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CONSIDERATIONS WE
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There are a number of technical choices
that need to be made before you can begin
shooting or disseminating any video. This
Component includes overviews of the
different types of low-cost video recording
devices, their strengths, weaknesses, and
examples of situations for which they may be
most appropriate. It also covers peripheral
devices, editing software, and other important
technical choices. This section will not make
recommendations for the best devices.
Instead, it aims to inform you of likely technical
considerations, so that you can assess what is
most appropriate for your situation.
Component goals
BY THE TIME YOU HAVE FINISHED
THIS COMPONENT YOU WILL:
9 Be able to determine which
devices, accessories, and
software you will use for your
video activity.
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NOW THAT YOU HAVE DECIDED how you want to incorporate
video into your project, you will need to determine which devices are
most appropriate to achieving your objectives. Since the right combination
will vary based on each situation, it is not possible to suggest exactly
what choices you should make. This Component will, however, help you
to understand most of the options available and guide you through the
process of making your own determination. These options have been
divided into four core sections, as follows:
1.
Video Devices
2. Dissemination Devices
3. Peripheral Devices and Accessories
4. Software
All of the information included in this section was accurate at the time
of publication, but it is important to remember that video technology,
like most other digital technologies, continues to develop at a rapid rate.
Before you make any nal decision, you are encouraged to do your own
independent research into other consumers’ opinions and whether there
have been any advances in technology that might better serve your
technical needs. CNET (http://reviews.cnet.com) is a great resource for
both expert and consumer reviews.
You can use the Cost Calculation Worksheet in the worksheet
section of this Component to keep track of your total estimated cost of
equipment, accessories, and software. Although hardware and software
costs will comprise only a small portion of the total costs associated with
implementing any activity, they can add up. This worksheet will help you
to calculate a rough estimate of what these costs will likely be. If your
estimated costs are above your available budget, you will need to revisit
the scope of your activity or the methods you are planning to use.
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The worksheet is divided into ve columns:
• ITEM – This is the name or type of device, accessory, or software you
plan to use.
• DISTRIBUTION – This is the scope of distribution for each device.
For example, you may plan to distribute video cameras to each district
and projectors to each village.
• # NEEDED – Based on your distribution plans, this is the total
number of items needed for the activity.
• PRICE PER UNIT – This is the price per unit of each item.
• TOTAL PRICE – This is the number of items needed multiplied by
the price per unit.
Once you have listed everything that you plan on purchasing to implement
your activity, add up the total price of each item to determine your
overall cost. If you are operating a multi-year project, you will want to also
consider estimated replacement costs. You should base your replacement
rate on prior experience in the country you are working in, since
environmental conditions and likelihood of theft will vary. As a general rule,
you should estimate that most of your electronic devices will need to be
replaced within three years. Other accessories, such as tripods and bags,
will likely last much longer.
All price estimates mentioned below are accurate as of March 2012
and based on retail prices in the U.S. Prices and availability may vary in
other countries.
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VIDEO DEVICES
This section will consider the strengths and weaknesses of the four
different types of video devices that are currently most commonly
available on the market: pocket (or mini) camcorders, standard
camcorders, pro-sumer (or professional consumer) camcorders, and
multifunction video devices.
POCKET CAMCORDERS
OVERVIEW
Pocket camcorders are small, point-and-shoot devices
that have become popular because of their ease of use,
size, and cost. Most models are limited to buttons for
on/off, recording, volume, and playback, making them
easy to use for even a complete novice.
STRENGTHS
The biggest strengths of these devices are their ease of
use, compact size, and affordable cost. They often also
come pre-loaded with basic editing software that can
be used for quick and easy video editing. An increasing
number of these devices are available in high denition
(HD), although their limited chip and lens capacity may
inhibit true HD quality.
WEAKNESSES
Internal microphones are often of limited quality, picking
up most background noise. HD video quality may
not be as high quality as video produced on standard
or professional models. Most only have low quality
digital zoom and limited or no ability to make manual
adjustments (focus, white balance, etc.).
