PowerPoint Vs. AfterEffects--Multi-Media Choices

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Guest

I am currently working on a multi-media genealogy project. I am determining
which software I should use for my program. I want it to be stimulating with
sound--not your usual historical, snooze, snooze sort of stuff. I have
worked with AfterEffects and Director, but PowerPoint is so much simpler and
uniform. I am wondering if this would be a good choice. I do understand I
will have compatability issues if users have Macs instead of PCs. I need my
presentation to be accessible internationally and prefer it be viewed on
televison screens using DVD, rather than CD. Which is the best third party
software to use to burn PowerPoint to DVD? Any suggestions or tips would be
greatly appreciated.
 
Your post hints at some of the many complex issues and choices in producing
multimedia. Since I have struggled through all this over the past several
years I will try and shed some light.

I don't use AfterEffects, but rather use Flash and 3D Studio Max. One of the
big issues between say Studio Max (I believe AfterEffects is the same) and
Flash / PowerPoint is that the latter are vector-based programs. With these
vector-based progarms you usually can't get the movie-style effects, but the
trade-off is that you don't have huge files that require rendering to produce
a final piece. Consequently the vector-based programs are easier to use and
MUCH easier to make changes.

The latest version of PowerPoint has come a long way in terms of animation
control and capabilities. That said, it is still far behind the capabilities
of other animation software.

My advice to you is if you don't use these high-end animation tools on a
daily basis, stick with PowerPoint. With excellent design, photography,
artwork and creativity, PowerPoint can provide very powerful presntations.
You can also embed movies and animations into PowerPoint to enhance the
experience (requires a little extra effort).

Regarding your comment on television and DVD, I assume you are talking about
non-computer viewing. I haven't had to go from PPT to DVD, so can't help you
there.

Hope some of this helps.

Dennis
 
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