Recording video for Heist Training Online: How I Create Tech Videos for My Audience
As someone who's always been interested in technology, I thought it would be useful to share the process behind creating a single video as part of The Heist. Whether you're a fellow tech enthusiast or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes work, I hope this insight into my setup and process proves helpful. Here's how it all comes together!
Setting Up My Equipment
My setup begins with a desktop computer (a Mac Mini), which powers everything. I’ve connected a large monitor to work from, and I also have two cameras in play. The first is my GoPro Hero 9, which I use with the front-facing camera as a recording device for my narration while I work on the screen. The second is an IPEVO Ziggy HD Plus camera, which is essentially a high-definition webcam. This camera allows me to show the physical circuits I’m working on.
For audio, I use a RODE NT microphone, which is also attached to the computer to capture clear sound during my recording sessions. These devices all come together through a system called OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)—a powerful open-source tool that allows me to stream and record my videos with multiple layers.
Layering the Action
What makes OBS so effective is its use of layers. I currently work with three screens, and each screen utilizes at least 11 layers. For example:
- Graphics layers: These are used to display background visuals.
- Code layers: One for showing the code I'm writing or running.
- Equipment layers: I use another layer to display the physical components I’m working with.
- Green screen effect: This makes it appear like I'm working in a server room or another high-tech setting.
Before I even start filming, all of these elements need to be set up and aligned to create the perfect visual experience. From packed away to fully running, this takes about two hours. Day to day, the daily refresh takes about twenty minuites.
Building the Circuit
Once everything is set up, I move on to building the circuit I’m going to demonstrate. This involves testing the circuit, uploading the code, and making sure everything works as expected. If there are any issues, I make sure to troubleshoot and correct them, updating the code and related resources as needed. Once the circuit is in working order, I unplug it and set it up for demonstration using a power bank, since my ports are limited.
One important note here: using the correct cable is crucial. Some USB cables only charge, which means they don’t support data transfer. You’ll quickly find out if you try to use a regular USB cable instead of the one that came with the Arduino board. It’s a frustrating experience when you’re trying to upload code but nothing happens!
Recording and Editing
Now that everything is ready, I start the recording process. I plug in the Arduino UNO, set the levels on the microphone, and begin demonstrating how the code and the circuit work. The recording is done directly onto my hard drive for easy access. OBS encodes this immediately, and it is ready for upload.
After completing the video, I upload it to YouTube. I use YouTube’s unlisted video feature, which essentially gives me a great storage solution. Once uploaded, I embed the video on the specific unit page of the Enigmailed website so viewers can watch it directly from there. Alongside the video, I also provide the code, which users can copy and paste for their own projects.
The Time Factor
While the process might seem simple, there’s a lot of work involved. The reality is that it takes me around three hours to record three or four videos. This is why the speed of publication might be slower than I initially expected. The process is time-intensive, but I’ve streamlined it as much as possible to make sure the content is high-quality and informative for my audience.
Wrapping Up
I hope this behind-the-scenes look gives you an insight into my setup and the process of creating these tech videos. It’s a blend of the technical, creative, and a lot of testing and troubleshooting to make sure everything is perfect for you. Thanks for following along, and I look forward to sharing more in the future!
Feel free to leave any questions or comments!