Here is my turn to share a small but very useful tool with you and the community.

TASK: create HD Flash files for YouTube which requires a resolution of 1280 x 720. No problem.

When I am in a hurry, I use PowerPoint to create background text and images for my tutorials. Once the slide is OK, I save it as a .png image file, ready for post production work in Camtasia.

CHALLENGE: Microsoft have never given much attention to this feature, specifically with regards to the quality of the exported picture. And now, I have an issue when needing 1280×720 because there is no option to select a specific resolution. PowerPoint simply takes the existing Slide Show resolution which I have to twiddle, and it doesn’t offer 1280×720.

And here I am saved by PPTools Image Exporter (see http://www.pptools.com). It gives clean results (no “jaggies”), let’s you choose the resolution up front and does all sorts of other little things that are very useful for a video producer who needs to move quickly.

So, only fair to give as well. Best regards from snowy Geneva in Switzerland. If you are a skier, now is the time to visit us here!

You’re very welcome! And I love sharing my knowledge so others can follow in my footsteps to online success.

All the best!

Gideon

I use a Rode Podcaster mic, but I think the normal one on a mac should do a great job too.

Gideon

Or do you use a headset mic? I prefer using analog as apposed to usb. Any suggestions?

Yeah, some of my earlier videos on Screenr.com had a slight audio issues. But they have now fixed all that up.

Have a listen to my latest videos… the audio quality is just superb!

So, it’s still my #1 option for online video screen capture!

Regards

Gideon Shalwick

I am thinking on getting into video, as promo pieces, for contests, etc

But I had some questions, you mentioned Screenflow, and I know they have Camtasia for mac. You used screenr for these video here my question the audio sounds static in these videos, are you using the standard built in mic on the computer (are you on a mac?), If you aren’t what mic are you using so I know to stay away from so my video doesn’t sound staticy..lol j/k unless its screenr itself and that is just the audio it produces.

I don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on something as simple as a mic, any recommendations would be great, I always look for what new video and resource you will have next, love it !!

There are a number of PC applications you could try out.

From memory, during my PC days, the one I liked best was from PowerGrammo, and also HotRecorder. I never really liked Pamela, but it can also do the job.

All three these are reviewed at this link (and a few others too):

http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/06/how-to-record-skype-conversations.html

Let me know which one your favorite is ok?

Talk soon!

Gideon

Thanks,

Dan

Talk soon!

Gideon Shalwick

It has a great mouse over preview feature and is very reasonable. You can also save your own custom themes (lightboxes) and choose your download size and quality. Their advanced search function is also awesome. You can search within searches and even on the type of composition of the photo you want… for example, a picture of a boy playing with a ball on a white background.

…and no, I’m not an affiliate. They just have a great service.

Yeah Bullzip rocks!

I loved it because it didn’t have any silly ads that popped up all the time – and it also did not have any silly watermarks that it applied to documents.

Although, nowadays I just use Pages on Mac, which gives me everything I need

Gideon

I’ve checked out OmniOutliner, and I think it looks cool… Need to play around a little bit more though. Not sure I “get” it yet!

How do you actually use it?

Gideon

I’d only add http://www.mobygratis.com/ for more royalty-free music and

http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnioutliner/ for creating, collecting and organizing information.