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Making Videos |
  
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Making Videos |
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Watch the Video on Making Movies
If you are not done so already, now would be a good time to watch the online video about Making Movies in PartyCAD 12. This video refer to a second video for advanced topics, but we have found it easier to provide that information below, where the process of getting your machine ready to create videos is explained.
Testing for Windows Media Encoder
PartyCAD uses Microsoft's Windows Media Encoder 9 software to record videos. Because most users of PartyCAD do not care about making videos, this the software is not installed by default when you install PartyCAD 12. So, before making videos, we must test for this software and install it if it is missing.
Start PartyCAD 12, then click Options > Test for Windows Media Encoder
If the test succeeds, you are ready to make a test video, otherwise you will need to install the media encoder.
Installing Windows Media Encoder
To install, go to the Resources Page in the Support section of the PartyCAD.net website. Here you will see a link to:
Install Windows Media Encoder 9.
Click the link and install the software. Now retry the test in the previous section. If this succeeds, continue with the production test below. If Media Encoder cannot be installed on your computer, you will have to try again. Unfortunately, Windows Media Encoder 9 cannot be installed on all machines, and without it you cannot make videos from within the PartyCAD program. If the happens, your only option is to use external screen recording software to record the screen as your PartyCAD movies play. Camtasia is a good pick if you are forced to go this route. MovAVI is a less expensive alternative which might also be worth a look.
Making a Test Video
Once you've installed Windows Media Encoder 9 you should test that it is working correctly with PartyCAD 12.
Start PartyCAD 12, then click Options > Test Video Recording
This brings up a menu that allows you to make a test recording. Click the Record button and a countdown of numbers will appear as PartyCAD records the screen. If all is well the resulting video will play when the countdown is complete. Click Exit a couple of times and then exit from PartyCAD. On your desktop you will see the Test.wmv file that the test created and saved. You can double-click this to play it, then remove it. Now you're ready to follow the instructions that were given in the video mentioned at the beginning of this topic.
If you don't see the test video, you may have to reinstall Media Encoder, or your machine may be incapable of making PartyCAD videos.