Capturing Video from a Computer at DVinfo.net

Derek Brameyer · October 22nd, 2005, 10:18 AM

Hey, I'm looking to make a tutorial on video layering, and I want to capture video from the computer. Kind of like when people save screenshots, but I want to have the motion of the cursor, opening of menus, etc.

Anyone know how to do this? I've got a DVC30, and a DV/VHS Deck, and both have Firewire ports on them...do I need extra software? If so, what?

Thanks.

Philip Boyer · October 22nd, 2005, 05:43 PM

Try Captivate from Macromedia. There's also Camtasia from TechSmith.

I've used both and for software demos and training, I prefer Captivate.

Derek Brameyer · October 24th, 2005, 03:42 PM

How about free software? I'm a student, so I can't really put down $200-$300 for something as simple as screen capturing. :-/

Frederic Segard · October 26th, 2005, 10:13 AM

Try the free Windows Media Encoder. It allows you to capture screen content like camtasia and captivate. My suggestion, set your display resolution at no more then 800x600 16-bit (640x480 preferable if you can). More then that, your frame rate will drop significantly. Play with your bit rate to get the optimal setting for your application.

Keep in mind that you"ll never be able to get a full and constant 30fps (24fps maybe, if you're lucky), and if you're thinking of capturing some 3D animation or streaming video off an overlay region of interrest, you might be dissapointed. In which case you'd want to get yourself a scan converter.

Sergey Bosh · December 27th, 2005, 09:33 AM

sooo...capturing video from screen including mouse movement and etc?? usually i use

Sergey Bosh · December 27th, 2005, 09:45 AM

sooo...capturing video from screen including mouse movement and etc?? usually i use Screen Vidshot by Geovid.But its not free.Geovid has also capturing tool that is free,but i prefer the former.
You can use this too for capturing video from ur screen with all elemets on it and even make easy edits after capturing.

Jeffrey Lovell · January 13th, 2006, 10:38 AM

While I have not tried it, the DVC 30 has a setting for change the shutter speed so it matches your computer's screen refresh rate so you don't get any black bars. Just set up your tripod in such a way to get a straight on shot of the screen but still give you room to work and video it. Why by anything? Granted it won;t be as nice as video directly from the graphics card give hey your a student with no money!!

Jeff

Michael Fossenkemper · January 13th, 2006, 08:43 PM

What system are you running? I capture 1 of 2 ways with my powerbook. I use snapz prox or I use the mini dvi to composite video adapter and run it into my dvc30. With snapz I think the quality is better and it records directly to the hard drive.

October 22nd, 2005, 10:18 AM	#1
Derek Brameyer New Boot Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12	Capturing Video from a Computer Hey, I'm looking to make a tutorial on video layering, and I want to capture video from the computer. Kind of like when people save screenshots, but I want to have the motion of the cursor, opening of menus, etc. Anyone know how to do this? I've got a DVC30, and a DV/VHS Deck, and both have Firewire ports on them...do I need extra software? If so, what? Thanks.

October 22nd, 2005, 05:43 PM	#2
Philip Boyer Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Carrollton, Texas Posts: 141	Try Captivate from Macromedia. There's also Camtasia from TechSmith. I've used both and for software demos and training, I prefer Captivate. __________________ Philip Boyer

January 13th, 2006, 10:38 AM	#7
Jeffrey Lovell Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 61	Just use your camcorder While I have not tried it, the DVC 30 has a setting for change the shutter speed so it matches your computer's screen refresh rate so you don't get any black bars. Just set up your tripod in such a way to get a straight on shot of the screen but still give you room to work and video it. Why by anything? Granted it won;t be as nice as video directly from the graphics card give hey your a student with no money!! Jeff __________________ Created Design Video Video production for the common man

October 24th, 2005, 03:42 PM	#3
Derek Brameyer New Boot Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12	How about free software? I'm a student, so I can't really put down $200-$300 for something as simple as screen capturing. :-/

October 26th, 2005, 10:13 AM	#4
Frederic Segard Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 209	Try the free Windows Media Encoder. It allows you to capture screen content like camtasia and captivate. My suggestion, set your display resolution at no more then 800x600 16-bit (640x480 preferable if you can). More then that, your frame rate will drop significantly. Play with your bit rate to get the optimal setting for your application. Keep in mind that you"ll never be able to get a full and constant 30fps (24fps maybe, if you're lucky), and if you're thinking of capturing some 3D animation or streaming video off an overlay region of interrest, you might be dissapointed. In which case you'd want to get yourself a scan converter.

December 27th, 2005, 09:33 AM	#5
Sergey Bosh New Boot Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 8	sooo...capturing video from screen including mouse movement and etc?? usually i use

December 27th, 2005, 09:45 AM	#6
Sergey Bosh New Boot Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 8	sooo...capturing video from screen including mouse movement and etc?? usually i use Screen Vidshot by Geovid.But its not free.Geovid has also capturing tool that is free,but i prefer the former. You can use this too for capturing video from ur screen with all elemets on it and even make easy edits after capturing.

January 13th, 2006, 08:43 PM	#8
Michael Fossenkemper Major Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NYC, weeee. Posts: 417	What system are you running? I capture 1 of 2 ways with my powerbook. I use snapz prox or I use the mini dvi to composite video adapter and run it into my dvc30. With snapz I think the quality is better and it records directly to the hard drive.