Video format for Mac > Windows (AVI, MPG format, codec, decompression, etc)

[apost99]

I realize this topic has been covered in the group, but I would like
some clarification on AVI and MPG video files.

I'm developing a PPT in Office for Mac 2004 (for eventual use on a
Windows PC) and need to insert several movies. My client has provided
both AVI and MPG versions of these movies.

In a quick experiement, my client tells me that her Windows version of
Office does not allow her to insert .avi formatted movies, only .mpg
(or Windows Media) format. I can insert some AVI files on a Mac and
view them OK. When I insert MPG files, I can't view them (a message
briefly appears saying I need QuickTime and Window Media Video 9
Standard decompressor to see the picture). Because I can't see them, I
don't know if I can successfully insert MPG videos.

Questions:
1. Is it true a Windows user cannot insert AVI movies? Or is she
misunderstanding something?
2. If true, do I have to use MPG? Is MPG going to work on a PC even
though I can't see the file play on a Mac? How do I view the file? I
already have Flip4Mac. Do I need Windows Media Player on my Mac to view
the file? (I really don't want to download it ;-) )
3. I don't have a PC, but I do have Virtual PC (but not Office). Is
PowerPoint Viewer 2003 the best option to test my files? Is the program
safe to use or are there security issues that makes it too dangerous to
fool with?
4. I mentioned I can insert *some* AVI files. One of the files plays
only audio (no video). A message appears in PPT saying I need a
decompressor. I have no idea what codec is used or which decompressor
to get, if indeed that is what I need. QuickTime's Show Movie Info
doesn't seem to indicate which codec is used. It says "Format: , 640 x
480, Millions 16-bit Integer (Little Endian), Stereo, 48.000 kHz)";
note that the first space is blank before the comma. How do I get this
movie to show the video portion on my Mac?
5. For the files I can't see should I simply create placeholders and
ask the client to insert the videos on the Windows side? If so, which
format?

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

Questions:
1. Is it true a Windows user cannot insert AVI movies? Or is she
misunderstanding something?

AVI, if anything, should be MORE compatible with Windows PPT than MPG.
In general. In specific, any video file of either type might use a codec that
isn't installed on a given user's computer, in which case they wouldn't be able
to play the file.

2. If true, do I have to use MPG? Is MPG going to work on a PC even
though I can't see the file play on a Mac? How do I view the file? I
already have Flip4Mac. Do I need Windows Media Player on my Mac to view
the file? (I really don't want to download it ;-) )
3. I don't have a PC, but I do have Virtual PC (but not Office). Is
PowerPoint Viewer 2003 the best option to test my files? Is the program
safe to use or are there security issues that makes it too dangerous to
fool with?

The viewer's far safer than PPT running on your Mac, and inside a Virtual PC,
it's pretty much running inside a steel-reinforced concrete-lined bunker.
Anything bad that happens to the "PC" really only happens to a set of files
that you can toss. I'd say "safe as houses" only houses are a peril compared
to how safe this'd be.

Have a look here for pretty much anything you'd need to know about multimedia
on PCs:

The Myers Multimedia FAQ by Austin Myers (PowerPoint MVP)
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00099.htm

4. I mentioned I can insert *some* AVI files. One of the files plays
only audio (no video). A message appears in PPT saying I need a
decompressor. I have no idea what codec is used or which decompressor
to get, if indeed that is what I need.

I think Austin's FAQ mentions a few free Windows utilities you can use to get
this info. If not, google G-Spot

QuickTime's Show Movie Info

doesn't seem to indicate which codec is used. It says "Format: , 640 x
480, Millions 16-bit Integer (Little Endian), Stereo, 48.000 kHz)";
note that the first space is blank before the comma. How do I get this
movie to show the video portion on my Mac?
5. For the files I can't see should I simply create placeholders and
ask the client to insert the videos on the Windows side? If so, which
format?

================================================
Steve Rindsberg, PPT MVP
PPT FAQ: www.pptfaq.com
PPTools: www.pptools.com
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