best render config for photos slide show

[houskat]

What is the best "create video" config for a photos slide show so its playable on most of the computers? it has to be 4:3, i use mpeg codec, but what resolution would you recommend? what video and audio bitrate (mp3 in the background)? how many fps?

[zzstudio]

What is the best "create video" config for a photos slide show so its playable on most of the computers? it has to be 4:3, i use mpeg codec, but what resolution would you recommend? what video and audio bitrate (mp3 in the background)? how many fps?

I dont know if there is any "best config" but I have made a bunch of these (burned to DVD) and the setting I use are:

MPEG Video
29.97
704X408
CBR 4500-5000 (depending on length, most are short and you got plenty of room on disc for higher bitrates if you like)
Audio - MP3 256kbps, 48,000hz

your slideshow will look super at these settings and burn quick to DVDs, Should play fine on TV or PC but this is not a good setting for web uses.

If PC playback is your only concern, you could slow down frame rate to 25, use about half the resoultion and video bitrate, less audio bitrate and 44, 100hz and it should look OK, but wont look as good on a TV.

TIPS...
Moving paths will make pics more interesting, dont use too many Fx transitions, use MP's and Xfades to your advantage for transitions and its much smoother. When you do use Fx let it be somehow related to picture content if possible,.. i.e. "puddle wipe" to go to picture of water related scene, swimming pool, lake, etc. You will find the best times to use 3-D also like putting two subjects "together" with barn doors, etc. Also try to make some transitions occur with audio cues this helps the flow of presentation. Everybody luvs my slideshows cuz I use these techniques

Hope this helps!