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Re: Video tutorials - any recommendations for which tool(s) to use?
Subject:Re: Video tutorials - any recommendations for which tool(s) to use? From:Gregory P Sweet <gps03 -at- health -dot- state -dot- ny -dot- us> To:"Pippa Cohen" <cohenpippa -at- googlemail -dot- com> Date:Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:22:32 -0400
Pippa,
The big two are Techsmith Camtasia and Adobe Captivate. There are a whole
host of details left out of your original message as to why you would
choose one over the other, both record the screen, both output to Flash and
other various formats. There is some debate over who has a better screen
capture codec, but the point may be moot if you opt to use something like
wm9 or Flash in your final output anyway. As with most other arguments
about tools, a tool is a tool, and no tool is going to make you an expert
on something. I know that the marketing hype and promise of these tools is
that you can have a demo put together in mere seconds out of the box; which
is true, but it will look like something that took mere seconds to create.
You are probably best to spend your time investigating video production
techniques so here are some broad strokes on that front -- Write your
script first. Don't even think about down loading, evaluating or deciding
on a capture tool yet, start with the script. Once you have the story of
the app down, storyboard it. This will help you find the flaws in the flow,
missing information, bad transitions, etc. as well as help you decide if
you want to use any kind of fade transitions, talking head video etc. You
could start looking at capture utilities at this point because now you have
a pretty good idea of what features you are going to be looking for, but
it's still not time to capture screens. Record your script (the speaking
parts, or talking heads if you are using any). Once you have the audio
recorded, it's time to rehearse. Practice taking the screen caps while you
are listening to the audio playback. You'll find the any problems with
pacing or missing information pretty quickly. Re-dub your audio and
rehearse again. This is a really good time to evaluate tools because you'll
see how they actually perform with your project, also you'll make the most
of the 30 day trial periods. Once you are happy with your rehearsal go
ahead and record with the application of your choice, add your audio in and
publish. if you go this route you will be amazed at how much more quickly
you'll get the job done and how much higher the quality your production
will be.
-Greg
"Pippa Cohen"
<cohenpippa -at- googl
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hwr-l.com Video tutorials - any
recommendations for which tool(s)
to use?
10/10/2007 08:52
AM
Hi All
I have been asked to produce a video overview of an application, which is
something I've never tackled before but am keen to try. There are some
pretty impressive examples around at the moment (I was just looking at the
Apple website) so the bar seems to be set pretty high!
I just wondered what Windows tools other people are using / would
recommend?
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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