EchoVideo: Browser Capture (record with Virtual Backgrounds)

Overview

Browser Capture is a simplified way to record audio or videos without having to install software on your computer, you can record in your browser on any computer, only requiring an Internet connection. You just need a supported and up-to-date browser on a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Netbook machine. Using Browser Capture will publish videos to your Library (by default) or you can choose to publish to your current EchoVideo course. 

** Available for faculty and staff only.

Browser Capture vs Universal Capture Software

EchoVideo provides two options to record videos on your computer, Browser Capture and Universal Capture: Personal. Both allow you to record your screen, audio, and webcam, your recording(s) will store in your Library. The major differences between both applications are: 

• Browser Capture: Web based capturing tool, you must be online to record (application, program window, or your entire screen), and there are no Live Stream capabilities. Works on any computer including Chromebooks and Netbooks.
• Universal Capture Personal: Is software installed on your computer that records your entire screen only, it can record with or without an Internet connection using Offline Mode, and you can Live Stream your lecture recording, which works on Windows and Mac only.

Browser Capture Requirements

Google Chrome, Edge, and Firefox are supported for Browser Capture, your browser must be up to date. The browsers Safari and IE (Internet Explorer) are not supported browsers.

Accessing Browser Capture

There are a few methods to access the Browser Capture tool. A new browser tab will open when clicked. View the various methods below:

Start a Browser Capture Recording

Once you have launched Browser Capture, you are ready to set up your capture details, follow the steps below:

1. Give your recording a title. A short and concise title is recommended.
2. Choose to publish to your Library (default) or your EchoVideo course select the drop-down menu "Publish To."

   

3. Select your camera and microphone, if you don't have a camera or don't want to record yourself, select None. 
4. Add the screen you want to record. Further information about adding a screen based on the browser your using is below, for Chrome and Edge, and Firefox.
5. Click the red (REC) button, there is a 3-second countdown.
6. Stop a recording when you are finished with your lecture. Other options available include a pause button (vertical bars) and a cancel button (X). See more on Managing a Recording below.
7. After you stop recording, close the browser tab to exit, or you can start another browser capture recording.

Allow access to your camera and microphone (first-time only)

When using the Browser Capture for the first time you will see a message box on your screen asking you to allow permission to use your webcam and microphone, click Allow. 

Firefox (sample image below) will ask what microphone or camera you want to use if you have more than one, select the drop-down menu to choose your computer's webcam and microphone from the list. If you don't have a webcam, you can leave the setting at None.

Google Chrome (sample image below) will automatically detect the current video and audio input(s) you are using, and if it's already being used in another application you will see an error message. If you don't have a webcam, you can leave the setting at None.

Adding a Screen to Record

Adding a screen allows you to choose what you want to record in your video. Click Add Screen. A dialog box pops up on your screen with three tabs (described below).

Google Chrome and Edge

These browsers have the same experience when selecting screens you will see tabs for Entire Screen, Window, and the Browser name tab of the browser you are recording in.

Adding a Screen to Record (Firefox)

Firefox shows a drop-down list with the names of the applications or windows that you have open. Select them as appropriate.

Adding a Camera or another Video Source

You have the ability to record yourself with your web camera or another video source. The video input will be detected, the camera input will be detected by Browser Capture automatically. Helpful tip: If you do not want to add a camera input keep the default input at None.

Add a Virtual Background

When you select to record with your internal or external webcam (recommended), you will be able to select from a list of virtual backgrounds.

1. In the Camera options menu, open the list of virtual backgrounds (sample image below).
   
    
2. Click the background of your choosing you will see a preview of it and yourself. Available backgrounds include: None, Blur, Green Screen, Beach, Colored Pencils, EchoVideo, Fence, Geometric, Lake, Library, Space, Texture, Tiles, and Wall.
   
   

Start Recording your Screen

Once you have selected your screen, webcam or document camera, you are ready to record your lecture. Click the "REC" button. There will be a 3-second countdown. The countdown timer will appear in the upper-right corner of your screen. 

Manage your Video Recording

Click the icons as appropriate to control your recording, if you hover the button you will see a tooltip reminding you what it does.

• STOP ⏹️ (video stops and publishes to your EchoVideo Library). 
• PAUSE ⏸️ (video is paused until you click record again).
• DELETE X (cancels your recording, it is deleted and cannot be recovered). A warning box will pop up asking you to confirm that you want to cancel the recording.

Finish your Recording

Click the white square to Stop, your video is automatically uploaded to the EchoVideo server. Do not close your browser while your video is uploading. You can close the browser tab when you see that your upload is complete, you also have the ability to start another recording or download your video, (see sample image below).