Y is for YouTube

NCH Software ABCs Series

YouTube has a wealth of videos, from information to humor you can find videos about just about everything, a whole world of endless amusement is just a click away. But watching videos isn't the only side. There are millions of aspiring YouTube stars out there who would do well to note some of the useful and easy YouTube software programs below that can help you download, record, edit and upload videos directly to YouTube. Who knows, yours could be the next big viral video.

• VideoPad - Edit Video for YouTube
• Debut - Record Video for YouTube
• Prism - Convert Video for YouTube
• WavePad - Record and Edit Audio or Voice-overs
• MixPad - Create and Mix Together A Video Soundtrack
• FlashLynx - YouTube Video Downloader
• Switch - Extract Audio from Video Clips

And, for video tutorials on many NCH products, stop by the NCH Software YouTube channel.

<<< Previous: X if for eXpress

Next: Z is for Zip >>>

V is for Video

NCH Software ABCs Series

Video is all around us. From the big blockbuster movies to YouTube, from video surveillance cameras in retail stores, to parents recording their kids first steps, and that is just the beginning, so it should come as no surprise we chose Video for 'V.' Plus like all of our software programs they our Video software is designed to be easy to use, so if want to record your screen or edit together a highlights reel of the tee-ball season, we have the video software you need to get the job done:

• VideoPad video editing software
  
• Prism video converting software
  
• Debut video capture software
  
• PhotoStage slideshow creator
  
• BroadCam streaming video server
  
• GoldenVideos VHS to DVD converter
  
• Eyeline video surveillance software
  
• FlashLynx YouTube video downloader
  

<<< Previous: U is for Utilities

Next: W is for Web Access >>>

Record Skype Calls - Easy Audio & Video Call Recording

We have posted before about recording phone calls through a TRX personal call recorder, recording multiple phone lines across a business network with VRS call recording software, or even saving conversations with the Express Talk softphone�s recording feature, but with the advent of internet technology like Skype, what if you want to record a phone conversation on your computer?

Record Skype Audio Calls

The solution to recording your voice-over-IP calls is our SoundTap streaming audio capture software. With SoundTap you can record any audio that is played on or through your PC or Mac, making it easy to record both sides of your conversation; instead of only your microphone input. It is akin to tapping your virtual phone and you can save the audio in .wav or .mp3 format.

Record Skype Video Calls

For video, we suggest you turn to Debut streaming video recording software. Debut is a powerful video capture program that can grab video from virtually any source, including your screen. Make sure your Debut options are enabled to record both video and audio, and then you can easily record your video calls, including Skype, to play back or edit later.

S if for Sharing

NCH Software ABCs Series

When you record, edit and create a video it is usually not only to enjoy and relive the moments again yourself, but more often than not you want to share those videos with friends, family and a greater audience. We have shown you before how you can easily go from VideoPad to YouTube, a feature shared with PhotoStage slideshow maker and Debut video recording software. But did you know that YouTube isn't your only choice to easily share straight from your NCH video software?

Share your videos, slideshows and tutorials online with easy sharing options for uploading. Upload your videos to Facebook or Flickr in addition to YouTube to share life's moments or show your inner videographer.

• VideoPad video editor
  Share your edited clips, from baby's first steps to your first short film on YouTube, FaceBook or Flickr.
• PhotoStage slideshow creator
  Create and post slideshows made with photos from your wedding, or vacation to YouTube, FaceBook or Flickr.
• Debut screen capture and webcam software
  Make a video greeting with your webcam to post on YouTube, FaceBook or Flickr.
• Golden Videos VHS to DVD converter
  Don't stop at making a digital copy of your old home videos, upload to FaceBook to remind friends and family of those good times.

And for more ways to share don't forget you can broadcasting or stream audio and video which we talked about on L if for Live because you can share prerecorded content too.

<<< Previous: R is for Recording

Next: T is for Typing >>>

Screencasting For Better Communication & Teaching

Guest post by Eric Karkovack

Sometimes, your job title doesn't always necessarily explain the full extent of what you do. Personally, I'm a freelance web designer (and have been since 1996). But a great portion of my job is about doing things that have very little to do with design itself.

For example, one role I often find myself taking on is that of a teacher. Whenever I create a website that my clients will update themselves, I have to teach them how the process works. Sometimes it can be difficult to get my point across. It's especially hard when clients don't have much experience with technology.

