Testing123

Test 52: inside look

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:28:45 -0800

In this show I'm giving you an inside look at the setup of my mobile studio, including the 3 video capture cards I used this time (Conceptronic - Home Video Creator).

Recorder live with VidBlaster v0.22. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com please.

Test 51: three times VidBlaster

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:37:06 -0800

The past half year I rewrote VidBlaster and show you the improvements, including smooth switching between 3 cameras. I also tell you about the three new versions: VidBlaster Home, VidBlaster Pro and VidBlaster Studio and test drive Fr. Roderick's PC.

Recorder live with VidBlaster v0.22. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com please.

Test 50: VidBlaster v0.22

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:59:41 -0800

I'm back in the Veluwe Park, doing some tough programming bits and testing VidBlaster v0.22. Also showing you my mobile "tv studio".

Recorder live with VidBlaster v0.22. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com please.

Test 49: CastBlaster v0.82

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 01:22:49 -0800

An audio entry this time, where I'm generating some random noise while testing the Append feature in CastBlaster's recorder. I'm also checking the PodShow+ upload (more spcifically: what happens if you abort the upload).

Test 48: video capture card

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:52:51 -0800

I'm testing a video capture card, or video digitizer, to connect the camera to VidBlaster v0.21. This is the first show recorded in my new fancy studio :) The show ends with a real home made blooper.

Recorded live with VidBlaster v0.21. For a free trial version, or to order your license, go to vidblaster.com. Note you can now also order a key for VidBlaster Pro. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com.

Test 47: fooling with VidBlaster Pro

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 04:43:12 -0700

I'm fooling around with VidBlaster Pro v0.21, trying out external mixing of audio (using a hardware mixer). I also play (partial) clips from Barry and Tom.

Recorded live with VidBlaster Pro v0.21. For a free trial version or to order your license, go to vidblaster.com. Note you cannot order VidBlaster Pro yet when I write this. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com.

Test 46: user feedback

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:03:05 -0700

A long show where I play feedback from Rob and Tom while testing VidBlaster v0.19. I also show part of Test #33 and mention I am looking for someone helping me make a similar show. If youre interested pioneering in internet television, send me an email at mike@mikeversteeg.com.

Recorded live with VidBlaster v0.19. For a free trial version or to order your license, go to vidblaster.com.

Test 45: no sync loss!!!

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:23:20 -0700

Ah, sometimes I just love my work. Here I am sitting (more like lying back) in my chair, laptop on my lap, doing an entire show with one camera, one laptop and one application. Running on batteries, total freedom. I could have done this everywhere. Ok, I am dead tired from making too many programming hours, and as a result this show is extremely boring to look at, but what I am showing you is spectacular! I am intentionally causing CPU overload while making this recording, and you can't see it. Nada. Nothing. There will be missing frames but they are carefully replaced and synch between audio and video is never lost. I love my work.

This show was produced live with VidBlaster v0.18. Shownotes and uploading to PodShow was done from VidBlaster as well, no other apps were used in the creation of this video. For a free trial version or a license, surf to vidblaster.com.

Test 44: improving synchronisation

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:17:23 -0700

I'm testing the improved synchronisation between camera and VidBlaster and play a clip from Jay (he's from Clubside Breakfast Time, not Daily Breakfast!).

This show is produced live with VidBlaster v0.18. Download the free trial version and order your license key at vidblaster.com.

Test 43: including audio clips

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 06:44:12 -0700

Testing the insertion of audio clips into the video stream and introducing Arno Lubbinge, the voice of programs like CastBlaster, VidBlaster and WinPodder.

Produced with VidBlaster v0.18.

Test 42: WordPress supported

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 06:10:05 -0700

Testing the insertion of a logo into the video stream. I am also testing uploading to both a WordPress blog (with FTP upload to LibSyn), and to PodShow.

Produced with VidBlaster v0.18.

PS: since WordPress does not support enclosures (yet), here's a link to the enclosure/video on LibSyn:

link

Test 41: public release?

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:48:25 -0700

I'm testing VidBlaster v0.16, which may very well end up as the first public beta version. I also explain the changes and I play a clip from beta tester Adam Curry.

Recorded live with the trial version of VidBlaster v0.16. Send your feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com.

Test 40: take it away P-Dub!

Tue, 29 May 2007 07:34:32 -0700

In this episode I again test the uploading process from VidBlaster to PodShow+, I test the HTML shownotes editor in VidBlaster, and I try out another flash file. I also play a video I got from P-Dub, showing he has several other talents besides satellite repairing.

This episode is recorded in real time with VidBlaster v0.15 (see screenshot). Shownotes with HTML formatting and uploading to PodShow+ was also done entirely in VidBlaster. For feedback or more info, contact Mike Versteeg or visit the VidBlaster site.

