Multimedia Pitfalls
There are a couple of issues that you need to be aware of before proceeding with a "Multimedia" presentation.
Technical Issues
aka We can build it, can they play it?
Most computers today have the necessary DVD-ROM drives and sound cards but it is not a guarantee. While this is a risk, DVD releases are the way to go in today's market.
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Screen Resoulion
Unlike TV's that will expand (or shrink) to every TV, CDROM based solutions need a set size. The most common choices in the PC/Windows world are:
- 640 X 480 - out dated
- 800 X 600 - current common denominator
- 1024 X 768 - preferred size of 17 inch monitors
- 1280 X 1024 - preferred size of 19 inch monitors
- 1440 X 900 - common widescreen monitor resolution
My recommendation is to choose between the 800X600 if laptops will be commonly using the final product or 1024 X 768.
If the presentation is for a few uses via a projection system 1280 X 1024 (if compatible with the projector!) would be the recommendation.
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How many colours
Again there are choices and risks
- 16 colours- no longer acceptable
- 256 colours - absolute lowest common denominator
- 16 bit (high colour) -current common denominator
- 32 bit (true colour)
- 48 bit (the mother of all colours)
My recommendation is 16 bit.
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The 216 Internet colour palette
Due to the war between Netscape and Microsoft there has evolved something called the internet safe palette for elements other than photographs (text, lines, table backgrounds...). This guarantees the audience will see your colour without changes.
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Audio Quality
Aside from the first parameter, stereo or mono (you will choose stereo!) there are more are choices and risks.
The first question is, "What quality do you want?"
Or worded a little better, "How much computer do you have to play the music?"
Without trying to clutter the message, CD quality music is
- 11mHz stereo (or mono)
- 22mHz stereo (or mono)
- 44mHz stereo (or mono)
My recommendation is 22 mhz - middle of the road, pretty safe.
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If releasing on DVD or VHS only, the highest quality sound would be the choice as the television will deal with playing it, not a sound card.
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