.avi vs. wmv vs .mov

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
I have a client who is insisting on delivery in Windows Media format (I edit in FCP). He is using the content in a powerpoint and is afraid of QT files. I tried to convert from QT to .wmv in Streamclip, but I am having probems, detailed here:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=135924

So I booted up the old PC and tried to export the QT file from Premiere 6.5. But all the .wmv options were compressed and it natively exports at full res as an .avi

So, I guess my question is twofold

1) If I continue to use Premiere to export .wmv files, is there a way to do it at full resolution?

2) Is a .wmv file basically a compressed version of an .avi file?

Forgive my PC-based ignorance.:dankk2:
 
In short, there is no WMV file that is going to be truly uncompressed, Since Windows Media 9 is a codec in itself. You could export a high bitrate (8000?) full resolution WMV file and get the "Uncompressed" look.
 
Thanks.
The client's concern (unfounded or not) is that he will have more problems with a non "windows native" format like QT working in Powerpoint on a PC. Can I tell him that .avi files are just as compatible as a windows file as .wmv files?
 
If you have a PC, don't use Premiere to create the WM file, get the Windows Media Encoder for free. It will give you more options and better control over compression and encoding.
 
Having made numerous imbedded media PPT shows, I think your client is rightly concerned about media compatibility (thank you Microsoft:(). PPT is finicky at times. I've had deliveries play on one laptop and not play on the one right next to it, and I sure don't like getting calls on Sunday from the tradeshow floor when something is not working.

You can also try MPG1s, they work OK. An AVI file is a wrapper just like MOV, and the content/playback is codec dependent, so you are better off staying with WMV or MPG1.
 
i always use windows movie maker (the free program that comes with windows) and it does a great job of making wmv's for me. I usually just use the option "best playback for my computer" and the files look nice.
 
Check out the new WMV compression in Silverlight. It is infinitely better than anything I've seen before including .mov and it's fully scaleable. Silverlight will be the new media delivery platform for the 2008 olympics on NBC.

here is a free video platform using Silverlight that really showcases the plugin and the incredible compression rates:

http://videoshow.vertigo.com/

more specs:
http://www.vertigo.com/videoshow.aspx

mor10
 
morten said:
Check out the new WMV compression in Silverlight. It is infinitely better than anything I've seen before including .mov and it's fully scaleable. Silverlight will be the new media delivery platform for the 2008 olympics on NBC.

here is a free video platform using Silverlight that really showcases the plugin and the incredible compression rates:

http://videoshow.vertigo.com/

more specs:
http://www.vertigo.com/videoshow.aspx

mor10
Click to expand...

Interesting. How exactly do I use this Silverlight?
 
We make wmv files everyday out of FCP and have been doing so for awhile now. We use Flip4Mac and it works great. We also use Windows media converter which is free but we all feel that Flip is faster and better but it costs. If you encode from uncompressed files the encode will look great in wmv format. Even if you have shot in dv or dvcpro50 or 100 if you convert to uncompressed for the quality of text it is worth the time hit. We produce stunningly clear text using thin script fonts and they look great. You can't do that with the dv codec. The problem that your experiencing at 30 seconds is probably its not the full version of the program. Lots of programs will limit you to 30 seconds until you buy the full program.

WMV is a container and can have any file within it such as SD, HD or uncompressed files but nobody could play it without lost of ram and a really fast computer after dowloading. WMV9 refers to a specific codec.

Good luck.
 
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the trick with Silverlight is that it supports the latest WMV compression that is infinitely better than anything I've seen before. for one, 62k audio sounds like 128k. it's a massive leap in quality.
 
morten said:
the trick with Silverlight is that it supports the latest WMV compression that is infinitely better than anything I've seen before. for one, 62k audio sounds like 128k. it's a massive leap in quality.
Click to expand...
How is it different in embedding and encoding from normal wmv?
 
I upgraded flip4mac from the free version, but I am having trouble figuring out the best settings to use. Any suggestions?
 
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