Looking to record multiple sources simultaneously into one video file.

[Garynyc]

Hi all;

I do freelance work for a multimedia firm and we are looking for a reasonably priced solution to capture data at conferences that we do video recording and Powerpoint capture for. Basically we would like to simultaneously record the Powerpoint presentation (VGA signal) and a video feed of the presenter onto one screen, either for streaming or for upload at a later time. The resulting video would have the speaker on video talking while the Power points are displayed on the screen. Basically it would be a substitute for those people who could not attend the meeting.

We are looking to equip around 30 units with this technology.

Ideally we would like a black box unit, one that the operator can open, turn on, plug in their sources and start recording. On the low end, we are also looking into external devices that we could hook into laptops that can do the same job.

Does anyone have any suggestions here? We want to balance a professional product with a reasonable price, and portability is an issue as we have to ship these things around the country.

Thank you



Gary

[Cornucopia]

How to start...

Well, I could have done this sarcastically and said "give me the name of your Multimedia Firm, and I'll contact them myself". The thing is, it's like you're asking for an RFP and then getting the benefit of the knowledge and taking the credit (and the money) for it. That makes it really hard to answer at all.

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I'm just going to suggest that you go the analog route with a PC composite out, a composite mini mixer/switcher, and a video camera with analog in. Then you just do a 1/2 wipe or SbS PIP and leave it at that.

There are other, higher quality possibilities, but they'd require more involved setup (with the greater possibility of it getting messed up by someone who doesn't know all that's required).

Scott

[Bjs]

like thats not too hard ... though using dedicated hardware has its failings.

Options:

1: Wirecast
2: Cheap (free)

[Garynyc]

Thanks Corn for your "almost sarcastic answer". I appreciate it. I'm looking to help out a fellow freelancer who has been doing the work in this area, not looking for brownie points.

Thanks Bj-they have been testing Wirecast with laptops and some capture devices, and it seems to work pretty well.

I was just hoping to find something people find very reliable and reasonably priced. Doesn't hurt to ask.

I just found this link with a very device, but I am pretty sure its freakishly expensive..

http://www.haivision.com/products/viper

Any other suggestions I'm all ears.