For awhile, I offered manuals to my clients to use as a reference material. While that helped, it certainly wasn't as interactive as their website's content management system. I felt that I really had to find a better way of communicating.

The idea of "screencasting," or recording my screen with a voice-over, came to me. If my clients can see what I'm doing on my screen and can hear my explanations of how to accomplish specific tasks, it could be of great benefit to all of us.

When I found Debut Video Capture Software, I was sold. It works exactly as advertised, it's affordable and easy to customize to my needs.

Probably my favorite part of Debut is that I can simply plug in my headset microphone, open up the software and start recording. That's really all there is to it. Within a half hour, I've created a few short tutorials that will help my clients. I've saved a ton of travel time and my client has an interactive reference that illustrates exactly how to update their website. It's hard to put a price on that kind of convenience.

Eric Karkovack is a freelance web designer with well over a decade of experience. He designs and maintains websites for clients in a wide range of industries. For more information, visit him on the web at www.karks.com

The TIVO of Internet Recording

One of the great things about TIVO is that you schedule recording times and then you don't need to worry about missing your favorite show. Since Debut video recording software is perfect for capturing all digital video from, streaming video to video of your screen, you can easily turn Debut into a personal internet recording TIVO system by schedule recordings for when you are away from your computer.

Start by setting up your recording as you normally would by selecting your screen for the input, and setting the recording area. Then click the Schedule button followed by Add to set the date and time for your new scheduled recording. Once those details are saved all you need to do is make sure you leave the window or website you want to record cued up on your screen so it will be recorded at the appointed time. When you return the recording(s) can be found in the Find & Play list by clicking the Recordings button on the toolbar.

If there is something that you want your computer to record, while you are sitting at your desk or while you�re away, download Debut screen capture software today.

Super Features: Debut Video Capture

Debut Video Capture Software is one of the most feature-rich video capture programs available, allowing you to capture video from a variety of sources, including your screen, webcam, network camera, or external devices. If you haven�t had time to explore all the amazing ways Debut can make recording video easier for you, we�ve made a list of highlights.

• Add a text caption to your video. Choose the placement, enter the text, change the font, the font color, and add background color to make the text stand out. Be sure to add your caption before recording starts. (more ways to add text to video)
• Add a watermark to your video to ensure you get credit for the video. Choose a watermark image that isn�t too large, adjust the transparency, and set the alignment. The margin percentage controls how far away the watermark is from the edge. Again, be sure to add your watermark before recording.
• Create a time-lapse video. Station your camera and click the Edit Output button. On the tab specific for the type of camera you are using, make sure the Enable Time-lapse checkbox is checked. You can specify how often a frame is captured: the closer in time the images are taken to each other, the smoother your video will look. For a more choppy outcome, space images out further.
• Capture a window or custom area. This is a very useful feature if you want to focus on one area of your screen, rather than the entire thing. Click the selection icon in the lower right corner, next to the caption, color, and watermark buttons. You can then drag the cursor to select a recording area, or highlight and select a specific window on your screen.
• Schedule recordings. If you need to record while you're away from your computer, set up a scheduled recording. Click the Scheduler button on the toolbar to set a recording time.
• Click the Edit Output button to resize the final video or to change the frame rate. Remember that a smaller size and a lower frame rate will make the file size smaller.
• You can specify the file format for the recording from the Record as drop menu. Select the file type, or select which device you are making the recording for.

If you need to edit your recordings after they have been recorded, we recommend you use VideoPad Video Editing Software. With VideoPad, you can edit multiple screen captures or webcam recordings together, add background music and narration, and compile the final product in a format for viewing on your computer, television, portable device, or on the internet.

