How to put together a training video

[JTDennis]

I have a question regarding software used and the process of putting together a training video, like all the great podcasts and training videos available on the web. I work on a Mac and use Snapz Pro X to capture a QuickTime video of what I'm doing and that works great. I'm able to get a nice video of whatever demo I'm doing. My question is how to edit and put the whole thing together to ensure high quality and best file size for the web. I also want to add an animation intro. I guess I just have a lack of understanding of video editing and the best software to use, because I've had nothing but trouble so far. I don't have much in the way of video editing software, but I guess I'll spell out what I've done so far and hasn't worked and would appreciate any suggestions.

I've tried importing my captured Quicktime movie into iMovie to do some editing, but the quality is very poor. Even though when I watch my captured movie in Quicktime it looks great, in iMovie it's terrible. Then I made a little animation in Flash and cannot get good quality when I export the Flash animation to QuickTime. So far what I've attempted has produced only poor quality.

What is the problem with the quality produced in iMovie and exporting a Flash movie to Quicktime? Also, what would be the best process and software for what I'm trying to do?

Thanks,
JT

[The Repro Kid]

The quality in iMove should be good. Maybe you just need to read through the documentation a little, or find some tutorials. I will say this, I use Final Cut Express, and it's an incredible package, especially for the price, around $99. It's not Final Cut Pro, which is far more expensive, but it's essentially the exact same program, the only difference is it's lacking a few very high-end cinema movie making capabilities that you'll never need.

[JTDennis]

Thanks for the tip. It does seem that the quality should be good. What I've done in simply drag and drop .mov file which was captured with Snapz Pro X in the clips are in iMovie. The preview that I get in iMovie is fuzzy and low quality. Is it possible that this is only because it's a preview? If I were to export the movie would the qualify be better. I'm just confused at the qualify of the .mov file viewed in iMovie when other files and digital video look just fine.

Thanks!

[The Repro Kid]

My guess is yes, it's just a preview. Why not render the movie and see how it looks?