What can AutoPlay 6.0 do?

[abcnormal]

Hi, I have some yes or no questions for you guys.

Please keep in mind that there is one important thing when it comes to the questions: Under no circumstances should the AutoPlay project install PROGRAMS on the users computer. Save a txt file, yes ok, install thirdparty software, NO.

1. Can I run a AutoPlay project from a CD or DVD that contains a database on it? Let us say a client has approx. 150 products, and I want to create a cd catalogue for the client. Can I do that with AutoPlay and thirdparty software without installing a database on the client computer? You might ask, why not connect to a database on internet, and the answer: 1) there is no database on internet to connect to, 2) internet access might not be available when running the CD rom.

2. If I have 150 products within the CDrom presentation, can I get the user to select all the items they like to purchase and present like a shopping basket when completed, or is that not possible? The products are spread on multiple pages, and I am thinking of a tickermark for every product along with a field for the amount of products to purchase. When they are finished selecting products, and email is generated where the user can either send the email with the listing of all products they want to purcase, or they can store the email for later, when they have internet access.

3. If I use a AVI movie at the startup of the project, and the clients computer can not run the AVI file. Will he still be able to run the project?

4. Does AutoPlay projects run on MACs or is it just Windows?

Thanks.

[Corey]

Hi, AutoPlay Media Studio only installs third party software when you require it, i.e. Flash, etc. :yes

1. Yes. But obviously it's impossible to deploy a database without deploying a database. You have two choices when deploying database driven applications in general, allow access to a remote database or include the database with your project, that's the only two ways that functionality can be achieved using any technology, not just AMS. AMS comes with an SQLite plug-in which works without installing anything to the end users computer. Google has plenty of info on SQLite which should help you decide if it's a suitable solution for your needs.

2. Yes. This can be scripted in AMS. Whether or not you are personally in a position to do the scripting is basically a quotient of your scripting ability and/or your motivation to learn AMS scripting. There are inexpensive video training options soon to be released which make it easier. The project you describe is not particularly difficult but it will require some basic scripting skills.

3. Not sure, I've never heard of a case where an AVI file wouldn't run. My guess is "Yes, but possibly after an error message depending on why the AVI didn't run". Perhaps one of the others here will know that. In the big picture it's impossible to know what pre-existing media playback problems might be on an end user's system though.

4. Just Windows. Currently there are no plans to add Mac support.

Hope that helps. :yes

[eric_darling]

AVI is a deprecated format. Microsoft stopped supporting it a long time ago, and any "modern" codec used in conjunction with AVI will be very hit and miss in terms of playback compatibility across a wide distribution of computers. I recommend converting your video to MPEG-1 for playback compatibility. You'd probably have decent success using Windows Media (WMV), too, especially if you were concerned with compressing to the highest possible visual quality. But MPEG-1 is best for compatibility, hands-down.

[Intrigued]

Though I do not have the volumes of years of experience that Eric does (video product galore!), I want to throw my "fwiw" to back his comment on MPEG-1. I use it for my video sharing, in a commercial setting, for the fact it is widely accepted.

[Roboblue]

AVI is a deprecated format. Microsoft stopped supporting it a long time ago, and any "modern" codec used in conjunction with AVI will be very hit and miss in terms of playback compatibility across a wide distribution of computers. I recommend converting your video to MPEG-1 for playback compatibility. You'd probably have decent success using Windows Media (WMV), too, especially if you were concerned with compressing to the highest possible visual quality. But MPEG-1 is best for compatibility, hands-down.
I am not sure what you are saying about .avi. I understand that to play any format not "officially" supported by MS needs a codec installed. But DIVX is a fantastic video format and the play codec is freely distributed. It even has DD 5.1 support. Xvid isn't far behind. Now that DVD media has became cheap and plentiful, putting a lot of high quality video on a single disc is possible.
I think that it's time to move up from mpeg 1. As more and more people get computers and use them for media purposes, the requirement for high quality vids in our projects becomes more important. Start distributing that DIVX codec now, and the upgrade won't be so painful later. The average person will be familiar with it in a couple of years, even more familiar than they are to mpg, now. I mean, mpg was new at one time, too.
My .02

[abcnormal]

Thanks for your answers. It was not AVI in particual I wanted to know. I used that as an example. Let us use Flash as an example, perhaps that gives you a better idea of what I am asking about.

