Please... MORE software download help!!!

Okay, you know I am technically challenged here... Daughter's teacher found this free software for her and I have NO clue how to download this. I emailed the creator and he has not written back!!! :wall:

How does one download and install this stuff??? :wall:
Of course if someone has a link to another FREE kinetic Type software, PLEASE let me know!! She wants to use the kinetic type with the slide show for her speech. Thanks all!!

Main page about the Kinetic Type software
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/dist/

files page
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/dist/files/

This directory:
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/dist/files/11-26-02/

Has three files:
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/dist/f ... T_Test.zip
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/dist/f ... inetic.zip
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/dist/f ... ic_doc.zip

okay, so I got that far before I posted this... hehehe

I just extract them all into one folder?

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Originally Posted by rockzmom

okay, so I got that far before I posted this... hehehe

I just extract them all into one folder?

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:dunno: I don't even know what this software do.

okay, I extracted them, but I can't make the darn thing RUN!

Ahhh.. sorry here http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/

here is a sample of what you can do with it!
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/kt/video/fightclub2.mov

It looks like a library. That is, it is not for end users but for programmers.

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Originally Posted by Полуношник

It looks like a library. That is, it is not for end users but for programmers.

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I somewhat doubt that's all to it as I can see the file KT_Test.zip contains KT_Test.form and a sequence of compiled classes related to it - KT_Test$1.class .. KT_Test$8.class (and a bunch of **Demo.class files as well). And the source code KT_Test.java does contain 'main' member, so potentially it should be run with something like 'java KT_Test'.

Having said that, I have a feeling that code uses some external packages like this 'kinetic' and probably some more to run the Swing and stuff. Unfortunately, I'm not a Java guy (anymore), so I can't just pull a complete answer off my sleeve. Perhaps, installing the full latest JDK would just sort those issues by itself.

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Originally Posted by Crocodile

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Originally Posted by Полуношник

It looks like a library. That is, it is not for end users but for programmers.

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I somewhat doubt that's all to it as I can see the file KT_Test.zip contains KT_Test.form and a sequence of compiled classes related to it - KT_Test$1.class .. KT_Test$8.class (and a bunch of **Demo.class files as well). And the source code KT_Test.java does contain 'main' member, so potentially it should be run with something like 'java KT_Test'.

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KT_Test is an example. It demonstrates to software developers how they can use the library. Probably it will open a window with some moving text.

so are you all saying in basic "English" that this stuff is useless to me?

Yes, it's just a development library, not a program you can use. What effect does your daughter want to achieve, and what program does she already use?

Robin

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Originally Posted by bitpicker

Yes, it's just a development library, not a program you can use. What effect does your daughter want to achieve, and what program does she already use?

Robin

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Well that stinks as it says to download the "sample application"...

Okay she wants to be able to do this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejweI0EQpX8
"kinetic typography" she has access to an "Apple" at school but the teacher said they don't have a software that will do this sort of thing and sent this link to me. I really don't want to spend lots of money for a program just for a one time use for her speech. We have regular old PC at home.

Well, I don't know any presentation software which will do exactly that, though on a fast computer any presentation made with PowerPoint or Impress could look a little like that. But you might want to check out www.prezi.com, that is an online presentation generator which may not move the type but it moves the focus (best look at it, there are lots of sample presentations to watch) so the effect might seem similar. It's also easy to use.

Robin

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Originally Posted by bitpicker

Well, I don't know any presentation software which will do exactly that, though on a fast computer any presentation made with PowerPoint or Impress could look a little like that. But you might want to check out http://www.prezi.com, that is an online presentation generator which may not move the type but it moves the focus (best look at it, there are lots of sample presentations to watch) so the effect might seem similar. It's also easy to use.

Robin

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ROBIN http://www.en.kolobok.us/smiles/he_a...rl_in_love.gif!! This program looks like it might be the answer! They even have Student version!! It looks like you can add sound as well! Have you used sound in one? Can you share one you have created?

Isn't the software free to use anyway?

I have only dabbled a little with prezi, it doesn't work well for me. I rarely do presentations, and the one I do every now and then, on computer security, I constantly edit and update in Open Office Impress. Prezi to me is style over substance, and I need the more structured approach of a normal presentation software to gather my thoughts.

Robin

Okay, next problem.. to add sound... I want to add a MP3 to the presentation that we are creating in Prezi. Prezi does not come with an option to automatically let you add sound (people have already complained about this on their forums).

Here are their instructions for adding sound:

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Supported format is FLV flash video, or SWF flash file. Convert your sound file into an FLV for play on focus. Convert your sound to SWF for continuous playback.
To create an FLV video of a sound, place an icon of a speaker for example, and create the video with your sound.
If you choose SWF as a file format, don't forget to include some graphics in your SWF file, to let you select it in the editor. You can hide it behind any element later, or just drag out of view, if you don't want to show it.

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I can do the FLV and can convert to SWF no problem... the problem is the "include some graphic in your SWF" part! I don't know how to do that and in the forum area they suggest Macromedia and that it has a 30 free trial period. I search for that program and only find Adobe. Searched further to learn that Adobe now owns that program and when I go to their download site, they have 9 different Flash programs!

