CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Creating Online Videos

Fall 2011, Version 1.0

Table of Contents
Introduction to Screenr .................................................................................................................2 System Requirements ..................................................................................................................2 Using Screenr ..............................................................................................................................2 Capture Size ...........................................................................................................................3 Keyboard Shortcuts ................................................................................................................4 Recording ...............................................................................................................................5 Publishing ...............................................................................................................................5 Sharing the Screencast ...........................................................................................................6 Introduction to Windows Live Movie Maker ..............................................................................8 System Requirements ..................................................................................................................8 Using Windows Live Movie Maker ............................................................................................8 Interface of Movie Maker.......................................................................................................8 Adding a Video File ...............................................................................................................9 Editing videos using Movie Maker ...........................................................................................10 Splitting ................................................................................................................................10 Trimming or Removing Clips ..............................................................................................11 Inserting Pictures ..................................................................................................................12 Using Transitions .................................................................................................................12 Adding a Title and Credits ...................................................................................................13 Publishing or Saving ............................................................................................................15

For additional handouts, visit http://www.calstatela.edu/handouts. For video tutorials, visit http://www.youtube.com/mycsula.

Introduction to Creating Online Videos

The purpose of this handout is to provide CSULA campus users with fundamental knowledge to adequately create and upload instructional videos online. With so many tools available out there, it is nice to find software that works online and is available to many individuals. Users will learn how to use Screenr and Windows Live Movie Maker to create online videos. This handout will cover the basics, and thus, is suitable for anyone without or with minimal knowledge of online video production.

Introduction to Screenr
Screenr is a web-based screen recorder that let users create recordings of their computer screen or screencasts without having to install any software. Screenr publishes in a high-definition (HD) Flash format which is suitable for an online playback. Users can also download an .mp4 file from the video playback page for further editing in other video editing software. Besides a single click where users can directly publish screencasts on their YouTube accounts, Screenr can also generate a code for users to embed the video anywhere else on the Web. In order to use this service, users must visit www.screenr.com, and have any of the following accounts ready to link with and choose a username for Screenr: Facebook Twitter Google Yahoo! Linkedin, or Windows Live ID

System Requirements
Windows system requirements are XP, Vista, or Windows 7 and Mac system requirements are OSX 10.4 and up. The most common browsers are supported including Microsoft Internet Explorer 6-8 and later, Firefox 3 and up, Safari 3 and up, as well as Google Chrome. In order to record, Java 1.5 runtime or later is required, and in order to play screencasts Flash Player 9 (release 115) and up is required.
NOTE: For this demonstration we will be using Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 9 web browser.

Using Screenr
Users may click Record on the homepage before signing in to start recording, and will be prompted to sign in later when they are done recording and are ready to publish (see Figure 1). However, Screenr stores the users Internet Protocol (IP) Address, thus not allowing them to restart the recording session without signing in to delete the previous screencast. First time users will be required to grant permission to Screenr after signing in with any of their personal accounts. After granting permission, users will be able to choose their own Screenr username. Users will be able to start recording screencasts after completing registration.
NOTE: Even if users restart their browser or switch to another browser, they will still see their previous screencast.

Creating Online Videos

Figure 1 Login to publish

NOTE: Signing in with your external account to publish does not publish or share your video on your actual external account until you share it yourself.

After signing in using any of the above external accounts, Screenr asks to create a username for the users Screenr account. This username will only be associated with the account used to log in and cannot be changed.
NOTE: In order to have all recordings in one account, users must always sign in using the same external account with which Screenr was originally set up.

Otherwise, users may also choose to sign in with their external account first and then click Record. After, Java will be detected (if installed) and a selection box will open on the main computer monitor (if using double monitors).
NOTE: If users record a video and click DONE without signing in, they will not be able to edit or delete their screencast.

Step by Step
To create an account: 1. Launch a web browser, and enter www.screenr.com in the browser Address Bar. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click the Go button or press the [Enter] key. Click Sign in with and select the account you wish to link. Log in to the account. If necessary, accept any prompts to grant permission to Screenr.

NOTE: Depending on the account used the prompt to grant permission may vary.