CONTINUED
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WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
Their low cost and functionality make them ideal for
use by individuals with no or limited experience, such as
farmers, eld workers, etc.
THINGS TO
CONSIDER
Before settling on a specic model, check for the
following specications:
Audio input (microphone) jack. Given the
limitation of their internal microphones, an audio input
jack is crucial. This will enable you to use an external
microphone to improve audio quality.
Expandable memory. The internal memory of
most pocket camcorders is only enough for about two
hours of lming. Models with expandable memory slots
will enable you to use extra SD memory to increase
the amount of lming you can do during one shoot.
Battery type. Most models use lithium ion batteries,
although some run on AA batteries. Whatever the
case, make sure that the batteries are removable and
that they can be charged separately from the device.
Charging batteries directly on the device increases
the risk of damaging the camcorder in the event of
power surges, especially once power is restored after a
blackout. Battery life averages about 90 minutes in most
pocket camcorders, so having at least two removable
batteries and a way to charge the one not currently in
use while recording is crucial.
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THINGS TO
CONSIDER
(CONTINUED)
Audio connection. Most pocket camcorders
record in mono, although a few do have stereo audio.
If it is important for you to record in stereo, then you
will want to keep this in mind. If you are unsure of the
difference between mono and stereo, then you should
be ne with either.
Availability. Two of the most popular brands (Flip
and Kodak) have announced recently that they will be
discontinuing production of their pocket camcorders.
This will eventually impact technical support available
for their models. Keep this in mind when purchasing
either of these brands or even when purchasing from
other brands. This is also important to consider if you
are purchasing models that are not locally available, as
you may need to return them to the country of origin
in the event of any technical difculties.
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Most standard models cost between $100 and $150.
Fuller-featured compacts reach around $200. Sony,
Creative, RCA, Sanyo, Aiptek, and Zoom are all well-
known pocket camcorder brands on the market.
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STANDARD CAMCORDERS
OVERVIEW
Standard camcorders are generally about two to
three times the size of pocket camcorders. They tend
to have much more robust features than their smaller
cousins, including higher-quality video and audio, optical
zoom capability, larger screens, and more robust
onboard features.
STRENGTHS
Generally speaking, most standard camcorder models
will enable you to produce videos that are of a higher
technical quality than pocket camcorders.
WEAKNESSES
Although prices vary, they are all more expensive than
pocket camcorders. Audio input jacks may not be
available on all models. Their additional features may be
intimidating to novice users and could actually lead to
lower video quality from improper usage.
WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
Standard camcorders are probably best for use by
individuals with at least a moderate level of
experience creating video. They are likely not
appropriate for use directly by farmers or eld
ofcers without in-depth training.
THINGS TO
CONSIDER
The diversity of options and features of standard
camcorders is expansive. Make sure that you research
which model is most appropriate to your specic needs.
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Prices for standard camcorders range roughly between
$200 and $1,000 depending on features and quality.
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PRO-SUMER CAMCORDERS
OVERVIEW
Pro-sumer camcorders come with all of the features
that a videographer could possibly ask for, including
wide-angle lenses, full-HD capability, and a suite of
onboard features.
STRENGTHS
In terms of video and audio quality, these camcorders
are the best you will be able to nd short of a
movie studio.
WEAKNESSES
The primary weakness from the perspective of most
agriculture projects is the price and nding someone
skilled enough to operate this type of camcorder.
WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
Pro-sumer camcorders are most appropriate for use by
or under the supervision of an expert videographer.
THINGS TO
CONSIDER
To get the most value from a pro-sumer camcorder you
should make sure that you have an expert videographer
on staff, or at least have access to one to provide your
staff with thorough training. This individual should also
be able to advise you on the best model for your needs.
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Prices generally range from $1,000 to $6,000
depending on the features and quality.
