Slide Show Software

MosBen

I'm getting married in May, and I would like to put together a slide show for the rehearsal dinner. I want to include photos, obviously, and a musical sound track. If I could drop a few video clips in there, that would be sweet.

I have a PC and am reasonably proficient with computers generally, but the last time I tried Photoshop I found it way too difficult to use. I don't want or need to be an expert in photo or video editing, I just want something straightforward that's not going to make me pull out my hair.

I should say, I *am* open to the possibility of picking up a Mac Mini to get iPhoto(mostly because I'm interested in using it as a HTPC with Plex), but it seems like buying a Mac Mini means A) it's already overpriced for the hardware, and you might as well tack on 30% more in cost with all the extra Mac-specific hardware I'd need. Still, if that's the best (only) option for making a slide show without going nuts, I'm willing to go that route. Still, a cheaper solution would be better if it's out there.

Raoulduke20

Pinnacle Studio 10 and Adobe Premiere Elements both do this well, IIRC. Both let you add audio or video and they're for the PC. If this is really all you're looking for, buying a whole new Mac would just be crazy.

celandine

This is odd, but Beamer is free (it's an add-on to Latex, which is also free.) It's designed for mathematical presentations, but it can also do photos and video -- not sure about audio. At any rate, extremely easy to use and the price is right.

Tejs

Maybe I'm just crazy, but why aren't you using PowerPoint for this? The thing is frickin' built for slide shows. You can make automatic slide transitions as well as introduce sound or video clips really easily on the timeline.

Raneados

windows movie maker is basically designed exactly for this

and even I figured out how to use it!

MosBen

I think when I said "slideshow" I may have chosen an incorrect term. What I want is to burn a DVD which will contain an intro and then a series of photos (what I think of as "slideshow" in my head) set to music. And if I found a cool video lying around that I wanted to add, and it was possible, that'd be cool too. Windows movie maker sounds like a good option to try first.

And yes, I know buying a Mac would be crazy, but as I said, I've been considering it anyway to use as a HTPC, and this decision would just solidify the purchase and move up my timetable. I am, however, *greatful* not to have to go that route.

Anyway, thanks for the help, guys.

Deadfall

Microsoft Photo Story allowed me to do exactly this.

CrystalMethodist

For what it's worth, iPhoto is really, really good at this. Not that there aren't other solutions, but walk into an Apple store and tell them exactly what you just said, and (assuming they're not crazy iPad busy) they'll show you what to do. You can try it before buying the Mac mini, or just borrow a friend's computer and do it there.

Wow, second pro Apple post I made in like 10 minutes... I feel like a fan boy...