6. Choose a user name then click Complete Registration

Capture Size
After clicking Record on the top right corner of the web page, the placeholder for the capture size will open and users will have the ability to move the capture window to any part of their screen and to resize the capture window to any size necessary. The ideal capture size depends on what is being recording, and how the video is going to be used. Smaller-sized videos will take a shorter time to upload onto online video sites. Most online

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video sites prefer the 16:9 aspect ratio for their videos, so the 854 x 480, 980 x 560, and 1290 x 720 sizes will fit many of the online players well. The maximum capture size on a PC is 2560 x 1600, while on a Mac is 1920 x 1200. Some of the other standard Capture Sizes are: 720 x 540 854 x 480 980 x 560 1290 x 720 Full Screen
NOTE: All videos published though Screenr will have an HD resolution meaning that these videos will have display resolutions of 1280 x 720 pixels or higher. This HD resolution will give audiences sharper and clearer video images, making the video easier to view.

Users may change their Capture Size in two ways: by clicking on any of the corners and dragging the corner in or out or by choosing one of the preset sizes on the toolbar below the capture window (see Figure 2).

Figure 2 Capture Size

NOTE: Once the recording begins the Capture Size may not be changed unless the recording is deleted.

Keyboard Shortcuts
There are some useful keyboard shortcuts that are available to use with Screenr while recording and while playing back a video (see Table 1).
Table 1 Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut

Explanation

- While Recording Alt + D (Option + D on Mac) Start, Pause, and Resume recording - During Playback (After Publishing) Spacebar Pause or Play video Left/Right arrows Rewind/Forward 10% Up/Down arrows Increase/Decrease volume Z View full screen
NOTE: In order to use the shortcuts during playback, click the screencast with your mouse first, then use the keyboard shortcuts.

Creating Online Videos

Recording
To record a screencast, make sure to have www.screenr.com open in your browser as well as the program or demonstration ready to be recorded. Users can use the Record button on the toolbar below the capture window or Alt + D to start recording. Users also have the option to choose their audio device, capture size, and cancel the recording if they do not want to record at the moment (see Figure 3).

Figure 3 Recording Toolbar before recording

Once users start recording, they will be able to see the time lapse of the video, choose to delete their recording by clicking on the Delete button, or finish their video by clicking DONE (see Figure 4).

Figure 4 Toolbar after clicking record

Step by Step
In order to start Recording: 1. Have the object of demonstration ready for recording on the main computer monitor.
NOTE: If necessary, open the browser to www.screenr.com and sign in using your account.

2. Click Record at the top of the homepage and wait for Screenr to detect Java. 3. Adjust the Capture Size to include the object of demonstration as necessary. 4. Click the Record button , or use Alt + D to start recording. After a countdown of three seconds, any action within the capture area of the window will be recorded as a video.
NOTE: To ensure a steady pointer in the demonstration, practice the demonstration before recording, or be prepared to record more than one take of the demonstration.

5. For a maximum of 5 minutes, record the demonstration using clear explanations and steps. 6. If a break is needed, click the Pause button , or use Alt + D to pause recording 7. Use Alt + D to resume recording or click the Record button again. 8. If a mistake is made or to simply delete the current recording click the Delete button Otherwise, if done recording, click the DONE button .

Publishing
After recording a demonstration, users will be able to preview their recording and then decide whether or not they want to publish the recorded screencast. After previewing the screencast, users can choose to Delete or to Publish their screencast. Users must also describe their screencast with a maximum of 112 characters, if they choose to publish (see Figure 5). To delete the screencast, click the Delete screencast link at the bottom right corner of the page (see Figure 5).

Creating Online Videos

Figure 5 Prompt during Preview

NOTE: In order to Publish their screencast, users must provide a description about it in a maximum of 112 characters.

After playing back the preview of the screencast, to publish, click Publish at the left bottom corner of the page (see Figure 5).
NOTE: If no action is taken to either publish or delete the screencast, then if users click Record, they will be taken back to the publish screen of their previous recorded screencast even if they close the browser or log in a day later.

While Screenr publishes the screencast, there is the option to cancel the publishing process (see Figure 6).

Figure 6 Publishing status

Step by Step
To publish the Screencast: 1. Click the Play button to play the preview. 2. If for any reason the screencast has to be discarded, click the Delete screencast link at the bottom right corner of the page (see Figure 5). 3. Click OK to delete the screencast, or click Cancel to avoid deleting the screencast.
NOTE: Deleting a screencast is permanent after clicking OK. Therefore, make sure you do not need the screencast before deleting it.

4. Otherwise, if satisfied, click in the description box below the preview and provide a description about the video. 5. Click Publish! to publish the video.

Downloading the Screencast

After publishing, the video will open on its own page with various links to actions such as downloading the .mp4 file of the video, publishing to YouTube, or even deleting a screencast (see Figure 7).
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Figure 7 Some Sharing Options

Besides providing links to publish on YouTube automatically and download the .mp4 file, Screenr also provides the Universal Resource Locator (URL) and embed code for the published video (see Figure 8). With the embed code and URL, users may share their video with a wide range of audiences through different websites.