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MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES
OVERVIEW
Currently there are two primary types of devices that
are capable of recording video in addition to their
other functions: mobile phones and digital still cameras
(or digicams).
STRENGTHS
The primary strengths of these devices lie in their
growing ubiquity. They may present projects with
cost savings if they are already being used locally by
beneciaries and/or staff.
WEAKNESSES
The video and audio quality of these devices is generally
lower than any of the other types of camcorders
mentioned above. The one exception is digital SLR
cameras, which can record high-quality video, although
the price and complexity of these are a weakness
relative to other devices.
WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
At the moment, these devices are most appropriate
in situations where the project, its partners, or
beneciaries are already using them for other purposes.
In terms of mobile phones, most video quality is well
below the minimum that will be useful for dissemination.
This is certain to change as consumer demand for
smartphones with high-quality video functionality
continues to grow.
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THINGS TO
CONSIDER
Dedicated camcorders are still your best bet for overall
quality. However, if you decide to use a mobile phone
or digital still camera for your video activity, you will
want to consider the following:
Video resolution. The resolution should be at
least 720p, if not 1080p. Also, look for at least 24 frames
per second (fps).
Audio quality. Internal microphones on
these devices are likely to be poor. As with pocket
camcorders, make sure that they have an audio input
jack for use with a microphone.
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Depends on the device and local availability.
For more information on technical specications associated with video
camcorders, visit CNET for reviews and comparisons. Their camcorder
buying guide (http://reviews.cnet.com/camcorder-buying-guide/) and
camcorder reviews section (http://reviews.cnet.com/camcorders/) are
particularly worth visiting before making any nal decisions.
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DISSEMINATION DEVICES
As discussed in Component 4, there are a number of different ways
to disseminate your videos, each with different hardware needs. For the
purposes of this section we will focus on only the four methods that
require specic hardware to implement. Computer centers or telecenters
are not being included here based on the assumption that if you do use this
method, you will be working with an established computer center and not
purchasing your own equipment. If you are working with a computer center,
the Computer System Sustainability Toolkit that was originally developed by
AED (now FHI 360) is a worthwhile read. It can be found online at
http://itac.fhi360.org/resources/computer-system-sustainability-toolkit/.
PICO PROJECTORS
OVERVIEW
Pico projectors are small projectors roughly the size
of a pocket camcorder. They generally use lithium ion
batteries, have a navigable, internal memory system,
and can project an image of up to 50 inches in ideal
circumstances.
STRENGTHS
Due to their size, pico projectors are extremely easy to
transport in the eld. They are also cheaper than many
other hardware considerations.
WEAKNESSES
Most models have a relatively low ANSI lumens rating,
meaning that the level of ambient light in the room you
are using it in will need to be fairly dim to prevent the
projection from being washed out.
PHOTO CREDIT: AAXA
CONTINUED
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WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
Pico projectors are best used for group dissemination in
areas without dependable access to electricity, television,
and DVD/VCD players, or computers.
THINGS TO
CONSIDER
To get the best usage from pico projectors, you will
want to consider the following:
Data input. Look for a model with microSD and
microUSB ports. This will enable you to load videos
onto the projector without connecting it to a computer
or the internet. A device with internal memory is
also preferable, as it will allow you to pre-load videos
directly onto the projector.
Battery type. Since you will likely be using these
projectors in areas without dependable access to
electricity, you should look for a device with at least
1-2 hours of battery life. Removable batteries that can
be charged separately from the projector are ideal for
the same reasons explained above under the pocket
camcorder section.
Audio out. The internal speakers on pico
projectors typically have a maximum volume that is, for
all intents and purposes, useless in a group setting. The
only way to avoid this is to use external speakers. If the
projector does not have an audio out jack, avoid it.
