Hi Beni,

No, a ppt can not be brought into PD.

Workaround. Convert the ppt to a video. There are programs around which can do that.

Dafydd
[Moderator]

Beni -

I guess you mean a slide containing image and text transitions - something you couldn't recreate in PD. Yes?

Having used PowerPoint pretty extensively in my previous life (teaching)... and having tried all sorts of software that converts those files to video format... I can tell you that none of the ones I've tried makes a video that looks anywhere near as good as the original ppt.

Because you only want to produce one slide (depending on how complex it is), you stand more chance of getting a decent result. If the SMWOV site wasn't temporarily down (I can't get to it anyway), I'd point you at an example - doesn't matter. Acoolsoft and Moyea might do what you need.

If it's a fairly simple slide, I'd just remake it in PD - you'll be happier with the result.

Cheers - Tony
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Thanks for that!

Hi Tony,

I "influenced" the development of CyberLink's StreamAuthor software which integrates the use of a powerpoint display, a web page and video as an interactive teaching tool. StreamAuthor can create a wmv from a ppt file successfully. The cost of this software is a bit exclusive - aimed at educational use.

Beni,
A workaround is pretty simple really.
Get a screen video capture software and then video the ppt as it plays through.

Can I use a screen capturer (jpg) and import the image to PD as a picture as well, or shoud a video capturer achive better results?

Also when trying to create 'slides' with PD using the title designer, how do I save some empty space on the top row (the Master Video Track) of the timeline to be able to insert that slide so it does not overlap with the video being edited?
Cheers

Place the still images in the Video track, highlight them all and select Slideshow.

There is no need to place images in title designer unless it is specifically for a Title effect.

Video screen capture results would depend upon the selection made with the capture software - sorry no advice given on that here.

Use a color board in the Video track if you want to place images in the Pip track and overlay them. the same would apply to a title.

It is the media file which determine the length (end of a project) of the video and not the end position of a title.

A jumble of answers for you to work through.

Dafydd
[Moderator]

Hi Dafydd -

Sounds like I could have done with Stream Author years ago when I was doing all that stuff... and - no - I wasn't using top shelf software. They ranged from freebies to about $US50, but none of them dealt with complex slides very well.

Anyway - side issue really - better off making it in PD.

Beni - I guess you don't have the original images. PowerPoint compresses images when it imports them. If you open the ppt and right click on an image, you can copy it or save it as a picture. You can also use the Print Screen key - then edit in separate graphics software.

Hope that helps a little - Tony
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That's all very helpful indeed. Now how can I create something like a list of credits scrolling up over a black background? I figured how to make the titles and the scrolling effect but where do I get the black background and how do I integrate it into the video track?

Beni,
New question, new Topic.

Of course you should look at the Sticky messages and you'll see the answer.
http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/forums/show/52.page

http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/3522.page
http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/3523.page

Dafydd
[Moderator]