[Bf-docboard] Re: Visual Video Documentation

[Brian Hinton]

Glen-

Is this a project designed to work in conjunction with the online
documentation? And eventually the book/CD? As I see this as being very
useful. If you have some done can you perhaps list what is done and what
needs to be completed. Perhaps some sort of listing should be done of what
needs to be recorded and what is done. I'm for using video but I don't
think that divx or XviD are the best codecs to use. They are nice, but
they often do not play properly between versions. On2 available from
quicktime I've found is stable. And I think that mpeg4 is decent. I'm up
for discussion on what to use. Keep flash in the picture because you can
record flash and have audio sync with it. And being that we are serving a
broad audience, it might be a good idea to go for flash. What does
everyone else think? I'm new to this list, but looking to get involved,
and I think this is a good project to hit up on.

Brian

> 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
>>
>>
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