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Software Review: Instant Video Presenter

I reviewed the Instant Video Presenter software and despite some negatives, I would recommend getting it for anyone who wants to create video presentations using a green screen.  For DE I like the idea of increasing teacher presence by allowing students to see and hear the prof or tutor.  Here is my summary:

Positives(http://www.instantvideopresenter.com/t-features.aspx):

Negatives:

  • Although it does not require an expensive video camera, it does not work well with the built-in web cams in laptops.  I recorded a couple videos but it was of poor quality.  The green screen did not always work with the laptop's web cam;
  • The software did crash a couple times when I was recording but I'm not sure if this was due to the laptop webcam;
  • Lighting is a concern and there are a few tricks to setting up a properly lit area to record quality video (There are some excellent lighting tips are given in a video tutorial);
  • You need some type of hand-held device to operate a PowerPoint slide show or to switch the screens while recording the video (like a weatherman has when doing the weather report);
  • Need to be close to computer to record using sound. You need a clip-on mic to record sound if standing far away from the computer. Otherwise a mic hanging overhead (boom mic) off-screen will have to be used.

This is the simplest program I have ever seen for recording and producing a high quality video.