This is a work in progress: more links and reviews in the coming weeks (September 2011)
Most of the screen casting options in this list seem to have been tested in educational institutions, but they are known for their eagerness to adopt new software solutions
Limit: 15 min for free account, 60 min for paid account (12usd/y)
Screencasting is an incredibly powerful concept that all librarians should know about. Not only can it be used internally by staff for technology training, but it can be used with library patrons for a variety of purposes such as demonstrating how to use the library Website, how to register for library events, how to use the library catalog, and how to effectively search library databases. (And those are just a few of the most popular uses!)
Like many of the tools covered in our Two Steppin’ program, there are both desktop-based screencasting applications (some free, some fee-based) and freemium cloud-based screencasting applications (free basic accounts, paid premium features). That’s where Screencast-o-matic, the focus of this Two Steppin’ Byte, comes in. Screencast-o-matic is a freemium cloud-based screencasting tool that you really should be aware of simply because of all of the features it offers — even at the free level!
A few of Screencast-o-matic’s amazing (and completely free) features:
(https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/librarydevelopments/?p=7999)
No time limit, no editing possibilities
ScreenCastle is an excellent piece of free online screen recording software that records the actions on your screen from within your browser. There is no need to download any software; simply clicking the button in the browser starts the ball rolling and gets you recording.
Screen recording software is usually a hit and miss area. Sometimes you will get a good quality recording at the end, whereas sometimes it will not work at all. Often these programs require a payment to the company who make them, so free screen recording software is fairly thin on the ground. This one though is an absolute gem.
Its most endearing feature is the fact that this free screen recorder resides completely within the browser. There is no need to download anything onto your computer as the entire recording process works around your browser. You simply click the button and the recording process begins. From there, you simply need to press a few more buttons and it begins to record what is happening on your screen. This works a lot like other free online screen recording software we reviewed earlier: ScreenToaster, and ScreenJelly.
Once you have stopped the recording, you will be presented with the ability to save or preview your created screencast. Having finished saving, you will be presented with a series of links to your file so as to make it easy to view and embed your file or provide preview images to be posted on forums. The fact that these are provided for you instantly is a fantastic feature as it makes sharing of your video so much easier.
This feature goes even deeper as hovering over any of the boxes containing code provides a helpful tip on screen, telling the user exactly what each of the codes is used for and where it should be posted. This shows that the program caters to the novice as well as the seasoned computer user.
Perhaps the only drawback with this program is the fact that it can sometimes be slow to save longer screencasts. We suspect that this is highly dependent on your internet connection and it will vary depending on your machine. In that case, you can use a screen recording software that is installed on your machine, like, Camstudio Free anduTipu.
So to conclude, ScreenCastle is one of the best examples of free screen recording software we have come across and it is definitely a program that we would recommend to anyone.
Pixetell
http://download.cnet.com/Pixetell/3000-2075_4-10974369.html
Download software; unfortunately, they have recently cancelled their service:
Pixetell, a Portland startup with an online collaboration tool, has sold its business.
A message, dated today, on the company's website tells visitors that "due to a recent acquisition of Pixetell, our online service will be discontinued on May 31, 2011."
The site promises that a standalone version of the tool will be available for continued use. And it says Brainshark, a Massachusetts company, will "be offering qualified Pixetell subscribers a MyBrainshark subscription of similar or greater value."
"Watch for exciting new Pixetell-like features in the Brainshark platform," it says.
The site does not actually specify that Brainshark acquired Pixetell, but directs visitors to a link --www.brainshark.com/pixetell, suggesting that Brainshark intends to incorporate Pixetell's technology (that link is not currently active) (the link is live, as of 4:45).
Neither Pixetell nor Brainshark immediately returned calls seeking clarification. Brainshark describes itself as making software "for creating, sharing and tracking online and mobile video presentations."
(http://blog.oregonlive.com/siliconforest/2011/05/pixetell_turning_off_service_f.html)
The company has been purchased by Brainshark and is still working out the details
(http://www.brainshark.com/help-and-training/support/pixetell.aspx)
Media solutions: http://www.androidpolice.com
Announcement, review: https://plus.google.com/111991876596496628445/posts/MnwiXdT8wZ4
Download, not browser-based; just released.
Screennr
Limits: record up to 5 minutes, browser-based, no downloads, even the most expensive paid version (US$285) allows only 15 minutes of recording
No real thorough reviews available; because to the time-limit I won’t put any effort in it.
BB Flashback express
http://www.bbsoftware.co.uk/BBFlashBack_FreePlayer.aspx
Download software needed, only Windows, no time limits, also not for the free software. Paid version give you more formats to save files.
Camtasia
http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Pricing; rather costly, from US$ 50 for individuals till hundreds of US dollars
http://www.techsmith.com/jing/
A rather enthusiastic test here, although wondering if there are no cheaper tools around
http://davidwees.com/content/recording-google-hangouts
Jing
Downloadable app, max 5 minutes of screenloading, also for the pro-edition (US$14.95/y), no YouTube or embedding
(Hard to Google, since many Chinese share the same name)