If I put a flash movie on a project, and the client does not have any Flash plugins available on his computer, what will happend?
In AutoRun, I have the Dependency property on the project.
If I choose that the project depend on Flash, but set required to false, will it still play the project (exept showing the flash movie), or will it crash or stop?

I hope I explained it better this time, sorry for that.

[Intrigued]

Thanks for your answers. It was not AVI in particual I wanted to know. I used that as an example. Let us use Flash as an example, perhaps that gives you a better idea of what I am asking about.

If I put a flash movie on a project, and the client does not have any Flash plugins available on his computer, what will happend?
In AutoRun, I have the Dependency property on the project.
If I choose that the project depend on Flash, but set required to false, will it still play the project (exept showing the flash movie), or will it crash or stop?

I hope I explained it better this time, sorry for that.

The quickest way to find out just may be to try it out yourself. That will give you the answer and you will know it is the correct answer.

:yes

[stickck]

it should let them continue with the project even if the flash file doesnt load. if you do set the dependancy to yes, it will pop up with a web link to go get the program.

[yosik]

From past experience, dependency has nothing to do with app running. If you don't have a codec, your file won't play, if you don't have flash, your flash object won't show, if you don;t have JRE, your java applet won;t show inside your webobject etc...

Yossi

[Daniel TM]

Get your video and convert it to wmv. Wmv stands for "Windows Media Video". Microsoft invented this extension and your clients will be able to watch your video having or not any modern player or plugin. Even the Windows Media player from Windows 95, supports wmv videos. Throw a coin in the air and the possibility of it falling on it's edge is the possibility of a client not be able to play wmv videos. Convert your video to wmv and put it on your project. I can guarantee you that your clients will be able to watch the video.

[Corey]

Even the Windows Media player from Windows 95, supports wmv videos.

Wow. I didn't realize that. Great tip, thanks. :yes

[Intrigued]

One thing to take into account on WMV is the Codec version? (correct?)

[Daniel TM]

One thing to take into account on WMV is the Codec version? (correct?)
I don't think so. I use to watch wmv videos just fine on my old Windows 95 computer and I didn't have any codec. Literally. I had no codec.

[Intrigued]

I don't think so. I use to watch wmv videos just fine on my old Windows 95 computer and I didn't have any codec. Literally. I had no codec.

Ah, that's good to know. Coo'!

[Daniel TM]

You don't have to worry about codecs while talking about wmv videos. Codecs are for unknown video types. Once you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 the latest version of Windows Media Player is installed but it doesn't recognize DivX videos, so you have to download the DivX codec if you want to watch a DivX Video. DivX is just an example. There are many other file types that you need a codec. That's practically all about videos. I hope I helped abcnormal with his video issue.

[Intrigued]

You don't have to worry about codecs while talking about wmv videos. Codecs are for unknown video types. Once you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 the latest version of Windows Media Player is installed but it doesn't recognize DivX videos, so you have to download the DivX codec if you want to watch a DivX Video. DivX is just an example. There are many other file types that you need a codec. That's practically all about videos. I hope I helped abcnormal with his video issue.

Yup, I understand the codec issue from the standpoint there are many various, even open source for one's proprietary. I wanted to make sure that WMV versioning would not be an issue or if it is then it needs to be taken into account with regards to utilizing such in one's project.

:yes

[TriRyche]

...There are inexpensive video training options soon to be released which make it easier....
What is the current status of these 'soon to be released,' inexpensive, video training options for AMS 6?

Thanks,

TriRyche

[Corey]

I'm working on them this week. Hope to be done soon. I'm a stickler for audio quality so it takes me a little time but the results should be worth it. We'll definitely announce them here as soon as they are ready, won't be too long. Thanks for your interest. I assume you are a Queensryche fan, there's definitely more than a few around here also. :yes

[TriRyche]

...I'm a stickler for audio quality so it takes me a little time but the results should be worth it...
As they say, "you are your own worst critic"
"Good enough" is never quite good enough for me either, Corey.
I used to work for the company that distributes Dynaudio Acoustics Monitors -
you DO NOT want to hear (what you thought was) your final mix on their monitors!
(for those who are not familiar, they are very revealing and frequency output is consistent
at whatever volume level you prefer (less ear fatigue - extended mix sessions!)...but I digress.

