This program looks like it may be useful. It can convert a mirror-ball photo into a cube-map. http://www.outerspace-software.com/bixorama.html#examples You might look at Quicktime-VR authoring software. QTVR seems to be the same idea as what you're after. (Environment maps from photos.)…
Whatever you use, avoid anything that requires the download of some obscure codec, or some free codec that comes with a bunch of spyware. Use something mainstream. For size and quality, wmv is tough to beat. Quicktime has some nice options, but avoid using codecs that only come with quicktime pro. I've had some good…