Today, thanks to Aaron Mueller, Dave Zirk, Devin Page, Greg MacCollum, and Skip Via I had a chance to test recording of Google+ Hangouts. I have Camtasia Studio 7, which allows for screen recordings and has the option to record both system audio and the microphone. There are lots of other options out there for recording your screen, many of them free, but I don’t know which of them allows for recording of system sound, which is critical for making this recording work.
Aaron, Dave, and I discussed the Tour de France, and noticed that even in a highly competitive environment like the Tour, people collaborate extensively, at least within their team.
The audio of the recording is fine, except for a few places. The next time I record a Google+ hang out, I’m going to make sure I’m wearing headphones, which should handle the audio issues, which seem to be caused by a slight delay between the microphone being fed by the system speakers, and the system sound itself. However, the small audio glitches aside, Camtasia Studio seems like a highly effective way (if expensive) way to record Google+ hangouts.
If someone knows of a cheaper way to record system audio directly that is as easy to use, I’m all ears. I’d love it if I could find easy ways for students to record Google+ hangouts. I’m not tied to this particular technology itself, but if it works and isn’t too complicated, use it.
(Disclaimer: TechSmith, makers of Camtasia Studio 7, did not pay me for this post. I just like their product.)
Thomas Ho says:
Has been broadcasting hangouts on Justin.tv
July 24, 2011 — 5:15 pm
Jeff Lebow says:
Hi David,
Enjoyed the Tour de France overview and collaboration analogy. I’ve still got Camtasia4 – have been reluctant to pay for the upgrade, but the option to record system audio and your mic at the same time is an enticing feature.
I’ve been dealing with that challenge in XP with Virtual Audio Cables and a USB mic. With Windows 7, all that’s required is a USB Mic. For recording, I’ve been using http://screencast-o-matic.com/ – free 15 minute recordings and $12/year for officially up to an hour (although it’s been letting me record longer than that).
Screencast and guide on how I’ve been streaming and recording hangouts at:
http://www.jefflebow.net/streaming-recording-google-plus-hangout
Been thinking about ‘hanging out’ sometime with others who are exploring hangout recording options – would be fun to talk shop and compare geek strategies. We can all wear yellow jerseys 🙂
Jeff
August 2, 2011 — 10:55 am
Fons Tuinstra says:
Hi, I stumbled into you entry as I was looking for people who had already tested several options for recording hangouts. The one you did sounds pretty good, but is indeed rather pricy.
I have started a Google Document with different options, and still looking for opportunities to actually test them.
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1Cg3hCj_047qbpkW8sEf00ttZcNeFcspQLR3GddV8cSo
Let me know if you have more plans.
September 11, 2011 — 8:21 am
David Wees says:
Thanks for sharing. I agree that my method is not the cheapest way to screencast. I shared your link on Twitter.
September 11, 2011 — 3:23 pm