[Sigia-l] recording software

[Karl Fast]

> Does anyone know anything about video cards that allow you to
> capture onscreen action? I heard this is an inexpensive alternative
> to buying a Scan converter...

Another inexpensive option is to do it all with software (though I
understand the software has gotten more expensive). I wrote a review
for Boxes & Arrows on some of these tools last fall.

  Recording Screen Activity During Usability Testing
  http://www.boxesandarrows.com/archives/recording_screen_activity_during_usability_testing.php

The short version:

  - performance issues are no longer a problem
  - recording is easy, does not impact performance, and the playback
    is picture perfect (works very well for think afters)
  - although the tools are mainly designed for creating tutorials and
    training videos, they work fine for usability testing  
  - Camtasia is a good choice, Hypercam not bad and much cheaper
  - there might be some newer tools out there


--karl