Capturing Streaming Video Software

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There are many reasons a computer user might want to capture incoming streaming video from the internet. Video capture software can be used to save video files for later use or for personal archiving. There are dozens of video file formats and file extensions. Some of them can be saved to a computer simply using the right click and “save as” functions, but some of these files require modification and appropriate video playing software before they can be played back. Other video file types require special software for downloading and saving the files. In many cases, free software can be used for this purpose, although commercial software may be able to work with a wider variety of file types and perform more functions.

Some of the most widely used video formats include Windows Media, Real Media Video/Audio, Quick Time, and Flash video. Flash (.flv extension) files are the format YouTube videos are transmitted in. There are many others, so a user needs to be familiar with the file types he is working with while trying to capture streaming video to save it to the computer hard drive. Video capture ...
... software can range in price from zero for open source freeware applications, to around eighty dollars for commercial programs that can handle almost every file type.

Some video file types are coded to prevent copying and downloading. Rental movies are a good example of files that cannot be copied. Video users should be aware of copyright laws in relation to downloading and distributing streaming video files. Video files of commercial products such as movies and television shows can be saved for later viewing or viewing offline, but they should not be distributed to other users after they are copied.

If a user needs to copy streaming video and does not have the proper software for managing the files, the video and audio streams can be recorded directly from the computer screen using screen capture software. There are sophisticated commercial screen capture programs available for purchase, as well as freeware programs that can do an adequate job. Videos recorded using screen capture technology may not have the same quality as the original video files, but they are adequate for personal uses.

With the advent of YouTube and other online video sharing sites, computer users can not only gain access to millions of videos covering almost every subject, but they can also produce their own videos to distribute on the internet. Using screen capture programs, videos can be created that take content directly off of the creator’s desktop. This can be used to incorporate PowerPoint presentations and other graphics into videos that include audio commentary, for use in virtual classrooms or for incorporation into information products for sale. Video editing software is also available for converting digital video camera files into the proper formats for uploading to the internet at YouTube or other sites.