Yesterday, we teed up the epic battle between software and hardware capture options. Now let’s take a look at the fighters in the other corner: Classroom Capture and Personal Capture, otherwise known as the software solutions.

These contenders are preferred by wise folks who want the benefits of capture without spending extra for hardware. Both software solutions punch above their weight, but offer different approaches:

  • Classroom Capture software installs on the classroom podium’s PC and lets you automate the scheduling of the recordings. Just like the hardware-based SafeCaptureHD, you can capture two screens of full-motion HD video: one screen + one video, dual video, or dual screen.
  • Personal Capture software adds another level of flexibility: you can install it on a PC, Mac, or laptop, and you don’t need a network connection to capture content, which means you have a contingency plan for snow days and a recording device for low-tech classrooms or dispatches from the field. It’s also a fully mobile solution, turning your laptop into a lecture capture device for video, audio, slides or any combination.

What should you be looking for in lecture capture software?

  • Always check the image quality. Some competitors’ solutions play back the projected material in a series of jpeg images which can appear choppy; we always use fluid, full-motion video playback for a better user experience, especially for dynamic content such as video.
  • Investigate how the entire solution supports instructor efficiency and student engagement. Does it give even the shyest students a chance to post questions and discuss specific content as it’s being taught? Does it give the instructor a chance to clear up confusion quickly? Then your ideal lecture capture solution goes beyond just recording content and drives positive learning outcomes.

The Echo360 family’s got you covered

The great news is, with Echo360, you don’t have to choose.

Distance learning, big deployments, after-class Q&A—we know you’ve got some, if not all, of these and more in the works, and our lecture capture options are built to accommodate you, operating at that sweet spot where flexibility and cost are aligned.

We’re taking a break for a few days on this topic, but come back Thursday for putting all of this together. Our blog, Pick Your Pedagogy, will help you decide which solution is right for how you teach.