Welcome to Screencast Central, the number one site on the Internet dedicated to software training. My name is Steve Hicks, and I am a Digital Product Developer, and expert panel member of Screencast Central.

In this series of articles, we are going to discuss the seven steps involved in creating a successful screencast. Let's start at the beginning and discuss some of the basics of Screencasting.

What is a Screencast, and why is it useful?

A screencast is a digial recording of the output from a computer screen. During the video editing process, the addition of voice over/narration, transitions and pan-n-zoom transforms it into a full multimedia presentation.

Screencasts have many uses, here are just a few:

1. Software Training - this is currently the main application for Screencasting, and is the basis of ScreencastCentral. Screen recording software can be used to create digital training presentations on particular uses and methods of software applications.
   
   As with Screencasting 101 - The Beginners Guide to Camtasia Studio, we have used screencasting to create a whole training product on a particular software application.
   
   

2. Software Advertisement - screencasts can also be used to create video adverts for software applications. Recordings can be made to highlight the main features of a program, and once edited with background music and voice over, it will be very similar to television adverts.
   
   Because of the numerous output formats available in screen recording programs such as Camtasia Studio, these advertisements can be distributed, and displayed many formats, using many different forms of media all over the world.
   
   

3. Website Review - similar to software advertisements above, screencasting can also be used to create advertisements for websites. Key areas, features and resources available on a website can be captured using the screen recording software, and transformed into a distributable video advertising the website.

4. Webinars - a webinar is by definition, an online seminar which members can easily join in with. The host of the seminar creates an online event, whereby he can allow the webinars participants to view his computer screen, and communicate with them using microphones and speakers.
   
   This set-up allows the host to demonstrate techniques for using, and features of software applications. Members of the webinar are able to interact with the host, and each other, asking questions and requesting demonstrations. The whole webinar can be recorded, and distributed, as a training product for those who were unable to attend.

Why use Screencasting instead of a Standard Video Shoot?

The main benefit of screencasting over standard video, is that you need practically no extra equipment. Whereas with a standard video shoot, you need to worry about multiple cameras, getting the lighting right, audio levels and 'talent', you can produce a screencast with minimal equipment not included with a modern day PC.

In actual fact, if you have a computer and a microphone then you will be able to begin producing screencasts today with no extra cost, given the only other requirement you have is a piece of screen recording software, many of which are available to download for free from the internet. While the screencasts you produce may not be of the highest quality, you will still be able to get your message/training session across to the viewer.

In later articles, we will be discussing some of options available to you with regards hardware and software for creating screencasts, but essentially you can begin to create screencasts today with either very little, or no overhead.

What's to come in this Series of Articles?

In the subsequent articles in this series, we are going to look at the following topics involved in becoming a successful screencaster:

1. Planning your Screencast
2. Useful Hardware for Screencasting
3. Setting up your System, ready to Create your Screencast
4. Recording Hints and Tips
5. Editing Options and Advice
6. Video Output Settings
7. Audio Output Settings