File Conversion

Q . I'm interested in WinCAM and would like to know which output formats are supported?
A . You can export your WinCAM movies to WCM, EXE, AVI, RM, MOV, SWF and ASF format.

Q . I've converted to AVI file, but the size is too big.
A . When you're converting to AVI file, you have to choose the CODEC to reduce the file size. For more information, please visit www.wincam.net >download>CODECs Read ME

Q . Is there any way I can export my narration to a separate file?
A . Click File menu > Options > check off the box beside 'Save narration as file'

Q . I played the exe file I converted on other computer, but I could hear the narration.
A . When you convert the file, only select 'Save font image' and 'Convert to EXE file'

Sound Questions

Q . Narration sound quality is so low.
A . You can have better sound quality with standing microphone than head set. Don't forget to install the latest version of DirectX for your operating system.

Q . Is there any other way to insert sound (narration)?
A . The best way is inserting pre-recorded narration sound file (wave file) as sound effect. You don't have to re-record whole narration if you made mistake while recording, and this is very efficient way in size wise.

Q . I can't record my voice
A . Test your microphone using 'Recorder' which came with Windows. (Click Start >Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Recorder)

Recording Questions

Q . Will any of the windows or menus be cut off when I make recordings?
A . That will depend upon which method you use to take your recordings. Normally, if you use "Full Screen" mode, you will not encounter any problems. If, however, you are using the "Custom Size or Specific Frame mode, just make sure that everything you want to include in the Movie fits.

Q . How long can my WinCAM 2000 Movies be?
A . We have set the maximum recording time to 1 HOUR per WinCAM 2000 Movie file. You may however cut and copy frames from one file and paste it in another, but we recommend NOT doing this. The files will be very large and viewer will lose interest and become tired viewing long presentations.

Q . Can I record DOS mode screen in Windows 2000?
A . In Windows2000, run program called 'vmware' first, and set screen size to custom size (640*480).

Q . I've recorded a movie played on my computer screen, but I see a black screen when I played.
A . Minimize the hardware acceleration. (Right click on background > Properties > Setting > click Advanced tab > Trouble shooting)

Editing Questions

Q . What is the best screen resolution for recording/editing?
A . You have various options for this and your choice will depend upon your audience's needs, your target application's requirements, and related issues. However, we suggest that, when possible, you set your monitor's resolution to 800 x 600 in 16 Bit Color to increase the effectiveness of the playback engine and to accommodate smaller monitors. Set screen resolution to 1152*864 while editing for the perfect fit.

Q . I have been building a file and I copied and pasted screens. Now the screens never inserted in the screen viewer at the top, but when I play the video it has them included.
A . If you open any WinCAM movie files to edit, you will see an editing window. You will see slide browser which shows you all the recorded frames. Between menu bar and the slide browser, you will see short cut icons. At the end of the short cut icons, you should have "View Slide" box. Click the down arrowhead to see all the available options, and choose "All Frames".

Q . Can I merge more than 1 WinCAM movies?
A . You can copy & paste frames between two different movies only if they are recorded under the same size, color bits and resolutions.

Q . Can I get rid of the WinCAM logo or replace it with our own logo?
A . Not many people are happy with the WinCAM logo that appears on the movie they created.
Once you Register, you can get rid of the logo, AND you also can customize the logo, which means, you can replace the logo with your own.

Here's how:

From WinCAM's Editing Window

Click File menu > Options > Click Stop Button & Logo Tab > Uncheck the Custom Logo box to get rid of the logo.

OR Browse your own logo to replace it.
You can customize the logo from there.

General Questions

Q . Is there an annual license renewal fee?
A . There is no annual license fee, the WinCAM 2000 package includes a one time End User License Agreement. Please carefully read the terms and conditions of the License Agreement. The Licenses are based on per machine.

