PDFs getting richer … gradually
In a recent article on AcrobatUsers.com we talked with Bob Connolly of pdfPictures.com about his book “Dynamic Media: Music, Video, Animation, and the Web in Adobe PDF” that showcases a variety of case studies involving the use of rich-media content in PDFs. Connolly’s real-world examples explore the gamut of possibilities, incorporating audio and video clips, Flash animations, QuickTime VR photography and more into commercially oriented documents produced for clients in different industries.
During our discussion about the book and his company’s innovative work, Connolly also lamented that the vast majority of authors and publishers who routinely distribute PDF files aren’t taking greater advantage of the tools and functionality to create more effective, interactive documents. Even Adobe has been slow to promote the multimedia capabilities of PDF, he says. But he expects that to change with the continued evolution of Acrobat and other related software for creative professionals — especially since Adobe now has both PDF and Flash.
So it seems worth noting from time to time when we encounter signs that some content creators are venturing further into the dynamic realm. A couple recent sightings:
BNET Business Blogs feature a series of multi-document articles that not only utilize the PDF Package feature in Acrobat 8 — bundling a collection of related PDF files together — but also includes linked video clips in the respective cover sheets for each topic.
The Harvard Business Review published its first interactive case study that also adds impact to the PDF version by including a brief video clip in which the author gives an overview of key issues and findings. It provides an additional way to compel people to read the article dealing with a fictional, but realistic, management dilemma — should an otherwise qualified job prospect be disqualified from consideration based on revelations discovered on the Internet.
If you encounter other noteworthy examples of rich-media PDFs, please let us know. We’re glad to cite and promote other indicators of PDFs getting richer.