Recording Screencast Tutorials with Debut

Guest post by Dalvin Aboagye

I'm sort of what you call a tech-oriented person and usually know my way around tech products. I maintain a YouTube channel dubbed Tech Time HD where I review and critique products sent by a myriad of companies, and cover tech rumors and news sometimes as well. I first started out on YouTube doing tutorials, so I needed a screen recording software solution to make these screen casting tutorials. I tried other software such as Cam Studio and Fraps but they didn't cut it for me. I stumbled upon Debut Video Recording Software whilst browsing Google. My first impression when I installed it was that it was a bit gimmicky and I wasn't impressed with the user interface, but after a couple weeks of using Debut I took back everything I said. The UI is very easy-to-use and intuitive, it doesn't gobble up on system resources as much as other programs I had tried, it supports a wide variety of video formats and has a great set of features�even the free version. I found myself hooked and would recommend it to anyone and everyone who needs to record a screencast, capture card or webcam. You won't regret downloading the trial, and you surely won't regret buying the software. My only wish is that the watermark feature was included in the free version, but it's a small price to pay for such great recording software.

Send Personalized Video Greeting Cards

The holidays are right on top of us, so I hope you got your presents mailed and your cards and letters sent. But even if you haven't gotten something in the mail yet, it isn't too late to send a heartfelt message to your loved ones, both near and far. With Debut Video Capture Software and a webcam, you can record yourself or your whole family in front of the computer to make a quick and easy video greeting card. Just like you've seen in those holiday commercials with the audio-recorded talking greeting cards and books, you can make a sentimental message with both video and voice that can be played over and over again, without going to the store, that can be delivered to a loved one's email inbox, or burned onto a DVD.

If you want your video to really shine, you can import the clips from your webcam into either VideoPad Video Editor, or PhotoStage Slideshow Software to do more polishing and editing, and combine with other video clips, or photos and music, but any heartfelt holiday message to family members far away can be enough to bring a smile and some holiday cheer.

Create a Time-lapse Video with Debut

You've seen videos that condense hours and hours of time into a short clip: a flower blooms in 30 seconds, or a city scene showcases the busy flit of people and traffic as the shadows of buildings move slowly across the street.

You can easily create your own time-lapse video using your webcam and Debut video capture software. Here is what you need to do:

1. Click the Edit Output button and select the devices tab.
   
2. Select the option to Enable Time-lapse.
   
3. Specify how often you want an image to be taken. For the charactaristic choppness of many time lapse videos, space image captures apart by a minute or longer. For a smoother result, take captures at shorter intervals.
   

When your recording is finished, it will be saved as one video clip rather than a series of images, so you can watch the time fly by in a resulting video.

Next, to turn your time-lapse into something really worth sharing, add a title screen using VideoPad video editor. Keep in mind that VideoPad can also do other time manipulations, such as speeding up or slowing down your video footage, in case you want to fine-tune your time-lapse results.

Debut Top Video Capture Software

Debut Video Capture Software makes it possible for you to record or capture video from virtually any recording source. Rather than specializing in capturing video from a single source, Debut combines the recording capabilities of several programs, so whether you want to record streaming video, record from a networked IP camera, or connect your VHS player to your computer to digitize an old home movie, Debut is the only program you need.

The reviewers at TopTenReviews have agreed, awarding Debut the Silver award in their video capture software category, saying that they "were very impressed with how easy it was to use the interface and the tools available within Debut," going on to say:

"We were very impressed with the usability of Debut Video Capture Software and the well designed interface they created for their users, which is why it ranks as one of the top two products available. It also offers a number of recording tools and capturing abilities, and we found each tool easy to access and easy to use. We were pleased with the high quality results of the video captures as well as with the captured audio."

� TopTenReviews

You can read the complete review of Debut Video Capture Software on the TopTenReviews website. Or, see how easy it is to use firsthand by downloading this both powerful and easy video recording program to your PC or Mac today.

Video-Sharing from Software to Site

Where do you share videos?

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the use of video-sharing sites is on the rise, which is why we are working on making it as easy as possible to share your finished video projects from our video software, including VideoPad video editor and PhotoStage. Most recently we added direct uploading to Facebook and Flickr in addition to YouTube to the export options in VideoPad. All you have to do is set up your account information the first time, and VideoPad will do the rest. By automating the uploading process, we allow you to post more videos online.

But are there any other video-sharing sites that should be added? You tell us. We want to make sure that our software is as easy to use as possible. Post a comment to this post and we�ll take your suggestions to the developers. Thanks for the feedback!

