Bigger than PowerPoint

[Guest]

OK, I'm totally out of my league here. I have plotted along, learning
PowerPoint by the seat of my pants (with immeasurable help from those of you
who post here), but now it has come to an end. Here is my story...

I am a nurse. I write programs that teach people how to do helath related
stuff. I have been using PowerPoint to create the presentation, then I use
Camtasia to change it all into a DVD so that I can give it to the learners.
Unfortunately, my movies have gotten so big and complex that PowerPoint is
not always able to do everything that I want it to do. Often, when I have a
lot of action happening, even though I have a pretty good computer, it cannot
handle all of the complexities in PowerPoint at the same time it is running
Camtasia, and it all looks choppy and, well, homegrown. Is there a program
that will let me write directly in a format that does not need to be
converted to DVD compatable? Programs like Movie Maker expect that I have a
base video file or movie that I want to change. In this case, I need to
create the whole presentation, from the ground up.

I have very limited knowledge of available programs, and no formal training
in computers, but I've been able to figure out quite a bit. Does anyone know
where I should start?

Thanks for all your help through the years!
-Heather

 

[Echo S]

You might want to look into Flash.

Even a Flash converter might help. I like Articulate especially well, but
there are others, too -- just Google PowerPoint to Flash, and you'll turn up
a whole list of them. I'd definitely try them all to make sure they do what
you want and convert everything you need -- and to see which interface you
find easiest to use.

 

[Austin Myers]

Heather,

Yes there are apps to do what you want, but they are not cheap and most have
a very steep learning curve to produce professional results. Just aboute
any of the high end video editors will do what you want.


Austin Myers
MS PowerPoint MVP Team

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

 

[Ute Simon]

Often, when I have a

lot of action happening, even though I have a pretty good computer, it cannot
handle all of the complexities in PowerPoint at the same time it is running
Camtasia, and it all looks choppy and, well, homegrown.

I suppose, you alreada closed all other programs, especially Outlook and
image editing programs?

One thing you can try to make animations look less choppy is using slower
animations in PowerPoint and later speeding up the film in Camtasia.

Best regards,
Ute

 

[RompStar]

Switch to Apple for graphics presetations, if you want to get more Pro,
look into any numbers of tools available from Adobe or Apple.

PC are good up to a certain point, if you are thinking going Pro, then
switch to a Mac.

Even tho I like Office 2003, not the Beta 2007 (really mad about the
menus), Power Point has it's limitation, and for great DVD authoring
tools, look no further then a Mac, easy to learn, just make sure to get
a computer with the iLife Bundle or buy that..

You'll never look back, just like I didn't it, its really good
software, easy to learn, very easy, never crashes :- ) and no viruses,
I don't even have a Virus Scanner on my Mac.

So :- )

Excel and Access still are better then Apple FileMaker in my opinion,
but that will change into the future, now that OS X is Unix based,
nothing is impossible.

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Heather,

If you final output will always be DVD, then you need to look at a DVD
authoring package.

Good Luck

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

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

 

[Guest]

That's exactly what I am looking for. Any recommendations on a good one?
Google is never a reliable judge of quality
-Heather

 

[Echo S]

A DVD authoring program will assume you have a base video or images to start
with also. Basically, I think of DVD authoring packages as where I pull it
all together, but not where I actually create the "action," if you will.

I use Adobe Encore DVD.

 

[Guest]

That's the same problem I keep running into! There has to be more
appropriate software for what I am trying to produce, but not being in the
field, I don't even know where to start looking for it. I don't mind the
price of software if it will allow me to do what I want. Can you direct me
to the appropriate people to ask? I've used almost all the resources I can
think of, and my issue keeps spiraling back to needing the base program to
make the movies in, in the first place.

A DVD authoring program will assume you have a base video or images to start
with also. Basically, I think of DVD authoring packages as where I pull it
all together, but not where I actually create the "action," if you will.

I use Adobe Encore DVD.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

That's exactly what I am looking for. Any recommendations on a good one?
Google is never a reliable judge of quality
-Heather

 

[Samantha]

Dear Heather!