Q . Are there any secrets for creating professionally looking Movies?
A . Here are some good suggestions to get you started: Don't put too much text on a single shape or object. If you must, clone the object and continue explanations on the cloned object. Use basic themes and wallpapers when recording Movies. Make sure your target application is maximized to fill your entire screen (when using Full Screen mode to make recordings) to avoid making recordings with distracting background images. Use the caption object to point to the next cursor position or pop-up menus BEFORE the cursor moves to prepare the viewer for the up coming frames. Do not show shapes and objects on every frame. Make sure your Movie contains balloons, notes, and effective cursor movement. The viewer's eye will naturally follow the cursor when it should be focused on the text explanation. Include a Title Box that contains a note with a brief introduction about what will be covered in the Movie. Follow this (in the "body" of your Movie) with the actual demonstration. Finish up with a frame that contains a note summarizing the main points that were covered in the Movie. Experiment with the timing of your Movie by changing the reading speed, time delay, interactive events, etc. to make sure the viewer can effectively follow the pace of the Movie during playback. The viewing length should be kept to a minimum to retain viewer's attention. After you create your Movie, check the file size. A good target size is under 4MB per MINUTE for MULTIMEDIA MOVIES (Movies that include sound effects, background music, narration, Objects, interactive events and imported images). Preview your Movies. If necessary, fix typos and correct poor grammar. Make sure a viewer can follow the pace of your Movie during playback. Remember, every good Author proofs their OWN work before presenting it to an audience.

Q . Once we have purchased a version of your software, is there an option to upgrade to a higher version in the future? We currently have the professional addition. We originally had interest in your multimedia service edition, however, the pricing and availability was not listed under your store on your web site. Is there an option to upgrade to this version? What would be the costs involved?
A. If you upgrade from Professional to Interactive Multimedia Service Edition within 6 months, we will refund the full amount of the Professional Edition.

Q . Do you support Windows XP?
A . WinCAM 2000 is 100% compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT4/XP

Q . Why I can't use the interactive feature?
A . Interactive features are only available with WinCAM Special Edition and DLE.

Q . I downloaded your evaluation version to try it out. If I'm interested in purchasing your professional edition, will I be getting a different set of installation files or will I be basically using the files that I have already installed on my system but with all features unlocked?
A. Once you enter the right serial number, it will unlock the restricted features.

Q . I want to create videos and link them in with Microsoft PowerPoint presentations so that when you click on something they get launched. Then I want to distribute these presentations with minimal fuss at the other end setting up or installing things.  I also want to keep the size down.  What is the simplest way to do all this?
A.
1. Convert your WinCAM movie file to EXE format and save them into the same directory where the PowerPoint file is.
2. Open the PowerPoint file (editing mode)
3. Select the frame where you want to insert WinCAM movie
4. Click Insert menu > click Object
5. >From the Insert Object dialog box, select Create from file, browse the right EXE file, and check off the box beside Display as Icon.
6. You will see the icon on the screen, right click on it, and select Action Settings.
7. >From the Action Settings dialog box, select Run program and browse the same file you selected before.
8. Play the presentation file

Q . When I enter my registration key, it says I entered wrong key
A . Try to enter the registration key from WinCAM's editing window. (Click Help menu > Register)

Q . Where can I upgrade my WinCAM Player?
A . You can download the latest version of WinCAM player from our website. It is freeware.

Q . I had error massage saying that couldn't create direct object.
A . Install the latest version of DirectX

Player Questions

Q . I need my clients (including any web user on dial-up connection) to be able to play my tutorial without any installation on their side.
A . It is possible. Export your movie to EXE format. Your clients won't need to install additional software on their computer.

Q. Are there MS-DOS command options for WinCAM 2000 Player? How do you execute a WinCam (.wcm) file from the command prompt of Windows?
A. One of the most frequently asked question is if there are any command line switches available for WinCAM player.

These are all the available switches:

q: Auto exit(WinCAM Player) after play back
p: Auto play
l: Repeat
h: Minimize the WinCAM player while playing
o: Play on original coordinates
nc: Play without caption(title bar)
st: Set up timer for play back (1/1000 sec)
et: Set up playback Time (1/1000 sec)
tx: Set up x-coordinates for stage
ty: Set up y-coordinates for stage
sx: Set up x-coordinates for control
sy: Set up y-coordinates for control

All switches are case-sensitive and no spaces are needed between switches.

Example)

winplayer.exe test.wco /p /q /tx:100 /ty:200 /sx:450 /sy:500

Q . May I know how to play the produced file with file extension WCM if the pc don't have WinCAM 2000 player.
A . You have to install WinCAM player to view the WCM files, however, you can convert to EXE format which you can watch without installing any additional software.