TriRyche

[Corey]

I use Event TR8s in semi-tuned room. I spend almost all my time in this room listening to these speakers, so I'm super familiar with my setup. I'm no threat to Bob Katz but I'm sure my mixes sound acceptable on Dynaudios. :yes

I'm capturing the audio at 44kHz/16bit with an AT4033a through a Mackie Onyx (with an FMR RNC as channel insert) into an Emu 1212m (all cabling is balanced Studioflex, I/O is +4db) in a properly soundproofed "PC-less" room (50% coverage, balanced with floor to ceilng bass traps, corner traps, etc). which is *far* beyond anything any other video training producer is using AFAIK. I expect that the audio will stack up against anyone in the industry once it's compressed to MP3 for delivery. :yes

As for post, I'm basically only gating/limiting. Sometimes I compress again at 2:1 since I find that compressing 2:1 with the RNC during recording and then recompressing 2:1 with a decent VST is a bit nicer sounding than just compressing 4:1 with either. But with this batch I may not bother since it seems to be fairly consistent as is. If I have any EQ issues I correct them during recording rather than post, the Perkins strip on the Mackie Onyx is a very nice "boutique" sounding strip with a vintage UK sort of vibe, fine for vox. I try to do as little as possible to the sound though, as long as it's clear and warm I leave it alone. :yes

[TriRyche]

Corey -

Thanks for sharing!

I'm glad my comments were not interpreted as being smug -
by no means was I assessing your production skills or gear.

How do you like the Emu 1212m?
I still have not committed to an audio interface for my PC,
as I am still planning my 'hobby' studio.

My ASUS mobo has optical in/out (as well as FW400 & FW800)
The Mackie ONYX400F (http://www.mackie.com/products/400F/index.html) sure does look sweet!
(it wasn't shipping yet when I read about it last Fall)

Is it still 'too soon' for AAC?
Did you choose MP3 for wider compatibility among end-users or ?
I stumbled onto codingtechnologies' website (http://www.codingtechnologies.com/index.htm) not too long ago -
an interesting read about their AACplus Codec (http://www.codingtechnologies.com/products/aacPlus.htm)


TriRyche

[Corey]

How do you like the Emu 1212m?
I love it, it's great. I ordered in the 1820 Audiodock, should be here any day. Can't say enough good stuff about this card. No card in this price class comes close to the sound IMO. That being said, a lot of folks like Lynx. The Focusrite Saffire might be good too, I'm not sure because I haven't heard one but it's worth checking them out if you're buying- http://www.zzounds.com/item--FOCSAFFIRE

I still have not committed to an audio interface for my PC,
as I am still planning my 'hobby' studio.
For a hobby studio the Emu 1212m is ideal. You only get 2 in and 2 out but they're switchable balanced/unbalanced. Again, I'd look at the Focusrite Saffire first though. Or even the Tascams, i.e. http://www.zzounds.com/item--TASFW1082

My ASUS mobo has optical in/out (as well as FW400 & FW800)
The Mackie ONYX400F sure does look sweet!
(it wasn't shipping yet when I read about it last Fall)

AFAIK they are shipping and I've read that they are a very good unit. The Mackie pres are fine and firewire is handy for sure. I was going to grab the firewire I/O for my Onyx 1220 but it turns out they made it pre-EQ so it's useless in that sense. A commercial mod is available but it's crazy to pay $800 to add firewire to a $600 board. So I'm adding the 1820m audiodock to my 1212m and I'll coast on that for a while.

The next D/A I buy will probably be an Apogee Rosetta. Until then I'll probably get by with the 1820m. Who knows though, the prices are coming down fast and Vista is on the way. By next year we may be thinking totally differently than we are now.

That being said the next piece of gear on my list is the Event 250 sub, and then a Muse Receptor. The Muse Receptor is the piece I am dreaming of these days, I can *hardly* wait. :yes

Is it still 'too soon' for AAC?
Did you choose MP3 for wider compatibility among end-users or ?
I stumbled onto codingtechnologies' website not too long ago -
an interesting read about their AACplus Codec
Yeah, for size also but mainly for compatibility. Our new training vids are going out as ESD products so file size was the main priority. The best compromise I can find is to deploy the training in 45 minute modules made up of about 7 separate .avis, compressed with the Techsmith video codec and MP3 audio at 64k mono. Any more than that and it has to go out on CD-ROMs and I *really* want to eliminate the shipping process.