Figure 8 URL and Embed code

NOTE: If users are signed into their Facebook or Twitter accounts, then they may take advantage of the Like or Tweet options (see Figure 8).

Downloading the .mp4 file of a video will enable users to edit the video and make further changes or add certain effects with more advanced video editing programs.

Step by Step
To download the .mp4 file of a video: 1. From the video playback page, click Download the .mp4 file on the right hand side. 2. When prompted, select Save or Save As from the drop-down menu.
NOTE: For Internet Explorer 9, clicking Save will automatically save the file in a default location without asking to choose.

3. Select a location in which to save the video file or click the Desktop. 4. In the File name box, type in a file name for the video or type in Screencast. 5. When done click Save, windows takes a little time downloading the video to the location specified.
NOTE: Depending on the length of the video created and the internet connection, downloading .mp4 files may take a short or long time to download.

6. Navigate to the location where the file was downloaded, right-click the file and click Play.
NOTE: Video files will begin to play in the current default media player of the computer.

Creating Online Videos

Introduction to Windows Live Movie Maker

After using Screenr to create a demonstrative video, publish it, and then download the .mp4 file, users may make additional changes to their video and/or to add extras (e.g. Title frame, PowerPoint slides, Credits) by using Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM).

System Requirements
The system requirements for Windows Live Movie Maker are an operating system of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (32-bit or 64-bit editions) or Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit editions) and a Random Access Memory (RAM) size of 1 Gigabyte or higher is recommended. NOTE: A good alternative to Windows Live Movie Maker for users who do not use Windows Vista or Windows 7 is VLMC (VideoLAN Movie Creator) by VideoLAN.

Using Windows Live Movie Maker

The following information is about WLMM Version 2011 (Build 15.4.3538.0513). Depending on the Operating System installed on the computer, the version of WLMM running might be older or newer. Make sure to check the version in either the Help menu or the About Movie Maker depending on the version running.

Interface of Movie Maker

Title bar Quick Access toolbar Ribbon Groups Play Head Tabs

Play Head

Figure 9 Movie Maker Interface

Preview Pane

Timeline Pane

Zoom Tool

Creating Online Videos

The interface of Movie Maker is comprised of tabs, groups, panes, tools, etc. The various tabs in Movie Maker have several groups of tools organized together to fit similar functions. For example, the buttons used to add media to the project are all found in the Add group together with the Add title, Add caption, and Add credits buttons. Table 2 lists descriptions of the main parts of the interface seen in Figure 9.
Table 2 Main Interface Parts

Part

Description

Title bar Quick Access toolbar Ribbon Tabs Groups Preview Pane Timeline Pane

Play Head

Zoom Tool

Displays file name of current project Displays commonly used shortcuts to buttons Displays groups of buttons separated by tabs Separate the groupings of buttons on the ribbon Displays organized buttons based on function Displays a lower-grade preview of the final video Displays the filmstrip of the video in the project as well as added extras, e.g. title, credits, images, etc. Indicates where the preview frame is in the video. Able to drag to any other part of the video. Zooms in or out of the media in the Timeline Pane

Adding a Video File

The video file has to be added to WLMM in order to edit it. When first opening Movie Maker, a new project is created, so within the new project the video file should be added, after which users may start editing the video and adding extras. Some video file formats that may be used in WLMM include but are not limited to: Windows Media Video (.wmv) Windows Media files (.asf and .wm) Apple QuickTime files (.mov and .qt) MPEG-4 movie files (.mp4, .mov, .m4v, .3gp, .3g2, and .k3g) Motion JPEG files (.avi and .mov) A full list is available at: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker-file-typesfaq
NOTE: Video files that are protected with Digital Rights Management (DRM) cannot be used in Movie Maker.

Step by Step
To add a video file to the new project in Movie Maker: 1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and select Windows Live Movie Maker.

Creating Online Videos

2. Click Add videos and photos in the Home tab 3. In the Add Videos and Photos dialog box, navigate to the location of the video file. 4. Click to select the video file, and then click Open to add the video to the project.
NOTE: To select multiple photos and videos, press and hold the [Ctrl] key, and then left-click each photo and video you want.

