NCast PR-HD - Manual (Page 105)

NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual
introducing the next speaker while the previous speaker’s graphics are still being projected. The
speaker is given the podium while his/her computer is being connected and the desired graphics
being discussed are not present. Viewing this later in a recorded archive looks very
unprofessional and sloppy. With just a little care the MC can make some interesting comments
on the previous speaker or can make small talk or tell a story while this speaker transition is
occurring. It is hard to capture clean recordings when one presentation runs right into the next
one.
• Session Length – If the cameras are recording a backup copy of the sound and video (which is a
really good idea) the MC must know that MiniDV tapes only record for an hour (or some other
length of time) and need to be changed at some point.
• Discrete Units – The webcast file recording should be broken up into discrete units by topic or
speaker so that the file lengths remain manageable and viewers can download or view only the
material of interest. A continuous three or four hour conference recording is very difficult to
manage or post-process. The MC must plan for some breaks.
• Speaker Order – If the MC plans on changing the order of speakers or presentations, the
recording crew needs to be informed so that the proper sequence of overlay graphics can be
readjusted.
13.3.3. The Conference Speakers
If possible, the recording crew should talk to the speaker(s) prior to their presentation and make the following
points:
• Use a microphone – Even if the room audience can hear the speaker well, non-use of a
microphone can be a disaster for the webcast or recording. The proper microphone must be on
and functioning, period.
• Stay near the podium – The speaker should stay near the lighted area of the podium and not
wander up and down the front of the room.
• Don’t stand in front of the projection screen – Talking in front of the projection screen leads to
video backlighting problems and should be avoided.
• Start of Talk – Ideally, the presenter’s discussion should start once the proper graphics are being
projected, and no sooner.
• Repeat the Question – If there are audience questions or comments, the speaker should repeat
them or summarize them for the viewing audience.
13.3.4. The Conference Audience
The conference audience should be informed that a webcast/recording is underway and that a few rules
need to be applied:
• Audience microphones – The audience needs to use the audience microphones any time a
question or comment is being given. The MC and/or speaker needs to help enforce this
directive.
• Public audience – Comments provided by the audience are being recorded and archived so that
any type of inappropriate comment, personal attack, sexist joke, or other outburst should be
avoided.
13.3.5. Summary
Fixing these problems in post-production is very time-consuming and expensive and recompression
degrades the quality of the captured material.
With these relatively minor changes and help from the organizers and the MC and perhaps a little training for
the speakers the recordings will be captured well and become great historical archives worthy of the effort.
NCast Corporation Revision 2.2
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