I agree.

MPEG1 is probably your best bet - from a compatitbility issue.

Otherwise...if it is going to be played on a PC that has output to TV - you could go the DIVX route.

DIVX will compress that bab boy to some ridiculously small file and you pretty much will loose no quality.

To be on the safe side - you could put a folder on the CD with a DivX player/codec on it in case the target audience doesn't have one. They could install the player first....before they have to play the presentation (as a test) and then run the presentation.

As a DivX compressed file - I don't think the storage size of the credit card sized CD will be an issue....especially if it is a 7 minute presentation.

Warning,
business card sized CDs are a disaster and should only be used to give to people you really hate. I've had one of them fly completely out of a drive and end up inside my PCs case.

They might have been OK when CD readers only ran at warp 2 but not these days. I'm assuming you're talking about the square ones not the smaller round ones.

Please don't take my word for this, I'd hate you to loose a job for a big client, so get a couple, burn somthing onto them just to fill it up and then try copying the file(s) back in a warp 10 reader and see what happens.

Suggest leaving the room while testing.

Thanks all for the info, and the safety warning, farss.
Hopefully this will go smoothly.
The Economic Developer at the City wants to use the presentation to lure new business to our area.
I appreciate all the detailed help!!!

If he really wants to stay on the MiniCD's at least try to convince him to go with the 80mm round CD's those are less likely to spin off in someones drive (that wouldn't be good for business)

Also I do agree to stick with a MPEG-1 - VCD file

Use the rectangular ones with the ROUNDED ends, not the fully rectangular ones (they come out of the tray holder more easily.

Do not use a format which involves installing a codec first in order to play it. Too many unforseen problems could occur with compatibility and/or playability on people's computers. That includes Windows Media Player 9.

In terms of priorities (if you are trying to generate business) I would put them in this order:

1. Compatibility and playability (in order to avoid downright anger).

2. Content

3. Quality

My vote would go for Mpeg-1. There is a nice program to design business card CD's called Autoplay Media Studio 4.0. You can use several formats with it and it + photos + it does an attractive business card layout as well.

Another option is to use VHS promo tapes. You can buy T-10 tapes and use the face label for the business card layout. That format will also directly output to a TV so you don't have to be concerned about a client's capability for computer output to TV.

John

I'm sure you already have an authoring program for your Cd-ROM, but if you don't, check out Multimedia Builder. www.mediachance.com, comparable in features to Director(except for the whole Mac thing) but it's only like $50 and very easy to use

Cheers

I forgot to ask about auto play features. Is there a file I can include to make sure the program launches automatically when the disc is inserted. [autorun]???

I will include DVD and VHS master backups for this project for compatability, and live presentation format.
But the novelty of the shaped CD really seems to be important to the client at this stage of things. I think mini CD would be a good solution and likely add some more precious space.

Thanks everyone. I will be using Vegas as my primary application for this project of major importance to this City's Chamber of Commerce, Board of Tourism, and Economical Development Departments.
Graphics and logos will be created or modified in Photoshop, and Fireworks and Flash.

I will share with you all the outcome or [hopefully not] anyproblems I encounter during the next few weeks and thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Gary

Autorun is a mixed bag of nuts (sort of).

It's easy enough to do. I don't want to type out the command here (I may screw up the context), but check out any autorun file on any cd....and change the target (in a text editor)...that should work.

Anyone wanna back me up on this one?

Autoplay Media Studio 4.0 will set the CD to autorun.

Craftech,
could you expand on that a little, please.

If cost is an issue, check out Typhoon Software's AutoRun at
http://www.typhoonsoftware.com/

www.typhoonsoftware.com

At first I looked at this site and thought - what a bunch of crap. Someone wants to sell a product that anyone with a text editor can do for free.

But then, I was reading the specs and thought - well, on second thought - it's pretty freakin neat. I know a lot of people don't really care for coding - or creating some simple file such as an autorun - so this is a great little app aimed for those folks.

And for only 20 bucks....it's not that bad a deal. Not in the least bit.

Good tip!!

Farss,
You asked me to expand upon the autoplay capabilities of Autoplay Media Studio 4.0.
The program creates autorun CD-Roms whether they be full size, business card size, or mini-size. It will create interactive business cards and has built-in Macromedia Flash capabilities. It has a drag and drop interface in which you can drag and drop various picture and video files as well as text and audio files on pre-designed or custom designed layouts and create titles and buttons within the program.

This page has some sample projects:

http://www.autoplaystudio.com/site/index.php

John

John,
thanks a lot for the info, I'll have a serious look at it as I've got to make some training / sales CDs and expecting a saleman / trainer to double click on a file is a big ask.

John,
I just had a look at it and it looks very capable although much more than I need to just create a CD that plays as soon as it goes into the drive.

But then again the client has plenty of bucks and being able to make it more interactive could be a real value add, maybe I'll just factor the purchase price into the quote.