Light strength. You will want to make sure that
the projector has at least 10 lumens. Anything less than
this will make it almost impossible to use at a viewable
resolution. Ideally though, look for a projector with 30
lumens or more. This will ensure that there is enough
light to use the projector even with modest levels of
ambient light.
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THINGS TO
CONSIDER
(CONTINUED)
File extension compatibility. Not all
projectors support all le formats. Do not worry too
much about this because you can always convert your
videos into a compatible format (see software section
for more information).
Remote control. Some models include remote
controls, which you may prefer for navigating and
pausing videos during dissemination.
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Prices range from about $150 to $300 per projector.
One Media Player per Teacher has done a lot of
research and experimentation with these devices. More
information on their ndings can be found online at:
http://www.ompt.org/content/video
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TELEVISIONS AND VIDEO PLAYERS
OVERVIEW
Televisions and video players (either DVD or VCD) are
well-known video dissemination devices. Some newer
televisions may also have SD card or USB ports, which
would allow you to play videos directly without the
need for a video player.
STRENGTHS
Televisions and video players are more common
than projectors or computers around the world.
Local availability of and access to these devices would
reduce the need for the project to purchase its own
dissemination equipment.
WEAKNESSES
If not presently available, transporting and powering
televisions and video players can be logistically
challenging and not cost effective.
WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
Televisions and video players are most appropriate
in circumstances where they already exist within the
community you are working in.
THINGS TO
CONSIDER
If these devices are already locally available, you will
want to consider their location before deciding to
use them. You will also want to be mindful of any local
power dynamics. For instance, some farmers might
be hesitant to watch videos in the house of a wealthy
family or politician from an opposing political party.
Location neutrality and physical convenience should be
your top priority. If you notice that farmers are failing to
show up once you have selected a location, you might
want to reconsider your options.
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THINGS TO
CONSIDER
(CONTINUED)
If these devices are not already locally available and you
decide to procure them, you will want to consider a
number of logistical factors as follows:
Do you have a secure location to store the equipment?
Do you plan to keep the equipment in one location? If so, is
it convenient and accessible to farmers? If not, how do you
plan to transport it?
Is the local power source dependable enough?
If not, do you have the resources to purchase and
power a generator?
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
You can purchase a 26-inch LCD television with a USB
port for between $220 and $400. If you already have
access to a television, you can purchase an inexpensive
DVD player for between $30 and $50. Generator
prices vary based on local availability, but in general
you should expect to pay at least $200 for a basic gas
generator in addition to ongoing fuel costs.
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PORTABLE VIDEO PLAYERS
OVERVIEW
Portable video players (PVPs) are compact devices that
generally have a three- to ten inch screen with a built-in
DVD player. Some models also include USB and SD
card memory input slots.
STRENGTHS
PVPs are compact and relatively light, so they can be
easily transported. Models with SD card input may be
more cost effective since you will not need to burn
DVDs to disseminate your videos.
WEAKNESSES
Limited screen size. Also, with the increasing popularity
of tablets and smart phones, these sole-purpose devices
will likely be phased out in the not-too-distant future.
WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
PVPs are best used when disseminating videos to only
two or three farmers at a time.
THINGS TO
CONSIDER
The three main things to consider when purchasing a
PVP are its price, its screen size, and its input slots. At a
minimum you should try to use a device with at least a
seven inch screen — although nine inches is preferable
— and USB and SD memory input slots.
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Decent-quality PVPs with USB and SD memory input
slots and a screen between seven and nine inches can
be found for between $80 and $150 per unit.
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TABLET COMPUTERS
OVERVIEW
Tablet computers are mobile devices with touch-screen
navigation and screen sizes that generally range from
seven to ten inches.
STRENGTHS
The touch-screen navigation can be more intuitive to
some users than traditional computer navigation. Tablets
are also light, easy to travel with, and typically have a
longer battery life than laptops.
WEAKNESSES
Tablets are extremely popular and portable, so the risk
of theft may be higher than it is with other devices.
