TechSmith Camtasia: How to downgrade to older version.

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If you are looking for converting your TechSmith Camtasia project in latest version to older version, that is possible. In TechSmith Camtasia: How downgrade to older version, we are going to talk about How to downgrade Camtasia version 2021 file to Camtasia 2018 version. Register and subscribe to our website and get a SUVRATOONS comic book FREE.

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Adobe Captivate issue of displaying Failure text box.

Adobe Captivate is a software which is very famous in the eLearning domain. It is useful in creating eLearning content. It has few issues, and while doing research about one such issue I had not found any proper answers on the internet, so thought to share the solution I found out during my research. We are discussing the latest version of Adobe Captivate 2019 Release. Hope you have intermediate/Advance knowledge about Adobe Captivate.

Figure 1.1: Click box with Success and Failure messages

Issue: “Failure” display is not working in “Click box” object from the “Interactions” menu.

Case: It’s a very weird problem, it seems a bug in the software itself.

When you place two text boxes as right and wrong answers, to activate it, we need to place ” Click box” from “Interactions” menu. With this “Click box” comes three text cum click areas which are “Success”, “Failure” and “Hint”.

When someone clicks on “Click box”, as per standard functionality of “Click box” one/two objects should show up (Success-Hint or Failure-Hint etc.)

But you just want to show “Success” or “Hint” then it’s fine because it will work fine. But if you want to show the “Failure” text message after clicking on “Click box” your problem starts, it will not show the “Failure” message.

Solution:

Figure 1.2: Hint box spread over Text box which we want to show as a wrong answer, and Click box on the right side of the same Text box.
  1. Very simple solution but little weird…..when you want to show “Failure” message, just use the “Hint” area to click and reduce the “Click box” to the minimum (don’t delete it completely)…Whoa!!! problem solved 🙂
  2. Don’t forget to select “Success”, “Failure” and “Hint” options as per your choice from Property area on the right. Check Figure 1.3.
  3. For “Sucess”, just place “Click box” on the text box which you think will be the correct answer. After someone clicks on this “Click box” success text will appear.
  4. Check Figure 1.2 and Figure 1.3 for more understanding.
Figure 1.3: Hint box spread over Text box which we want to show as a wrong answer, and Click box on the right side of the same Text box.

Note: Above procedure is for students/professional/users with intermediate knowledge of Adobe Captivate 2019 and not for beginners.

Flash ActionScript – getURL in AS3

Flash ActionScript

After a long time I am writing something…during my project I found out something interesting in Flash and JavaScript function. This will be useful for people with basic knowledge in Actionscript. So let’s discuss it here.

First we will discuss about the difference between AS2 and AS3 script on Flash button. Previously in AS2 it’s very easy to write script on Flash button.

AS2 script on Flash button:

on(release){

//Write your action

trace(“Button has been pressed”);

}

And function should be like this (this should be placed on the keyframe of timeline (make actionscript layer) :

function myFunction(){

//Write your action

trace(“Hello”); //write trace option

}

Above example was quiet easy with AS2, now let’s see same example with AS3:

Important point to remember is that in AS3 you can’t write script on button. Just write it on keyframe in timeline (make actionscript layer). And give instance name to your button e.g. HelloButton. Now write the button script on keyframe of timeline:

AS3 script for Flash button:

HelloButton.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK, myFunction);

Here, we have use button name i.e. HelloButton. And a function i.e. myFunction

In AS3 function is written as:

function myFunction (event:MouseEvent):void{

                trace(“Hello”);

}

In above function, remember to add “event:MouseEvent” and “:void” as compare to AS2, which tells that on which mouse event this function should execute.

Now let’s discuss about simple script of “getURL”. Previously it was easy to open a webpage on click of a Flash button. You just need to put this script on Flash button. See example:

on(release){

                //getURL(“http://www.google.com”, _blank);

                }

After clicking this button it will open an http://www.google.com link in new window.

But now if you just put this script on Flash button and publish HTML, you will find that it’s not working….don’t worry this is just a simple glitch within your HTML…….try to find out this param tag…in HTML:

<param name=”allowScriptAccess” value=”always”/>

Make sure that….value=”always”….if you want to run getURL script on Flash button….Now your Flash button works perfectly in HTML.

Now learn something interesting, capture Flash button event in Javascript of HTML page. Check AS2 and AS3 versions:

AS2 version:

On Flash button write this script:

on(release){

               getURL(“javascript:myfunction()”);           

}

In above script, “myFunction()” is a javascript function which is present in HTML.

In HTML, where you are going to run this Flash button, just write javascript function “myFunction()” in <body> section. Check this:

JavaScript Function in HTML

<script language=”JavaScript”>

function myfunction(){

alert(“Hello World”);       

}

In the object tag for the SWF file in the containing HTML page, set the following parameter:

<param name=”allowScriptAccess” value=”always” />

Now check above scenario in Actionscript 3:

AS3 version:

import flash.external.ExternalInterface;

Instead of “getURL”, in AS3 we should use “ExternalInterface” classes. For more details check link: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/FlashPlatform/reference/actionscript/3/flash/external/ExternalInterface.html

import flash.events.Event;

HelloButton.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK, myFlashFunction);

Above code is for Flash button with instance name: “HelloButton”, and when someone press this button it execute “myFlashFunction”(JavaScript function).

