Way back in 2001, I learned of this company called Serious
Software who had created this amazing package that literally transformed your
home PC into a broadcast quality video production studio reminiscent of the
Video Toaster. Unfortunately, the software required a more powerful PC that I
owned, so I could never get it up and running. I even went so far as to buy a
green screen so I could do advanced chroma-key effects (being able to
superimpose a different background behind you).
Well, the other day I suddenly had a need to produce a video
for a site of mine, but I didn't want to do something sheesy. Then I
remembered Visual Communicator by Serious Magic. I loaded the software on my
new laptop which is much more powerful than the PCs I owned back in 2001, and
to my surprise it worked great. Then I found out that Serious Magic was
acquired by Adobe Inc. I bought the upgrade and haven't stopped playing yet.
As you can see from the picture above, the screen is divided
into a video preview, a teleprompter and some settings. I am using a cheap
$50.00 Logitech web cam, but if you have the right cables and equipment, you
could easily set-up a DVD camcorder for even better results. For the web
though, the web cam is doing just fine!
To use the system, you pick a look and feel from the library
of themes. They have something for every occasion and it is easy to add your
own graphics. Some things are actually preprogrammed like having your name
slide up under your image while you are talking. You can set timelines to time
effects and sophisticated video transitions just by dragging and dropping. The
interface is very visual and a five year old could run it!
You type in your script and set the pacing. Then when you go
to rehearse, you'll see yourself and the teleprompter starts rolling. Once you
are done recording, you can play it back, tweak it, re-record it, etc. There
is virtually nothing this system can not do. It is that powerful -- a TV
studio in a box.
To learn more or to download a free trial, click the button
below.
Visual Communicator 3
