Tag Archives: ScreenFlow

Classroom Video Capture After OS X El Capitan

BT-1

For several years now, I have recorded every class that I have taught and the majority of the presentations I have given. I had a process that worked for me, efficient and low cost. I shared my process with others.

However, upgrading to OS X El Capitan placed a little bump in the road. My typical process was as follows:

After upgrading, the Ecamm BT-1 Bluetooth webcam would not work at all. This handy little device is no longer supported by Ecamm, so my options were to give it up or roll back the OS to Yosemite. I decided to give up on the Bluetooth webcam, which was a shame. Having a wireless webcam that recorded live greatly speeded up editing – there was no need to import media or struggle with synchronizing content. I have been on the search for a comparable wireless webcam, but there does not see to be anything on the market, and my attempts to MacGyver an alternative all failed.

Adding insult to injury, the Zoom H2 microphone input that I connected to ScreenFlow sounded truly awful after the El Capitan upgrade (with strange audio artifacts and reverb). Again, working with older equipment, so unsure if there was a patch that would help. Newer gear, or just using the onboard microphone on the MacBook Air would be the easiest option.

Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Cam

So I dug out the camera that I previously used to record in the classroom – the Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Cam. A great little device that used to work well for me. The cam could easily record a three-hour class (changing the battery at breaks), and had a decent microphone to pick up room audio (if my dedicated audio recording failed). Unfortunately the Vado records AVI files in an old and unsupported codec. Previously, Perian could be used to play the imported media files in ScreenFlow. However, Perian is no longer an option. Strangely enough, MPEG Streamclip could not convert the AVI recordings into something that Screenflow could use, but Epiphany’s Tube did the job. However, this just added additional delay (import media, convert media, import to Screenflow)  to what had been an efficient process. The Vado HD went back into the drawer of discarded technology, and I looked for something cheap and cheerful.

SJ4000 Wifi

The SJ4000 Wifi was selling insanely cheaply on Amazon, so I decided to give this a go. At the moment I am unsure if this is a genuine SJ4000, as the branding says “DBPOWER,” but this is an extremely affordable GoPro alternative.

The camera comes with a plethora of cases, stands, cables, and accessories. Best of all was a semi-open case that had a tripod screw top and bottom. Through the use of a male threaded screw adapter, I was able to place my Vado HD and  SJ4000 cameras on the same Gorrilapod. This way I could record with multiple cameras, using a tested option as a reliable backup.

Snippets

First Failure – Too many snippets

My first test was a dismal failure, with the SJ4000 recording a sequence of very short clips. Changing a few settings on the menu fixed that. However, I did see that recordings were stopping about the 45-minute mark. To try and fix this, I bumped the resolution down to 720P (1280x 720 60fps) from 1080FHD (1920 x 1080). In a very basic test (recording myself typing at my desk) this seemed to improve things  – the recording would automatically split into two clips at the 01:06:50 mark. Generally I try and keep my classroom sessions no longer than an hour, so this should be OK. Recording at this stage is about 4GB in size, and works most reliably when copied over from the SJ4000 to my local drive.

Movi

At the moment the new process works, but is not as efficient as working with the BT-1. I am contemplating seeing if the Mevo will be a solution for me.

Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder

And maybe I could take a look at the Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder.

 

BT-1 Bluetooth Wireless Webcam No Longer Works (After OS X El Capitan‎ Upgrade)

Ecamm BT-1

Ecamm BT-1

I updated my MacBook Air to OS X El Capitan‎ (OS X 10.11) last week, and subsequently hit two issues.

The first issue was that Outlook would not work. This luckily has been fixed with an adapt from Microsoft.

BT-1

The second issue is unlikely to be resolved. The Ecamm BT-1 Bluetooth Wireless Webcams that I use with ScreenFlow to record class presentations no longer work after the El Capitan upgrade. Ecamm discontinued the camera several years ago, so I don’t see any options beyond reverting to an earlier version of the OS. There don’t seem to be any viable alternatives yet. The Logitech Broadcaster Wi-Fi Webcam does not have an El Capitan driver, the HuddleCam Air HD is too expensive.

Sigh.

Mini-Recording Studio Wishlist

Earlier this year, I requested some equipment at work. Basically what I wanted was a room in which faculty could walk in and record reusable video content for online and hybrid classes. Something simple, yet flexible. My wishlist is below. This all could be accomplished using a Windows Surface Pro with Camtasia installed, but I think ScreenFlow is a better editing package. Having a dedicated room allows for more flexibility in presentation style, with faculty able to stand in the room (adjustable camera and desk), or sit at a stool.

I have been experimenting with the combination of ScreenFlow, Open-Sankoré, and the Wacom Cintiq tablet. So far I am impressed. Open-Sankoré  is prone to the occasional crash, but this might be down to my testing on older equipment.

Item Details Notes Cost
Mac Pro Quad-Core and Dual GPU 2,799.00
Snowball Mic Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone Not ICE Model 59.00
Pop Filter Blue Microphones The Pop Universal Pop Filter 28.99
Microphone Stand PylePro PMKS15 Universal Compact Base Microphone Stand with Adjustable and Extendable Boom $35.05
Webcam Logitech C920 Cam 69.99
Microphone Stand for Webcam On Stage MS7201B Round Base Microphone Stand, Black 21.95
Wacom Tablet Cintiq 22HD Creative Pen Display 1999.00
Table (Adjustable Height) Tubular Steel Adjustable Drawing Table with Multiple Supply Drawers – CraftMaster $149.97
Adjustable Height Cabinet Adjustable Height Cabinet Table with Casters 156.90
Stool Balt Trax Stool, Model 34430 (Black) 182.00
External Drive Portable Hard drives
With thunderbolt docking station
654.95
Surge Protector Belkin Pivot Wall Mount Surge Protector with 6 Outlets 14.49
Softbox Lighting Kit ePhoto Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit and Boom Stand Hair Light with Carrying Case H9004SB 109.99
ClipWrap http://www.divergentmedia.com/clipwrap 49.99
Monitor Acer B296CL 499.99
ScreenFlow http://www.telestream.net/screenflow/ 99.00
TOTAL $6930.26

ScreenFlowing

BT-1

Somewhat embarrassingly, my favorite piece of software on the Mac is ScreenFlow. I started using it a couple of years ago, when the program was sold by Vara Software (who were the purchased by Telestream in 2008). ScreenFlow is a screen capture and editing tool. I use it several days a week.

I updated to version 2 last week – one of those pleasant updates in which the program works well, looks largely the same, but does things better. Version 2 appears to be more stable, has improved editing functions, and has the option to export direct to YouTube. I’m happy.

One thing that I hope is improved with the update is the ability to use the BT-1 bluetooth web cam to record. I record every presentation that I make – and every class that I teach – with ScreenFlow. I had been using the Vado HD for filming (and then importing the footage in during editing), and hoped to use the BT-1 to speed up the process. For reasons yet unknown, the video from the BT-1 freezes in ScreenFlow after a couple of minutes. Part of me thinks this might be a Snow Leopard issue – things seemed to work before I made that update.

And here I almost threw my laptop in a rage

ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow

I use Screenflow to record lectures, presentations, and screencasts. Normally it is a program I love and recommend. But not today…

I upgraded Screenflow (which may be the problem) and everything that I recorded and that used screen and video actions was wasted. Somehow the editing process inadvertently merges the video assets and renders the final export unusable.

Several hours were lost today. I hate having to repeat unnecessary work.

Slowly starting to cool down and hoping that this is an aberration.