screen blanks out when playing movie

[Kaensta]

during slide shows on a projector, when the movie is clicked, the projected
screen goes black and then a few seconds later the movie plays full screen
(but the first part of the movie has been missed). How do I get the movie to
play normal size inside the actual slide presentation? I am using Powerpoint
2003. these movies play fine in Windows media and have played on other
computers and projectors without issue.

 

[Lucy Thomson (aka aneasiertomorrow)]

Hi Kaensta

Firstly I'll warn you I'm not an expert on this

Have a read of this:
http://www.playsforcertain.com/tutorial.htm#Multimedia_in_Microsoft_PowerPoint

It sounds to me like the movie is playing in Media Player, not the MCI
Player which I *think* is a codec issue (particularly as it plays on other
computers just fine). The above article points you in the right direction for
downloading codecs.

I hope that helps (and I'm not completely wide of the mark) - the video
experts will be along later to correct me if I'm wrong

Let us know how you get on.

Lucy

 

[spudmachine]

Three things to try...

1. Convert the movie to Windows Media 9 (WMV) format. That's the native
Windows format and will allow the movie to play in the MCI Player as Lucy
mentioned.

2. Have the PPT file and the movie file in the same folder. You can move
the files to another folder afterwards, but keep them together, and always
make sure the path length to that folder is less than 128 characters. If in
doubt, run a test from C:\test.

3. Insert the movie file using Insert/Movies and Sounds/Movie from file (as
opposed to any of the other ways). Choose the play options you need.

This should work, but even then it's possible for some PCs to have their
video setting so screwed up that the video won't play. The fact that you
say the movies play on the PC in media player is a good sign. Always best
to try it on the target PC before you present!

Good luck!

Geoff

 

[John Wilson]

Hi

It sounds like your video card is set to play video overlay full screen.
Where this setting is to be found varies with different cards. On my Ati card
Video > Overlay >change Theatre mode > standard is where it's at but it's
likely to be different for you

See also http://pptfaq.com/FAQ00646.htm

If you know what card you have post it and someone may be able to direct you
to the setting.
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials

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