 

function myFlashFunction (e:Event):void{

     ExternalInterface.call(“myfunction”, HelloButton.name);

};

myFlashFunction is a Flash function which runs javascript function(i.e. myfunction) in HTML file.

 

And in HTML, place this javascript function:

<script language=”JavaScript”>

function myfunction(){

alert(“Hello World”);       

}

In the object tag for the SWF file in the containing HTML page, set the following parameter:

<param name=”allowScriptAccess” value=”always” />

 

Now run HTML file in Internet Explorer (browser). And when you press Flash button in SWF file in the containing HTML page, javascript code catch the Flash button event. This way you can catch any Flash event in javascript and use for many purposes. Hope this will be helpful for those who want to understand basic event catching with JavaScript from Flash.

3D support in new Flash Player

adobe_alternativa_racingI was reading different articles on internet about the new technologies in Multimedia field. During this I come across an interesting piece of information which I feel is interesting to you all. This is about the ‘alternativaplatform’ which is a Flash-3D-engine i.e. Alternativa3D.

‘Alternativa3D’ is developed by a Russian company which is working on this platform for more then 10 years(as they claim ), and cooperating close with Adobe and working in pre-release groups, and participate in developing of new Flash Player versions.

‘Alternativa3D’, which is intended for displaying 3D graphics in the Flash Player environment. You can use this technology in wider areas such as 3D websites to multiplayer browser games and applications for social networks in full 3D.

Alternativa3D version 7 has been widely used in the architectural and building sector, interior design and internet advertising. They are also providing servers for online gaming. AlternativaCore is a cluster of several Linux-powered Java servers. It is a ready to use core for creating real-time and turn-based multiplayer online games. This client-server solution helps in version control, high speed data transfer, load balancing  system, store unlimited amount of data, faster and easier development of games, allows expansion, decreases expenses, support payment systems, social networks support etc. For more details just visit: http://alternativaplatform.com/en/alternativa3d/

The best thing is that Alternativa3D is free of cost, so just download it and explore the possibilities. But one thing to remember, you need to have a good understanding of Actionscript 3 and Flash.

Actually Adobe Flash team is working on technologies which make possible to create and play 3D games through Adobe Flash Player. Adobe team is working on a new set of 3D GPU accelerated APIs that delivers advanced 3D rendering in Flash Player and AIR. This API codename is ‘Molehill’. For more information just visit this link: http://tv.adobe.com/watch/adc-presents/molehill-3d-apis/

Audio Knowledge

audioFriends, I found some of my interesting old notes on ‘audio’. I feel it is worth to share with you.

  1. Audio role in Multimedia
  • Attracts your attention/shocks/excites
  • Change moods
  • Feeling as you are in dream
  • Give pleasure
  • Inform
  • Inform with style and impact

2. Audio is applied to

  • Narration
  • Dialogs, Conversation
  • Background music
  • Music mixed with narration
  • Transition effects in audio
  • Noise
  • Real/Informative sounds

3. Selection of audio for multimedia

  • Topic of multimedia presentation
  • Sound related to information
  • Objective of presentation
  • Desire effect for presentation
  • Target Audience
4. Factors which affects quality of recording
  • Breathing
  • Air conditioner noise
  • Movement
  • Suitability of recording settings
  • Input volume level
  • Consistency of settings
  • Quality of source audio
  • Quality and connectivity of cables

5. Sound Card

  • 8bit, 16bit, 32bit

6. Layout of sound card

  • Microphone connector
  • Line in Jack
  • Microphone in Jack
  • Speaker out/Line out Jack
  • Joystick/MIDI connector
  • IDE connector

1.       Audio File formats (mentioning only few)

  • AU files: (.au) are the most commonly used format format for cross-platform applications (the µ-law format, is also called AU from the file extension used for these files)
  • AIFF files: Audio Interchange file format files (.aiff, .aif, and .aifc) are widely used on Macintosh and silicon graphics computers
  • WAV files: WAV files(.wav) are used with Microsoft Windows applications
  • MP3 files: By eliminating portions of the audio file that are essentially inaudible, mp3 files are compressed roughly one-tenth of audio formats such as WAV(uncompressed)etc.
  • WMA files: Window Media Audio
  • RA files: Real audio file format designed for streaming audio over the internet
  • RIFF files: Resource Interchange File Format. Developed by Micorsoft
  • SND/Sound files : This file format was developed by Apple and is l, imited to a sampling rate of 8bits
  • MID/MIDI/MFF files: Musical Instrument Digital Interface, stores MIDI data
  • VOC files: Voice, developed for Sound Blaster card by Creative Technology. Supports sampling rates of 8 and 16 bits, with or without compression

