Combining Flash projector .exe presentation with DVD quality video

[alexmc]

Hello.
I am quite exhuasted with options, and wonder if someone could help me.

I am creating a DVD to be used on a computer exclusively (doesn't have to be able to run in a DVD player). I am writing an interactive training guide in flash and creating a projector .exe (including the flash installer so it will work for everyone) which will be burnt to the DVD and autorun. This will link to opening media files at various points - audio and video and other files, pdf etc.

However, I have very large high quality video files as part of this resource.

I also have these files as .mp4 files, which are smaller and can run well straight off the DVD. However, the client would like the quality of the video to be the same as the quality on other video DVDs they have produced (played in DVD players and on computer). To play huge video files straight from the DVD in .mov or .wmv etc doesn't work on most computers without the resources to handle it, (stuttering) - only if they are copied off the DVD onto the persons computer.

So my question is what is the best option to get high quality large size video files to play back well directly off a DVD on a computer, when combined on the DVD with other computer specific data - a flash projector (which calls the files), pdf files and so on. Can VOB files be combined in this way?

Thanks for any suggestions.
Alex.

[Nelson37]

No, it will NOT work for everyone, if they do not have administrative rights to install software. If this is to be used in business, many who are restricted users will not be able to run it.

If it is for home users, a requirement to install software, even automated, will cause concern and confusion.

I absolutely DETEST a demo or trainer which requires software to be installed. I personally believe this should be avoided at all costs. I have thrown away many such disks for customers who did not wish to install any additional software. This includes disks that they have specifically requested.

MPG-1 will play on any home computer less than 20 years old. Resolution same as DVD is available, no additional software is required. Simple, non-intrusive, and idiot-proof.

You mentioned PDF files. So they need to install Acrobat, as well. Which version? You got guarantees that they are not already using an older version, or a much newer one, and that yours will not eliminate any functionality?

Do you have any idea how pissed off folks will get when ( NOT if) this disk screws up the operation of their PC? If all the money is up-front, and there are no follow on sales expected, AND the disk is not related to a known brand-name, this becomes less of a problem on your end.

Install NOTHING. Find a way to make it work without doing this. The only exception would be for potential customers who are already expected to be fairly computer literate, or are willing to pay someone who is. The downside will be that these folks are the most likely to just chuck it when they start seeing installation requirements to view a training video.

[aedipuss]

why not try dvd spec mpeg-2, fairly easy to play by just about any media player.

[alexmc]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Sorry, I think I may have confused you re the flash.

The point of using a Flash projector is to avoid anyone having to install anything. Users can run it simply by double-clicking on the exe file without needing to install the Flash standalone player or anything else. Flash projectors will run without admin rights as the player is in the projector, so there's nothing to install.

I am trying to achieve the best result with incorporating the video into this. I can't bundle all the video into the one projector as projector files need to be reasonably small to run efficiently.

Re the pdfs. I am looking into doing this differently - but my colleagues are happy that people would have to install adobe to view them. Themselves though - we are not trying to force an install.

This is a free resource to support people in the care sector - and unfortunately as a result, it will be used on some quite low spec systems!

Thanks for your comments.
Alex.