Video to exe

[a1ipilot]

I wonder if there is a program, or technique, that allows one to pack (compile) a video such as wmv, mpeg, avi, etc., into an "exe" somewhat like Flash's projector. I'm looking for a way to send a person a video that will play (open and run) in a self-contained player independant of any installed codecs on the user's computer. I've worked with Flash in the past, but am wondering if this is possible with other video formats. I've used the search format in this forum but just can't locate anything related to this question. Thank you.

[TJohns]

Rather than try to "pack" it all together, why not just send him a compatible stand-alone (embedded codecs) player like Media Player Classic or VLC with the video??

Trev

[yoda313]

Or you can encode it to mpg (vcd level) then it should play on just about any computer.

The videocd standard has been around a long time and should be on pretty much any computer that's relatively new (at least 10 years? probably older).

Then with any onboard video player they can play the .mpg file. The advantage will be compatibility at the cost of quality. Though vcd should be decent enough for demonstration purposes.

OR you could make a dvd out of the original source and mail it to the individual. Then they'd get a better quality source and a higher likely-hood of being able to play it - at least on a computer.

[a1ipilot]

Thanks for your help. Right now I'll go with the MPC suggestion and see what happens. Also will see if encoding it to mpg (vcd level) works even better at the other end. Thanks again.

[celtic_druid]

MPC only contains a limited set of splitters/decoders. It can however load external dshow filters without the need to install them. For a single exe player though you really can't beat mplayer.

[guns1inger]

The only simple and reasonable quality method for this that I know of is RADTool's Bink -> http://www.radgametools.com/bnkdown.htm

The tools to convert Bink video to an exe are free, however I don't know about converting the video to Bink format in the first place.

[CrayonEater]

One thing to consider: (S)he may not be willing to run an EXE file. It depends on how security-conscious the person is.

[yoda313]

One thing to consider: (S)he may not be willing to run an EXE file. It depends on how security-conscious the person is.

Hence my suggestion of converting to vcd. That way unless the person is running a 386 you have a 99% chance they'll be able to play the video with their current software.