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General discussion

MS PowerPoint to DVD for TV

Oct 4, 2005 6:09AM PDT

Dell 8400, WIN XP, P-4 3.0 GHz, 1GB RAM, 160GB HD, MS PowerPoint 2003

I have been creating 'special occassion' slide shows, containing animations, transitions and a background song, in MS PowerPoint and giving it to relatives on a CD so they can view it on their computer.
I want to put these shows, and future ones that I create in MS PP, on a DVD in the required format that can be viewed on tv.

I googled 'MS PowerPoint to DVD' and have found a few programs that I think will help me out, but I wanted to see if any users here have done this, and what program you recommend. I know I'll have to purchase the program and that's not an issue. The fact that it is quick and easy to use is what I need. I am not a patient person.
(I think the format I need to use for North America tv is NTSC. Is that correct? Also, how does MPEG figure in all this?)

Also, I plan on getting a DVD-R burner as my current one is a DVD+R, not compatible with most dvd players. My computer is still on warranty, so I plan on getting an external one. (1394 or USB)
Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on a good drive?

tia

Discussion is locked

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What I use.
Oct 4, 2005 6:24AM PDT

I use the Ulead DVD Moviefactory since Powerpoint to DVD conversions are iffy at best. I lucked out and that software was bundled with the DVD recorder. Today I may not be so lucky since I might take a DVD recorder from newegg.com or geeks.com and toss it in an external case for less bucks.

Demos at ulead.com

PROSHOW GOLD is also highly reccomended.

Bob

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PP to DVD
Oct 4, 2005 7:02AM PDT

Thanks Bob,

I checked out the product ProShow Gold. It seems to be a lot like what I am finding on my searches.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that program require that you create a presentation in the program itself?
I am looking to convert an already existing MS PowerPoint file, (and future ones) not create a new one. It's just that I'm not sure these programs will have as many options as MS-PP. Am I wrong?

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Yup.
Oct 4, 2005 7:25AM PDT

Your choice on the matter. I found it better for what I do to use the tools I noted.

" It's just that I'm not sure these programs will have as many options as MS-PP. "

You need to try Proshow Gold soon.

Bob

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PP
Oct 4, 2005 8:16AM PDT

''You need to try Proshow Gold soon''

I love your enthusiam on this product, Bob.

So, it sounds like it has the animations and transistions that I am used to in PP?

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Yes. Similar, but not the same.
Oct 4, 2005 9:36AM PDT

But certainly more transitions. I wish it had a PP convertor.

Bob