Have a nice day!
Have you find the correct direction in your issue?If no,hope my hints
can help you in the right way.
First you can check two examples which done by me:
---------------------------------------------
http://www6.sameshow.com/images/sample/sample06/shell.swf
http://www6.sameshow.com/images/sample/sample07/shell.swf
---------------------------------------------
They are all created by powerpoint,but now they are flash format after
conversion.yes,I want to recommend you two choose to handle your
powerpoint presentation.
1) You can show your presentation as my example with some powerpoint to
flash conversion program from:
(For Individuals user,Price $59.95)
http://www.sameshow.com/powerpoint-to-flash.php?sid=6
(For Enterprise, Corp, Small Business, Educators and Trainers etc.Price
$199.95)
http://www.sameshow.com/download/powerpoint-to-flash-download.php?sid=6
2) Also,you can convert you presentation to DVD use some relate tool:
(Price $99.95)http://www.ppt-to-dvd.com/

These tools are all easy to use.Converter Flash allow you to Record
Narration,Import Audio,Edit Audio,Insert Flash,Add Attachments,Select
Templates to your flash and support plenty animation.More important,the
Converter Flash is just 1/10 size of the original presentation,make it
easily to distribute.and you can put it on webs or intranets to share
with other peoples.Don't worry about any distortion,it provides more
effects to highlight your presentation.in addition,secure and firewall
friendliness.

Ok,may be my introduce is not particular,if you have other problem
please visit my googlepages:
http://cooline18.googlepages.com/powerpoint-to-flash

I really hope it helps.
Best wishes!
cooline

 

[Echo S]

That's why I suggested Flash. Or maybe Director. But building a presentation
in either of those is not a trivial task. As someone else mentioned, the
learning curve is very steep. That's why people like PPT -- it has a shallow
learning curve -- but it sounds as if you've hit the wall with its
capabilities. That means you may need to move another level of authoring
software.

If you want to create a DVD, though, the basis for those is generally video.
Or images. You can create images of your PPT files, but you'll lose out on
any animations.

Macromedia Breeze and Articulate both have quiz makers and such options
available if that's the kind of thing you're after. (They both convert to
Flash and offer a lot of options.)

What about creating an autorun CD (or DVD) that works in a computer. The PPT
file runs from the CD using the PPT Viewer.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

That's the same problem I keep running into! There has to be more
appropriate software for what I am trying to produce, but not being in the
field, I don't even know where to start looking for it. I don't mind the
price of software if it will allow me to do what I want. Can you direct
me
to the appropriate people to ask? I've used almost all the resources I
can
think of, and my issue keeps spiraling back to needing the base program to
make the movies in, in the first place.

A DVD authoring program will assume you have a base video or images to
start
with also. Basically, I think of DVD authoring packages as where I pull
it
all together, but not where I actually create the "action," if you will.

I use Adobe Encore DVD.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

That's exactly what I am looking for. Any recommendations on a good
one?
Google is never a reliable judge of quality
-Heather

:

Heather,

If you final output will always be DVD, then you need to look at a DVD
authoring package.

Good Luck

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

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


OK, I'm totally out of my league here. I have plotted along,
learning
PowerPoint by the seat of my pants (with immeasurable help from
those
of
you
who post here), but now it has come to an end. Here is my story...

I am a nurse. I write programs that teach people how to do helath
related
stuff. I have been using PowerPoint to create the presentation,
then I
use
Camtasia to change it all into a DVD so that I can give it to the
learners.
Unfortunately, my movies have gotten so big and complex that
PowerPoint
is
not always able to do everything that I want it to do. Often, when
I
have
a
lot of action happening, even though I have a pretty good computer,
it
cannot
handle all of the complexities in PowerPoint at the same time it is
running
Camtasia, and it all looks choppy and, well, homegrown. Is there a
program
that will let me write directly in a format that does not need to be
converted to DVD compatable? Programs like Movie Maker expect that
I
have
a
base video file or movie that I want to change. In this case, I
need
to
create the whole presentation, from the ground up.

I have very limited knowledge of available programs, and no formal
training
in computers, but I've been able to figure out quite a bit. Does
anyone
know
where I should start?

Thanks for all your help through the years!
-Heather

 

[Guest]

I have briefly checked out Breeze, Flash and Articulate. Thank you so much
for your direction. I am sure that PowerPoint will continue to serve other
needs I have, so you're not rid of me yet!

