Multimedia in a PDF?

by 4 replies
5
Question for ya'll: How do you add a mp3 or video into a PDF file?

Thanks a ton..

Alex
#programming #multimedia #pdf
  • Alex, the pdf spec does allow you to embed multimedia into pdf's.

    But I suggest you rethink the strategy.

    First, you'll need a more complex and likely more expensive authoring tool.
    Second, you'll make a huge pdf file that some people might not want to download.
    Third, you'll use little-used features of pdf's. Some or even most of your audience might not have a pdf viewer that includes all the multimedia functionality.
    Fourth, you might surprise or even annoy people who don't expect their pdf's to start singing and dancing.
    Fifth, some people will use underpowered computers or phones that might choke on the media content. If you split the content, they can read the pdf on a netbook even if won't play the video.

    I think you are much better off with pdf for text and static graphics, plus a companion mp3 or video file. You can put them all in a zip archive if you like, to make a single download, or your download page can list each file separately.

    Now you have a package where people can use an audio or video player to play the audio and video, while following along in the text document using their pdf reader. If they want to move the mp3 to a portable player and listen to it on the road, they can do so. If they want to move the video file into an iPhone and watch it when they're away from their computer, they can do so. If they want to move the pdf onto a Kindle and read it in bed without their computer, they can do so.

    You'll give people options they are used to, options they understand and can use. This will help them be happy customers.

    Chris
    • [1] reply
  • if you have the video or audio hosted online you can link to it from the pdf and then people can choose to watch it.
    i have used youtube quite successfully to do this from pdf's. when the user clicks on the link they are taken directly to the video on youtube.
    • [1] reply
    • @Everyone - great ideas and opinions- all quite valid.

      I have used Acrobat Pro to create Video Embedded E-Books, or V-Books for short.

      This is cutting edge, although not really "bleeding edge."

      Many people do have the latest Adobe Reader (depending on your audience- if it's a tech challenged market then that's iffy).

      Of course, I've done work to get people to buy something (a v-book) so they're a little bit of a captive audience, and I found about 10% tech problems.

      I have learned that many people come away with a better feeling after having more interaction with me to resolve a tech issue. As long as it is handled simply, and attended to in a very timely fashion it's like bonding. Plus, customers who speak out to get what they want are good clients. They give feedback.

      You could test your market.

      Many people send video or audio in HTML email even though that is a little iffy in the worldy-wise marketing camp. Iffy can bring good results; it depends on your target market and how sensitive they are. If you are projecting exclusivity, having people jump through a hoop or two (if relatively simple or well supported) can actually generate Loyalty!

      So there's the span.

      Soon, everyone will be embedding video in email, and PDF's meaning by next year. Many popular programs offer a small "web size" setting. Myself- I know how to compress vids to 1/10th or in most cases 1/20th their size without significant loss of quality so I suppose the file size really doesn't trip me up very often.

      My bottom line- using video in any way, shape or form can be work intensive to get it done right, however I enjoy the cutting edge benefits and pitching to exclusive markets. It's a good solution in my opinion.
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