Difference between revisions of "Video resources"
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* '''[http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps] (US$37)''' - This is possibly the most popular video capture utility. With low CPU usage and a mature history of development, it's used by a number of notable Residents to make machinima. One disadvantage is that it doesn't have high compression options, so whatever you record will consume a lot of disk space and need encoding later. Torley Linden uses this to record raw material for [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Video_Tutorials Video Tutorials] and video bug reproductions. Note that while it will capture the default cursor, it ''won't'' capture one-click action icons (the ones in the edit tools' General tab, under "When Left-Clicked"). | * '''[http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps] (US$37)''' - This is possibly the most popular video capture utility. With low CPU usage and a mature history of development, it's used by a number of notable Residents to make machinima. One disadvantage is that it doesn't have high compression options, so whatever you record will consume a lot of disk space and need encoding later. Torley Linden uses this to record raw material for [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Video_Tutorials Video Tutorials] and video bug reproductions. Note that while it will capture the default cursor, it ''won't'' capture one-click action icons (the ones in the edit tools' General tab, under "When Left-Clicked"). | ||
* '''[http://www.menasoft.com/blog/?p=30 Taksi] (free)''' - Sometimes cited as an [http://www.osalt.com/fraps open source alternative] to FRAPS. ''NEEDS INFO | * '''[http://www.menasoft.com/blog/?p=30 Taksi] (free)''' - Sometimes cited as an [http://www.osalt.com/fraps open source alternative] to FRAPS. ''NEEDS INFO'' | ||
=== Mac === | === Mac === | ||
Revision as of 11:03, 29 August 2007
Linden Lab is aware that File menu > Start/Stop Movie to Disk doesn't work reliably, depending on various factors like your make and model of computer, the video codecs you have installed, etc. Generally speaking, it works for "some" Residents but not others, and work hasn't been done (or deemed high-priority enough) to improve the built-in movie recorder — this is in part because there are a selection of 3rd-party tools which, while not necessarily free, offer more power and control than SL's own.
This page's purpose is to provide a list of those alternatives with anecdotal experiences, and maybe include workarounds/fixes for getting the built-in recorder to work correctly.
Things to try
- Uninstall previous video codecs, then download and install a comprehensive codec pack.
Movie recording programs
Most of these have demo versions you can try out. There's a variety of applications on the market, but to record Second Life's on-screen action correctly, a program must have OpenGL support (it usually says in the features).
Windows
- CamStudio (free) - NEEDS INFO
- Game Cam (US$24.95, Lite version is US$9.95) - Torley tried this briefly and found it to be buggy and reduce FPS noticeably — YMMV, see how it works for you.
- Game Recorder (US$39) - NEEDS INFO
- Fraps (US$37) - This is possibly the most popular video capture utility. With low CPU usage and a mature history of development, it's used by a number of notable Residents to make machinima. One disadvantage is that it doesn't have high compression options, so whatever you record will consume a lot of disk space and need encoding later. Torley Linden uses this to record raw material for Video Tutorials and video bug reproductions. Note that while it will capture the default cursor, it won't capture one-click action icons (the ones in the edit tools' General tab, under "When Left-Clicked").
- Taksi (free) - Sometimes cited as an open source alternative to FRAPS. NEEDS INFO
Mac
- iShowU (US$20) - NEEDS INFO
- Snapz Pro X (US$69) - Generally regarded as the Mac equivalent of Fraps in terms of its popularity with Residents, it's a tad on the pricey side but very elegantly-designed.
Linux
Any recommendations? Please add them using the above formatting.