My audience does not always have a computer, or if they do, it likely is
very old, and does not have the extras- like sound or a decent speed. They
all have DVD players. I'm also concerned about copyright stuff. This
business is very competetive, and I don't want anyone to go into the
powerpoint and take out my company's logo, so converting it into .avi makes
it one step harder for them. It just brings it up one level- like you said,
almost anyone who can move a mouse can change powerpoint. So I'm stuck
looking at DVD only, but I do take advantage of the autorun feature on other
products. I'm in a weird situation where I am a one man tech studio, running
from my own house. Thanks for being my expert advisors!

That's why I suggested Flash. Or maybe Director. But building a presentation
in either of those is not a trivial task. As someone else mentioned, the
learning curve is very steep. That's why people like PPT -- it has a shallow
learning curve -- but it sounds as if you've hit the wall with its
capabilities. That means you may need to move another level of authoring
software.

If you want to create a DVD, though, the basis for those is generally video.
Or images. You can create images of your PPT files, but you'll lose out on
any animations.

Macromedia Breeze and Articulate both have quiz makers and such options
available if that's the kind of thing you're after. (They both convert to
Flash and offer a lot of options.)

What about creating an autorun CD (or DVD) that works in a computer. The PPT
file runs from the CD using the PPT Viewer.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

That's the same problem I keep running into! There has to be more
appropriate software for what I am trying to produce, but not being in the
field, I don't even know where to start looking for it. I don't mind the
price of software if it will allow me to do what I want. Can you direct
me
to the appropriate people to ask? I've used almost all the resources I
can
think of, and my issue keeps spiraling back to needing the base program to
make the movies in, in the first place.

A DVD authoring program will assume you have a base video or images to
start
with also. Basically, I think of DVD authoring packages as where I pull
it
all together, but not where I actually create the "action," if you will.

I use Adobe Encore DVD.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com


That's exactly what I am looking for. Any recommendations on a good
one?
Google is never a reliable judge of quality
-Heather

:

Heather,

If you final output will always be DVD, then you need to look at a DVD
authoring package.

Good Luck

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

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


OK, I'm totally out of my league here. I have plotted along,
learning
PowerPoint by the seat of my pants (with immeasurable help from
those
of
you
who post here), but now it has come to an end. Here is my story...

I am a nurse. I write programs that teach people how to do helath
related
stuff. I have been using PowerPoint to create the presentation,
then I
use
Camtasia to change it all into a DVD so that I can give it to the
learners.
Unfortunately, my movies have gotten so big and complex that
PowerPoint
is
not always able to do everything that I want it to do. Often, when
I
have
a
lot of action happening, even though I have a pretty good computer,
it
cannot
handle all of the complexities in PowerPoint at the same time it is
running
Camtasia, and it all looks choppy and, well, homegrown. Is there a
program
that will let me write directly in a format that does not need to be
converted to DVD compatable? Programs like Movie Maker expect that
I
have
a
base video file or movie that I want to change. In this case, I
need
to
create the whole presentation, from the ground up.

I have very limited knowledge of available programs, and no formal
training
in computers, but I've been able to figure out quite a bit. Does
anyone
know
where I should start?

Thanks for all your help through the years!
-Heather

 

[Echo S]

I know what you mean about working on your own. In fact, that's how I ended
up here years ago!

One thing you might want to make sure you understand completely is the
difference between DVD-Video and DVD-Data.

A DVD-Data runs on a computer, consists of "data" files, and is essentially
the same as burning a bunch of files to CD (only there's more room). For
example, you could use Package for CD and then burn those files to the DVD
instead of the CD. The PPT file would run from the PPT Viewer, all on the
DVD. This type of DVD won't run in the DVD player attached to your TV, but
it sounds as if it would work fine for your audience. If protection is an
issue, you will need to look into protecting the files you put on the DVD.
(Not always the easiest with PPT, but doable.)

A DVD-Video plays on the DVD player attached to your TV, and it also plays
on the DVD player on a computer. However you go about making it, ultimately,
it's a video. On a computer, it will play in Windows Media Player or similar
programs. With DVD authoring software, you can create a menu and chapters,
but most of the "animation" you include will be in the content you input
when you create the DVD. For example, you might create a small Flash
animation (SWF file) and then input that into the DVD timeline so it plays
on the DVD-Video. (Note: I don't know of any DVD authoring tools that input
PowerPoint as anything but images, and I don't think all of them will import
SWFs.)

Oh! Have you read the various tutorials here:
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00156.htm Ther's lots of good info.