPT to video can be
difficult at best.

I would suggest that you don't really need "high res" images. See
http://www.awesomebackgrounds.com/powerpointgraphics.htm for info. Also, the
default size for DVD is 720x480 pixels, so I think you really would be wise
to stick with 1024 pixels wide at the largest for your images. Just my
opinion. (This may help with the Viewer-based PPT files as well.)

As for capturing with Movie Maker, well, I was thinking more along the lines
of saving the PPT file as images and then importing the images into Movie
Maker and adding the sound there.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

Thanks Echo.
Yes I have XP Pro sp2 and in fact I just yesterday noticed Movie Maker on
my start menu! Haven't tried it yet.
Here is my situation:
I am assisting in some potentially large historical electronic
presentations, which are being developed by various contributors in ppt
and that are being targetted to museums, schools and perhaps as CD/DVD rom
add-ins to textbooks. I want to do a lot of upfront fleshing out before
committing to an approach for CD/DVD. I don't have extensive experience
with PPT (am using Office 2003 Pro PPT), but am on the steep learning
curve in helping with modification of presentations, adding mp3 recordings
to a lot of slides (I do all the analog recording .. and MP3 digitization
myself . I have lots of experience in that audio digitization area).
I am trying to get the team to think ahead about what audience they wish
to push this content to (hence the DVD conversion questions).

I think the ppt animation and transition fluff could be sacrificed in the
conversion for CD/DVD but the audio clips are critical, and also the high
quality images are essential. I am thinking about the storyboarding
approach, but considering the potential size of the project I might prefer
a more automated video converter approach. Keeping costs low is very
important as this is a volunteer project.

From the MS docs, Windows Movie Maker is really intended for capturing
video from capture cards, not screen video capture (similar to Photo
Story). I'll have a look to see if these free MS apps can manage the audio
stuff synched with slides.

I've seen that pptfaq and am still reading parts of it. Trying to get
experienced user input at the start to narrow down the best approach.

- Mitch

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.

Utilities like PPT2DVD or PowerPoint DVD Maker might work well for your
particular presentation(s) -- or they might not. Usually these types of
programs have trial downloads; I highly recommend using the trials to see
how your specific PPT files convert.

You might also want to do a Google search for Screen Recorder or Screen
Recording Utility or things like that. Some I'm aware of that cost less
than Camtasia include Mr. Captor, My Screen Recorder, QuickScreen
Recorder, and HyperCam. I have not used these for anything extensive, so
again, if at all possible, try before you buy.

If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows Movie
Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for Windows XP.
In fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie Maker
installed.

Sorry I can't really answer your exact question, but I thought I'd toss
this information into the ring anyway.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

I'd like comments from users who have bought PPT to VCD/DVD converter
applications. More specifically, I can't afford the CamTasia Studio
which seems to be one of the most highly recommended and documented
converter applications.

I am looking for something in the area of US$100 (absoute max is
$130.).
Please no responses from people promoting their own products.

I don't want/need streaming output. Just very good quality (and good
encoding speed) PPT to avi, mpeg1/2 e3tc.. conversion. I already have
very good DVD video burning softare.

Thanks,
- Mitch Gallant

 

[Mitch Gallant]

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.
If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows Movie
Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for Windows XP.
In fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie Maker
installed.

Wow ... Movie Maker is very cool. Drag and drop MP3 audio files onto
timeline soundtrack works perfectly! Also easy to drag the still images
around to extend their timeslot and there are several transition effects
which might be sufficient. WMA output is good, because my (and most useful)
DVD authoring software supports WMA to VCD or DVD conversion on the fly.

- Mitch

 

[Mitch Gallant]

If I have a given PPT presentation which contains a lot of internal
animations in each slide, and want to just convert the final results of a
slide after the animations finish, is there an easy way to export all the
slides final images say as jpg?
(for storyboard input)
- Mitch

It's very very wise of you to think ahead, as converting PPT to video can
be difficult at best.

I would suggest that you don't really need "high res" images. See
http://www.awesomebackgrounds.com/powerpointgraphics.htm for info. Also,
the default size for DVD is 720x480 pixels, so I think you really would be
wise to stick with 1024 pixels wide at the largest for your images. Just
my opinion. (This may help with the Viewer-based PPT files as well.)

