Include HQ Video in Autorun-CDs | Compatible in all PCs

[qbecerra]

Hi guys
I was asked to do an Autorun CD-ROM, multimedia stuff.
I think I have the right tool, but now I need some help with video stuff

I will be provided with a High Quality Video, they told me it will be a HD video.

Now, I should convert this video, and insert it into the Autorun Builder.

But the problem is that I don't know which tool can I use to convert the HD video to a "standard" video format that is available in everyone's PC (windows)

Which std. format/codec should I use, without loosing too much of original quality ?

If I choose a better codec, that maybe is not available in everyone's pc, is there any tool that can install the codec automatically (without user knowledge) so they can play it ?

Thanks a lot for any suggestion you can give me.

[jimmalenko]

Which std. format/codec should I use, without loosing too much of original quality ?

MPEG-1 will play on every windows-based PC and you should be able to retain the quality.

If I choose a better codec, that maybe is not available in everyone's pc, is there any tool that can install the codec automatically (without user knowledge) so they can play it ?

Not a good idea, IMHO. I certainly wouldn't want things being installed on my PC without my knowledge. That's in the same boat as rootkits and spyware / malware / adware IMO.

[qbecerra]

you're right about installing something without user permissions...

Knowing you're online now, lemme ask

Would you sacrify more work by moving to other better codec, or you would go blind without thinking with MPEG-1 ?

Thanks

[kschang]

What you need is a "custom" player that can play its own format in very good quality without using much space.

Ever considered using BINK? It's usually used for game intros and such, without using any extra codecs, and it usually has pretty decent quality without needing to load any extra codecs and such. You can use the free player, or pay for a player w/ no logo or your own logo.

Or even better...

The RAD Video Tools can even compile Bink or Smacker files into EXE files for self-running stand-alone videos (the player is bundled into the EXE file, so the user doesn't need to download anything else!)

http://www.radgametools.com/bnkmain.htm

[Cornucopia]

I'm not sure what you mean by "going blind...", but if you want Universality, and it's disc-based (not online), and you want it on CD (as some users may not yet have DVD-ROM drives), then MPEG1 really is the way to go. You can bend the rules a little and crank the bitrate up (unconstrained MPEG1 allows up to 15Mbps). Since you don't seem to be constrained by VCD standards, you could make a 704x576 (or even 640x480-with square pixels) @ 25fps with a bitrate of 4-10Mbps (depending upon program material's complexity) CBR. Since the great majority of users have 16x-52x speed CD drives, it shouldn't be too much of a strain to run consistently at that bitrate.

What media player does Autorun Builder rely on? You might improve your performance by incorporating a different mediaplayer ON DISC.

Also, you may want to try padding the disc with a hidden null file (text?) to push the region where the media file resides to the outermost rim of the disc. This will improve throughput.

Scott

[jimmalenko]

Would you sacrify more work by moving to other better codec, or you would go blind without thinking with MPEG-1 ?

You wouldn't be going blind by going with MPEG-1 - you'd be guaranteeing playback on 90% of the world's computers and you can use any combination of frame size and bitrate you want to achieve the quality you desire. The way I look at it, is the more work by using an allegedly "better" codec and making things unneccessarily more complex for both yourself and your end users a waste of time ? I believe so.

[qbecerra]

Hi guys
Thanks a lot to all for the great helpful answers you posted.

1.- To be more specific, I'll be using the AutoPlay Media Studio for creating the Autorun
2.- As you can see in its features, it has a Video Object which I think will accept any video file (I hope)

And well, I'll be reviewing also the Rad Video Tools you suggested, and maybe I can embedd a better quality player or video in the autorun itself.

Thanks to all again !!

[qbecerra]

Update: I won't be able to use BINK, although it is very cool and promising, but well, the free version has a popup, and my boss nor client nor end-user won't like this

I think I'll go def. with MPEG-1 :P

[kschang]

Well, it's up to you and your boss, but if you want professional quality production with no $$$... You get what you pay for!

[qbecerra]

You're right kschang, but paying more than u$s 1k for a license, is not convenient, because client won't be getting more than the half for the job...

[qbecerra]

Hi guys
Lemme ask you 2 questions I've got

... Which video editing tool will allow me to save to MPEG-1 and to choose different settings for this format like quality, fps, bitrate, etc ? Maybe any conversion software ?

... Do you know some site where I could download high quality videos for free, just to use them for samples ?

Thanks a lot ...