Working with Audio/Video

Transcription

1 Working with Audio/Video Who on campus works with video/audio? Network and Classroom Services (NCS) provides a comprehensive variety of services supporting the use of information technology in education. Their main service includes support for Technology Classrooms and other centrally scheduled spaces on both North and South campuses. They also provide support for video/audio related services as listed below. (Alternative contact: Beth Fellendorf [email protected]) Digital Lecture Hall Recording Digitally capture and store recorded content for access via the web. This service mainly provides audio recording capabilities, but video recording can also be arranged in certain circumstances. Check Classroom Attributes for a list of classroom descriptions, including Digital Lecture recording capability. Classroom Capture Services Record lectures, workshops or other classroom based events and makes them available on the web. NCS can provide these services in multiple remote locations as well as several fixed distance learning classrooms. The files created can be made available for on-demand viewing or can be streamed lived as an event takes place. These video files are often used for student review, as primary or supplemental course content and to preserve special lectures for multiple semesters. If you need to capture content quickly and do not require any post-production editing they may be the right service for you. Recordings can be produced in Real Media, Windows Media or Accordant format. Viewers can review a recording via streaming technology on the web and, if you desire, they can be given the ability to download and save the file. Live streaming is provided in either Real Media or Windows Media format. Services are free if they are directly related to UB courses and fee-based otherwise. Network and Classroom Services (NCS) provide video streaming as well as webcasting solutions. For distance learning courses, video services are available through multiple remote locations. They offer streamed video delivery for courses and events offered in their facilities, and also in rooms where they bring their portable equipment cart. These instances can be streamed and made available for student review, and can be used to create initial course content. Their facilities are also able to schedule quick video sessions in their facilities. If you need to capture a quick interview and do not require any editing process, this may be the right service for you. This unit also makes arrangements to have audio or web-conferencing for course related and non-course related needs. Services are free if they are directly related to UB courses and fee-based otherwise.

2 Server options for posting audio/video UB on itunes U Allows faculty members, students, and university departments to easily post content including audio and video files, documents, student work samples, etc. to the web. Faculty members, students, and the global community can access UB-generated content using itunes U at any time, regardless of their location. Content can also be restricted just to enrolled students. Process to post to itunes U: Request a course on UB itunes U using the UBlearns Course Setup Upload files to the course on itunes U. See acceptable media formats for itunes U. itunes U files are available by going to You can add an external link from within your UBlearns course to itunes U. UB Central Streaming Server For info about the UB streaming server, and how to request an account check out their website: Use this form to request an account on the UB central streaming server. [email protected] The UB Streaming Servers are for official University business, specifically to support UB's research initiative, departmental needs, UB instructional activities, and officially sponsored student clubs, organizations, and events. The streaming media service is capable of streaming files in several different formats: Windows Media format (.wmv/.wma) Real Media format (.rm) Quicktime movie (.mov) MPEG-4 (.mp4) MPEG-3 (.mp3) Flash 4 in SMIL presentation (.smi) To access the server space, you need to use the UB recommended SFTP software (i.e., Filezilla, Fetch) to create a profile for your uploads. In Filezilla, using "Quickconnect" will not work. Select "File", then "Site Manager". Click the "New Site" button to create a new profile. You may need to Modify file permissions for newly uploaded files.

3 UB Helix central streaming server (for RealMedia and QuickTime): SFTP info: Host = wingsadm.acsu.buffalo.edu Path = /stream/data/web/www/shared/yourdirectory (i.e. CAS, LAI) Port: 22 Servertype: SFTP using SSH2 Logontype: Normal User = UBitname Password = UBitpassword URLs for RealMedia: URL to stream RealMedia from the Helix server: rtsp://stream.buffalo.edu/shared/yourdirectory/yourfilename.rm URL to download RealMedia from the Helix Server: URLs for QuickTime: URL to stream QuickTime from the Helix server: rtsp://stream.buffalo.edu/shared/yourdirectory/yourfilename.mov URL to download QuickTime from the Helix Server: For streaming Quicktime movies, you need to generate additional files using MakeRefMovie. To Compress and Hint Media for streaming, visit: (More info to come.) UB WindowsMedia central streaming server: SFTP info: Host =mediastream.buffalo.edu Path = /remote/content/yourdirectory Port: 22 Servertype: SFTP using SSH2 Logontype: Normal User = UBitname Password = UBitpassword URLs for WindowsMedia: URL to stream from the WindowsMedia server: mms://mediastream.buffalo.edu/content/yourdirectory/yourfilename.w mv URL to download from the WindowsMedia server: v