Test 39: testing upload

Tue, 22 May 2007 11:25:41 -0700

In this show I play a video from Rev. Tim, and I test the direct uploading of this video from VidBlaster to PodShow+ (using the XML-RPC protocol).

This video was recorded live and uploaded with VidBlaster v0.14.

Test 38: flash file? no flash file..

Mon, 21 May 2007 02:45:25 -0700

After a long time of coding there is lots to test so starting out with the simplest: playing a flash video. Played fine while making the show but as you can see it did not make it into the final recording. I then tried uploading it from VidBlaster and that did not work either. Oh well, back to coding..

This show was recorded live with VidBlaster v0.14.

Test 37: Testing123 on a Zune

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 01:03:17 -0700

Fogview Tom demonstrates his Zune while I am testing this last (?) closed beta version. And we also see a very clever parrot, or would that be a very patient teacher?

This show is produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.13 beta. Send your feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com, or visit the VidBlaster forum.

Test 36: external audio mixing

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:08:24 -0700

This is the 7th or 8th take of Test #36, expecting another error I kept it short and to the point. Turned out almost perfect so I decided to post it anyway. I am using an external mixer to mix audio from the mic and video clips. This feature has been requested by Adam Curry (among others), who wanted to be able to use his current audio setup and be able to talk over videos. I also briefly introduce to you 3 new beta testers, Marco, Cosmo and Martin.

This show is produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.13 beta. Please send feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com or use the VidBlaster forum .

Test 35: performance on P4HT 3.0 GHz

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:19:58 -0700

Testing VidBlaster in 'regular' performance level on a Pentium 4 HT 3.0 GHz. Playing a clip from VideoQRM and showing you some geeky video material from beta testing VidBlaster. All bugs you see in this show have been harmed, in fact we killed them.

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.13 beta. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum.

Test 34: performance on a Celeron 2.8 GHz

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:50:41 -0700

I'm still working towards a public beta and want to see what works on various machines. Testing VidBlaster on an HP PC with Celeron 2.8 GHz with 256 MB RAM and much to my surprise it works fine. Playing a contribution from beta tester Tom.

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.13 beta. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum.

Test 33: made in SQPN HQ

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 10:21:36 -0700

Here's the final "real" show Fr. Roderick and I did at SQPN HQ after several days of experimenting and software rewriting. We're using three cameras, two connected through USB and one through firewire. Due to a bug we were not able to get the audio as we wanted, but who cares.. A totally uninteresting show, but a great experiment and we had lots of fun making it :)

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.10 beta. Feedback to mike@mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum .

Test 32: cameras everywhere

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 10:20:52 -0700

Playing video clips from FogView Tom, and SQPN's Fr. Roderick and me, fooling around with VidBlaster and 3 cameras. Roderick and I have lots of fun trying to figure out which button on our remote control is which camera, and how to record a show with 3 cameras. Did we hook up sound at all?

Sorry for the poor sound quality of my voice, I accidentally picked up audio from a headset instead of the camera.

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.13 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum .

Test 31: dual monitors

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 04:12:14 -0700

Barry send in some new video material, showing his dual monitor setup and demonstrating we finally fixed his bug. Rev. Tim sends in some great video material from Northern California, it's almost a documentary. I gloat over VidBlaster and video podcasting in general.

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.12 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum . The screen shot above was made while rendering this show.

Test 30: bloopers

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:00:49 -0700

More VidBlaster testing material, including some bloopers made by Fr. Roderick when creating the first video edition of his Daily Breakfast.

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.12 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum .

Test 29: Fr. Roderick presents..

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:36:09 -0700

While I'm chasing a bug, I show you some test material I made when visiting SQPN HQ, i.e. Fr. Roderick, including a never released episode of Catholic Minute where he uses VidBlaster in presenter mode for the first time.

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.12 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum .

Test 28: presenter mode!

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 04:25:52 -0700

Testing VidBlaster's new presenter mode, allowing you to control the program from a distance (as a presenter).

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.09 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com , or join the forum .

Test 27: back in the woods

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 04:38:20 -0700

I'm back in the woods to do some programming on VidBlaster, and get Fr. Roderick up & running with the latest beta. Video clip played is from a very tired Gert from PolderPod.nl .

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.08 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com .

Test 26: VidBlaster demo

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 05:25:01 -0800

In this show, Tom from the FogView podcast shows us a demo of VidBlaster. If you'd like to create a (sales) demo as well, or would like to join as beta tester, send me an email.

This show was produced in real time with VidBlaster v0.06 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com.

