Tips on how to create a slideshow
By John Kessler, Food Writer, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution
Last year I decided it couldn't be too trying to make an audio slideshow using the software that comes bundled with the Mac operating system. After two days of hair-pulling work, my piece got 6,000 hits that first day. Ever since, I've produced a regular feature called "First Look" that takes readers into new restaurants.
Now it takes me only a few hours. Here's how it works at our paper: I go with a photographer to record sound and image for the piece. I produce a piece that consists of images and two overlaid sound tracks (background sounds, as you'll find out, are important). I export the file to the multimedia producers. They clean up the squeaks, boost the sound when needed, and occasionally add annoying stripper music. Then they take the large file (usually north of 800 MB) and translate it into Flash animation, which takes up much less space on the server and plays more fluidly online.
You need the following equipment:
1. A laptop
2. A digital camera
3. A digital audio recorder, preferably one that ports directly to your laptop via USB
4. A multidirectional mic
Now on to software:
If you use a PC, you should download Soundslides.(www.soundslides.com) This is a simple program that offers a free version, which tags your presentation with the word "Demo." If you like it, you can spend the $39 to buy it. Most likely, your tech support staff can load it on your computer.
If you use a Mac (and I suggest you do if you have the choice), then you can make your presentation using iMovie. This program gives you many more options for effects, transitions, editing, sound overlay and using text. Make sure that tech support did not disable iMovie on your computer. Better yet, ask if they have a copy of the enhanced iLife suite of programs called iLife HD and ask to have it installed.
Mac users: You're not done yet. You must also download a better sound editing program than the Mac provides. Download a free program called Audacity. (www.audacity.com) and install it.
Done? No. Software patents on sound files are a serious pain. Digital sound is digital sound, but each file has tags on either end identifying the format. Your digital recorder will likely save the files as Windows Media (WMA). You will need a program called easyWMA (www.easywma.com) that translates these files into the MP3's of Macland. It costs $10. Your tech folks surely have it, and should be able to install it on your laptop.
Next, you need a free program that lets Audacity export the file into MP3. It is called lameLIB and can be found here:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3
With this software, you are on your way to sophisticated, easy audio editing.
If you are thinking of purchasing an audio recorder, I highly recommend the Olympus WS-300M. Best Buy stocks them. The recorder costs about $100 and is the size of a pack of gum. If you buy a mic, make sure it ports to mini-audio. Stereo is also preferable. Sony makes a good one.