PLEASE... does anyone know which program I need to use to add a stupid graphic to a MP3 file? One that is not too hard to use and that I can then convert into an SWF??

Thank you :thanks:

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

In the Windows world, one program often mentioned favourably for editing videos is virtual dub. As far as I know it doesn't export to Flash, but maybe it's something you can do before the FLV / SWF conversion. Also, if you google for "create flash online free" you'll find a lot of online services where you might be able to create an appropriate Flash file.

Robin

Okay, so we are using the Prezi software and it is looking very nice. The big problem now is that we have soooooo many photos in the file it is now a monster of a file.

I know there MUST be a way to reduce the file size of photos without losing the quality of them but I just can't think of one. The concern here is that the speech is in an auditorium so we want to be very careful that we not lose image quality.

So my tech friends... help me out once again... how can I make these photo files smaller before I upload them into Prezi??? She is using like 50-100 photos!! The average size is 2-4mb for each and the dpi is 72

remember, I need those step-by-step directions :D

thanks!!! :thanks:

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Originally Posted by rockzmom

I know there MUST be a way to reduce the file size of photos without losing the quality of them but I just can't think of one.

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If they are not compressed already, the obvious thing to do seems to try to convert them into a lossless compressed format. I remember only one of these -- PNG. I'm sure there are others, but I'm out of my depth here.

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Originally Posted by rockzmom

I know there MUST be a way to reduce the file size of photos without losing the quality of them but I just can't think of one. The concern here is that the speech is in an auditorium so we want to be very careful that we not lose image quality.

So my tech friends... help me out once again... how can I make these photo files smaller before I upload them into Prezi??? She is using like 50-100 photos!! The average size is 2-4mb for each and the dpi is 72

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Most photos are stored in JPG files. This type already includes compression with some quality loss. The level of quality loss can be selected manually. Even very small quality loss (almost invisible for a viewer) can lead to remarkable file size reduction. Using quality level of 90% can be a good option.

One more point to consider is what type of displaying equipment for the presentation will be used (a multimedia projector). The main parameter for the projector is its resolution. To be more precise its number of pixels per X and per Y. For most projectors these numbers do not exceed the value of 1000. For more expensive projectors it can be 2000 and for super expensive up to 4000. So if the projector has only 1000 pixels per screen it is no use to use photos with bigger number of pixels in size. In this case you can reduce the number of pixels (and in this way the size) of your photos keeping the quality level as high as you need.

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Originally Posted by rockzmom

remember, I need those step-by-step directions :D

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I can provide such instructions for example for ACDSee or you can give us the clue what kind of software for graphics you have on your PC.

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Originally Posted by CoffeeCup

One more point to consider is what type of displaying equipment for the presentation will be used (a multimedia projector). The main parameter for the projector is its resolution. To be more precise its number of pixels per X and per Y. For most projectors these numbers do not exceed the value of 1000. For more expensive projectors it can be 2000 and for super expensive up to 4000. So if the projector has only 1000 pixels per screen it is no use to use photos with bigger number of pixels in size. In this case you can reduce the number of pixels (and in this way the size) of your photos keeping the quality level as high as you need.

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Coffeecup...Let me see if I understand you correctly. if I change the photos to be 1024x786 pixels, then I can have a smaller file size for the photos and the quality should still be good because "most" projectors can't handle anything better than that anyway.

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Originally Posted by rockzmom

remember, I need those step-by-step directions :D

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Originally Posted by CoffeeCup

I can provide such instructions for example for ACDSee or you can give us the clue what kind of software for graphics you have on your PC.

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If the above is correct, I have Irfanview and I think I have figured out how to change the photos to that size using their software (nice how to videos on YouTube!)

please let me know if I got this correct and if so, I will start converting the photos right away and hopefully this will help with the monster file size!!! Thanks!! :bravo:

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Originally Posted by rockzmom

Let me see if I understand you correctly. if I change the photos to be 1024x786 pixels, then I can have a smaller file size for the photos and the quality should still be good because "most" projectors can't handle anything better than that anyway.

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Yes. You have understood me correctly. Most popular projectors are 1024x768 and 1280x1024 (there are also 1280x800 and 1280x720) so if you chose the width for your photos to be 1280 or 1024 it should be Ok. Anyway you can check the result on your PC by running your presentation in a window with corresponding size (1024x768 or 1280x800).

Irfan View has a batch conversion mode which can make the resizing of all images you need a matter of seconds. I think there is a batch conversion dialogue in the File menu, IIRC. Just make sure you have unmodified copies of the files elsewhere as a backup, so you don't destroy the files with a wrong parameter.

Even 1024x768 is only necessary if you use full-screen pictures. If they only take up part of the "slide" (I know prezi has no slides as such), they don't even need to be that big.

Robin

Okay my tech friends... you really have been amazing and I thank you for all of your help and I promise to post a copy of this once it is finished!!

Here is the NEXT problem..

