Determining which streaming creation tool to use

Determining which streaming creation tool to use

Document number: 18296

The following tools are approved for on-demand streaming content creation. All streaming creators will need MS Encoder, the MS custom hotfix and the PeopleSoft custom profiles, and at least one of the recording tools. Note: Download the free demo versions of the tools and test them before buying them.

Microsoft® PowerPoint—If you want to create an audio-only file, this tool allows you to record audio in a .wav format, which then can be converted to streaming format using MS Media Encoder.
Microsoft® Windows Media Encoder 9 Series (download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp )—This is the tool that converts standard video format (.avi) or audio (.wav) to Windows Media streaming format, and you must have it to create streaming files. Use it with the PeopleSoft custom profiles (below). Note: You must have the MS hotfix installed as well (see Section 3, “Configure,” below.).
PeopleSoft Custom Encoding Profiles (download from \\pshmms01\wmspublishing\profiles)—These are the customized high- and low-bandwidth profiles for PeopleSoft. After you’ve installed Windows Media Encoder, copy these files to you machine at: C:\ Program Files\Windows Media Components\Encoder\Profiles
Hypercam ( http://www.hyperionics.com )—A very basic recording tool (like ScreenCam, etc.) that records software demos, PowerPoint presentations, etc. and automatically synchronizes your voice with the actions on your PC. Simple editing tool available; can have problems creating full screen, high-color, high-motion recordings (15 fps) on some older machines
Camtasia Studio (http://www.camtasia.com )—Still simple but more sophisticated recording tool than Hypercam that records software demos, PowerPoint presentations, etc. and automatically synchronizes your voice with the actions on your PC. You can add text balloons, graphics, and highlights to the recording, as well as do some simple edits; has no known recording time limit; does well creating full-screen, high-color, high-motion (15fps) recordings on most machines; pretty good tech support system
LiveMeeting (PlaceWare)—Now has the ability to record its live presentations in a Windows Media streaming format suitable to be published at PeopleSoft. For details and step-by-step instruction, see Eureka! document 18285 — Recording PlaceWare web conferences.
Headsets and mics—IT has tested and approved mics and headsets for recording and listening to multimedia through your PCs. Refer to Eureka! document 18289 — Recommended headsets for streaming media creation for a list of suggested headsets and mics.
Tested recording tools that failed approval as of 4/9/2004 are ScreenCam, ScreenWatch, Microsoft® Producer, SageCam, CamStudio, MS MovieMaker, and MS PowerPoint.

See the Streaming Creation Tool Comparison Matrix (PDF) for additional information. The matrix contains information to help you determine which tool to use, although because of machine variations your results may differ. The assumed target bit rate here is for low bandwidth (<40Kbps) to reach the majority of offices and employees. The default resolution for internal use is 1024x768, 16-bit color. For external audiences, you may want to consider capturing content at 800x600 resolution, depending on the expected hardware configuration of your audience.