Good screen capture software?
by Daniel Hopkins · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 06/05/2009 (6:27 pm) · 9 replies
Hey all!
I've recently been attempting to put together a series of videos demonstrating the power and use of my material editor (www.garagegames.com/community/blogs/view/17259). As you can see, I've been having some troubles.
Basically, I'm looking for a good screen and audio capture software, similar to what GG is using to make the T3D demonstration videos. I tried FRAPS, and it is almost what I need. The only problem is it will only capture a certain screen, not an area within the screen. The end result is that you cannot see the open/save dialog boxes. Jing would also be acceptable--only it has troubles recording games--the audio and video would be massively unsynchronized and sometimes whole sections of video wouldn't even be recorded.
Any ideas? What is your favorite video software?
Thanks in advance!
Daniel
I've recently been attempting to put together a series of videos demonstrating the power and use of my material editor (www.garagegames.com/community/blogs/view/17259). As you can see, I've been having some troubles.
Basically, I'm looking for a good screen and audio capture software, similar to what GG is using to make the T3D demonstration videos. I tried FRAPS, and it is almost what I need. The only problem is it will only capture a certain screen, not an area within the screen. The end result is that you cannot see the open/save dialog boxes. Jing would also be acceptable--only it has troubles recording games--the audio and video would be massively unsynchronized and sometimes whole sections of video wouldn't even be recorded.
Any ideas? What is your favorite video software?
Thanks in advance!
Daniel
#2
06/05/2009 (7:19 pm)
@Steve: Thanks for the post! Well, the actual video/audio quality from FRAPS is great. However, I need it to capture the screen area, not just a window. For example, within the editor when you hit the button to create a new material, a standard save dialog pops up. However, despite the fact that the dialog is in the center of the editor, it will not show up in the video. Is there a setting I can select to get it to record the dialog as well? 
#3
edit: who am I kidding, I couldn't use XP again ...
06/05/2009 (8:44 pm)
If you're running Vista in Aero mode (shudders) you can capture the whole desktop with FRAPS ... and if you're not running Vista (and I wouldn't blame you from the past trouble I've had with it) then you can't ...edit: who am I kidding, I couldn't use XP again ...
#4
06/05/2009 (9:35 pm)
@Steve: Hmmm...that's odd. I'm running Vista 64-bit in Aero mode, but it still doesn't work. I have the free version of FRAPS, by the way. Is it supposed to record the whole screen? Or is that option only available in the advanced version?
#5
Using demo Fraps it works on V32.
EDIT
Actually having just said that I think I see that the "main DirectX" program running snaffles the whole of the screen recording ... don't know how to get around that...
06/06/2009 (6:32 am)
Boot up FRAPS, click FPS tab, check box that says "Monitor Desktop Window Manager". The fps overlay should pop up on your screen, and full screen recording should now be enabled. Using demo Fraps it works on V32.
EDIT
Actually having just said that I think I see that the "main DirectX" program running snaffles the whole of the screen recording ... don't know how to get around that...
#6
06/06/2009 (4:35 pm)
@Steve: Yeah, it seems to work until you open Torque. Once Torque loads, it takes hold of everthing and becomes the only thing FRAPS will capture. Is there another program you would suggest?
#7
06/06/2009 (4:56 pm)
You could try Taksi, open source, no audio, long time since I've used it though so not sure if it'll work as you want ...
#8
06/07/2009 (12:23 pm)
Good news! I found just what I need in a program called "Freez." It is a completely free and unrestricted video and audio capture software with fairly good quality video and audio capabilities. So...stay tuned for the release of my first demonstrational video of my new material editor!
#9
That looks rather good, I don't even have to use a Dx desktop!
It's not the best quality but it's probably the most versatile of the recording programs I've found.
06/07/2009 (2:58 pm)
Nice find!That looks rather good, I don't even have to use a Dx desktop!
It's not the best quality but it's probably the most versatile of the recording programs I've found.
Associate Steve Acaster
[YorkshireRifles.com]
I use FFDshow codec and Virtual Dub (both free on interwebz) with FRAPS. Use a bitrate of 4 or 6k on DivX MPEG4, good quality and reasonable filesize. Virtual Dub is an editor so you can "probably" blowup sections of the screen, though I haven't looked into it, I prefer to keep it all K.I.S.S.