We have ALL the photos (about 250 of them) nicely formatted, two 20-30 sec video clips, and a few other very, very short video clips from the Power Point Presentation so she could capture the "movement" of her verbiage, and finally... a custom mp3 track. This all adds up to 4 minutes and 24 seconds... It has been put together in Windows Movie Maker.


When it is "published" in Movie Maker as a WMV as:
Variable bit rate
Display Size: 1024x768
Aspect ratio 4:3
Frames per second:30

The movie plays beautifully. The sound syncs, the photos look amazing (brilliant).

When we convert it to FLV (because that is the format that Prezi needs)... it comes out looking like garbage! The photos are all blurry and pixelated.

If I try to override the settings on the converter for the FLV and play with the bit rates and such, the FLV comes out looking amazing... HOWEVER, the movie plays at a snails pace with the sound stopping and staring right along with the video and just is not usable because of it.

So, once again, I am asking you all for your suggestions and advice. I know that if it comes down to it, she can just toggle out of Prezi and play the video separate and toggle back into Prezi; however, it would look so much smoother and cooler to have it all contained in one program. Not to mention, easier for her!

So, HOW can I get amazing picture quality on the FLV copy and have it run at a normal speed??

THANKS!!!! kiss, kiss!!!

You can try FFmpeg which is free.

• Click here to download.[/*:m:6a4tqbvl]
• Unpack it and put "ffmpeg.exe" file into the folder with your video file.[/*:m:6a4tqbvl]
• Don't forget to make a backup of your video.[/*:m:6a4tqbvl]
• Create a new file in the same folder (the folder with the video and "ffmpeg.exe") with the name "convert.bat". Ensure that this file has the ".bat" extension which means that this file will be executed when clicked.[/*:m:6a4tqbvl]
• Using notepad or any similar editor add the following line to your "convert.bat" file:
  
  Code:

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  ffmpeg -i video_in.mp4 -ar 44100 -ab 32k -f flv -b 1600k -s 1024x768 -y video_out.flv

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  [/*:m:6a4tqbvl]
• replace "video_in.mp4" with your original video filename and save the "convert.bat"[/*:m:6a4tqbvl]
• Run the "convert.bat" by clicking it.[/*:m:6a4tqbvl]
• When conversion will be finished you will get the result "video_out.flv" file in the same folder.[/*:m:6a4tqbvl]

Also you can vary the bit-rate for the output file (-b 1600k) higher value provides higher quality but the bigger size as well.

Good luck!

coffeecup!

Thank you for the step-by-step directions.. I was able to follow them very well...

sadly, the same thing happened. The output plays at a slow speed.

NOW, I was in the process of uploaded both the the WMV version and the converted version of videos to Photobucket for you to see what I am talking about AND interestingly enough, Photobucket it converts the WMV automatically to FLV and THAT version of the video plays at perfect speed and the quality is not too bad!

Why is that??? And how can I get the video back down to my computer in FLV? Or convert it as Photobucket does?

Ugh!! This is sooo frustrating!

Now we can consider two ways to solve the problem: The first one is to modify the conversion procedure, and the second one is to download flv from photobucket.

First one: let's decrease frame rate for the output video to 15 fps. To do this you need to add "-r 15" option to the "conversion.bat" as follows:

Code:

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ffmpeg -i video_in.mp4 -ar 44100 -ab 32k -f flv -b 1600k -r 15 -s 1024x768 -y video_out.flv

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also you can decrease the resolution from 1024x768 to 640x480 or 320x240 by changing the corresponding option.

Second one: to download flv video from photobucket there is video downloadhelper addon which works with Firefox browser.

Everyone....

I cannot thank you all enough for your help over the past few months regarding my daughter's speech. She gave it last week to a packed auditorium (adults were actually sitting in the aisles) and when she finished.... she received a standing ovation! She has already been requested to give more speeches!

Anyway, the Prezi worked great and for the music video/slide show thing she ended up toggling out of it and playing it directly from the computer and then just toggling back to the Prezi. She had the video in the Prezi so she just jokingly explained to them that it was there in the Prezi, but she wanted them to see the best quality and they laughed and went right along with her...

So, if you care to watch the music video, it is up on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTn07wepUi8
There are different qualities for you to watch... 360, 480p and 720p.

EDIT: It might help if I told you what she said prior to the video... during this she was using the Prezi and had graphics to go along with what she was saying.

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If I had a magic wand and could grant each of you a wish right now that would magically change your life, how many of you would take that wish? What would you change about life? Would you move, change how much you weigh, how tall you are, the color of your hair, change your job, or maybe even your significant other? Ummhmm…

Well as for me, right now, my life is just fine. And yes, you may think it’s that way because I do acting and modeling and get to travel and meet famous people. However, it really is due to the fact that for the past three years I’ve been Learning in and Through the Arts. I’ve been living a smART life. I want you to take a look at this presentation I put together and see what a smART life is like from a student’s point of view.

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You all are just an amazing group of people and I am so very glad I stumbled upon this site! Take a second and give yourself a big pat on the back! :bravo: :bravo: