ECE492 Project Video Demo

Create a video description and demonstration of your project for future generations to appreciate.  You could even show it on your phone at a job interview.

It is your choice whether to include your face, voice or name in the video when you share it.

  1. Video Camera Sign-out
    1. Sign-out Schedule
  2. Video Requirements
    1. Video in final presentations
  3. Video Production Studio
  4. The Camera
  5. Video Editing

Video Camera Sign-out

A 1080p 60fps HD camcorder and tripod are available for sign out by ECE492 students.  You can use your own camera, but 1080p 60fps is recommended.  Beware of wide-angle lens distortion when using cell phones.

If the camcorder is damaged or goes missing, it will not be replaced.

When you sign out and return the camera, check that you have all the parts.  Report immediately (as you pick it up) if anything is missing:

  1. Canon VIXIA HF R500 camcorder (lens cap closed, slider on side of lens) with
    1. SD card installed (do not remove unnecessarily)
    2. battery installed
    3. tripod mount shoe attached to bottom of camera
    4. black case
  2. Box with
    1. Wall charger
    2. mini USB cable
    3. manual
    4. this list of equipment
  3. Tripod (optional to sign out, but recommended to avoid "shaky cam" viewer nausea)
  4. Key and access card for ECERF w6-009, a quiet room to record your demo.

Remember to close the lens cap before moving the camera (switch on the side of the lens).  If the lens gets dirty (which should be never), return the camera and ask for the lens to be cleaned.

If you sign out the camera, you are financially responsible for all parts.  It is safer to return the camera to Nancy and close out that responsibility, than lend the camera to the next person when it is still signed out in your name.

The camera has a touch screen.  "HOME" is in the top left.  Remember to wipe the SD card after copying video to your own account -- don't let any embarrassing out-takes propagate.

Ask your instructor if you need help with the camera.

Sign-out Schedule

Each group can sign out the camera for a maximum of 2 1-hour slots per day, 3 1-hour slots per week, except you can sign out any additional times per day during an hour time slot or up to 10 minutes before it starts.  When signing out the camera for the last slot of the day (3-4PM), you have the option of returning the camera by 10AM the next school day.  Pick up and return the camera to Nancy Minderman, or Rick McGregor if she is not available.




Video Requirements

You may use ECE 492 video equipment or your own.  The preferred format is 1080p 60fps (60 frames per second), but not a hard requirement.  The graded video should be 1-3 minutes and include the capabilities of your project (with motivation as to why this is a good thing, as appropriate) and a demonstration.  This video will probably be narrated by your team.  If you've made an additional longer cut at your own initiative, or have raw footage that you feel may have use for the department for promotional purposes, you are welcome to send this on a well.

Video in final presentations

Feel free to show video in your final presentation.  Video can be handy for outdoor and large demonstrations, or when safe demonstration is impractical in font of an audience.  This video would likely be edited for the purpose and any narration would be from your live voice as you stand in front of the audience.  Test your video in a smart classroom, especially if embedded in presentation slides, as these often fail at the wrong times.

Video Production Studio

We don't have access to a video production studio, but we have a quiet office where you can record audio without interruption -- room ECERF w6-009.  You'll find a desk, chair and desk lamps in there.

The Camera

Canon VIXIA HF R500 camcorder
Getting started guide
Full manual
Software, including transfer utility (or copy SD card when done)


Video Editing

Video editing can be performed by a team member or an unpaid friend in the presence of a team member.  For open source video editing software choices, see WikipediaiMovie is included with OS X, or Windows Movie Maker is included with another operating system.