Your recorded tutorial will become part of CodeCamp's permanent, publicly-accessible screencast library.
Participation in screen-capture is not mandatory-- just very cool.
These instructions will explain how to record and upload your tutorial. We hold your hand every step of the way.
We put a lot of experimentation and tweaking into every aspect of this process, to produce the smallest possible video files with readable text.
Now, if you have not already done so, go here to register your intention to record your session. Then you'll be redirected back to this page.
You may record your session before or after Code Camp if you prefer. Some presenters feel too distracted during the live session to think about screen capture.
**1 to 2 Weeks Before CodeCamp**
To ensure a trouble-free presentation at CodeCamp, please prepare your computer according to these instructions, and perform a test capture, at least 1 week before CodeCamp.
We tried to anticipate every possible scenario in these instructions, so bear with us as we go into considerable detail. Also, we appreciate your patience, as we may experience some unexpected kinks in this project, since this is our first time doing this.
Contents:
- Lapel or headset microphone, connected to your computer. If your computer has a built-in microphone, it might NOT be adequate, especially if you wander from your computer during your presentation. Therefor, we prefer you use a head- or collar-mounted microphone, if possible, for best quality. You can usually find cheap headset mics at Big Lots. Earphones are not necessary.
- A microphone extension cable long enough for walking around during your presentation (or use a wireless microphone).
- BB Flashback Express for Windows, by Blueberry Software
For consistency we request that all PC presenters use Blueberry Flashback Express. Click here if you want to read why we chose BB Flashback Express. However, if you prefer to use another screencapture tool, and you're willing to convert and edit your video as needed, for web posting with our chosen video host, feel free. Ensure that the text in your video is readable.
Note, by the time you read this, Blueberry may have released a new version which may make some of these instructions obsolete.
Mac/Linux Capture Software
These instructions are written for Windows. If you are presenting on Mac or Linux, we recommend the following options:
- Linux: All of these options are free.
- Macintosh:
- ScreenRecord - CodeCamp has been given free copies of this $16 product by Mien Software. We have a limited number of licenses, to be used for CodeCamp only. If you need to do screencapture on Mac, contact us at: john@laptopacademy.net.
Perform these steps at least 1 week before CodeCamp. If you use a different capture tool, perform a test capture with audio and the Magnifier, to ensure your hardware and software are ready in ADVANCE of CodeCamp.
Install the software
- Download the Flashback installer from the manufacturer's website.
- Run the installer, with Windows Administrator privileges.
- Let the installer create a desktop shortcut to flashback.exe.
- Click the option to enable Flashback for all users.
Note, although unnecessary for CodeCamp, we encourage you to buy Blueberry's premium Flashback products, which may enable you to do all editing and rendering functions in a single software. Be aware that we do not recommend the premium zoompan feature, as it only follows the mouse, not keystrokes.
Configure the software
- Connect your microphone BEFORE configuring Flashback. On some or all systems, essential Flashback audio configuration settings are hidden if the microphone is disconnected.
- We tested various codecs, sample-rates, frame-rates, etc, to find the best balance between file-size and readability. Our tests have found that these settings will produce the smallest file with readable quality. We recommend you make only the changes below to Flashbacks default settings.
- Doubleclick the "BB FlashBack Express 2 Recorder" shortcut the installer created.
- Click "Continue" when asked if you want to upgrade. Flashback will display a minitoolbar in your Taskbar.
- Click the "Show Menu" button (looks like a dropdown arrow).
- Click "Options".
- UNchecked everything on the "Display" tab.
- "Sound" tab:
- Check "Record Sound"
- Click "PC Speakers"
- In the dropdown, choose "Default Playback Device" or "Speakers"
- Check "Record microphone in separate track"
- Set "Sample Rate" to "22.05 kHz"
- UNcheck "Stereo"
- Check "Use MP3 Compression"
- Select "High Quality" in the dropdown list
- "WebCam" tab: All UNchecked
- "Keystrokes" tab: Check ON all.
- "File Size" tab Type "120" in "Limit to minutes". If you forget to stop the capture, Flashback will automatically stop the capture after 2 hours.
- "Record Mode" tab:
- Set "Frames per second" to 4
- Advanced" tab:
- UNcheck everything EXCEPT check on "Sound recording threads get higher CPU priority"
- Move the "Seek time" slider to the far left ("smaller file")
- Click "OK". Your settings will be saved for future sessions.
Surprisingly, lower audio settings created a larger output file, so please use our recommended settings.
Launch the Magnifier
In order to ensure the readability of your text, please use Windows Magnifier. This will display a zoom pane along the top of your screen, which will automatically track your keyboard and mouse. This will also help your live audience see what's happening. Click here for instructions.
Record your screen
- Launch Flashback if not already running.
- In the Flashback toolbar in your Windows Task bar, click the Record button (red dot). Your capture has begun.
- You can watch elapsed time in the Flashback toolbar.
- Perform a moment or two of mundane screen activity, while speaking into the microphone. Open, close, and move some windows, type in a document, launch an app, browse the web. Speak in a full voice, as you would during a presentation in front of a group of people.
- In the Flashback toolbar, click the Stop button (red square) to stop the capture.
- Save the output file: When you stop the capture, Flashback will ask you where to save the output file. If you don't save this file, your capture will be discarded.
View the output file
- Make sure your speakers are turned on, or use headphones.
- Make sure your audio is not muted.
- In the Flashback toolbar, click the Play button (green arrow).
- Pick the capture file you just saved. The Flashback Player will open.
- Inside the Player window, in the toolbar, click the play button (green arrow) to begin playback.
- Click the "View" menu, and choose "Full Screen"
- Make sure text is readable.
- Make sure the audio is strong and clear, and free of noise and distortion.
That's it! If your test was successful, you're ready for CodeCamp. If you encounter problems, please consult Blueberry Support. We have also found that Blueberry provides responsive email support, even for free users. If you encounter and resolve any issues we did not cover here, please let us know, so other presenters can benefit. john@laptopacademy.net.
Please read the section below now, "On the Day of CodeCamp" so you know what to expect.
Fifteen to Thirty (15-30) Minutes Before Your Presentation
- Connect your microphone, and determine your walking limit. You don't want the microphone cable to get ripped out in the middle of the show.
- Launch the Magnifier Launch Flashback Recorder. But don't start capturing yet.
5 Minutes Before Your Presentation
- Start your screen capture. That will allow you to focus your final moments on your presentation, instead of worrying about the screencapture. That excess will be trimmed off later.
After Your Presentation
- Don't take off your microphone or stop the capture yet. Future video-watchers may benefit from your QA.
After your QA
- Don't shut down your computer yet! If you turn off your computer without saving, you'll lose your capture.
- Stop the capture and save the capture file.
- If you suspend or hibernate after your presentation, be sure to save the file when your wake your computer.
CodeCamp may have an audience-member verbally remind you to start and stop the capture, because we don't want to miss a thing.
Stay tuned for instructions on how to edit and upload your video. Check back after CodeCamp.