ppt to fcp at DVinfo.net

Aldo Visaggio · August 18th, 2006, 06:56 PM

I have a client who wants ppt slides in their video. I don't own a copy of ppt, so asked the client to save the slides as a jpeg and send them to me. Once inported into fcp the slides don't very good with text having some jaggy edges. Also the slides import very distroted at -50. I can fix the distortion but any ideas how I can get better quality jpeg slides?
Many Thanks, Aldo

Boyd Ostroff · August 18th, 2006, 07:37 PM

Just a thought.... can the client save the files as .pdf instead? That should give better results with text most of the time. Of course, you're limited to 720x480 with DV so small fonts are probably going to be a problem no matter what you do....

Aldo Visaggio · August 18th, 2006, 09:54 PM

Thanks Boyd, I'll give that a try.
cheers, aldo

Chris Hocking · August 19th, 2006, 12:36 AM

You can also export the following out of Power Point:

- GIF
- PNG
- TIFF
- Device Independant Bitmap

Unfortunately, you cannot adjust the quality settings when exporting.

You can export out as a PDF, but you will need one of those "Print to PDF" drivers.

Depending on how big the presentation is, I would get the client to take screenshots of each slide, bring them into Photoshop and save them as PSDs.

Another option would be to download a free version of the Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer, and do it yourself.

Patrick Pike · August 19th, 2006, 09:42 AM

In the past, when I have included powerpoint in video, I have obtained the ppt files, then exported it to a Quicktime file. Fairly easy to do, but for some reason I haven't (or at least wasn't) able to get the timing correct. In other words, some slides might last for 3 seconds, some for 1, with no rhyme or reason.

I would go into FCP, and cut up the Quicktime file into separate clips, and then use the fit to fill command to place the slides as needed.

It actually didn't take too long, looked great (although very small fonts just dont work at 720i no mater what you do).

Chris Hocking · August 19th, 2006, 07:57 PM

I believe you can only export to Quicktime on the Mac version of Powerpoint. You cannot export a Quicktime file with Windows Powerpoint without 3rd Party Software. At least that's the case with the versions I've got. So if your client's got a Mac, you're set! If not, maybe purchasing a copy of Powerpoint isn't such a bad investment?

Alister Chapman · August 21st, 2006, 11:11 AM

As there is no anti-aliasing in powerpoint it dosn't really matter what you use it will almost always have lots of jaggies and twitter. I have neve been able to make powerpoints look nice.

Cale Rogers · August 21st, 2006, 11:45 AM

I've used Apple Keynote to import a PPT file, make text changes and export the text only with an alpha channel (export without background). The alpha channel gives you the option of adding a Photoshop or Illustrator backdrop and improve the overall look of the slides on TV. Keynote seems to produce a much better look with text and graphics than PPT, but I suppose that's what we expect from Apple. Also, work with your presenter to edit slides for TV audiences (limited text, more visuals). This strategy has worked for us and our presenters. I hope this helps,

CJ Rogers

Aldo Visaggio · August 21st, 2006, 12:11 PM

Thanks for all the replys folks.
Much Appreciated and good info.
Cheers, Aldo

August 18th, 2006, 06:56 PM	#1
Aldo Visaggio Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 82	ppt to fcp I have a client who wants ppt slides in their video. I don't own a copy of ppt, so asked the client to save the slides as a jpeg and send them to me. Once inported into fcp the slides don't very good with text having some jaggy edges. Also the slides import very distroted at -50. I can fix the distortion but any ideas how I can get better quality jpeg slides? Many Thanks, Aldo

August 21st, 2006, 11:11 AM	#7
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	As there is no anti-aliasing in powerpoint it dosn't really matter what you use it will almost always have lots of jaggies and twitter. I have neve been able to make powerpoints look nice. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

August 18th, 2006, 07:37 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,801	Just a thought.... can the client save the files as .pdf instead? That should give better results with text most of the time. Of course, you're limited to 720x480 with DV so small fonts are probably going to be a problem no matter what you do....

August 18th, 2006, 09:54 PM	#3
Aldo Visaggio Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 82	Thanks Boyd, I'll give that a try. cheers, aldo

August 19th, 2006, 12:36 AM	#4
Chris Hocking Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 595	You can also export the following out of Power Point: - GIF - PNG - TIFF - Device Independant Bitmap Unfortunately, you cannot adjust the quality settings when exporting. You can export out as a PDF, but you will need one of those "Print to PDF" drivers. Depending on how big the presentation is, I would get the client to take screenshots of each slide, bring them into Photoshop and save them as PSDs. Another option would be to download a free version of the Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer, and do it yourself.

August 19th, 2006, 09:42 AM	#5
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	In the past, when I have included powerpoint in video, I have obtained the ppt files, then exported it to a Quicktime file. Fairly easy to do, but for some reason I haven't (or at least wasn't) able to get the timing correct. In other words, some slides might last for 3 seconds, some for 1, with no rhyme or reason. I would go into FCP, and cut up the Quicktime file into separate clips, and then use the fit to fill command to place the slides as needed. It actually didn't take too long, looked great (although very small fonts just dont work at 720i no mater what you do).

August 19th, 2006, 07:57 PM	#6
Chris Hocking Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 595	I believe you can only export to Quicktime on the Mac version of Powerpoint. You cannot export a Quicktime file with Windows Powerpoint without 3rd Party Software. At least that's the case with the versions I've got. So if your client's got a Mac, you're set! If not, maybe purchasing a copy of Powerpoint isn't such a bad investment?

August 21st, 2006, 11:45 AM	#8
Cale Rogers Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 63	I've used Apple Keynote to import a PPT file, make text changes and export the text only with an alpha channel (export without background). The alpha channel gives you the option of adding a Photoshop or Illustrator backdrop and improve the overall look of the slides on TV. Keynote seems to produce a much better look with text and graphics than PPT, but I suppose that's what we expect from Apple. Also, work with your presenter to edit slides for TV audiences (limited text, more visuals). This strategy has worked for us and our presenters. I hope this helps, CJ Rogers

August 21st, 2006, 12:11 PM	#9
Aldo Visaggio Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 82	Thanks for all the replys folks. Much Appreciated and good info. Cheers, Aldo