Sony TRV530-> Capture S-Video from Computer-> How cap

[ewingr]

I have a Sony TRV530 I want to use to capture computer activity to make a training video. My laptop video has an S-Video out.

I am successful capturing and recording the screen.

But I cannot figure out how to get audio. I'd rather speak while doing the computer work, as opposed to editing in video later. Double the time, and not as smooth doing hand work once, and video later.

I have tried connecting my computer MIC into the Mic port on the right side of the camera. I have tried changing several different settings, but no luck. Silent recordings.

BTW...to do the video cap I followed the instructions in the manual: Set the camera on VCR; Hold down the REc and button to the right, and it records. I connect to the S-Video in from my S-Video from teh laptop, and it does the pics fine.

Anyone have any help on this one?

[glockjs]

try recording with the s video still but hook up the rca's instead of the mic..you could basically hook up just about anything cd dvd and see if it will record sound doing it that way. if it does i'd say it's time to get creative and make a custom connection from the mic to the rca's.

[ewingr]

Hook up the RCAs...I thought of that, but I need a MIC. So, what you are saying, is make a way to hook a MIC to the RCA inputs on the cable for that. Makes sense. I bet Radio Shack can help me on that one. Probably an adapter cable out there somewhere.

BTW...I did try plugging the MIC into the jack that the RCAs plug into. Didn't work.

[glockjs]

did the rca audio work?

yeah there are adapters that will make 3.5 into rca. i have a couple...errr...trailer park engineered devices myself

[ewingr]

No. I had tried that before I even made this post. I'm a little surprised. When I look at the jack on the MIC, it looks just like the one on the cable that came with the camera, excepte it has two little black connector rings (don't know what else to call them...but I'm sure they are the wire connectors to pass the data) instead of three (No video).

I just came out of my closet, and I had found a sound mixer. It has inputs for MICs, 2 no less, and RCA outs. So I should be able to use that. Can't test it tonight...it needs a battery I don't have. It was something I got from my DAD's estate and kept around. May be of use.

[glockjs]

yeah from what i understand those lines and grooves have to do with + and - pull or whatever.

well goodluck to ya

[ewingr]

Thanks.

BTW...since I've started this, I've captured some video, and it is not very good. S-Video just doesn't cut it. I may end up passing altogether.

I do have a Dazzle capture device, but I need to capture screens of the working computer. I don't have any method to use VGA, or DVI to get better quality.

I'll talk with the other person I'm working with, and show them how this is coming out and see what they say.

BTW...I tried projecting on a screen with a commercial projector, and using the digital camera to vid it. The quality of that was about teh same as S-Video. Pretty fuzzy.

[thecoalman]

I've seen it mentioned there's a app that will do exactly what you want which is capture the movements of the computer screen right?

No cam involved and I would imagine the quality would be perfect. You'll have to look around but I did see just a thing mentioned recently.

[glockjs]

i think i remember there being one too.... quality is gonna be 10 times better since your cutting out a few steps. probably easier too just add audio later. the only one i really know of is camstudio but your puter will probably have to be pretty powerful to be capturing at full screen. i think theres another app out there that'll do what your looking for. ill let you know if i find it.

edit: i think camstudio is what u need or a screen capture proggy like it

[glockjs]

wow nevermind, this proggy will do everything you need. i ran it without a prob with audio. looks perfect too

[thecoalman]

I think I'll go get a copy myself Can't beat the price FREE, reviews look good too.

[ewingr]

Lots of good replies. Got a couple emails with links too to CamStuido.

INterestingly, I had downloaded it Fri night not long after my last post. It looks pretty good.

I got v 2.1, which requires registration to unlock it. I hear 2.0 doesn't. Not sure what other differences there are.

I'll report back on how it goes.

[gshelley61]

You might also want to look into getting a scan converter. These are devices that take the high resolution VGA output and downconvert to standard NTSC video. They usually have zoom, crop and image appearance controls, too.