Creating a quality video from your desktop PC can be done easily but takes preparation and preplanning. Always plan out what you are going to record and say before you make the actual recording. Sometimes if the recording is lengthy, a rehearsal will help smooth out some of the awkward moments. Below are some audio and video recording tips to help you with some of the subtleties of creating a quality video that will take your video from OK to great.

Audio Recording Tips

Do not rely on the microphone built into the PC for recording audio. Go out and purchase a quality microphone or mic/headphone set. There are significant differences in the quality of mic/headsets so take extra time to shop, expect to pay about US$50.  Ensure the recording volume level is not too high or too low. There is usually a way to test the volume level built in the recording program, be sure to use it. On reviewing the audio recording, if you hear loud pops when you say “P” or “T”, try repositioning the microphone slightly to avoid a direct angle to the mouth. For example, drop the mike down about 1 inch from your lower lip, or change the angle so it is not directly in front of your mouth. If possible, make your recordings in a quiet room. Turn off fans and or other objects that can cause background noise. Closing the door is a good way to reduce or eliminate uncontrollable outside noises. Something that is often overlooked is the ringing of phones. Make sure all phones in the room including cell phones are turned off. Avoid drinking liquids or eating, including chewing gum, during recording. These activities result in very annoying sounds that have no place in a recording. Plan what you are going to say ahead of time. Stumbling around with your words or restating your topic multiple times will annoy the listener.

Video Recording Tips

Try to limit video training modules to 5 – 8 minutes in length. It is difficult for adult learners to maintain focus for longer periods. If a topic needs more than 8 minutes, break the material up into several smaller sections to maintain a 5 – 8 minute criteria. Organize your material in outline format. This makes it easier for the audience to follow and provide excellent cue’s for the conversation. Slow your speech down. Normal conversational speech is a bit too fast when providing new material in a learning environment. Slowing down will allow better comprehension by the viewer. NOTE: Keep in mind this is likely the first time your viewers are seeing this material so they will need extra time to absorb the visual and audible conversation being presented. Move the mouse and cursor at a slow and deliberate pace, avoid quick jumps. When fast cursor movement is reproduced in the video, the action becomes an annoying blur. Rely on post-production editing and highlighting to draw the viewers’ attention, as appropriate. Avoid circling the cursor around the field you are pointing out. At 10 frames per second, this frantic movement is useless. Deliberately place the cursor near fields or screen elements you want to refer to. The arrow cursor should be pointed at the element and can rest there as you describe it. This will aid the audience in locating the visual material. If you make an error in a spoken phrase, simply stop and pause for a couple of seconds, then say the whole phrase over again. When editing, you can see these pauses on the timeline and cut the pause and error from the video production. When you make an error, maintain the cursor at the current location where you made the error. This will eliminate a distracting jump when the gaps are edited out.

If you properly prepare the material for the desktop recording session and follow the tips above you can make a quality video that will enlighten and entertain your audience, good luck and enjoy.

Why You Need a Game Video Recorder

The gaming world evolves so rapidly, it can be hard to keep up with all that takes place.  Not only are games getting more and more advanced, but computers are providing a more realistic array of sounds and visuals.  Sometimes it can be difficult to see what you are doing when you’re in the middle of a game. Or perhaps you simply want to keep track of what you’ve done in the past so you can repeat your actions. That’s where a game video recorder can help.  When you use this system, you can not only keep up with the game, but you can also make yourself one of the best players around.

What Does a Video Recorder Do?

Many people who are newer to the video game world may not even realize what it means to record a video during a game.  Simply put, this is the same sort of system you would use when recording your favorite television shows with a VCR or with a DVR.  But within the video game system, you need more help and a different program.  A game video recorder can work seamlessly within your gaming system, helping you record entire games or even just moments where you need to figure out what to do next.  You can then replay these scenes again and again for whatever reason you like, while also helping yourself and maybe even others learn.

Learning New Moves

What many people don’t realize is just how much practice it takes to become really good at video games.  The more you play, the better you get, but sometimes even that can prove to be frustrating.  If only you could replay what you did wrong in previous levels, then you would be able to understand how to change your actions the next time the situation presents itself.  By using a game video recorder, you will be able to easily and quickly record the movements you make, review them, and then try another tactic the next time you play.  Before you know it, your gaming will be smoother and you will be advancing your skills and your level proficiency far faster than you could with practice alone.

Showing Off Your Success

But there’s also nothing like proving to others you actually did take down that villain with just three moves.  With a game video recorder, you can record what you have done and then show it off to all of your friends and family – until they’re sick of seeing just how good a gamer you are.  And you can save your videos for later to review to enjoy your own success.  When you have done something really spectacular, wouldn’t it be nice to have proof of it?

With a game video recorder, you can show off to your friends just how good a player you are or you can learn the moves to make you the player to beat.  Video gaming is not an easy task, but with the help of a recorder, it can be a learning experience as well as a time for you to shine amongst your friends.