Test 25: VidBlaster

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 09:23:10 -0800

I could not come to an agreement with PodShow, so CastBlaster Video is back to its original name VidBlaster . Not much else will change so its business as usual: I/'m telling you a bit about the upcoming beta 0.06, and Rev Tim checks in again with some great footage from Northern California. An old clip of a monkey with an itch problem closes show 25.

Test 24: iPod compatible?

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 05:29:42 -0800

Lots of changes to the (faster!) mp4 encoder, hopefully resulting in better colours, better sharpness and iPod Video compatibility. Also testing the new audio controls and playing a video clip from P-Dub, who shows us his new time consuming hobby. Can't wait to see what he did with that car.. Slowly working towards the first public beta everybody!

This show was produced in real time with CastBlaster Video v0.06 beta. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com, or join the forum.

Test 23: trying out a real mic

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:02:51 -0800

Up to now I have always used the built-in microphones in the laptops, webcams or camcorders. This time I use a real microphone, connected to my PC's sound card. Barry shows us CastBlaster Video running on his Mac, using the built-in camera! One of the new beta testers is Mark from ClarenceCast, he shows us his first video.

This show was produced in real time with CastBlaster Video v0.06 beta. The encoder settings have been slightly changed to test if this file will now play on the iPod Video. Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com.

Test 22: P-Dub says hi

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 09:17:48 -0800

Recently P-Dub, famous for his podcast Digital Flotsam , joined the club of beta tester. In this episode he sends in his first recording with CastBlaster Video. As always, when P-Dub does his thing, he touches your soul.

The song played is /"Caoineadh Cu Chulainn/" by Bill Whelan from the show Riverdance. The pipes are played by Davy Spillane.

Test 21: rev Tim & Gert

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 04:52:31 -0800

In this show I am playing clips from rev. Tim and from Gert, who gives us an exclusive preview of 3 Blind Mice concert he recorded in the Battersea Barge in the UK. I also changed some parameters in the MP4 encoder in CastBlaster Video.

Want to join the closed beta test of the new CastBlaster Video? Then send an email to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com and include the following details: why you want to join, what plans you have with the program, what PC do you intend to use and what camera(s) do you own. Also check out the CastBlaster Video forum.

Test 20: streaming mp4?

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 05:54:48 -0800

Testing (or abusing?) CastBlaster Video v0.05. Playing clips from Trucker Tom, C.C. and Barry. Final recording is saved using a new MP4 encoder, this one should not have any sync problems and should be streaming :)

Feedback to mike (at) mikeversteeg.com.

Test 19: MP4 version

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:26:25 -0800

Uploading Test 19 in a Quicktime video (mp4) version to test syndication and streaming.

Test 19: Flash test

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 02:46:25 -0800

Uploading Test 19 in a flash encoded (flv) version to test syndication and the PS+ player.

Test 19: Adam & Katja

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:54:36 -0800

In this show I am using the new version of CastBlaster Video and I/'m showing off my new intro and outro (thanks Katja !). I also play a promo of Katja/'s new show Bolivian Rhapsody and play user feedback from Adam Curry .

Test 18: CastBlaster on UMPC

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 09:10:09 -0800

Running the latest version of CastBlaster Audio on the Tabletkiosk eo i7210 UMPC mini tablet PC. Recorded, shownotes entered, and uploaded to the PDN from the UMPC. No additional hardware was used.

Test 17: Catholic Minute

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 09:17:17 -0800

Fr. Roderick, known from highly popular podcasts like SQPN/'s Daily Breakfast , just launched a new video podcast called Catholic Minute using CastBlaster Video. Here/'s his most recent (third) show.

Test 16: One Guy's Thoughts

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 13:02:01 -0800

C.C. Chapman, known from highly popular podcasts like Accident Hash, just launched a new video podcast called One Guy's Thoughts using CastBlaster Video. Here's his first show.

Test 15: CastBlaster on a Mac!

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 10:26:20 -0800

Barry from Radio QRM did show #49 on his MacBook Pro, using CastBlaster! At 17 minutes into the show he explains how he did it. Sounds like it worked great, thanks for figuring this out Barry. And congrats with Radio QRM/'s one year anniversary!

For those who listen to this show via iTunes (and likely miss these shownotes): Test 14 was posted in WMV format so you missed that one as iTunes won/'t download it.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Test 14: beta tester feedback!

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 11:19:36 -0800

A few days ago I sent out the first beta version of CastBlaster Video to a few beta testers. Here are three of them reporting back with video: Tom, Gert and C.C. This is a long show so I had to use a rather aggressive compression. Also, since this is a Windows program anyway, I saved this one in a streaming WMV video format. Let me know what you think and if you have any problems viewing this show.

