Capturing PC's Desktop to DV

Nathan_Shane wrote on 6/13/2004, 12:05 PM
My thoughts here are for capturing software programs to DV to evetually create online and/or DVD tutorials.

Is there an effective hardware way to "digitally" capture everything I see on my computer monitor (even the entire desktop and any software running) directly into a DV camcorder?

I know that there are software programs which allow you to capture screens, windows, and mouse movements to .AVI files, but I'm thinking there must be alternative methods to go directly out of the PC and onto DV tape.

I'm certain there must already be hardware made for doing this...but perhaps I'm approaching doing it in the wrong manner. If so, then what is the industry method for capturing/creating software tutorials?

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 6/13/2004, 12:22 PM
There is the Twin Pac 100 from Canopus, which does a pretty good job of this, offering zoom capability with a hand held remote or software. There are many industry methods, just depends on what you want to spend. You can always buy a HiDef deck and go straight from desktop to HD, but then delivery becomes a problem.
filmy wrote on 6/13/2004, 3:13 PM
>>>Is there an effective hardware way to "digitally" capture everything I see on my computer monitor (even the entire desktop and any software running) directly into a DV camcorder?<<<

Yes there is - and it is an awesome software only tool, however it is not designed for this reason soley. It is called Echo Fire and I had gotten it for DV/Firewire output previews for After Effects and Photoshop...lo and behold it also comes with a little nifty thing called "Screenwriter" that sends your desktop out via firewire. All you need is a firewire card to use it. Demo is available.

Echo Fire.

Using Echo Fire's ScreenWriter utility, output a copy of your computer desktop to your video monitor. This provides a video preview capability for all your design applications, even if they don't support video previews themselves.