Tech Tips: Recording webcam video for tech comm

Most of us have Webcams built into our laptops, desktop computers or other devices. Have you ever thought of using that ubiquitous device to capture decent quality, useful video for your tech comm projects? Probably not.

In a recent AdobeTCS webinar, guest Matt R. Sullivan walks us through the fundamentals for achieving good video results on a budget. The session covered everything from planning your video to eliminating distracting background images and placement of lighting for a “talking head.” You may click here to view the video recording: Recording webcam video for tech comm

https://blogsimages.adobe.com/techcomm/files/2014/06/01-Matt-BLOG-capture.jpg

Minute Markers for key points in the webinar recording

The following list indicates key points in the recording in “00:00” format for minutes/seconds. This will enable you to fast-forward to points of particular interest:

• 3:00 list of SW packages discussed and sample of live webcam broadcast; overview of microphone used

• 4:38 physical background used to maintain neutral image

• 5:10 step through sample video pulled together with Adobe Presenter

• Physical view of lighting used

• Examples of branding from Adobe Presenter

• 5:48 sample of neutral lighting achieved with common LED lamps

• 6:00 sample of “conclusion” video added in Presenter

• 6:44 review over 4 SW packages used in Matt’s video production on a MAC

• 7:57 Screenflow “how to” …. demo of less dynamic video created with Screenflow for simple video needs — illustration of workflow to create timeline

• 9:50 transition between 2 videos, with Matt’s daughters as experienced YouTube actresses

• 10:50 Advantages of Adobe Video Presenter for more audience-engaged video, combining screen captures with “talking heads”

• 11:30 comments on amount of editing time for certain minutes of video time

• 12:50 advantages of Call Recorder for Skype for audio-call recording

• 13:20 Advantages of QuickTime Player

• 13:40 Links to completed videos demonstrated in this session

• 14:40 Slides with underlined URLs to take you to Matt’s sample videos

• 15:00 pause for answers to questions

• 17:40 Example of importing video into FrameMaker 12 – Large variety of graphic formats supported are displayed

• 18:40 Discussion of success linking FrameMaker docs with video inserts into RoboHelp 11 and publish out with working video

• 20:50 YouTube TC2LS channel has Matt’s video samples

• 21:35 Discussion of Different video resolutions – approximate Megapixels per frame for different resolutions

• 22:25 Basics of proper lighting – positioning of 3-point lighting

• 23:30 positions of 3-point lighting – LED vs. incandescent

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  https://blogsimages.adobe.com/techcomm/files/2014/06/02-basics-of-lighting.jpg

• 24:08 Discussion of Audio equipment that Matt uses – Warning not to cut costs on microphone

• 25:00 sample of live video broadcast with standalone microphone in the frame

• 25:50 discussion of toning color on video or lighting

• 26:40 SW for adjusting your videocam

• 27:00 control physical background of your images, e.g. a screen to hide mirrors and distracting book shelves

• 28:30 Matt’s use of Splasheo which will create dynamic Logos or segueys for your videos

• 29:40 Demo of placing video into RoboHelp project – Insert Multimedia demo (when not using video outside of Captivate)

• 30:50 preview of RoboHelp topic showing live, imported video

https://blogsimages.adobe.com/techcomm/files/2014/06/03-Matt-in-RoboHelp.jpg

• 32:00 Pod appears in lower left corner with all of Matt’s dynamic links to resources and recorded video samples
• 34:00 Hints for dry mouth during recordings – (Hoffmann recommends “Oramoist” mouth tablets)
• 37:00 Q/A: hints for working with scripts
• 44:00 Brief demo of how to add “Intro pitch” at beginning of YouTube video so user “gets the point” before viewing entire video
• 47:50 Adobe resources and upcoming eSeminar/webinar events
  • Microsite for FrameMaker for Word Users
  • Microsite for XML