Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with screencasting

A hardware solution for recording PC output MUST exist somewhere in the world.

khelvan — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:50:16 -0800

How can I record the output of one PC, up to resolutions of 1900x1200, via another PC or another piece of hardware? I am trying to find a way that I can record the output of one PC with another PC, in HD/at resolutions up to 1900x1200 (or more), and none of the solutions I have tried so far work. Software screencasting solutions won't help me as I am trying to record things such as operating system installations for tutorials; no software can be running. Basically I want to use the second of my two video card outputs for the recording device. I don't necessarily need to record audio output as well, though that would be a big bonus.

I would like to be able to capture the output from several different computers, which currently all use DVI. I've tried a combination of the Hauppauge HD PVR and various cables/converters to try and convert my DVI output to component video so that the Hauppauge can record, but nothing I've tried so far has worked to convert the signal.

I am not tied to this solution, if there is some sort of capture card available that will allow me to quickly and painlessly capture the signal, I'll happily put aside/return the Hauppauge.

Is there some simple solution out there that I have overlooked? This situation is beginning to be frustrating, so I hope that someone out there can help.

Thank you very much!

How to programmatically record user sessions?

lwf — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:28:57 -0800

I'm looking for a non-interactive screencasting tool for use in my application. I'm doing some usability testing where I cannot be physically present on-site, and I want to record the sessions while my program is in use. Any ideas? My application is in Python and GTK targeting the Windows platform.

How best to record a computer-based training with audio?

messica — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:54:11 -0800

Help me avoid needlessly repeating the same information over and over! Seeking something along the lines of a webinar utility to record computer-based trainings. I work for an organization that relies on volunteers to answer phones and conduct intakes. Each time we have a new batch of volunteers or interns, I or another staff member must acquaint them with our intake and eligibility procedures. I'd like to be able to record a training so that the trainees can sit at a workstation and listen to my audio spiel while watching "me" navigate through the relevant forms and documents on the screen.

I know that webinar software comes close to what I need. However, the webinar solutions are expensive, especially considering that we will not be taking advantage of the key feature of a webinar (namely, live online participation.) Is there a simple, free or low-cost utility that allows you to record audio while capturing whatever is happening on your computer screen? My overworked vocal cords thank you in advance for your suggestions.

Those who can't do... teach online.

grumblebee — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:23:30 -0800

I would like to teach one-on-one computer classes from home (over the Internet). What's the state-of-the-art re: live screen casting? Yes, I know nothing beats being in a room with a real teacher, but I'd like to give this a try. I have 20 years of teaching experience. I teach design and programming topics. I've been waiting for the time when I can say, "You live in California and I live in NYC, but I can still teach you Actionscript programming..."

Years ago, when I first wanted to do this, the tech wasn't ready. I have a feeling it is now. Am I right? Is it finally achievable for me to share my screen in close-to-real time with another Broadband user?

How much would this cost? How could I make it easy for the other person to set up, etc.?

I own a Mac, but I'd like to teach both Mac and PC people.

PS. I know I could make video tutorials, but that space is glutted. I'd prefer to offer live training in which my student could ask questions, etc.

See Jane Type

shelbaroo — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:40:19 -0800

Is there a Windows or cross-platform software that will display my keystrokes on screen as I type them? As one of my projects for the new semester, I want to start recording screencasts that walk the viewer through the nitty-gritty of various aspects of data cleaning and analysis so that I can hopefully shorten the learning curve for future cohorts of research assistants. For some of this (e.g., parts where I'm manipulating code or data in a text editor) it would be really helpful to incorporate an application that displays what keys I'm typing on screen. I've seen this done before, but my searches so far only turn up software for Mac. Does such a creature that will run on Windows exist? I have access to Captivate, so it doesn't have to be built in to the actual screen recorder at all - I just need a nice (preferably customizable) heads up display of what my flying fingers are up to.

What makes a good screencast?

cptspalding — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:11:56 -0800

What are some good screencast examples? And what makes a good screencast anyway? We're producing a series of screencasts for a piece of software we developed at work. Our audience will be low to moderately savvy computer users, so we'll not only be explaining our software, we'll need to make sure we don't take too much for granted regarding base knowledge of computer skills. Language will also be a complication since people from many countries will be viewing the screencast and for many, English will be a second language (we may at a later date do multi-language versions but for right now only able to do English).

As we've started creating our screencasts we're struggling to find the right balance between just showing the steps necessary to accomplish specific tasks with the software and making it watchable. The "just the facts" style seems choppy, disjointed and difficult to follow. A more wordy style runs the risk of being too challenging to non-english speakers and muddles the real message (how to operate the software).

To help us resolve these issues we're looking for good screencasts and I wanted to turn to the hive-mind for help. Previous questions have addressed software, but I'm concerned more with style.

What are good examples of screencasts you have found?

Are there stylistic rules of thumbs or guidelines regarding length/chattiness/text on screen, that we should be aware of?

What makes screencasts watchable and informative in your mind?

Moving company overseas, any software to help with online communication like Video & live Screen casting for online meetings.

spinko — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:15:20 -0800

Moving company overseas, any software to help with online communication like Video & live Screen casting for online meetings. I'm moving out of the UK in a few months, got rid of the staff and office to save money. Moving to Spain...

I have a few concerns regarding communication. Anyone know any professional software to ensure great communication for both me and my customers.

Phone numbers:
All going into Skype Pro

Video conferencing:
Video chat in Skype seems very clear for 1 to 1 video meetings. Anything else?

Screen casting live:
Im a designer, would like to show customers in real time if we are talking about tweaking a design. So far VNC, give them access to my screen when im working.

Anyone suggest anything else or better software. Will pay if needed as it needs to be professional.

Oh yeah, im on a Mac.

Screencasting Software

kaizen — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 08:32:04 -0800

What is the best software to create 'screencasts'. I need to create training videos for software my company has created. Users would access these videos over the net and see the software in action as I narrate. I would prefer that the output files are flash / youtube style and not wma / mpeg.

Screencasting Tips Please

JPowers — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:01:08 -0800

I'm looking for screencasting tips. I'm thinking about doing a great deal of screencasting in the near future. I'd love some tips on the following:

(1) I'm familiar with Camtasia, but are there some other apps you might suggest? Any free apps? I much prefer Windows software.

(2) Is there any way possible to host a screencast on a site like YouTube or JumpCut.com without it getting compressed to the point where the video is no longer clear? If not, what are the best file formats to export as? Any hosting tips? Also, how in the hell does a site like Lynda.com offer such high quality screencasts that load so quickly?

(3) How much should I spend on a microphone? Do you have any general audio tips?

(4) Any broad screencasting advice? The basic do's and don'ts?

Thanks in advance.

Windows Media Encoder Screen Capture Problem

mmascolino — Sat, 04 Jun 2005 12:14:34 -0800

I'm trying to use Windows Media Encoder to capture a video of my computer screen. Everything is fine, but the resulting movie plays back split down the diagonal of the screen. Its hard to describe, so here is a sample. Does anyone know what I am doing wrong? I've tried turning off hardware acceleration but that didn't have any effect. The product has a zillion different switches and knobs I could turn but I don't really know which ones to start with.