WMV to DVD + Powerpoint slide show

[365cashflow]

Hi everyone. I am fairly new to Video work so please forgive me if this post if off base or in the wrong spot.

I have been charged with the task of creating a bunch of DVD's

Here is the details:

Part 1 right now sits as a powerpoint slideshow with an audio playing in the background.
Part 2 is a wmv file.

I need to put these two together on a DVD such that the two loop back to back. (they are being played on a bus full of tourists).

Can anybody direct me to past posts where the processes might already be documented. Any idea what software I would need for this?

Thanks a million for any help offered.
Chris

[Soopafresh]

You'll probably need 2 programs

http://pptexpert.com/

http://www.vso-software.fr/products/convert_x_to_dvd/

You'll probably have to convert the ppt to AVI with the first program, then use your new file as input into the second program. That is, if you want to easily combine the contents of the ppt/AVI and wmv file into 1 DVD.

Expect to spend around $120 total for the above solution, but it'll be as simple as it gets.
You can look around for free or less $ options, but you'll have to spend time learning them.

Oh, and if you want additional narration to the powerpoint presentation, you'll need a decent microphone. Don't skimp for a ten dollar jobbie.

I love that scowling look when you tell the boss it's gonna cost 'em.

[Cornucopia]

This depends alot upon the kind of ppt presentation (how much animation & interactivity).

A point-and-click converter will work great for a 1-still-pic-per-slide setup, but will NOT translate correctly for more animated stuff. A screencap of the presentation will not have much interactivity and will be somewhat lower resolution...

Using a combination of these 1-click apps, and a still frame export of each individual slide at high resolution (as well as export of each individual pic withing a slide), and a motion SCREENCAP of the presentation as run and then combining them in the authoring app, can accurately give a DVD-style converted representation of the presentation.

I've done quite a number of these conversions, so I feel confident in this answer.
You really need to go over the original PPT and decide how much of the original format needs to be retained in the converted DVD. Then proceed from there...

Scott

[Soopafresh]

Not to mention the possible volume differences of the audio on both files. As you can see from Cornucopia's posting, this stuff can get more complicated than you might think. Again, nothing more fun than explaining THAT to the boss - his/her look of "Well, I just think magic happens and that's not how they did it on Alias"

The thing is, if you're going to give the DVD away to potential customers, they are going to notice things like audio volume differences, distorted audio, etc. Again, if you need to do audio overdubs, DON'T skimp on a cheap microphone. Check out the USB mics from Samson and Bluemic http://www.bluemic.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Products&file=index&prod_id=18
The snowball one is pretty cool, especially because it comes with a desktop tripod stand. I've bought several for clients. Very simple using USB for microphone input. Long & McQuade sell them in Canada, they're around $120 US