As for capturing with Movie Maker, well, I was thinking more along the
lines of saving the PPT file as images and then importing the images into
Movie Maker and adding the sound there.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

Thanks Echo.
Yes I have XP Pro sp2 and in fact I just yesterday noticed Movie Maker on
my start menu! Haven't tried it yet.
Here is my situation:
I am assisting in some potentially large historical electronic
presentations, which are being developed by various contributors in ppt
and that are being targetted to museums, schools and perhaps as CD/DVD
rom add-ins to textbooks. I want to do a lot of upfront fleshing out
before committing to an approach for CD/DVD. I don't have extensive
experience with PPT (am using Office 2003 Pro PPT), but am on the steep
learning curve in helping with modification of presentations, adding mp3
recordings to a lot of slides (I do all the analog recording .. and MP3
digitization myself . I have lots of experience in that audio
digitization area).
I am trying to get the team to think ahead about what audience they wish
to push this content to (hence the DVD conversion questions).

I think the ppt animation and transition fluff could be sacrificed in the
conversion for CD/DVD but the audio clips are critical, and also the high
quality images are essential. I am thinking about the storyboarding
approach, but considering the potential size of the project I might
prefer a more automated video converter approach. Keeping costs low is
very important as this is a volunteer project.

From the MS docs, Windows Movie Maker is really intended for capturing
video from capture cards, not screen video capture (similar to Photo
Story). I'll have a look to see if these free MS apps can manage the
audio stuff synched with slides.

I've seen that pptfaq and am still reading parts of it. Trying to get
experienced user input at the start to narrow down the best approach.

- Mitch

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.

Utilities like PPT2DVD or PowerPoint DVD Maker might work well for your
particular presentation(s) -- or they might not. Usually these types of
programs have trial downloads; I highly recommend using the trials to
see how your specific PPT files convert.

You might also want to do a Google search for Screen Recorder or Screen
Recording Utility or things like that. Some I'm aware of that cost less
than Camtasia include Mr. Captor, My Screen Recorder, QuickScreen
Recorder, and HyperCam. I have not used these for anything extensive, so
again, if at all possible, try before you buy.

If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows Movie
Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for Windows
XP. In fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie Maker
installed.

Sorry I can't really answer your exact question, but I thought I'd toss
this information into the ring anyway.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com


I'd like comments from users who have bought PPT to VCD/DVD converter
applications. More specifically, I can't afford the CamTasia Studio
which seems to be one of the most highly recommended and documented
converter applications.

I am looking for something in the area of US$100 (absoute max is
$130.).
Please no responses from people promoting their own products.

I don't want/need streaming output. Just very good quality (and good
encoding speed) PPT to avi, mpeg1/2 e3tc.. conversion. I already have
very good DVD video burning softare.

Thanks,
- Mitch Gallant

 

[Mitch Gallant]

What's with Photo Story and transitions settings? When I add a few images,
and unselect so there should be NO motion or NO transitions, the preview
(and saved wmv) still show the zooming transitions!
- Mitch

It's very very wise of you to think ahead, as converting PPT to video can
be difficult at best.

I would suggest that you don't really need "high res" images. See
http://www.awesomebackgrounds.com/powerpointgraphics.htm for info. Also,
the default size for DVD is 720x480 pixels, so I think you really would be
wise to stick with 1024 pixels wide at the largest for your images. Just
my opinion. (This may help with the Viewer-based PPT files as well.)

As for capturing with Movie Maker, well, I was thinking more along the
lines of saving the PPT file as images and then importing the images into
Movie Maker and adding the sound there.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

Thanks Echo.
Yes I have XP Pro sp2 and in fact I just yesterday noticed Movie Maker on
my start menu! Haven't tried it yet.
Here is my situation:
I am assisting in some potentially large historical electronic
presentations, which are being developed by various contributors in ppt
and that are being targetted to museums, schools and perhaps as CD/DVD
rom add-ins to textbooks. I want to do a lot of upfront fleshing out
before committing to an approach for CD/DVD. I don't have extensive
experience with PPT (am using Office 2003 Pro PPT), but am on the steep
learning curve in helping with modification of presentations, adding mp3
recordings to a lot of slides (I do all the analog recording .. and MP3
digitization myself . I have lots of experience in that audio
digitization area).
I am trying to get the team to think ahead about what audience they wish
to push this content to (hence the DVD conversion questions).

I think the ppt animation and transition fluff could be sacrificed in the
conversion for CD/DVD but the audio clips are critical, and also the high
quality images are essential. I am thinking about the storyboarding
approach, but considering the potential size of the project I might
prefer a more automated video converter approach. Keeping costs low is
very important as this is a volunteer project.

From the MS docs, Windows Movie Maker is really intended for capturing
video from capture cards, not screen video capture (similar to Photo
Story). I'll have a look to see if these free MS apps can manage the
audio stuff synched with slides.

I've seen that pptfaq and am still reading parts of it. Trying to get
experienced user input at the start to narrow down the best approach.

- Mitch

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.

Utilities like PPT2DVD or PowerPoint DVD Maker might work well for your
particular presentation(s) -- or they might not. Usually these types of
programs have trial downloads; I highly recommend using the trials to
see how your specific PPT files convert.