4 Note: If the faculty will be using the streaming server in relation to UBlearns, they should specify this in the notes field when submitting the form. Note: FlipForMac is not currently supported through imovie 08 & imovie 09, which allows saving into WMV files. imovie is often a recommended solution to edit video for delivery through the UB Stream server. Primary solution for converting to.wmv file: Find the raw imovie file (.dv). This can be located at MacPro1 (primary hard drive name)>ulib.capen212 (username)>movies>imovie Events and then point to the folder that has the same name you used when capturing your videos through imovie. Once you have located the.dv file, open it through Quicktime (Note: You will need Quicktime Pro and Flip4Mac). Click on File>Export and in the Export drop down box select Movie to Windows Media. For an alternate solution you need to perform an additional step and save the file from imovie as one format (MOV or MP4) and then open QuickTime Pro to save the file out as a WMV. School or Departmental Media Servers Contact your Academic Technology Node to inquire if your School or department has access to their own equipment or media server that you might have access to. Other Online Media Platforms (i.e. YouTube, Vimeo, Viddler, SoundCloud) Create a free personal account Upload files to your account Choose the privacy setting for personal or public Can't I just upload my video/audio files to my UBlearns course? The UBlearns server has limited file space, therefore, it is highly recommended that you DO NOT upload large media files directly to UBlearns. Instead, you should upload media files to a streaming server or online media platform, then link to these files from within UBlearns. Another highly recommended option is to upload media files to the UB itunes U, and make this a part of your UBlearns course. Storage on itunes U is unlimited. Streaming server: the process of uploading to a streaming server and then linking to these files within UBlearns involves a little more work on your end, however, this process does not over burden the UBlearns server. A benefit of uploading files to a streaming server is that the media files begin to play much faster than if the files are uploaded to a non-streaming server.

5 Click to view instructions on how to upload files on the streaming server (+ manage file permissions), and Create corresponding links on UBlearns. See info about the UB Streaming server. How can I acquire audio or videos created by others for use in my course? Contact your UB Libraries' Department Liaison to discuss audio/video resources that are available for you to adopt for use in your class. A Media Library of over 2000 educational films that were previously available through Instructional Technology Support Services (ITSS) are now part of the University Libraries collection and can be searched via the University Libraries online catalog. The Libraries provide comparable services to the services previously provided by ITSS including the means to reserve and preview videos, purchase new materials, and check out videos. Videos that are from this Faculty Collection will also be bookable by faculty - that is, an instructor will be able to book a video well in advance and for a period of up to 10 days for in-class viewing. All videos in this collection are available for check-out by the entire campus community, unlike the former ITSS policy. (Note: this section needs updating.) The Associated Press online database provides access to news photographs, audio, and videos. The AP Photo database is subscribed to by the UB Libraries and contains a number of news related photos and audio files. UB does not subscribe to the AP video archive, but licenses for the Film and Video Archive from the Associated Press can be purchased. Search the Internet including sites like Apple's itunes U, Google, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. The UB Libraries' guide on copyright and fair use is a very helpful site about copyright and how it applies to education. In general copyright allows an instructor to capture 10% of an entire video which can be inserted into your own presentations for a class. It is the faculty member's responsibility to be aware if their use falls within the copyright fair-use, otherwise copyright permission should be requested. For online courses consult the TEACH act checklist to find out if a full video can be delivered online for a full distance learning course. If a video meets the conditions for fair use, you can download it using YouTube Downloader or other services.

