I think they offer a full functioning demo - I use it all the time for screencaptures

http://www.techsmith.com/products/studio/default2.asp

try this http://www.rendersoftware.com/products/camstudio/
it is a freeware and works excellent.

I think the question is about videotaping a scence in which a computer monitor appears, not getting screen shots per se (for which Camtasia is a great solution).

The best you can do with a VX-2000 is adjust the shutter speed for the best results. There are other, more sofisticated cameras, that have variable scan rate settings to eliminate (or at least minimize) this problem.

Gary

I agree that one of the easier ways to get your desired results is to do a screen capture using Camstuidio - or a similiar application. Then render that as a movie file (AVI, probably). Then superimpose that avi in your current project - laying it on top of the 'puter screen.

You could do the same thing with TV...that is - tape it to VHS, capture it to VV...then superimpose it in the project.

To elaborate a little bit... shoot a blank computer screen and put a image over the screen in the final edit to make it appear that there is something on the computer. This will only work if nothing walks or moves in front of the computer screen during the shot, otherwise it might get a little tricky in the editing process. I have done this before when I wanted to take a still shot of Windows Media Player with something in the video screen. I took a screenshot of a blank windows media player, then I just went into photoshop and added a image in the black box and it worked great.

A little off topic but I have found that the resolution of rendered AVI's captured via Camista et al. is really poor---If you are shooting as screen, shoot an actual LCD monitor--with a little bit of effort it can look pretty good and you dont get any of the screen roll.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Actually, the scenes involve a person typing at a computer
live, so I don't know if any of this will work. I don't know how to avoid the damn
band going up and down.
<M>

Not sure what your buget allows but a DSR 570 or DSR 370 (or DXC D30/D35 camera head) can do it fine with the shutter adjustment. We do it all the time.

Peter

I think rextilleon just gave you your answer: replace the CRT monitor with an LCD monitor. You may encounter moire artifacts but there should be no monitor scan/refresh bands.

I think what mnru was saying is...someone is typing at the computer live and may cross the screen or cover partial screen! So keying in a new image will not work unless you blue screen the monitor! The only way to avoid the "rolling" screen is to shoot at a variable shutterspeed and adjust for the roll. Only way....

If you can beg, borrow, or steal a flat panel ( plasma type) you will have no lines. Technology is different and no 60 hz lines show. I do it all the time and it works well, and is much better than many scan converters.

"...someone is typing at the computer live and may cross the screen or cover partial screen..."

It can be a little time consuming, but you could keyframe the screen cropping if/when someone crosses in front of the screen. FrameXFrame is not the most fun thing in the world - but it works if you do it right.

Good point Showard...never thought of that!!!! That is what makes this forum a success......

I can confirm that an LCD panel is your best bet for this purpose and works excellent with no banding or tearing.

If you can't get an LCD, set the refresh rate of a CRT to 60hz which should get rid of the banding but you may get some tearing if you pan past the screen too fast. You won't get this with an LCD and to reconfirm to myself, I just tried shooting my dual monitor setup with my PD150. I have a 19 inch CRT and a 15 inch LCD as secondary, the LCD is rock-solid.

Cheers.

J\

"Shooting a computer screen"

Yep, I've been tempted many times.*

(sorry, couldn't resist. Billyboy might be loading up your shotgun about now given his recent posts :)

G

* not because of Vegas!

""Shooting a computer screen" Yep, I've been tempted many times.* (sorry, couldn't resist. Billyboy might be loading up your shotgun about now given his recent posts :)
G * not because of Vegas!"

Search out the Phoenix AZ newspaper and may find an old photo or series of photos they ran a few years back - seems there's a spot in the desert folks use for this quite regularly! Last I heard though, the UK is still tops in recorded cases of physical abuse to PCs, and yes, they really do track that stuff.

Back on topic, could it be that viewers expect the rolls, look at it as enhanced realism since I haven't seen the effort to hide it that was there a few years back?