Contents

• Usage scenarios for rapid authoring
• Microphones
• Mixers
• Cameras
• Input devices
• Mobile scenario: microphone, video, pen-based_input_device
• Stationary scenario: audio/microphone, video, pen-based input device usage scenarios

Usage scenarios
In principle, two usage scenarios for your rapid e-learning project are feasible with LECTURNITY:

Mobile use: With LECTURNITY, you can quickly and easily start a recording with minimum configuration on additional devices, and achieve good results in the process. Such configurations are especially suitable for recordings 'on the fly', i.e. whenever you need to get started quickly or if the equipment has to be transported, e.g. for a lecture recording.

• Headset microphone (wired or wireless)
• USB camera or small USB video capture card and camcorder
• Pen-based input device

Stationary use: Do you frequently want to produce high-quality, multimedia content and have a fixed place in your office to do this, or a separate, specially set up recording area? In this case, an extended device configuration is recommended, with which you can achieve maximum quality for your LECTURNITY recording. Scenarios for stationary use include, for example, product information via podcasts, or software guides for end customers.

• Radio microphone with headset or directional microphone on a stand
• Camcorder with video capture card
• Mixer
• Pen-based input device

Microphones

Radio microphone or microphone on a stand?
Radio microphone with headset: For unlimited freedom to move during your presentation, e.g. during a lecture recording. Always ensure (especially before the recording) that the batteries are sufficiently charged. Spare batteries are advisable in any case.

Microphone on a stand: For the best audio signal quality, and if you do not wish to wear a headset, e.g. during a recording in your office. Ensure that the microphone is fitted with a pop shield to avoid the so-called pop effect.

Tip: Always avoid holding a microphone in your hand or touching it during the recording (also applies for headsets), otherwise loud static noise is guaranteed to occur on the recording.

Microphone characteristics

When using a microphone, make a note of its characteristics. This determines the direction from which sound is recorded and with which bundling. That is, how well the voice of the presenter is recorded as opposed to the noises around him.Microphones that only record the voice of the speaker are most suitable. These are microphones with cardioid and lobe patterns. Background noise can easily be excluded using these microphones.

Cable
Use the highest quality cable possible, especially if the microphone you are using is a low voltage model (without power supply and/or phantom supply). Well shielded cables provide protection against undesirable background noise on your recording.

Mixers
Do you want to be able to use several microphones at the same time, e.g. to record questions from the audience or to record a conference with several participants? We recommend that you purchase a mixer to do this.
Before making your purchase, consider how many channels the mixer should have, i.e. the maximum number of microphones you will want to connect. Mixers usually have 2, 4, 6, 8, 16 or 32 channels.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a mixer 

Advantages:

• Convenient level settings for the input signals
• Easy muting of channels
• You achieve better audio results in a studio situation
• Often a built-in equaliser can be used to improve the sound
• Mixers have built-in input amplifiers, so that microphones with a low output level can also be used

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes an additional person is needed to operate the mixer
• More effort is required due to the wiring

Summary: The use of mixers is more suited to stationary usage scenarios. However, small mixers with 2-4 channels are especially suitable for mobile use and offer convenient configuration options.

Cameras

USB cameras: With USB cameras, you can often record video in acceptable or even good quality. If you prefer better quality even on the go, you should use a USB video capture card and camcorder rather than a USB camera.

Camcorder: When using a camcorder, please ensure that you also have a video capture card so that you can record.

Input devices

Mobile scenarioRecommended audio, video and pen-based equipment for maximum mobility when using LECTURNITY:

Microphone

Plantronics: Audio 50
Description: Low-cost headset with good results
Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc., CA, USA, www.plantronics.com

Video

With USB cameras, you can often record video in acceptable or even good quality. If you prefer better quality even on the go, you should use a video capture card and camcorder rather than a USB camera.
USB camera: TerraTec TerraCAM USB Pro
Manufacturer: TerraTec Electronic GmbH, Germany, www.terratec.com
Operating system: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP

Video capture card

ViewCast Osprey -50 USB
Description: Very small USB-based video capture card for connection to a small camcorder (Hi8, MiniDV)
Manufacturer: ViewCast Corp., TX, USA, www.viewcast.com
Operating system: Windows® 95, 98, ME, 2000

Pen-based input device

Toshiba Portégé 3500
Description: Complete Notebook and Tablet PC Convertible
Manufacturer: Toshiba Corp., Tokyo, Japan, www.toshiba.de
Operating system: Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition

Stationary scenario

Recommended audio, video and pen-based equipment for stationary use of LECTURNITY at your workstation or in your studio.


Audio
You should choose a radio microphone if you need unlimited freedom to move during your presentation. A mixer allows you to use several microphones at the same time, for your auditorium, for example, and also allows you to improve the audio quality.

Microphones

Plantronics: Audio 50
Description: Low-cost headset with good results
Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc., CA, USA, www.plantronics.com

Shure: WH20XLR or WH20QTR
Description: High-quality microphone worn at the neck with very good results
Manufacturer: Shure, Inc., IL, USA, www.shure.com
Connector: XLR or Cinch

Sennheiser: EW 152
Description: Radio headset combination (transmitter, receiver, headset)
Manufacturer: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, www.sennheiser.com

Mixer

Phonic: MM 1002
Description: 2 mono channel mixer with 3 band equaliser
Manufacturer: Phonic, Inc., www.phonic.com

Video capture card

ViewCast Osprey-100
Description: PCI-based video capture card for connection to a camcorder (Hi8, MiniDV, DV)
Manufacturer: ViewCast Corp., TX, USA, www.viewcast.com
Operating system: Windows® 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Linux

Pen-based input device

Wacom Cintiq 15X
Description: Combination of LCD display and touch screen
Manufacturer: Wacom Technology Corp., WA, USA, www.wacom.com
Operating system: Windows® 98, ME, 2000, NT, XP