How to Create Game Videos
By synide | Published: August 31, 2007 1:29am EST
| Are you constantly destorying online every night, but to an audience of zero? Upload a video to the MLG Game Room to show everyone just what you've got! Here is a quick tutorial on how to get your gameplay in the MLG Game Room:
Note: This guide is for Standard-Definition (SD) capturing. HD capture/export requires a technical knowledge and budget outside the range of your typical amateur game videographer. Step one: Get a copy of your video signal.Note: This step may not be necessary if your TV has a "Video-Out". Check the back of your TV and skip to step two if you do have a "video-out".Most capture cards you will find, do not have a "pass-through", so in order to make sure you don't produce any lag to your gaming setup, you typically want to split your video signal, so you have one copy to send to your TV for playing, and one to send to your capture device. A/V Distribution Amp 
Hook this device up by plugging your console into the "Input", and extra A/V cables into two of the "Outputs", sending one to your TV, and one to your capture card from the next step.
Note: The Xbox 360 Standard A/V Cable outputs SD signal through both the component and composite similtaneously. This means you could play using component, and capture using composite without the need for a video splitter. You will not have audio in your captures however. Step two: Capture GameplayYou will need to digitize the video to your computer before you edit it. The most typical method is to use a USB "capture card". There are many models available, with most decent units around $50. MLGPro.com user's favorites include:Dazzle DVC 150: Product Page Dazzle DVC Platinum: Product Page Turtle Beach Video Advantage USB: Product Page ATI TV Wonder USB: Product Page 
Install the software/drivers and use the included software to capture your gameplay. Make sure you set your capture settings to maximum quality, in order to have large, crisp video.
Note: Higher quality video means much more Hard Drive space will be used, so make sure you have plenty of free space. Step three: Edit and ExportThough your capture card probably came with some included editing software, most people use different software to edit their video. Editing is the most difficult, and most important process of video production.Most gamers use consumer level video programs for their editing. Some are free, some are expensive. Here is a list of top video editing software: Windows Movie Maker: (free, included with windows) Product Page Sony Vegas: Product Page Adobe Premiere (elements): Product Page iMovie (free, included with Mac OSX): Product Page Final Cut Express (Mac): Product Page 
Editing can be the most difficult part of the process. Many users opt to make quick, simple edits, however the more creativity and time you put into your video, the better it will be received, so don't rush through the editing process.
Capturing video is a fairly easy process to set up, but can be very difficult to do well. If you are getting stuck, check out the video forums for some help. Be sure to share all of your ideas and tips with the avid MLG video community. Once you're done, head over to the MLG Game Room and upload your clip! Make sure you name and tag your video appropriately, and you'll be on your way to stardom. |
