24 January 2010

Embedding Video into a PowerPoint: WMV or MPG?

We got this question in the Client InBox this morning. Thought I'd share my response:

Q: "For embedding video clips into powerpoints and projecting them, is there any advantage to wmv format compared to mpg format (or visa versa)?"



A: Embedding video clips in WMV format will require that the station being used to present is

a) A computer running some version of Microsoft Windows
b) Has Windows Media Player activated

Using the MPG format should play on any computer with any fairly recent media player, including Macintosh computers.



Additionally, when you embed video into the presentation, the video is not actually embedded into the presentation. Powerpoint will "link" to the location of where the video is located. If there is a significant difference in file size between the WMV or MPG versions, this may help you decide which format to use, since usually the smaller size is preferred.

These are the only concerns I am aware of when choosing whether or not to embed a WMV or MPG formatted video into PowerPoint.

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Note: I would provide a link to the "How-to" on the Microsoft website, but when you enter "embedding video clips into powerpoints" into their search (aka "Bing"), none of the search results are from Microsoft. Go Figure!

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