Test 13: CBV on UMPC

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:14:45 -0800

This show is made with CastBlaster Video running on a TabletKiosk i7210 UMPC using only my finger and the built-in microphone and camera. Ofcourse, since this is episode 13, I should have known something would go wrong.

Test 12: CastBlaster Video is born!

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 04:11:33 -0800

Last week I sent Adam Curry the alpha version of VidBlaster. You can hear his reaction in this show. We had another talk last Saturday and he gave me the green light to further develop the program for PodShow. That means I'll drop the codename VidBlaster and from on will refer to the program as CastBlaster Video.

I also play some clips (thanks John) and do a call for beta testers for the first closed beta test of CastBlaster Video.

Test 11: Logitech QuickCam Orbit

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 07:18:45 -0800

After he heard he would receive the first alpha version of VidBlaster, Barry went shopping and bought the Logitech QuickCam Orbit MP webcam to be fully prepared. You can see his video in this show, including what happened after the recording...

Test 10: external mic

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 10:44:36 -0800

/'Up to now I have been using the microphones built in the video cameras for audio, this time I use a cheap external mic. I now have an installable alpha version of VidBlaster. If you are interested in becoming an alpha tester, drop me a note at the comments section or at the forum at castblaster.com, or email me direct./

Test 9: Apple formats

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 04:11:13 -0800

As you may already know, there are basically two video formats among computer users: Apple's Quicktime formats and Microsoft's Windows formats. Both are not compatible. In fact both companies seem to have gone out of their way to make sure they do not support each other's formats. Without special software, Apple videos won't play on a Windows machine, and Windows videos will never play on an iPod.

A lot of the effort put into VidBlaster has gone into supporting the Apple formats. The latest episodes of Testing 123 have all been saved in Apple's iPod m4v video format, and this episode demonstrates I can now also play these formats.

I also play a promo for Katja's show KatsCast, and show user video feedback from Barry from Radio QRM.

Test 8: badminton

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 04:37:05 -0800

In this Test I use a different PC, demonstrate automatically switching the audio source (= microphone) when switching the video source (= camera), and play some clips I made of a badminton tournament my son is playing. I also tell you what I (don't) use to make this "show".

Test 7: first glance

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 03:23:27 -0800

In this last Test I made during my retreat, I simulated a real, totally unprepared, show by making it longer, use multiple cameras and playing a clip. I also recommend the Sony HC23 camcorder and give you a first glance of VidBlaster!

Video clip by Satoer.

Test 6: video clip

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 01:48:24 -0800

Nearing the end of the week of my retreat, and as you can see I was getting pretty tired. This is the first time I can play video clips, and I show you one I made while trying out a photo camera I gave to my wife for her birthday. Notice the sync problem this time, not sure what caused it but hope it was related to the laptop having a hard time keeping up with so many cameras and clips loaded.

Test 5: 3 cameras

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 11:21:43 -0800

I hooked up 3 cameras to the revised VidBlaster and ran a little (sync) test. Worked like a charm. Saved to iPod video format. What you're seeing is an ordinary laptop with built-in webcam, an external webcam and a camcorder. No other hard- or software (!) was used to create this recording.

Test 4: new VidBlaster

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 07:04:02 -0800

To fix a potential sync problem, I went back in retreat and rewrote VidBlaster. Here's the first test video I did with the new version. This is also a test for the Windows WMV file format. I forgot to properly set the window size, so it's a little small.

Test 3: multiple cameras

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:08:10 -0800

This is the third video I made in the same week in the Veluwe. I haven't posted it earlier as I demonstrate here the use of multiple cameras. Not much later I found out a huge sync problem, and wasn't sure if I would be able to solve it. Read more about it in the next few Tests which I will post shortly.

VidBlaster - Test 2

Sat, 04 Nov 2006 07:44:59 -0800

Here's the second video I made the same evening, using a better camera. If you look closely to the laptop's screen you can see what VidBlaster looks like :) I am still struggling with audio-video sync, but this time it was perfect.

This is also a test of the iPod video converter I have been working on for the last few months. Let me know if you have any problems playing this file.

VidBlaster - Test 1

Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:07:51 -0800

I've been 'back to the woods' this week to work on VidBlaster, and here's the first video I made. It is very short and totally uninteresting, but hey, it's the idea that counts right? Note it's an uncompressed video.

For those who haven't been reading the VidBlaster forum at castblaster.com: VidBlaster will be my suggestion to PodShow for the new CastBlaster Video.

PS: I have to be honest and tell you VidBlaster generated an uncompressed AVI that, even for these few seconds, is huge. So I used a little utility to compress it a little and convert to WMV.