6 Web conferencing options Some web-conferencing tools have the ability to record the session which you can then post to the web like you would any other type of media file. WebEx is a high end web-conferencing solution available for course related needs at no charge. Charges apply for non-course related needs. Acrobat - Free screen conferencing with 2-way video (private session) DimDim.com - Free for 20 users, $99 for more. GoogleVoice - Free Skype - Ability to record. Fees are charged only when connecting to a non-workstation such as a regular telephone instead of another computer. Ustream - Not private (can record/archive session) Yugma - Free web conferencing - instantly share desktop (invite up to 20 attendees) Microsoft Lync - currently being piloted by UB. Purpose-specific media formats: It's good to provide a variety of formats when delivering video over the Internet. This allows someone to choose the method of playback that works best for their system. UB's itunes U: UB's itunes U accepts the following formats: AAC (audio) MP3 (audio) MP4 (video) Note: MP3 files for audio are recommended instead of AAC to make it easier for those with non-apple MP3 players. When saving video files from imovie use the menu Share > to ipod Recommended resolution for video: 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixel size UB Central Streaming Server: Most formats can be uploaded to the UB Helix streaming server including: RealMedia (.rm) QuickTime (.mov)(additional steps are needed) SWF (.swf) MP3 (.mp3) Note: Although the UB streaming server does not stream SWF or MP3 files, they are appropriate formats to store and deliver via the UB streaming server. The WindowsMedia server accepts: WindowsMedia (.wmv) Recommended resolution for video: 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixel size Powerpoint 2007: Recommended resolution for video: 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 (Can also be larger if needed for local playback.)

7 WMV or Quicktime (Check out the document Adding Video to PowerPoint created by the University at Albany.) If you are using Powerpoint 2010, many potential linking problems are prevented by the software see below for more information. To avoid PPT sound and movie linking problems: Pick (or create) the folder you want to store your presentation and movies/sounds in. Save your presentation to that folder. The path to the folder should be as short as possible. C:\MyPresentation, for example. Copy sound and movie files to the same folder. Insert the sounds and movies into your presentation from that folder. When you move the PPT file to another computer, be sure to move all the movie and sound files too. As long as you put them in the same folder as the PPT file, the links will usually not break. Youtube: MPEG4 (Divx, Xvid) format resolution MP3 audio 30 frames per second 10 minute limit More Youtube video encoding tips. TV: 640 x 480 pixel size (or higher depending on tv format) MPEG2 (DVD recording format) o o The Sony Cybershot ProShoot Camera has the capability of recording 640 X 480 resolution videos, up to 45 minutes (unless a larger memory card (4GB) is used). It records in MPG format (MPEG-2) and can be converted into various other formats with the use of Super of Xillisoft HD Video Converter. Screen Capture Videos (i.e. Camtasia and Captivate): 640 x 480 pixel size Can be set as low as 2 frames per second if screen movement is minimal. SWF format is a good choice. Also export into MP4(video) and MP3(audio) formats for upload to itunes U. See, Camtasia System Audio Recording Guide. Podcasts: MP3 for audio podcasts MV4 or MP4 for ipod video podcasts Note: What makes an audio or video file into a podcasts is the ability for someone to subscribe to a series of podcasts using an RSS feed.

8 I just want to make copies of videos. What s the best way to do this? Distributing video Via a web server Video files can be made available over the Internet by uploading the video files to a server. Possible options to deliver videos through include: The UB streaming server. Follow the previous link to request an account. If you plan to post videos in relation to use within UBlearns this should be stated in the comments section of the request form. Every faculty staff and student at UB has server space on the UB file service (UBFS). Although videos can be posted to UBFS space, it's best to request an account on the Streaming server to allow better video playback. A few schools and departments around UB are lucky enough to have video server space sponsored through their school or department. Check with your technology node to inquire if this service is available for you. View a list of some of the technology divisions around campus. Some of the units at UB that have a streaming server include Management & Nursing, Architechture, and GSE. Commercial sites (i.e., YouTube, Vimeo ). Via CDs and DVD discs Videos can be burned to DVD and CD's. CDs can be read by a computer, but are limited in the amount of video they can hold. DVDs can hold more (~6 GB). You can create DVDs that play through a set-top DVD player like one attached to home entertainment systems, or DVDs that play only through a computer as a data file. Differences between DVD-R and DVD+R? No single company "owns" DVD and both technologies have their "champions". DVD-R/RW was developed by Pioneer, is supported by the DVD Forum, an industry-wide group of hardware and software developers, and computer peripheral manufacturers. DVD+R/RW is supported by Sony, Philips, HP, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha, and others, and has been endorsed by Microsoft. DVD+R/RW is not supported by the DVD Forum, but the Forum has no power to set industry standards, so it becomes a market-driven issue. However, DVD-R is a safer option since most DVD players read DVD-R and not all DVD players read DVD+R. Creating Screen Captures Camtasia is a great tool to capture the screen actions to create tutorials and it's also useful to capture a PowerPoint with a speaker to post to the Web for later review. (Note: Editing with Camtasia is not Mac compatible, but the files that are output can be played on a Macintosh).