I'll tell you, my modules will be a bit different than all the other products on the market, but that's because my priority is results and value whereas everyone else is just out to hype. I'm basically an expert on the process of doing these training vids and I can tell you that although "OVER 9 HOURS OF VIDEO!!!" may be a selling point on packaging, *no one* actually sits through those 9 hour DVD sets. So what's the point? I don't want to sell product to people that they don't need. So instead of giving you 7.5 hours of filller, I've distilled everything down to only the most logical, most important points, and I'm delivering them in a format *you can actually watch*. Everyone has time for a 7 minute lesson, and no one has time for a bunch of extranneous data. :yes

By the way, I've seen practically all the stuff out there. IR bought me a membership at Lynda.com a while back and I went through tons of their stuff plus I've been through the Total training stuff, CartoonSmart, etc. Dozens of DVDs from dozens of companies. And I studied all that stuff carefully as I went through it. At the same time I've authored a half dozen or so successful training CDs so far and have also taught real world design classes including at a major University. So at this point, the new module plan is sort of a culmination of everything I've seen and learned throughout all those processes. I believe that our new training will stack up in terms of efficacy with any software video training product on the market. :yes

[bule]

back to codecs, it's always better to use xvid

[Corey]

What's the lowest file size you can get high quality screen capture material to using xvid?

[eric_darling]

You don't have to worry about codecs while talking about wmv videos. Codecs are for unknown video types. Once you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 the latest version of Windows Media Player is installed but it doesn't recognize DivX videos, so you have to download the DivX codec if you want to watch a DivX Video. DivX is just an example. There are many other file types that you need a codec. That's practically all about videos. I hope I helped abcnormal with his video issue.
That's just plain wrong. Codecs are all-important. WMV-9 won't play so well on a computer that runs Windows 95. If you can test that, give it a whirl, and you'll see what I mean. The reason you may have not noticed any issues with various WMV files and your particular computer is that WMV is self-aware with later versions. In other words, as long as you have an Internet connection, Windows Media Player should update itself relatively seamlessly, with literally no user inervention. But, if you can't download/install the proper codec, then you're not going to play the movie. It's correct that if you have upgraded to a current version of Windows Media Player, through whatever means, the codec issue shouldn't matter, because when you did that, you essentially updated your codecs for the player as well.

back to codecs, it's always better to use xvid
As for bule's comment on XviD, I also contest. As with any codec other than MPEG-1, you'll need to be sure your distribution list has the proper codec installed. Some are a better bet than others in terms of likelihood, but if you need TRUE 100% ubiquity in terms of playback of a particular video, MPEG-1 is the only choice.

XviD is no exception. No codec, no playback. I'm not saying it's never the right choice to use XviD or any other codec for that matter. It's just that those kinds of movies won't play without their codecs. Just because they play on your machine doesn't mean they'll play on any machine - particularly an older one. The more esoteric your codec, the more likely it is that your distribution list is going to need to install something. In relative codec terms, XviD is pretty esoteric.

For some projects, obvioiusly, this isn't a major issue. Just put the installer on the CD (usually a trivial thing, depending on license agreements, etc.). But when it comes to corporate projects like the ones we do, requiring computers to install anything at all is sometimes just not in the cards.

[yosik]

Eric,
100% right !!!!!

Yossi

[azmanar]

Hi,

More Video Versions More Confusions. Each eagerly vying the limelight. Natural competition but gives headaches to users like me.

It was like Netscape and IE browsers, causing issues and problems to HTML developers who embeds Javascript. It took many more years before they could agree on something and stabilize under W3C standards.

Aren't there cross-platform middle-ware holding all these CODECs together in 1 fish tank? Like an aquarium - bluefish, redfish or whatever swimming around and I can still enjoy the view from the outside, without worrying about how the fish get their colours.

[Eagle]

you could do a google with: 'all codecs pack' as a search arg or similar,
if you are keen, there are groups that release and maintain
'multi codec' installers-removers, use at own risk of course.

there may be some dubious result links..watch out for those trojans etc...

[azmanar]

there may be some dubious result links..watch those trojans...

Just like hidden sea snakes, getting ready for their next meal.

[Eagle]

specially if using IE 6 ..still leaks like a siv...