The real powerpoint problem

Question

The reason for this question about powerpoint is that the image quality of the powerpoint became unacceptable once the powerpoint slides were re-created as TIFF files and imported into Final Cut, added to an existing video, then exported as an MPEG-2 file for creation as a looping video.
This led me to investigate DVD@access as a way to simply tell the DVD to play the video, then play the powerpoint, then start over. I figured that if the powerpoint played natively, the image quality problems would be solved, but maybe this is not possible.
Any ideas?
Steve

Answer 1

hi Steve, I realise this is a DVDSP3 thread but here's another approach I used some time back for some work slides. I did try and take the playable DVD approach with powerpoint so I will mention this first then let you know about another approach that I think is superior.
1) Powerpoint: as you say, the TIFF images from PPT are not up to your needs. Whether it is resolution or just obvious artifacts on the images when played out for a video_ts from after authoring from DVDSP3 for example. so.. try this:
• make your PPT up with builds and transitions as you wish. Set the slide viewing time to 5 seconds.
• export as a QUICKTIME movie using the ANIMATION CODEC. (not other ones you may have). This is important because you will have something approaching uncompressed that you can work with. (Optionally add CHAPTER MARKERS with FCP or QTPLAYER etc)
• Tweak your authoring title as you do in DVD SP3... then ENCODE this with DVDSP3 as you source. When this is finished erase/delete/purge the previous QT file.
• you may then add CHAPTER marks in DVDSP3 or BEFORE HAND in FCP or QTIME PRO for you slideshow navigation from most players.
• drawback is that other navigations functions such as DVD@access etc may not work. I have not used this.
• simply this works ok.. PLay out as a DVD5 title or from the host machine as a VIDEO_TS .. you get the idea. VLC etc etc
• this is also very cool for having the 'presentation' to your video ipod. Use composite cable to projector/beamer. Limited to 640x480 but has save me a few times when pc laptop fails.
OPTION#2: forget the DVD approach and use H.264/AVC instead as:
• prpare you .ppt as above.
• export as a QT movie using APPLE ANIMATION CODEC as above. This is a temporary file you will purge later.
• tweak the QT movie with the usual tools form FCS etc.... and add stuff you need for the fonal thing such as audio etc etc and voice over if you want that.
• then export as an H.264/AVC at the resolution you need for your show.. 1024x768 or less at around 1.5Mbs multipass is about right. Most windows low end laptops can play this with VLC or QT. Must use 'space bar" or pause to work through presentation with audience.
• advantages are tha you get visually the same look for far less storage space required and NO DVD .
• DVD chapter navigation is not possible of course , however this can be simply managed by invisible ACTION SPRITES to your H.264 MOVIE using tools from ADOBE. THe downside of this approach is that is can be tricky to do, but worth it.
That is essentially is.
Having said all that, my preferred method is to use APPLE KEYNOTE (iWORK '08) as a previous poster on your thread has stated. It is easy to use and performs what I have described above is an easy way using a similay technique under the covers.
 Keynote also permits presentations of varying resolutions up to HD or customisable resolutions. Does PPT do this?? I dunno.
Keynote also has many other goodies in it , especially voice over nd synchronisation of play out based on triggers I recall. HOwever it is not transportable to people that dont have KEYNOTE... (same as .ppt ).
anyway, this works or me. I am a greta fan of H.264.AVC.
hth
w