Play Videos Using a Tree Structure

[netimpact]

Just Received the AM5 Speedy Training CD Videos and they are
fantastic. I am planning to create some video tutorials and since
I am a complete newbie at what works best, i.e. good screen
recording size, what best compression software, which are the
best screen recording software etc. etc. I will be asking a
series of questions as I get on with my project, so please bear
with me. I have spent a lot of money on the software and I
intent to maximise its use.

Sorry for the waffle, the main question is regarding the Speedy
Training CD videos. It comes with a tree structure where you
can click on a quicktime movie icon to start the video in
a quicktime palyer. I need to use that structure for my 1st
video tutorials and wondering whether it is a plug-in and where
can I get it? How do I build that structure into my project?

Please because I am not well versed into programming and all that,
some code examples and all details will be appreciated. Thanks in
advance folks.

[Brett]

Corey will have to answer that one because he is the one who develops the training software. However, you could always use a ListBox object to list the lessons and then launch a lesson when the user double-clicks on one.

[Corey]

Oops I must have missed this earlier, sorry. Hi, OK. here's what I did:

1. I used Camtasia to record the video at 800 X 600 7fps with 44.1 kHz stereo audio using a headset mic.

2. I then converted those files to distribute (for the quicktime ones) using Sorenson squeeze. Nowadays I use Wildform FLIX to convert them to SWF format instead though, I'm not big on the quicktime player... I convert audio to 40 kpbs MP3 at this point and drop the frame rate, since it's screencap material, to 3 fps.

3. I created a tree menu using a great freeware script named "dtree" http://www.destroydrop.com/javascripts/tree/

4. I attached the name of each quicktime movie to the corresponding link in the tree menu, i.e. #chap1mov1 or #chap4mov5 etc.

5. Then I just used e_URL in an IF statement to detect which movie is being called, and deploy the appropriate file.

Hope that helps. :)

The above technique is the result of many, many, many hours of research and hair pulling on my end, so you can rest assured it's a solid, proven strategy. I share it with you in the hopes that it might help you minimize the grief of getting started doing video training CDs and maximize your enjoyment.

P.S. Stick in there, it's a tough grind in the beginning if you want to get professional results but you can do it. Just stick in there, it all gets much easier very quickly. Don't worry about not being an expert programmer, you don't need to be. The most important things are having the right tools, patience, and a clear goal. If you have those three things then I guarantee you will get the results you are looking for.

And of course you can pursue this topic as far as you need to here in the forum whenever you have questions, etc. I'm always happy to assist and there's also a few other people here who have a good knack for these things, between us you can usually dig up a decent answer. :)

BTW here's a little tip for this. To get nice quality audio with no machine noise or hum, use a USB mic. Here's the one I use, I got it new for about $40 USD and it's a really great mic, extremely light, stable, has an optional headphone and it's well built. You can use it as a USB or standard 1/8" mic and you can also use it's 1/8"-to-USB converter with any other standard 1/8" mic or headset! Can't say enough good things about it, I strongly reccomend it, it installed instantly and has never given me a single hassle:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006BAP3/002-6701640-9954402?v=glance

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

[netimpact]

Hi Corey, that's an excellent reply. I will heed your advice
and start doing something about my tutorial project now, since I have
just that little bit of more confidence with what you have said so far,
and oh! thanks for the headphone tip as well, I'll go grab one myself.

I read some other thread expounding how good this forum
really is, I think it really is a superb resource. Thanks

[Corey]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the forum. :yes

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

[netimpact]

Three quick questions please:

1. I assume that you use Camtesia to record to AVI first
before converting to flash using Wildform FLIX pro?

2. I also assume that you are actually recording at
790 X 545 quivalent to 800 X 600, which takes into
account the title bar etc.?

3. How about Canopus ProCoder Express? Is that any good
for conversion and compressing? The reason I ask is that
I have a copy, but hardly used it and wondering if it is
any use or good for converting & compressing to Flash?

Thanks

[Corey]

Hi.:

1. Yep, exactly. I record to 7fps AVI using TSCC set all the way to "Better Compression" in the codec options dialog.

2. No, I record at 800 X 600. whatever you do, stick with a 4 X 3 ratio.

3. The experts say yes, I've never used it. I have heard the new version of Caonpus Procoder is superb.

:)

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

[netimpact]

Hi Its me again...

1. How do you get the tree into AM5 for a start and working
properly. Dou you cut and paste HTML?

2. How do you actually call the SWF movie files and get it
to pop up in Windows Media or other. Code examples will be useful
please. Thanks

[Corey]

Hi:

1. Yes I use a web object to display the menu as a web page.

2. By passing the filename in the link you can use e_URL to pass links to open files. I'll try to get an example up for you ASAP.

:)

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

[Corey]

OK here's a simple example of how to use HTML links to pass values. As you click each link, it's named anchor will appear in a dialog message box (attached). You can extrapolate that same principle to use HTML links to control anything in your project including other objects... :yes

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)