| How can I get rid of the user interface while I am getting video? In Windows, turn the client and server tabs on (ctrl-alt d). Then ctl+alt+f1 toggles the UI on and off. Some things (especially the tie streams between avatar and object) may appear and persist. Toggle the UI off and on to clear the screen. |
Windows: Client and server
tabs on: ctl+alt+d
Toggle UI: ctl+alt+f1 NOTE: f1 |
|
How can I
communicate with the performers
while I am shooting?
Plan A: Skype. Free. Most computers can handle Skype and SL at the same time. Available for both Windows and Mac. Talking frees your eyes to watch the screen. Allows conference calls, so you can talk to multiple performers at the same time. Incoming audio will probably be captured along with the audio from SL. You can use that in the video if you want. You can also silence the captured audio in WMM if you don't want it. Plan B: External IM. I use Windows messenger. Runs on Win or Mac. |
Skype download page |
|
Is there a convenient way to
move big files
over the web? Windows Live SkyDrive offers free space. You can set up shared and public folders. Another route is MailbigFile. The free service will take 100 megs in file A third way -- probably the way of the future -- is Windows Live Mesh. Still in beta. Lets you set up folders that are shared (via internet) with others. |
Windows Live MailbigFile |
| Can I send video files by e-mail? Sure. The typical limit on file size is 10 meg. (Gmail will allow 20 meg, so you can use that if all parties are using Gmail accounts. Gmail may allow larger files, but that is not guaranteed.) 10 meg will hold about 2 min. of compressed video at half-size. A little less for busy, well lighted scenes. If you send the trimmed selects for one scene at a time, the files will probably fit in the limit. |
Selection editor crib
sheet Clip trimmer crib sheet |
| How can I get sound effects? I use FindSounds. It lets you search by the name of the sound and shows helpful information in the wave form. | FindSounds |
| What is a good image editor? I use the GIMP. Free and does everything I need. If you are familiar with Photoshop, you will prefer Photoshop. Whether you prefer it enough to pay the price is your choice. | The
Gimp Gimp Tutorials Tips for using the Gimp |
| What is a good microphone? I am not the one the ask. I use head sets I got from Walmart or Radio Shack. The only recommendation I can make is: Don't spend more than $30 (US) for a mike to do voice unless you know why you need to. | |
| Can I capture video with the tools provided by Second Life? I have not found those reliable. People who have tried then complain that they can't find the file that was supposedly created. I prefer Fraps. | |
| How do I know when I am getting video? Fraps puts a frame rate counter on the screen. It is red when you are recording, yellow otherwise. | |
|
What is a
good frame rate? A
frame rate above 15 generally gives good results. Lower rates
may give acceptable results if important movements are slow.
If the frame rate is too low, your video will be jerky. In that case, you may be able to improve your results by adjusting your graphics settings Edit>Preferences>graphics>check customize an turn down features you don't need in your video. Also cut down unnecessary activity in your scene -- particles, bling, moving objects not part of the story. Leave the camera steady and let the avatars, objects, and sound tell the story. Put the story on a set and enclose it so the camera does not see anything not in your story. Also close all unnecessary programs running in the background. Consider adding more memory to your computer. You need at least 1 G and 2 is better. |
|
| How can I get rid of the cursor? Fraps > movie tab> check "No cursor" | |
| Is there software for a Mac? I hear good recommendations about for iShowU. | |
| How can I move video between Mac format and Windows format? I use AVS Video Tools. | AVS Video Tools |
| Are there other options for Win screen capture besides Fraps? I have heard good reports about Hypercam3, but have not tried it. I have also seen recommendations about the open source program, CamStudio. |
Hypercam3
CamStudio (Video instructions, too.) |
|
How can I convert .wav to .mp3?
Audacity does not convert to .mp3 for licensing reasons You don't use that
conversion to put an audio file into a video. But you may need it for other
purposes. Options: 1. Simplest. Buy AVS Video Tools ($30). The audio editor includes output in mp3. 2. There is a free plug-in available for download. Instructions come with Audacity. |
AVS Video Tools |
| How are you doing screen captures of programs like WMM? Key: PrintScreen. Paste into Windows Paint and save as .jpg or.bmp. I load the results into the Gimp for further work. | Gimp 101 |
|
Are there ways to earn money by making
videos? Within SL, somebody might earn money by teaching the
trade. If I wanted to do that I would set up a group and charge an
enrolment fee of 300 Lindens. For that fee, I would provide help in
learning how to do videos. Somebody might also provide video services, for
weddings and other affairs. For real dollars, there are web sites that will put ads in your video and pay you part of the ad revenue. I doubt that you could make much from this at present, but there might be opportunities in the future for people who can do interesting stories. |
blip.tv Revver |
|
How can I get
voice inputs from other people? 1. Use FRAPS to record the video and audio. Use AoA Audio Extractor to pull off the audio into .mp3. 2. Get other people to load and use Audacity (free). |
|
| Can I put stills into my video? Use .jpg format. WMM offers an import option for pictures. Put the picture into the story board just as you do with clips. WMM will give it a display time. To change the display time for a still, go to the timeline and do what you do to trim a clip. In this case, however, you can drag the marks to extend the display time. | Gimp 101 |
| How can I get the audio track off the video to work with independently? I use AoA Audio Extractor | AoA Audio Extractor |
| The frame rate counter from FRAPS disappeared. If you don't see the yellow frame rate counter on your SL window, open the FPS tab. Be sure the counter is enabled and that one of the white circles on the black placement panel has a dot in it. | |
| How do I use .wmv on a MAC? Flip4Mac WMV plugs into QuickTime to play .wmv files. Flip4Mac Studio lets you import and export .wmv for editing on common Mac programs. |
Flip4Mac WMV Flip4Mac Studio |
| How can I show videos on my parcel without setting up my own server? Code Tracer has provided software and instructions for inworld streaming from YouTube.com, Blip.TV, Revver.com and Video Podcast Players. | CT Gadgets |
| Can I stream live video from my webcam? | Live stream from your webcam into SL |
|
The Thinkerer
08/05/2008 Copyright (c) D. F. Dansereau & S. H. Evans |
VideoTech | ||
| Famous fables | |||