You might also want to do a Google search for Screen Recorder or Screen
Recording Utility or things like that. Some I'm aware of that cost less
than Camtasia include Mr. Captor, My Screen Recorder, QuickScreen
Recorder, and HyperCam. I have not used these for anything extensive, so
again, if at all possible, try before you buy.

If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows Movie
Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for Windows
XP. In fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie Maker
installed.

Sorry I can't really answer your exact question, but I thought I'd toss
this information into the ring anyway.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com


I'd like comments from users who have bought PPT to VCD/DVD converter
applications. More specifically, I can't afford the CamTasia Studio
which seems to be one of the most highly recommended and documented
converter applications.

I am looking for something in the area of US$100 (absoute max is
$130.).
Please no responses from people promoting their own products.

I don't want/need streaming output. Just very good quality (and good
encoding speed) PPT to avi, mpeg1/2 e3tc.. conversion. I already have
very good DVD video burning softare.

Thanks,
- Mitch Gallant

 

[Echo S]

Sure, just use File|Save As and choose an image type from the "save as type"
drop down in the Save As dialog box.

 

[Echo S]

What's with Photo Story and transitions settings? When I add a few images,
and unselect so there should be NO motion or NO transitions, the preview
(and saved wmv) still show the zooming transitions!

Sorry, not a clue -- I don't know much about Photo Story. Hopefully someone
else reading this thread will know about it.

 

[Austin Myers]

Mitch,

With Photo Story you need to set each picture. (A real PITA).

If you want to contact me off line I may be able to lend a hand in what your
trying to do.


Austin Myers
MS PowerPoint MVP Team

Provider of PFCMedia http://www.pfcmedia.com

What's with Photo Story and transitions settings? When I add a few images,
and unselect so there should be NO motion or NO transitions, the preview
(and saved wmv) still show the zooming transitions!
- Mitch

It's very very wise of you to think ahead, as converting PPT to video can
be difficult at best.

I would suggest that you don't really need "high res" images. See
http://www.awesomebackgrounds.com/powerpointgraphics.htm for info. Also,
the default size for DVD is 720x480 pixels, so I think you really would
be wise to stick with 1024 pixels wide at the largest for your images.
Just my opinion. (This may help with the Viewer-based PPT files as well.)

As for capturing with Movie Maker, well, I was thinking more along the
lines of saving the PPT file as images and then importing the images into
Movie Maker and adding the sound there.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

Thanks Echo.
Yes I have XP Pro sp2 and in fact I just yesterday noticed Movie Maker
on my start menu! Haven't tried it yet.
Here is my situation:
I am assisting in some potentially large historical electronic
presentations, which are being developed by various contributors in ppt
and that are being targetted to museums, schools and perhaps as CD/DVD
rom add-ins to textbooks. I want to do a lot of upfront fleshing out
before committing to an approach for CD/DVD. I don't have extensive
experience with PPT (am using Office 2003 Pro PPT), but am on the steep
learning curve in helping with modification of presentations, adding mp3
recordings to a lot of slides (I do all the analog recording .. and MP3
digitization myself . I have lots of experience in that audio
digitization area).
I am trying to get the team to think ahead about what audience they wish
to push this content to (hence the DVD conversion questions).

I think the ppt animation and transition fluff could be sacrificed in
the conversion for CD/DVD but the audio clips are critical, and also the
high quality images are essential. I am thinking about the storyboarding
approach, but considering the potential size of the project I might
prefer a more automated video converter approach. Keeping costs low is
very important as this is a volunteer project.

From the MS docs, Windows Movie Maker is really intended for capturing
video from capture cards, not screen video capture (similar to Photo
Story). I'll have a look to see if these free MS apps can manage the
audio stuff synched with slides.

I've seen that pptfaq and am still reading parts of it. Trying to get
experienced user input at the start to narrow down the best approach.

- Mitch

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.

Utilities like PPT2DVD or PowerPoint DVD Maker might work well for your
particular presentation(s) -- or they might not. Usually these types of
programs have trial downloads; I highly recommend using the trials to
see how your specific PPT files convert.

You might also want to do a Google search for Screen Recorder or Screen
Recording Utility or things like that. Some I'm aware of that cost less
than Camtasia include Mr. Captor, My Screen Recorder, QuickScreen
Recorder, and HyperCam. I have not used these for anything extensive,
so again, if at all possible, try before you buy.

If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows Movie
Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for Windows
XP. In fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie Maker
installed.

Sorry I can't really answer your exact question, but I thought I'd toss
this information into the ring anyway.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com


I'd like comments from users who have bought PPT to VCD/DVD converter
applications. More specifically, I can't afford the CamTasia Studio
which seems to be one of the most highly recommended and documented
converter applications.