There is a higher risk of screen damage from repeated
use than is the case with other display devices, such as
computer monitors or television.
WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
Given their limited screen size, tablets cannot be viewed
by more than two or three people at a time. They are
best used in circumstances where it is not possible or
necessary to gather more than a few farmers together
at a time.
THINGS TO
CONSIDER
If you are using a tablet solely for video dissemination, it
is probably not a good option given its cost and limited
screen size. If you do use a tablet for dissemination to
small groups, however, it is recommended that you have
a tablet with a screen size of nine inches.
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Most tablets with at least a nine-inch screen cost
between $300 and $600. The much-talked-about
Aakash tablet (or Ubislate 7) from India will supposedly
be available commercially for about $60. Although it
will only be available in India, it may be a sign of more
affordable tablets on the way.
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MOBILE PHONES
OVERVIEW
Mobile phones present a few opportunities for
dissemination. They can be used to play videos directly
on the mobile phone screen or you can connect the
mobile phone to a television or computer monitor. A
more recent opportunity involves using the phone as
a projector. Although only a small number of phones
currently have this feature, the number is likely to grow
in the coming years.
STRENGTHS
Mobile phones are increasingly becoming ubiquitous,
even in some of the most-remote villages of the world.
WEAKNESSES
Screen sizes are small and current onboard projectors
are of limited strength.
WHEN MOST
APPROPRIATE
If mobile phone access is common among your
beneciaries, mobile versions of videos may be useful
to helpful reinforce messaging. Given their limited
screen size, they are likely not useful as the primary
point of dissemination. That said, as penetration rates
continue to grow, video-enabled mobile phones
represent a great opportunity to reinforce messaging
with individual farmers through mobile video. Mobile
phones with built-in pico projectors could be worth
considering for eld staff if you provide them with
mobile phones anyway.
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THINGS TO
CONSIDER
Before deciding to use mobile phones for dissemination,
you will want to consider the following:
File format. If you plan to disseminate videos via
mobile phone, you will want to make sure that your
videos are in a format that is compatible with your
beneciaries’ phones. The most common format is
3GPP (*.3gp le extension). You can use free software
to convert your videos into this and other formats.
Screen resolution. The most common screen
resolution of phones being used by your beneciaries is
likely to be 240 x 320. Videos played in this resolution,
especially those teaching agronomic practices, are likely
to be of limited value as the sole point of dissemination.
If you are already disseminating your videos on a larger
screen using another method, providing farmers access
to mobile versions of these videos may be useful for
reinforcing messaging.
Projector brightness. Many of the built-in
projectors are only six lumens, which is not powerful
enough to screen videos to a group. As the technology
improves and chipsets become smaller, this is certain to
change. A few phones, such as the Samsung Beam, have
already broken ten lumens. Make sure to check on this
before making any purchase.
Total cost. Before you purchase mobile phones
with built-in pico projectors, you should do a quick
total cost comparison. Is the price of the device less
expensive than buying a mobile phone and a pico
projector separately? Is the quality of the projector as
high as a stand-alone unit? What is the battery life?
ESTIMATED
PRICE RANGE
Prices for mobile phones with built-in pico projectors
currently range between $150 and $600 depending on
the overall quality and features of the phone.
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PERIPHERAL DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES
In addition to video and dissemination devices, you will need to consider
a number of peripheral devices and accessories that can be used to help
enhance your ability to create and share a quality product.
EXTERNAL MICROPHONE
External microphones will allow you to capture better quality audio
than an internal camcorder microphone. The most common types of
microphones are omnidirectional and directional.
Omnidirectional microphones record sound from all directions.
They are most commonly found in lavalier (or lapel) microphones, which
are clipped directly onto the lapel of the person you want to record. The
benet of these microphones is that you do not have to worry about
pointing them in the right direction. However, they are also more likely
to record background and other ambient noise present when recording.
You can minimize this by recording your video in locations without large
amounts of background noise (i.e., away from roads, crowds, etc.).
