record video conference
by madmac66 (MadMac66)
on
Jun 28, 2006 at 7:43:07 am
This is way OT I know, but not really sure where to ask this. And folks here are so knowledgable figure it is worth a try...
I am trying to set up a video conference to conduct a remote customer testimonial interview. Been looking at the various products/services on the web and there are just so many. Nothing jumps out as the clear choice. iChat AV supports firewire/DV camera for high quality. Skype looks pretty easy to use and can record to a file. iVisit is quick and cheap. i have contacted the various software developers seeking more information, but I wanted to see if anybody else has done this before and what tools one might recommend.
Please any information and clarity would be most welcome
Re: record video conference by Jonathan Miller on Jun 28, 2006 at 4:41:01 pm
Since you're on a Mac, then Skype is not a choice for video conferencing. Skype with video only works with Windows.
I recently had a collegue help a client conduct a job interview using iChat. He used his JVC camcorder connected via firewire and was able to use a nice lav mic for the audio. She was wearing some small earbud-type headphones so she could hear. Concealed under her long hair. He lit it very well and the interview looked fantastic. Not sure if she got the job, but...
If your remote user can use iChat it should work great. I'm guessing that you will have the testimonial person in your office? If so, then I'd recommend rolling tape on the testimonial while the camera also provides the firewire out. That way, they have a full frame rate/resolution version to use if the iChat connection burps.
For recording the video chat, have you looked into Conference Recorder 2?
Re: record video conference by madmac66 on Jun 28, 2006 at 9:46:37 pm
Jon..
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that is not an issue as I work on both platforms and I'm pretty sure the customer will be on a PC, so if all else is okay then Skype may still be an option. Would you recommend it?
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This is exactly the scenario I am envisioning. We use the JVC HDV100s and the ability to use that (we can ship the cameras) over some cheap USB webcam is preferable.
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Well no they will be in Ohio whilst the creative team will be in California, hence the need to video conference remotely. To expect the customer to run tape too on top of everything else might be a bit mush for them. But it is a really good idea. As I'm writing this I get the feeling it might ALL be a bit much for them to do. May have to look into flying out there.
For recording the video chat, have you looked into Conference Recorder 2?
I use their Skype recorder and it works perfectly. I haven't tried the iChat recorder, but it looks just as simple and useful.
So would Skype and CR be a good solution in a pinch. Is the quality decent? Any limitations to bandwidth ect? It sounds good I will go look at it, thanks for the tip and the response.
Re: record video conference by Jonathan Miller on Jun 29, 2006 at 6:01:24 am
I'm a little confused as to exactly what you're trying to accomplish. Sounds interesting, though!
Are you looking to use the video conference since you can't be in two places at the same time? Would it be possible to pay a freelance operator $100 or something to run your other camera for you on the remote end for a short time? That way you could ensure you're getting what you need.
