Input

How can I see the questions?

Use the two pull-down menus on the right of the screen.  Choose a subject (People, Life Cycle, Experiences, or Values and Legacy).  Then choose a topic (a sub-section of the subject).  The first question in this topic will appear.  You can view more questions either by using the “Previous” and “Next” buttons or by selecting another subject or topic from the pull-down menus.

 

How do I start recording the interview?

First, select a media type using one of the four buttons on the right of the screen: video, audio, photo, or import.  Nothing will be recorded until you press record.

 

Recording video and audio:

If you are recording video, the left side of the screen shows you what the camera will record.  Click the “Record” button to begin.  You may create markers as you are recording by pressing the spacebar or clicking on the button that has an asterisk (*) on it.  Markers can also be added later through the “Annotate” screen.  When you are done, click “Stop Recording.”

 

Taking a photo

The left side of the screen shows you a video preview.  Click “Take Picture” on the right to capture a still photo.

 

Saving the clip or photo

On the right side of the screen, type a name for this entry, and click “Save.”  After saving, you can edit or annotate the entry.

 

Changing to another media type

After creating a clip, click on the media type that you want to use for your next entry, or click “Create New Video Clip” (or “Create New Audio Clip”) to continue. 

 

What does “Import” do?

If you have an existing file you would like to include in the biography, click the Import button.  Click the large button labeled “Browse Files.”  Select the file you want to import, then click “Open.” The file you imported will open and will be automatically saved to the biography that you are working with.

 

What does the asterisk button (*) do?

This button allows you to add markers to the entry. Markers are a way of tagging a particular point in a clip or photograph and attaching descriptive keywords to that point.  They are useful in identifying spots where you might want to remove part of a clip (e.g., delete from beginning to Marker A), and they also allow you to play only parts of a clip at a time (e.g., begin playing from Marker B).  In a photo, a marker could tag an individual’s face, allowing you to label each person separately.

 

You can add markers while playing the clip.  Click on the button with the arrow to play.  You may rewind or fast forward by dragging the downward-pointing arrow horizontally.  To add a marker, click on the button with the asterisk (*).

 

What is the checkbox next to the question for?

This box lets you know if a question has a response associated with it.  When an entry is made the current question is marked with a red checkmark.