Since the microphone is clipped directly onto an individual, if you are
recording more than one person, you may need to move the microphone
between speakers for each shot depending on whose audio you want to
record. You may nd it easier to use a wireless lavalier for these purposes,
so that your “actors” can easily hand the lavalier back and forth. You can
also purchase a “Y-splitter” for microphones that would allow you to plug
two microphones into one audio input jack. The downside of using a
Y-splitter is that it can increase audio interference and may lead to audio-
level mismatches between the two input microphones. If you decide to use
a Y-splitter, it is recommended that you experiment to make sure it works
with the camcorders and microphones you are using before purchasing
them — and additional microphones — in any quantity.
When recording
your video, make
sure that you turn
off any mobile
phones in the
immediate vicinity.
This will reduce your
chances of recording
any electrical
interference with
your audio.
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You can nd low-end lavalier microphones for around $30 to $50,
although a decent-quality wireless lavalier costs closer to $100. Y-splitters
can be found for as little as $5.
Directional microphones record sound primarily in the direction
they are pointing. There are two primary types of directional microphones:
cardioids (meaning they pick up sound in a heart-shaped pattern in front
of the microphone) and shotgun (meaning they pick up sound almost
entirely straight ahead). Although directional lavaliers are available, they are
not recommended, since head movement by the person being recorded
can result in their voice being outside of the recording area.
Since most directional microphones are not clipped directly on the subject,
they will require that your videographer (or an assistant) is constantly
pointing them in the direction from which they want to record audio.
They are best used in environments with high background noise, since
they are less likely to pick up ambient noise outside of the direction of the
microphone than an omnidirectional microphone. For situations when you
will be recording in windy conditions, you will want to make sure that the
microphone you purchase comes with a windscreen to reduce wind noise.
You can nd low-end directional microphones with windscreens for
between $50 and $100.
TRIPODS
Tripods are an essential accessory for video production. Although there are
techniques that you can use to stabilize your shot without a tripod, there is
no replacement for the stability you will get from a tripod. Decent quality
50- to 60-inch tripods can be found for as little as $20. You can also nd
mini tripods for as little as $2, although these are only recommended for
indoor shooting where you will have a steady table to set them on.
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SD MEMORY CARDS
If you have purchased a camcorder that has an expandable memory slot,
you will want to purchase SD memory cards. Most pocket camcorders
have between 32 and 64 gigabytes of expandable memory. Prices of SD
memory cards have dropped signicantly over the past few years, and
you can currently nd a 32GB card for about $30-$40 and a 64GB card
for $80.
PORTABLE AUDIO SPEAKERS
If you decide to use a pico projector or a tablet for dissemination, you will
likely want to purchase portable audio speakers to amplify their sound.
Otherwise, there is a strong chance that their internal speakers will not
be loud enough to reach everyone in your screening audience. Decent
portable speakers can be found for about $20 to $40 a set. When
purchasing speakers, make sure to check what their power source is. If you
are somewhere with limited electricity, you will want to purchase speakers
with rechargeable and removable batteries so you can replace them with a
fresh set if they die while you are using them.
OFF-THE-GRID CHARGERS
Ideally, you should base all of your video production and dissemination
activities in an ofce with access to dependable electricity. That way, even
if you are recording or showing videos in villages off the electrical grid, you
will still be able to make sure that your batteries and replacements are
fully charged before heading out. In the event that you expect extended
periods of shooting or dissemination in locations that are completely
off-the-grid, you may want to consider off-the-grid chargers to recharge
your devices. The most likely solution is a solar-powered charger, although
you need to be somewhere that receives at least six hours of sunlight a
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day to benet from them. A solar charger with enough electrical output
to power most of the devices mentioned in this component will cost you
about $100 to $150. Do your research before purchasing any off-the-grid
chargers, since not all chargers will give you the same actual level of output
even in the same price range.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Rechargeable batteries are a must, especially if you are working in the eld
away from electrical outlets. Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries
and chargers for any of the devices you plan to purchase for your video
activity. Prices vary based on type of battery and manufacturer.
