FAQ > Recording and uploading a video profile

If your computer has a video camera built-in or attached, you can instantly record up to 5 minutes of video and add it to your profile. Or, upload a video you have previously recorded and post it on your profile.

NOTE: Video profiles are an enhanced profile feature, available only to Active and Supporting members. Upgrade your account to instantly access this feature.

Quick Start: Video Controls

The video widget will automatically attempt to discover your configuration for you. If, however, you are having difficulty, the information below will enable you to correctly configure your system.

Setting up your system for video

System requirements:

• Modern web browser (IE, Safari, Firefox, Opera)
  
  
• Adobe Flash 9 (Congratulations! You have the required version [9.0] installed.)
  
  
• A webcam
  
  
• A microphone (if your webcam doesn't have one built-in)

Flash 9 is available for most operating systems including:

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Apple OS X
• Linux

Settings

You can access the Flash settings menu by right-clicking your mouse over the center of the screen. If you're using an Apple Mac and don't have a mouse with two buttons, you can hold the ctrl button down while you click on your mouse button.

You will then see a menu similar to the picture below appear. Select settings to access the Flash settings screen. This interface is the same on all platforms and is controlled by the Adobe Flash player plugged into your browser.

Configuring Audio

Configuring audio so that it works properly begins with the built-in Adobe Flash Player Settings panel. You can access it via the settings menu (see above).

Once the Adobe Flash Player Settings dialog appears, select the icon that looks like a microphone. The screen will look similar to what's shown on the left. Select the audio source that best fits your configuration.

If you're using an Apple Macbook, Macbook Pro or iMac with a built-in camera you'll want to select built-in microphone. If you're using a Windows PC and have a Creative or Logitech, or some other manufacturer's, camera with an embedded microphone you'll probably see it listed directly and can choose the manufacturer's name.

Start speaking (or singing!). If you've selected the correct source the audio meter on the left side of the inteface will visually indicate the level of sound its detecting. Speak normally and adjust the record volume so that the meter peaks toward the top of the green area. If it's jumping into the upper yellow or red area you'll want to lower the recording level just a bit.

Echo cancellation
In some cases, more consistent audio quality free from drop-offs can occur when echo cancellation features within both Flash and the computer have been turned off. If you ever experience sound cutting out during your playbacks of messages you have recorded, this might be the reason.

High-quality Mics
Quality microphones can make a big difference during recording. Some users have reported dramatically improved audio recording quality when using professional microphones plugged directly into their computers. The use of lapel mics can also provide improved audio quality.

Video Settings

To start, go to your profile press the "edit" button. If you see yourself, you're all set and don't need to do anything else. Otherwise, setting up your webcam to work with Eyejot begins with the built-in Adobe Flash Player Settings panel, above. You can access it via the settings menu.

Once the Adobe Flash Player Settings dialog appears, select the icon that looks like a webcam. The screen will look similar to what's shown on the left. Select the video source that best fits your configuration.

If you're using an Apple Macbook, Macbook Pro or iMac with a built-in camera you'll want to select USB Video Class Video. If you're using a Mac with an iSight camera you'll want to select iSight. If you're using a Windows PC and have a Creative, Logitech, Microsoft or some other manufacturer's, camera you'll probably see it listed directly under their name.

As soon as you've selected the right device you'll see yourself, and know you're ready to begin using Eyejot. Be sure to setup your audio too.

Other issues

If you see this screen while recording, it means you are not talking loud enough and it's warning you to speak more loudly, as no audio is being picked up.

Select "Allow" to enable recording on your system.

If you see only a blank screen when attempting to record, it means you need to configure your video camera. See above.