consulting
CD projects exhibit a tendency to soak up money and energy yet
frustrate their target users. That's why identifying the potential
and the pitfalls will help define the realities. |
CD projects must 'push the technology envelope'
but never run aground. To achieve success there must be a clear
set of objectives for the finished product to meet. Expectations
run high. Everyone's an 'expert' at viewing high production value
television - if it's not good enough they change channels. So no
matter how much content you put on a disc - if it leaves viewers
cold or it runs badly - then it's all a waste of time.
We can help at the 'brainstorm' stage of a project
and propose innovative yet practical new media techniques which
inject vitality and technical reality into every element.
We'd be happy to preview any project you have in
mind. To start off with, here are some frequently unanswered questions
you could be facing;
Why
are many CD-ROMs boring?
Commissioning CD Projects is a big enough step without
treading into unfamiliar media territory. So, often, content is
specified according to traditional print restraints without accessing
the rich palette of interactive possibilities. You need to be braver.
What's
the best kind of video to use?
For
standalone 'movies', the most reliable format is MPEG, which provides
pretty seamless performance on most computers running 300Mhz or
more. Some of the more esoteric Codecs require much faster computers
for smooth running.
How
much information can you get onto a CD?
There's
obviously a simple megabyte answer to this. Having crammed a three
inch thick directory into less than a quarter of a CD's capacity
we're optimistic about what can be done. Put it this way. So far,
we haven't come across a project that won't fit onto a single disc.
How
fast is the typical playback machine?
Reckon
on 200Mhz and above. Which means that most of the techniques we're
proposing will run on the majority of computers. Where special functions
are required, (e.g. Powerpoint playback) programs can check for
particular software on a PC, and offer to install it from the CD
ROM if necessary. However, there are PCs in offices that do not
have sound enabled and it's worth bearing this in mind when specifying
business projects.
Why
should CD ROMs be developed for typical computers?
Some
years back, a 'breakthrough' CD ROM promoting a car flashed up the
following alert, 'Please turn off your sound card to ensure this
program runs smoothly'. This begged the question whether the car
itself would drive properly with its stereo switched on? There's
no point in developing projects that run impressively from the author's
gigahertz PC hard disk, if it disappoints a typical, prospective
customer.
What's
the most cost effective way of adding 'richness' to a project?
Without
doubt, video has come of age on the computer. There are no problems
in including high quality playback within any project. And the new
generation of mini-DV cameras and editing software means that informative,
entertaining sequences are no longer prohibitive to produce. Maximum
bang for minimum bucks.
Is
it expensive to build both for Mac and PC?
New
media tools are pretty seamless these days across Mac and PC platforms.
Typically, creating a second version should add no more than 10%
to the overall cost of a project.
Can
rich CD-ROM content be delivered across the web?
Take
a look at our demo map page and you'll see
many examples of rich content running on browser plugins. So, the
answer is 'yes', as long as the end-user has the bandwidth to run
the programs smoothly. Until everybody gets broadband, CDs will
remain the only way of guaranteeing an immersive media experience.
Will
anyone watch ?
Many
CD-ROMs can be likened to advertising. Only one in ten people read
past the headline of an ad - and the same can be true of CD-ROM.
The 'offer' and so the title, the packaging and the printing all
have to appeal to get the disc as far as the drive. Then, it has
to run properly.
Can
CD-ROMs easily be customised for individuals?
If
you opt for the economy of mass replication, you can still use a
means of customising disks for individuals. This can be achieved
by creating password protection to access specific content or to
select specific sequences or menus. You then encode all these variations
in a protected database included on the CD, and tell individuals
how to 'unlock' their personal versions.
What
do you do with obsolete CD-ROMs?
A great
suggestion -
at your own risk
Is
there really a fungus that eats CDs?
Yes. It appears to be limited to tropical climates.
http://www.rense.com/general11/des.htm
There
is more useful information on our links and resources
page
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