USB EXTENSION CABLE
Some of the pocket camcorders have short USB plugs that are used to
connect them to your computer’s USB port. The short length of these
plugs can make them difcult to plug in and often puts stress on the
camera itself. For about $5 you can purchase a male-to-female USB
extension cable to connect your camcorder to your computer without
having to hang the camcorder directly off of the computer.
PROTECTIVE CASE
While some devices come with protective cases, many do not. Make
sure to invest in a protective case — even if only a basic padded cloth
one — to protect your equipment from the elements and to reduce
the risk of contact damage when transporting them. You can also extend
the life of tablet computers and smart phones by using transparent
screen protectors.
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WIDE-ANGLE LENS
Although not a necessity, you may nd that wide angle lenses are useful
for establishing a wider eld of view when recording your videos. Not all
wide-angle lenses work with every camcorder, so you will want to check
on compatibility beforehand. You can nd a basic wide-angle lens for many
of the pocket camcorders from between $25 and $50.
SOFTWARE
To create and disseminate your videos, you will most likely need ve types
of software programs, including applications for video editing, audio editing,
image editing, subtitling, and le conversion. Since the primary focus of this
toolkit is low-cost video production, this section includes free software
examples for each of these purposes. Each of these programs meets a
minimum threshold for quality and is easier or, at least, as easy to use as its
commercial counterparts.
Keep in mind that commercial software programs often offer more robust
features than free options. For the most part, however, the difference is
only noticed by more advanced users. If there are any features that you
cannot nd from freely available software, you can consider purchasing
a commercial program to address those needs. Since computers using
the Windows operating system are most common, this section will only
highlight programs that are Windows compatible.
If you are new to using any of these programs, search their websites for
video tutorials that you can watch. If nothing is available on their websites,
try searching for user-created tutorials on YouTube or Vimeo. If you still
have not found what you are looking for, try looking on Lynda.com, a
website that offers structured software training videos. Access is based on
subscriptions, which run at around $25 per month.
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Remember to always check the technical requirements for any program
you are considering using so you can be sure it will run properly on your
computer. Some of these programs — especially video editing software
— can be demanding, so you will want to make sure that you have a
computer powerful enough to run it. If not, you will need to purchase a
computer that at very least meets the minimum requirements for the
program in question. These costs should be considered in your Cost
Calculation Worksheet.
VIDEO EDITING
If you are using a pocket camcorder, many of them already come pre-
loaded with video editing software. They are generally extremely basic
and allow for simple clip editing and limited transitions. For more robust
features, consider using Windows Movie Maker. It is free, easy to use, comes
pre-installed on all computers running Windows XP service pack 2, and has
a number of useful features. If you are using Windows Vista or 7, you can
download a newer version called Windows Live Movie Maker online at
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-movie-maker-get-started.
Movie Maker is not without its hitches though. It is known to freeze on
occasion and it is unable to use some video formats. The telltale sign that
you are using a video format or codec
1
incompatible with Movie Maker
is when you go to save your nal product, the time remaining just keeps
counting upwards. This can be extremely frustrating if you have nished
editing your video only to nd out that Movie Maker is unable to master
it. A good way to avoid this is to place one of your clips into the Movie
Maker timeline and then select ‘Save Movie File.’ If it is able to successfully
process your request and save a new movie, then you know that the le
format of your videos clips is compatible.
1
A codec is software that enables video players to encode/decode digital videos.
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More advanced users may be interested in experimenting with Lightworks,
an open source, full-feature video editor. It is free to use, although access
to a professional ver
sion with even more features is available for $60 per
year. More information on Lightworks can found be on their website at
http://www.lightworksbeta.com/.
