In the description of the AMM (eBook Power) addition to ActivEbook Compiler is this, which I don't understand:
"NOTE: We do not supply the compression/decompression software for compressed multimedia file formats. You and your users will need to obtain the MCI-compatible "codecs" for the formats you choose from another source. (Microsoft Windows normally has some Codecs installed as standard). It is your responsibility to check the License agreement for any such codec software for terms of use, etc."
I more or less understand what a 'codec' is, as such, it's more the implications of the rest.
I downloaded the demo of AMM and it seemed to work fine on my Windows 2000. Under what circumstances would it not work?
In the same way I say "Windows 95,98, NT4 and 2000; IE4, 5 or later only", for the Activ ebooks I've made, would I have to make a similar/extra proviso when these ebooks contain a video clip? And what exactly?
I'm about to buy a digital camera which will give me 'bursts' that will do nicely for clips - but should I be looking for something? Some codec specification?
It does seem a very serious note! Chris
Posted on: 6:43 pm on August 5, 2003
EBookCompiler
Media, especially video, files are compressed and can be compressed in many different ways.
Codecs are compression/decompression software.
If you make a media file, you generally have a choice which Codec to use (in your recording software etc.)
To play back the file, the user needs the same codec.
Some codecs come with Windows
Some codecs might come with video recording software
Other codecs are available separately from various vendors (some you have to pay for)
The issue is if you use a Codec that the user doesn't have, they wouldn't be able to play back the file.
Hopefully this should be in the manual for whatever video recording software you have.
For cartoons and screen recordings the Microsoft RLE codecs might be a good choice. I think this is in all recent versions of Windows.
Posted on: 5:25 pm on August 6, 2003
Chris Pye
Thanks for the clear reply, Sunil.
Since the demo worked well in my Windows 2000, presumably you used specific codecs? What exactly? I'm assuming people will be using their PC's in the same way I assume it with my current ebooks.
Is the codec something you specify when you take the digital picture, in the AMM programme, or is it in the software in the computer whichyou edit with? Thanks. Chris
Posted on: 7:37 am on August 7, 2003
Chris Pye
I think I can answer my own questions now:
PC's - Microsoft Windows - use mpg and avi codecs, therefore I should make video clips is this format to reach my pc audience.
It is the software in the camera which dictates this, unless I use other software to change it - so check before I buy the camera.
I think it's that simple?
Chris
Posted on: 10:26 am on August 9, 2003
EBookCompiler
MPEG (not sure about AVI), does not specify the Codec
There can be many different types of MPEGs, with different Codecs.
The Codec to use is specified when you record the video in the first place.
I probably wouldn't know about some particular piece of third party video software.... however the Screen Recorder program lets you specify the codec to use
The screen recordings in the demo, use the Microsoft RLE code
The shuttle video, was not recorded by us, as the demo clearly says. I think it uses one of the base Windows Codecs.
In some video players, there is an Info or Properties type option you can use on video files to find out which Codec they were recorded with
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