Editing videos using Movie Maker

With WLMM, users may edit their videos to include title frames, captions, pictures, music, transitions, ending credits, and more. Users may also add PowerPoint slides to their video by first having saved the slides as pictures.
NOTE: Audio may not be recorded using WLMM. Therefore, there will be no audio while the picture is displayed. However, audio files may be added by using the Add music button.

Many photo file types that are compatible with WLMM include but are not limited to: Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG): .jpg, .jpeg, .jfif, and .jpe Tagged Image File Format (TIFF): .tif and .tiff Graphics Interchange Format (GIF): .gif Windows Bitmap files: .bmp, .dib, and .rle Portable Network Graphics files (PNG): .png A full list is available at: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker-file-typesfaq Windows Live Movie Maker may be used to edit videos using the Video Tools Edit tab (see Figure 10). Some of the options available are to split or trim a video, as well as setting a starting or ending point to any part of the video which was split. Other options on the Edit tab include the speed at which the preview plays, the Video volume, and the Background color of the Project.

Figure 10 Video Tools Edit tab

Splitting
One of the ways in which a video may be edited is by splitting the filmstrip into clips. One of the benefits of this is to be able to trim a specific part of the video clip and another is to be able to insert any other forms of media between the clips (e.g. PowerPoint slides which were saved as pictures, any other pictures or videos).

Step by Step
To split a video:

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Make sure a video file has been added to Movie Maker, and then look at the video run time indicated below the preview of the video (see 1. Figure 11).

Figure 11 Video Run Time

NOTE: Use the run time to split the video at a specific time and watch the preview window while dragging the Play Head to get a precise point.

2. Drag the Play Head in the Preview pane to a point where the video will be split. 3. Click the Video Tools Edit tab if necessary and then click Split in the Editing group. In the Timeline Pane, the single filmstrip has now been split into two clips.

Trimming or Removing Clips

After splitting the filmstrip into two or more clips, the Trim tool may be used to trim certain clips, shortening the total run time of the video as a result. The Trim tool may also be used to extend some of the clips, which would result in parts of the video replaying or repeating, lengthening the total run time of the video as a result. Besides being able to trim the clips, users may also remove them by first making sure that none of the parts within a certain clip are needed. When a clip is separated to be removed completely instead of simply being trimmed, users may select the clip and click the Remove button on the Home tab to remove the clip from the video.

Step by Step
To use the Trim tool: 1. Select one of the clips, and click Trim tool in the Editing group. Notice the only tab currently displayed is the Trim tab, indicating that we are using the Trim tool. 2. To edit the beginning of the clip, drag the starting point either left or right to either extend or shorten the clip (see Figure 12).

Figure 12 Starting point of clip

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3. Click the Play preview button or use the [Spacebar] to preview the modified trim. 4. To edit the ending of the trim, drag the ending point of the trim left or right while looking at the preview or the run time to be precise.
NOTE: Another way to choose the Starting or ending point is if users set the exact time on the Trim markers on the Trim tab and then click either Set start point or Set end point (see Figure 13).

Figure 13 Trim markers on Trim tab

5. When done choosing Start and End points, click Save trim on the Trim tab. The view will switch to the main project interface again; notice the total run time of the video has changed according to the changes made on the trim.
NOTE: To remove a clip instead of editing it, select the clip and then click the Remove button on the Home tab.

Inserting Pictures
Users may choose to insert PowerPoint (PPT) slides or other images in their demonstration video to present some information before actually demonstrating it. This may be done with or without splitting and editing video clips. If the filmstrip is not split into clips, the PowerPoint slides or other pictures may be inserted at the end or beginning of the filmstrip. However, if the video is split into clips, then, the PPT slides or other images can be inserted between these clips. In order to insert PowerPoint slides, users must save the PowerPoint slides in image file format first. To do this, open the PowerPoint file and click File, then click Save As. Save the file in an easy-to-access location as an image file format such as, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.

Step by Step
To insert an image: 1. Select a clip in the timeline pane. 2. Click Add videos and photos on the Home tab. 3. Navigate to the location of the picture file 4. Select the file and click Open to open the file in WLMM. 5. Double-click the clip of the picture in the timeline pane. 6. In the Video Tools Edit tab, click the drop-down list under Duration 7. Choose the desired duration for the picture to be displayed (in seconds). 8. If the picture is not displayed at the correct time, drag it to before or after any other clips.
NOTE: Not much editing can be done on an image using WLMM.

Using Transitions
Using transitions between clips helps to change the display from one clip to another smoothly. The transitions are found on the Animations tab in the Transitions group. The type and number
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of transitions depends on whether the media is a picture or video. There are many more transitions for videos than for pictures. When applying a transition, select the clip before which the transition will appear and point to any of the transitions in the Transitions gallery to see a quick preview in the Preview Pane. The gallery of Transitions may be expanded by clicking on the more arrow button (see Figure 14).

