Re: Cross platform PPT video

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

anonymous_at_discussions.microsoft.com
Date: 03/25/04 

Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2004 12:55:51 -0800

Thank you for your response & links, Steve - they kept me
busy for the last day or so!

Unfortunately, it appears it is simply impossible to insert
any video into a Mac Powerpoint file and then have it work
on a PC.
From:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;297467

"AVIs and MOVs, although playable on the Macintosh, must be
re-linked on the Windows platform by deleting and
reinserting the video file. This is because the Mac OS and
Windows handle video files differently."

Steve's suggestion to use something other than Powerpoint
is a reasonable one, but is a non-starter in my case as I'm
sending clients to conferences and meetings where this
format is a necessity. No choice in the matter.

I've also done a fair bit of testing and here is my update,
consistent with the above quote:
Using video saved in a variety of formats, here are the
formats that functioned for me when inserted into Powerpoint.
PC (Win98, 2k, XP):
- Cinepak (.avi)
- Indeo 5.1 (.avi)
- Intel Indeo R32 (.avi)

Mac (9.2.2, X):
The three formats above, plus
- DV Encoder (.avi)
- Cinepak (.mov)
- DV Encoder (.mov)
- mpeg1

Under both OS's the Cinepak (avi) and Indeo 5.1 (avi)
appeared to be the best performers.

Files imported under one OS uniformly did not work when
transported to the other OS - in either directions.
- On the PC, a box claiming Quicktime and the Cinepak codec
needed to be installed appears in lieu of each Mac-inserted
video file.
Note that
A) AVI files should not require Quicktime, and
B) the very same file inserted under Windows works fine! In
addition, the files in question run just fine outside of
Powerpoint using MCI.
- On the Mac, most of the PC inserted files appear (the
.mov version do not), but do not run. They remain static
images.

Apparently, the upshot is that if you wish to present a PPT
show with video under Windows, you must insert the video
files under Windows, and the same with the Mac OS.
Fortunately, my trusty old VPC suffices for this purpose,
but this is really not a very satisfying solution.

Does anyone know a way to work on a Mac in iMovie, and
export a file that will work correctly in Powerpoint under
Windows?

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Macs in the workplace
    ... The Mac can work in a WIndows Active Directory, but it isn't trivial, ... While you bring up companies like State Farm and Home Depot, ... Fine for video editing, maybe ...
    (comp.sys.mac.advocacy)
  • Re: Cross platform PPT video
    ... > any video into a Mac Powerpoint file and then have it work ... > reinserting the video file. ... > Windows handle video files differently." ... QuickTime Alternative 1.31 ...
    (microsoft.public.mac.office.powerpoint)
  • Re: Mac Leopard OS, Impressive
    ... I want that NOW on Windows XP... ... a Windows and Mac laptop -- when portable, ... I tried this out at an Apple store and the performance was very ... Video and pictures will be one. ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: Another Windows user goes Mac...
    ... I just bought an iMac to replace my home PC. ... My frustration with Windows when it comes to video editing is huge. ... When Slade and others claim that the Mac is just like any other Intel PC, ...
    (comp.sys.mac.advocacy)
  • Re: Keyboards
    ... it about the Mac OS that is supposed to give a benefit to video ... If you've got a dual or quad core CPU, multiple harddrives, 2 or 4GB ... Windows has a flawed design though - partly for historical reasons. ...
    (alt.games.warcraft)