Presenter and Captivate

[cegrubb]

Greetings to all, my first post on the Presenter board and a frequent user on the Captivate forum. I could sure use your expertise and advice...anyone!

I am a two year Instructional Designer and we have utilized Captivate exclusively. I'm proficient with it but now want to move on and incorporate a bit more 'pizazz' into the modules.

Currently, I am searching for the best method of adding video to the Captivate presentation that will have a transparent background and allow, for example, a person to 'walk' onscreen, say something, and then walk offscreen while a static image remains in the background. Sort of like a weatherman in front of a map.

Adobe sales team advised me to get Presenter but before I ask the company for money $$$, can you tell me if I'm on the right path? Is Presenter easy to use and edit video? Does it work well with Captivate? Should I be thinking of another program?

You may respond here or email me privately at cegrubb@cox.net

I thank all of you, in advance, for any assistance.

Chuck

[leo_leo-vKUubt]

Presenter has a trial version with all set of features . Try that and see if it suits your need
http://www.adobe.com/products/presenter/

[cegrubb]

Security prevents download of trial versions at work so will do that at home...

However, I would really love to hear opinions from those users of both applications. What has worked for you? What hasn't? Are you glad you purchased the product for your eLearning development?

[EllenM1]

Hi, I don't think the issue is which of these software packages to use. Either one will allow you to import a flash animation. You need to know how to create the transparent video, which has nothing to do with either Captivate or Presenter. An example I found on YouTube is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oflx4UE8oo8
but just Google for transparent video.

[Jorma_at_CoSo · Accepted solution]

Captivate should be able to handle this. If the video has a transparent background then it could overlay the items on the slide and just play in the appropriate point in the time line.

I don't see Presenter as the right tool for you in this need as it's video editing capabilities are... well... minimal at best. Use a video editing software to create the video as desired and then just insert it as an object on the Captivate slide.

Jorma@RealEyes

[cegrubb]

Ellen, Jorma, et. al.,

Thanks for the replies here and at my email address. Many of you have indicated I may have been mislead by the sales guy about Presenter. I appreciate the feedback.

Chuck