Record Video from Anywhere

Debut Video Capture Software records and captures video from webcams, recording devices, and from your computer screen. It�s great for recording tutorials you can post to online sites such as YouTube, for making company messages, for recording streaming video, and more. See for yourself how easy it is to get started capturing and recording videos in this Debut video tutorial:

Mac Video Capture Software

I am thrilled to announce that Debut video capture software is now available for Mac as well as for Windows. I have long appreciated the features of Debut for recording video from a webcam or video screen capture, even capturing video from an external video capture device. We use Debut in our office on a regular basis to record video clips for the developers to show them bugs when testing products and recording video clips for our tutorial videos.

While I have used the Windows version of Debut numerous time, and even turned several friends and family members on to Debut (Ask Dad: Debut is a Simple Solution ), since I have a Mac at home I too have anxiously awaiting the release of the Mac version for those numerous occasions when it would be the perfect solution for grabbing a video clip. Now that my wait is finally over I hope that other Mac users out there will be as excited as I am about this addition to our Mac software line-up. Download Debut video capture software today and let us know what you think.

7 Programs You Can't Live Without

Prism Video Converter If you've ever had trouble opening a video file, you need Prism. Prism will let you quickly convert any troublesome video files into a more manageable format. With more formats supported than any other video converter, you'll be hard pressed to come across a video file that Prism can't handle.

Switch Audio Converter There are a lot of different audio file formats out there, and a lot of places you might want to keep your favorite music, from CDs and iPods to your computer or online, just to name a few. Make sure you always have the right format for every song and every application with the Switch Audio Converter.

FastFox Typing Expander Ever find yourself typing the same things over and over? FastFox can be a huge helping hand at home or at work. Use keyboard shortcuts to expand to anything you commonly write, and save time inserting signatures in email, filling out online forms, and writing long responses to customer questions.

Debut Video Capture Whether you want to transfer the video from a camcorder to your computer, are trying to record a video from your webcam, or even recording your screen, Debut is your single software solution for capturing video.

Express Burn Disc Burning Software Burn pictures, home movies, resumes, portfolios, or back up your files to CDs, DVDs and even Blue-Ray discs in a variety of file formats with Express Burn. Simply drag, drop and burn.

PhotoStage Slideshow Creator Bring your digital photos to life and share your favorite memories with family and friends. Tell a compelling story, display your best images, or show off your proudest moments. PhotoStage lets you combine images, video clips, music and narration in a fun and dynamic fashion.

WavePad Audio Editor No list would be complete without one of our all-time favorites: WavePad. WavePad is the perfect application for any audio project in the sound studio or at home. The easy-to-use interface will have you up and running quickly with all the powerful tools you need at your fingertips.

Assistive Technology

Recently I stumbled across an article by Luke Hsieh, an assistive technology advocate, about building a low cost electronic magnifier with a webcam and Debut video capture software. This was not only a nice example of how versatile our video recording software is, but it got me thinking a bit about assistive technology, which doesn't always get its due.

A lot of technology is designed with a somewhat constrained image of the typical user, and as a result can sometimes be very difficult or even impossible for people with various disabilities to use. Assistive Technology, on the other hand, makes it easier for individuals with disabilities to access information technology, which is extremely important in the high tech world we live in.

I have heard from customers in the past complementing our software applications because they have found them to be very accessible. While I am thrilled that they have found our software accessible, I have to admit this is more the result of our efforts to make our products as intuitive and user-friendly across the board than anything else. It makes sense that software that it easy to use is also more accessible, and as a result, we hope everyone will find our software easy and accessible.

Some examples of how our software can be used as assistive technology include Verbose text-to-speech software to convert a document to an mp3 file to listen to latter, or as a screen reader; and as Hsieh pointed out you can use Debut video capture software to make a custom electronic magnifier, or when you're making your next YouTube video. We will continue striving to make all our software easy to use for everyone, and hope that everyone finds our software accessible along the way.

Webcam Without Software? No Problem

There are a lot of people out there who have webcams and have either lost the software that came with them, or their webcams didn't even come with any software. Fortunately even if you don't have a cd of resources to go with your webcam that doesn't mean that you chave to run out and buy a new one, or be limited to only its most basic features. Check out our webcam software, which can really help you take full advantage of your webcam. Our webcam software includes Debut video capture software which you can use to record and save videos from your webcam for video editing projects, or save them for yourself or optimize to share online. So if you have a webcam that is getting little use take a look at some of the fun things things you can do with our software for webcams.