[Bf-docboard] Re: Visual Video Documentation

[Glen Moyes]

I'm working on a similar project to make video tutorials that replicate 
the documentation (and even some that hasn't been written yet :D). I'm 
doing them in AVI video format (DivX, XviD codec now) mainly because 
anyone with VLC can play it, or they can just get the codecs). I've had 
a number of people tell me that I should use Flash because file size is 
a big issue with most people. And it always is. I decided to stick with 
video files because I fell that it is better to actually see someone do 
it live and talk you through it. It's like looking over someone's 
shoulder. I think it sinks in better than seeing a mouse move 
mechanically across the screen to a slide show of screen shots.

But that's just me. I'm targeting people with broadband connections 
where they can download the video tutorial in the time it takes to watch 
one. Dial up users would say otherwise. I think Flash is the best for 
file size and you would get a lot less people emailing you about why 
they can only hear sound but not see any video. It depends on your 
audience. Also I think making a Flash tutorial takes more time to put it 
together than a video tutorial. There is software that makes it very 
easy but I have a hard time seeing anything taking less than pressing 
the record button and then converting the file.

As for screen size 1024x760 *might* work depending on how people are 
going to be viewing it. I would go for something that people with 
1024x768 displays can see the entire frame in if it's in a web browser 
or full screen. If it's going to be in a web page window you'll have to 
take into account the scroll bar and the header, which are different 
heights. If you are going to have them download the .swf file and then 
open so it's full screen you'll have less problems (just remember to 
leave room for the windows toolbar and the window header), plus it will 
zoom to fit the frame size.

Some people have been making Flash tutorials and many users ask if they 
can just download the file and then view it whenever they want without 
going to the web page again. That would be something to think about. As 
for hosting you can ask some of the community sites or go though a 
hosting company. That's what we have to do for the tutorial section; 
it's all community mirrors. Depending on file size and demand you could 
use BitTorrent as well. I have a tracker up on my web page that I've 
allowed people to use for Blender files (www.glenmoyes.com/bittorrent). 
Once you have a home I can link them on the tutorial section of the web 
page.

- Glen

>I've started creating a series of video tutorials replicating the
>documentation. I was wondering if anyone was interested in working with
>me, hosting, etc.
>
>I plan on using the flash format, because its the smallest size with the
>least compatibility issues. If anyone disagrees, please share an
>alternative format. Still debating on screen size I should record at.
>1024x760 seems a good size, while utilizing the toolboxes zoom
>capabilities.
>
>Brian
>brian at vizualds.com
>  
>