What’s Going On? When to Use Video Encoders for Comprehensive Video Capture

Most training, simulation, and research scenarios that require video capture for observation or evaluation of participant activity also include participant interaction with the display of a computer workstation, laptop, or tablet device. For a holistic view of what’s happening in the recorded space, it’s valuable to capture the display output of the technology participants engage with, in addition to their activity. So how does one capture display output side by side with camera views? A video encoder.

What is a video encoder? A video encoder takes an analog or digital video display output and converts it to a format that may be sent over a network. This allows the display to be captured and synchronized side by side with network-based camera streams for observation and recording.

Camera views when paired with display output captured by an encoder create a more comprehensive perspective of participant action and reaction. Below are a few examples where an encoder is used to capture display outputs for video observation, recording, and analysis of skills training, simulation, and research use cases.

Use encoders to capture:

• User experience testing of a website or software application
• Focus group reaction to digital marketing content
• Monitoring a barium swallow test x-ray during patient observation
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) clinician data input and output
• Vitals monitor information in high-fidelity simulation
• Wearable technology displays in clinical trials
• Capture non-verbal patient interaction with a tablet or laptop touchscreen
• Dispense and return of medication on a medication dispensing system display
• Electronic presentation display during a lecture or classroom presentation
• Presented evidence in a courtroom simulation
• Computer-based dental technology

Any training, simulation, or research that requires participants to input or respond to information displayed on a computer or monitor display benefits from an encoder to capture the display information and side-by-side with camera views.

How do you know if you should consider including encoders in your video recording and observation system? Ask the following questions:

     1. Is there a monitor or digital display in the room that participants interact with during the observed or recorded session?

     2. Does participant interaction with the display impact session outcomes or assessment?

If you answered, ‘yes’ to these questions, ask your audio/video vendor about how to incorporate the display outputs in your video capture system.

For additional guidance on the questions to ask when beginning your evaluation of video capture systems, check out this guide:

An easy-to-use video recording system is identifiable by its features and by the way it’s implemented, adopted, and maintained. If you’re ready to begin your evaluation process, contact us.