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Have you recorded animation or moving video, and the results weren't what you hoped? Here are some tips to put things right.
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By default BB FlashBack performs best when recording ‘standard’ Windows applications like MS Word and Windows Explorer. It’ll do this with next to no impact on PC performance and make these movies really small.
But it can still record moving video and animations - you just have to change the default settings. |
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| Record modes |
If you’re recording something with moving images in it, like a video player or an animating web page, you need to change the 'Record mode' to get the best from BB FlashBack.
By default, the record mode is set to 'Capture driver', but this mode works best on ‘standard’ applications with simple, static, graphics. If you're recording something a bit more dynamic, it may produce choppy, jumpy movies. Change the record mode to GDI to get better results. |
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| How to change the record mode to GDI |
- On the Record Mode step of the Record wizard, select GDI mode:
You can access the same controls on the Recorder Options window.
- If GDI mode is not enabled, this is because your PC can't run it at a decent frame rate - see below for hints on improving video performance.
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| Step 2 - Disable graphics acceleration |
Media player-type programs use 'hardware acceleration' features provided by video cards to improve performance. When they do this, BB FlashBack can't record the images, and you'll end up with a black rectangle in your recordings where the video should be.
How to turn off hardware acceleration while recording:
- Go to the Record Mode page of the Record Wizard (shown above).
- Select GDI mode.
- Check the 'Turn off hardware acceleration while recording' box.
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| Some fine tuning – frame rates |
When GDI modes is selected, you can set a frame rate – the number of times BB FlashBack will capture the screen per second.
BB Flashback sets a sensible default frame rate, but you might find that experimenting with this can produce better results. If you’re recording something that demands a lot from your PC, reducing the frame rate can give better performance and a smoother movie.
You set the frame rate from a control under the mode selector:
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| Improving Video Performance |
If GDI mode is still disabled after clicking the Test / Retest button, there are a couple of things you can do to improve the video performance of your PC and possibly enable GDI mode recording.
- Update your video drivers.
You'll need to go to the website of your PC or video card maker, download and install the latest drivers. We've found this can make a huge difference to performance.
- Update DirectX.
To download and install the latest version of DirectX for your operating system, go to http://www.microsoft.com/directx.
After updating the software, go back to the Record mode tab of the Options window and click the Retest button again. BB FlashBack will retest your video capabilities and enable the modes accordingly. |
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