Figure 14 Transitions gallery

Step by Step
To insert a transition: 1. 2. 3. 4. Select a clip in the Timeline frame to apply a transition before. Click to display the Animations tab and locate the Transitions group. Point to any of the transitions and watch a quick preview in the Preview Pane. Click to apply the desired transition

NOTE: Once a transition has been applied to a clip, a symbol appears on the thumbnail indicating that there is a transition at the beginning of the clip.

Adding a Title and Credits

One of the things users may do while editing a video in WLMM is to add a title frame and credits. Adding a title frame enables viewers to become familiar with the video they are going to watch by giving the demonstration or screencast a name. Likewise, adding credits to the end of a video is an efficient way of sharing with viewers the names of any people involved in the effort of making the demonstration. The title and the credits may be slowed or extended by changing the duration of the clip as well as the text within the frame. The Video Tools Edit tab should be displayed to change the duration of the clip and the Text Tools Format tab should be displayed to change the duration of the text.
NOTE: To display the Text Tools Format tab, make sure to select the text in either the title or the credits clip depending on which one is being edited.

Step by Step
To add a title frame to the video: 1. Click the first item in the Timeline Pane in order to add a title before it. 2. Click the Title button in the Add group on the Home tab. 3. A thumbnail of the title frame should appear in the Timeline Pane, click the thumbnail to display the title frame in the preview pane if necessary. 4. Click the title frame in the preview pane and highlight the default title My Movie in the preview video to edit it (see Figure 15Error! Reference source not found.).

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Figure 15 Editing Video Title

5. Type a title in the title placeholder, and press the [Esc] key on your keyboard to apply the change. 6. Play the preview by clicking the Play button or by pressing the [Spacebar] on the keyboard. 7. Click the title frame thumbnail to display the title frame in the preview pane. 8. To add an effect to the title, click the Format tab if necessary. 9. In the Effects group, click the More button . 10. Mouse over the preset Text Effects to see a preview and then choose the one desired. 11. To edit the font, use the options in the Font group in the Format tab. To add credits at the end of a video: 1. Click to display the Home tab, if necessary. 2. Click the Credits button to add a credits frame at the end of the video. 3. Make sure the preview pane displays the credits frame, then, select the text placeholder. 4. Highlight [Enter name here] and start typing in the names of the people who were involved in the project, or anything else viewers should read.
NOTE: Users may not worry about a long credits list because the placeholder is automatically animated to scroll up.

5. After typing in the desired text, choose an effect to apply to the credits from the Effects group. 6. To preview the credits clip, place the playhead at the end of the previous clip, and click the Play button in the Preview pane. 7. To slow down the credits, make sure the credits clip is selected and click the Edit tab. 8. Click the Duration drop-down menu in the Adjust group, and select a time between 10.00-15.00(seconds) or longer if the credits list is very long. 9. Click the Format tab.

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10. Click the Text duration drop-down menu in the Adjust group and select an appropriate time for the text.
NOTE: Users may have to preview changes a few times to get the appropriate timing for the text.

Publishing or Saving
After editing the video, users may finalize their video through either publishing or saving the video. Publishing requires users to have or create a Live.com account, whereas saving the file does not. Saving the file may be more convenient and will be covered in the following steps.
NOTE: If publishing is chosen instead of saving the file, then users will have to use either their Windows Hotmail account or Windows Live account to sign in. Then, follow the steps on screen.

Step by Step
To save the video: 1. Click to display the Home tab 2. Click the Save movie drop-down menu in the Share group 3. Click the For high-definition display setting or select any other setting (see Figure 16).

Figure 16 Save movie settings

NOTE: Each option has uniquely adjusted settings that are different from one another.

4. Select the Desktop or any other location in which to save the file. 5. In the File name insertion box, type a file name for the video. 6. Click Save and wait for the video file to complete saving. After the file is saved, a prompt will appear with the option to play the video.
NOTE: The file may only be saved in Windows Media Video File format (.wmv).

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7. Click Play to watch the video or Open folder to view the file location. The video file may now be uploaded to YouTube or used in any other way desired. If the video format is incompatible with any program or application, it may be converted into any other format using the appropriate media converter programs. Users may want to also save their project file, in case they need to make changes to their video. To save the file, click the Save project button location to save the file in. on the Quick Access toolbar and choose a

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