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Old 01-19-2006
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zeelv zeelv is offline
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I don't know how in depth you want to get, but Microsoft has a free download on their website for a very easy to use program called Photo Story. You plunk down the photos, change the transitions (one of the neat transitions is the "pan and zoom" move that really makes your still photos look like part of a movie...technically it's the "Ken Burns Effect"), and then add either your music or use the music generator which is built into the program.

One consideration that should not be overlooked is the question of copyright on music. I'm sure there's probably some huge legal issues with using copyrighted music (without the artist's permission) and then SELLING the DVD to your customer. I've heard of some people who create these videos but claim that the music was provided to them by the customer who supposedly already has purchased the music. I've also heard that just because you purchase an artist's CDs it DOES NOT MEAN that you have rights to distribute it (as in the case of the video.)

I've made videos for the grandparents at Christmas time or even just for my own personal use and sometimes I'll come across a song that I've paid for and downloaded from iTunes or Napster that Photo Story will not allow to be used. I end up with an error message that says the song I'm trying to use is copyrighted.

Unfortunately, I have no idea how copyright laws apply to a gift that you're giving to someone?? Probably more info than you wanted to know, LOL, but worthwhile to be aware of. Personally, I really like Photo Story for its quick interface. It's super easy to use. And at the very end, it walks you through the steps of burning to a DVD (there are additional options for what to do with your video...save to computer, etc.)
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