I am looking for something in the area of US$100 (absoute max is
$130.).
Please no responses from people promoting their own products.

I don't want/need streaming output. Just very good quality (and good
encoding speed) PPT to avi, mpeg1/2 e3tc.. conversion. I already have
very good DVD video burning softare.

Thanks,
- Mitch Gallant

 

[Mitch Gallant]

Yup .. .that's what I found. The relevant setting that needs to be set is:
Motion and Duration
Specify start and end position of motion .. and Set end position to be
the same as start position
Both these MUST be checked .. or there will usually be an annoying zooming
effect.

Also, the other annoyance is that if you select a Transition, in my case I
selected the Cross Fade, and if you have an audio clip associated with the
slide .. the audio clip very annoying fades out well before any visual fade
occurs.

- Mitch

Mitch,

With Photo Story you need to set each picture. (A real PITA).

If you want to contact me off line I may be able to lend a hand in what
your trying to do.


Austin Myers
MS PowerPoint MVP Team

Provider of PFCMedia http://www.pfcmedia.com

What's with Photo Story and transitions settings? When I add a few
images, and unselect so there should be NO motion or NO transitions, the
preview (and saved wmv) still show the zooming transitions!
- Mitch

It's very very wise of you to think ahead, as converting PPT to video
can be difficult at best.

I would suggest that you don't really need "high res" images. See
http://www.awesomebackgrounds.com/powerpointgraphics.htm for info. Also,
the default size for DVD is 720x480 pixels, so I think you really would
be wise to stick with 1024 pixels wide at the largest for your images.
Just my opinion. (This may help with the Viewer-based PPT files as
well.)

As for capturing with Movie Maker, well, I was thinking more along the
lines of saving the PPT file as images and then importing the images
into Movie Maker and adding the sound there.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com


Thanks Echo.
Yes I have XP Pro sp2 and in fact I just yesterday noticed Movie Maker
on my start menu! Haven't tried it yet.
Here is my situation:
I am assisting in some potentially large historical electronic
presentations, which are being developed by various contributors in ppt
and that are being targetted to museums, schools and perhaps as CD/DVD
rom add-ins to textbooks. I want to do a lot of upfront fleshing out
before committing to an approach for CD/DVD. I don't have extensive
experience with PPT (am using Office 2003 Pro PPT), but am on the steep
learning curve in helping with modification of presentations, adding
mp3 recordings to a lot of slides (I do all the analog recording .. and
MP3 digitization myself . I have lots of experience in that audio
digitization area).
I am trying to get the team to think ahead about what audience they
wish to push this content to (hence the DVD conversion questions).

I think the ppt animation and transition fluff could be sacrificed in
the conversion for CD/DVD but the audio clips are critical, and also
the high quality images are essential. I am thinking about the
storyboarding approach, but considering the potential size of the
project I might prefer a more automated video converter approach.
Keeping costs low is very important as this is a volunteer project.

From the MS docs, Windows Movie Maker is really intended for capturing
video from capture cards, not screen video capture (similar to Photo
Story). I'll have a look to see if these free MS apps can manage the
audio stuff synched with slides.

I've seen that pptfaq and am still reading parts of it. Trying to get
experienced user input at the start to narrow down the best approach.

- Mitch

Convert presentations to VHS or DVD video
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm might get you started.

Utilities like PPT2DVD or PowerPoint DVD Maker might work well for
your particular presentation(s) -- or they might not. Usually these
types of programs have trial downloads; I highly recommend using the
trials to see how your specific PPT files convert.

You might also want to do a Google search for Screen Recorder or
Screen Recording Utility or things like that. Some I'm aware of that
cost less than Camtasia include Mr. Captor, My Screen Recorder,
QuickScreen Recorder, and HyperCam. I have not used these for anything
extensive, so again, if at all possible, try before you buy.

If you don't have animations in the PPT file, you can use Windows
Movie Maker or Photo Story, both of which are free MS downloads for
Windows XP. In fact, if you have SP2 for WinXP, you already have Movie
Maker installed.

Sorry I can't really answer your exact question, but I thought I'd
toss this information into the ring anyway.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com


I'd like comments from users who have bought PPT to VCD/DVD converter
applications. More specifically, I can't afford the CamTasia Studio
which seems to be one of the most highly recommended and documented
converter applications.

I am looking for something in the area of US$100 (absoute max is
$130.).
Please no responses from people promoting their own products.

I don't want/need streaming output. Just very good quality (and good
encoding speed) PPT to avi, mpeg1/2 e3tc.. conversion. I already have
very good DVD video burning softare.

Thanks,
- Mitch Gallant