If your computers are not powerful enough to run a full-feature video
editor, but you are still interested in the extra features, you may want
to consider exploring WeVideo (https://www.wevideo.com/), an online
video editing platform. As long as your internet connection is stable and
fast enough to upload your video clips, you can use WeVideo to edit your
videos in the cloud—meaning you can also collaborate on editing videos
with staff in other locations. The basic user package is free to use, so you
can try it out rst before deciding if you want to subscribe to a monthly or
annual plan for more frequent use.
To learn more about other potential options, a useful website for video
editing software comparisons and ratings is FindTheBest (http://video-
editing.ndthebest.com/). It currently has information on more than 65
video editing programs.
AUDIO EDITING
If you choose to use Windows Movie Maker or another basic-feature video
editing program, your options for audio editing within those programs
will be limited. Should you want to do any substantive audio editing or
recording to add to your video for voiceovers or dubbing, you will need
to use an audio editing program. One of the most robust and user-friendly
free versions currently available is called Audacity. It can be downloaded
online at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/. A step-by-step tutorial guide for
editing and recording basic audio using Audacity has also been included on
the accompanying DVD.
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Using the same technical process, you can also create your own podcasts
using Audacity, which can be distributed to local radio stations or
community centers.
Radio programming can be used to complement
and reinforce messaging that you are disseminating via video. You can
either create new content related to your video content, or you can even
convert your videos into audio and edit them as mp3 les for distribution.
IMAGE EDITING
Image editing software is really an optional part of the video production
process. You will need image-editing software if you want to create
graphics or manipulate photographs to use in your video. One of the
more robust, free programs is called GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation
Program). It can be downloaded online at http://www.gimp.org/.
SUBTITLING
Subtitling your videos can be a time-consuming process, since it requires
someone entering the dialogue (or a translation of the dialogue) manually.
That said, there are programs that make the process easier than it has
been in the past. Aegisub is one example of a free subtitle editor that will
greatly help you with this process. It can be downloaded online at http://
www.aegisub.org/.
Basic subtitling with Aegisub is simply a matter of opening your video in
the program, setting your font type, typing in your subtitles, and setting
the timestamp for each line. After you have nished creating your subtitle,
you can export it as a SubRip (*.srt) or SubViewer (*.sub) le, both of
which are compatible subtitle formats on YouTube. Once you upload your
video onto YouTube, all you need to do is upload the subtitle le under
the Captions section. This process is known as softsubbing, because the
subtitles are in a separate le from the video. The process of hardsubbing,
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or encoding the subtitles directly onto your video lm, is a bit more
complicated. If you are interested in hardsubbing your videos, you can nd
resources on how to do so online.
FILE CONVERSION
As there is unfortunately no uniform le format for video les, you may
nd that your camcorder’s output is in a le type that you cannot use with
your video editing software, or that your video editing software’s output is
not compatible with your projector. There are a number of free programs
that can convert les from one format to another, but the one that we
have found to work best is called Format Factory. It can be downloaded
online at http://www.formatoz.com/. A basic explanation on how to use it
is included in the Audacity tutorial guide on the accompanying DVD.
CRITICAL
SUCCESS
FACTORS
• Itemspurchasedare
based on what is most
likely to help you meet
your objectives.
• Items
areappropriate
for the capacity of
your staff.
• Total
cost(including
necessary support and
training) is reasonable
within your budget.
• Items
purchasedare
suitable to the local
context, including
environmental
conditions, technical
compatibility,
availability of local
repair, etc.
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NOTES
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WORKSHEETS
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WORKSHEETS
Cost Calculation Worksheet
196
WORKSHEETS•Cost Calculation Worksheet
6
COST CALCULATION WORKSHEET
ITEM DISTRIBUTION # NEEDED
PRICE PER
UNIT
TOTAL
PRICE
TOTAL COST OF ALL DEVICES/ACCESSORIES/SOFTWARE
NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT ACTIVITY