8. Qualities of Sound

  • Nature of sound: Oscillatory movement of air particles forming directional longitudinal waves
  • Waveform: Describes measurement of speed of the sound
  • Amplitude: Relative loudness of the sound
  • Volume: The amplitude determines the sounds volume, measured in decibels. Human hearing range from 1 to 120 decibels

9. Basic Qualities of Sound

  • Valley and Crest: The lowest part of a waveform is reffered as valley and the peak point as the crest
  • Frequency: No of crests that occur in one second is the frequency also called as Pitch
  • Mono: Sound using only one channel
  • Stereo: Sound using multimedia channels. Digital stereo uses two channels namely Left and Right

10. Analog and Digital Audio

  • Analog: Continuous stream of the waveforms
  • Digital: Finite numerical combinations representing the waveform
  • Requirement of conversion: To handle the sound using computer(digital device) it needs to be converted into digital form
  • Conversion Methods: Use of ADC (Analog signals => electrical impulses => ADC => Digital Sound)

11. Benifts of Digital Sound

  • 100% reproduction
  • Easily Editable
  • Long Lasting
  • Timely Retrieval on Demand
  • Availability of Reliable Storage Media

12. Sampling/Resolution

  • Sampling: The process of digitization of the analog sound
  • Sampling rate: Number of samples per second
  • Typical rate can range from 5000 to 100000 samples per second
  • The number of bots used to store each sample is known as the resolution of the sound
audio_table

MIDI: Musical Instruments Digital Interface

  • MIDI is a simple digital protocol
  • By connecting a computer to a keyboard through a MIDI connection, music can be recorded
  • Many programs are supporting MIDI for communicating with synthesizers. MIDI files are widely used for exchanging computer music

References for content and images: Internet and multimedia books

Avatar: New era of virtual movie making

avatar_img_01‘Avatar’….yes a movie which is creating history right now. After ‘Lord of the Rings triology’ this is another movie which is responsible for changing the film and entertainment industries perspective, I also want to add game industry into it because game industry will get a huge benefit from technologies which ‘Avatar’ develops.
I watched this movie on first day first show and that too was morning 7.30 AM show. I want to tell that not only technology wise but philosophically also this movie is great. It shows the bonding between nature and its creatures in an emotional way, we don’t skip this aspect of the movie.

My friends were asking me to write something on ‘Avatar’ and its technology, but I need time to search and read articles before writing something. I find out some nice information, so let’s share.

James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ is continuing its domination on box office worldwide in its fourth week, film domestic total till now is $429 million. And overseas, ‘Avatar’ grossing are $902 million (Reference: http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/11030).  WOW !!! don’t you want to say. It will soon toppling down Cameron’s last box office hit ‘Titanic’, which has done business of $ 1.8 billion.

Before starting to talk on technologies I just want to describe some definitions:
CG = Computer Graphics
CGI = Computer Generated Imagery

CGI is a specific application of CG in that it refers to the use of computer graphics to create synthetic imagery. However, the two terms are sometimes used inter-changeably in the visual effects industry.
In a broad sense, computer-generated is an adjective that describes any element created by a computer– as opposed to shot live on a set or location.

Stereoscopic 3D (S3D): Stereoscopy, or stereoscopic imagery, uses the characteristics of human binocular vision to create the illusion of avatar_img_02depth, making objects appear to be in front of or behind the cinema screen. The technique relies on presenting the right and left eyes with two slightly different images which the brain automatically blends into a single view. Subtle right-left dissimilarities in the images create the perception of depth and can be manipulated to creative advantage. Therein lies the art of stereoscopic filmmaking. (Reference: www.autodesk.com)

Now comes to technologies used in ‘Avatar’. Lightstorm Entertainment, production company of James Cameron’s, developed a new motion picture production process to create the groundbreaking sci-fi epic ‘Avatar’. They combine live action 3D and computer generated, photo-real visual effects to develop a great sci-fi story.

Ubisoft, a game company, also launch ‘Avatar’ in a third-person adventure game form. It can be played with stereoscopic 3D (S3D) display.
Lightstorm Entertainment, pioneered a new method for making visual effects movie with advanced virtual cinematography techniques. They use ‘Autodesk®MotionBuilder®’ and ‘Autodesk®Maya®’ software for this film. Production team captures actor’s performances and apply them directly to computer graphics (CG) characters, while viewing the results in real-time. This movie sets a new standards in stereoscopic 3D(S3D) productions. Lightstorm refined the performance capture techniques and apply them to high resolution Maya character models to create realistic, believable, animation.

This movie starts new era of virtual moviemaking, which gives full freedom to director’s creativity. Hoping that in near future Directors try to replace actors with this CG characters….which doesn’t have any date problem and exorbitant fees….:)

 
References: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?id=14270942&siteID=123112; http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/11030; google search
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