9 Recommended settings for Camtasia Web delivery: Save as SWF file formatframe rate 2 Frames per second (for just computer screen grabs - People and animation that should be at least 10 FPS) Sound quality raise to 22 MHZ Size 640x480 Export also in MP3 format to post as an audio podcast Note: Jing is a free software offered by TechSmith that is very similar to Camtasia that allows 5 minute segments to be captured and saves to.swf format. Jing Pro has been discontinued. Camtasia Relay is a product that allows easy recording and publishing of screen captures targeted for enterprise level use. Check out a recent webinar about Camtasia Relay. Course capture for a class Network and Classroom Services (NCS) can enable an instructor or a student in the class to record a classroom session. Miscellaneous Shareware Software Resources Below are links to free software that may be useful when editing audio & video. The following article discusses the Top 10 Free Video Rippers, Encoders, and Converters. Software Audacity - Highly Recommended shareware for recording audio. (Download the Lame MP3 Encoder to export to MP3 format.) (Mac & Windows) MPEG StreamClip - Highly Recommended for MPG format conversion. video converter (Converts MPG to various formats (.mov,.dv,.flv,.mp4,.wmv,.mp3, etc.) (Windows & Mac) Super - Recommended as an all-round video converter (Windows) - Click here for a Super Tutorial Media Convert - Recommended online video converter (Windows & Mac) - may be slow and may not convert longer clips. YouTube Video Downloader Downloads and Converts YouTube videos to various formats including MP4, AVI, MOV, and WMV (Windows) Other Useful Options Any Video Converter - Convert videos to mobile devices, like ipod, iphone, android phones, download Youtube videos, and edit videos. (Windows & Mac)

10 AVS Video Converter - Video converter (includes Real Media to MP4) (Windows). Note that this is a trial version - a watermark will be displayed on converted video unless AVS Video converter has been purchased. WinX HD Converter - Converts multiple formats. Use the General Tab for non-hd files. (Windows & Mac) ffmpegx - Video/audio encoder (Windows & Mac) ishowu - Good for screen capture of video (Mac) ispring - PowerPoint to Flash converter (Windows) (Note: UB has been given permission to freely use ispring Free for educational purposes.) HandBrake - DVD to MP4 converter (Windows & Mac) Miro - Convert almost any video to MP4, WebM (vp8), Ogg Theora, for Android, iphone, and more. Screenr - A free online service that allows a 5 minute screen capture. This software is designed tp post to Twitter, however, videos can also be saved to MP4 for posting to itunes U. Select the post manually option to save as MP4 format. PEnGUIN Encoder MP4 - Video converter (includes Realmedia to ipod mp4) (Mac) WireTap Studio - To capture sounds that play through a Mac's mics and speakers (Mac) Xillisoft Youtube Downloader, Xillisoft HD Converter - Capturing Youtube videos and converting to HD formats (Windows). Note that the converter download is a trial version, and will not allow for conversions longer than 3 minutes. Video Download Helper - Firefox plugin that allows for directfrom-browser download of videos embedded on YouTube and other flash-based video players. How can I learn to capture/edit videos and audio for use in my course? Video workshops available around Buffalo include: UB s Visual Studies and Media Study: full courses and summer workshops Visual Studies Workshops through SUNY Brockport Squeaky Wheel Cepa Gallery LCTV Apollo Media Center How can I put a video into Powerpoint? To put a video into Powerpoint, simply select "insert video" on the ribbon and browse for the file. It is recommended that you use Powerpoint 2010 or even more recent versions of the software, as these versions store all files in a.pptx file, rather than

11 requiring separate file paths. Microsoft office 2010 can be downloaded from UB for free HERE. If you are using Powerpoint 2007, see this guide. If you are having trouble get the video to play in Powerpoint it is likely that the video format being used is incompatible with your computer. If you are using a PC, convert your video to.wmv with one of the video format converters listed above. If you are using an Apple computer, try converting the video to.mov or.mp4. YouTube Downloader is recommended, as it allows you to easily convert video formats, as well as download video content from YouTube. Additionally, Powerpoint allows you to change play settings of videos in the program. With a video object selected, click on the box titled "playback" on the ribbon. From here, the program allows you to change the start time, stop time, and edit a number of other playback options. The "trim video" feature is particularly useful if you want to watch a section of a longer video. 16. More Help If you need to look up instructional manuals for any of our equipment, try searching Fixya.com. You can even search inside manuals, which is pretty snazzy.