[Mustang19]

I plan to use a Fraps/GameCam style video capture utility to create command .ANIs for my next campaign. Or rather, a remake of the crappy Merkar Campaign Demo. Anyway, neither Fraps or GameCam work on my computer. I've tried everything, latest drivers, latest DirectX, purging the registry of all references to Fraps and reinstalling it, etc. Oddly, Fraps works from time to time, just very rarely. Can anyone recommend a good video capture utility that you think would work?

1.1ghz Windows XP
Intel 815 series integrated graphics card, no TNL
256MB RAM
3-4GB free on hard drive

[Topgun]

Cam studio is good but it will most likely run very low on that computer.

[Kazan]

Intel 815 series integrated graphics card, no TNL

how exactly are you running FS2?

retail?

why don't you go on newegg you can get a TNL capable card for like $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814136007

[DaBrain]

http://taksi.sourceforge.net/

Free, open-source.

Will hopefully replace Fraps.

[Mustang19]

Thanks for the Taksi link! YESSS!!!! Full-motion command brief ANIs!

As for the video card, like I have to say every time I post my system specs, buying a new card isn't really an option as my parents aren't willing to spend more than $40 on anything related to computers. But $30? Thanks, I'll look into it, possibly a birthday present. Thanks again both of you. 

[Mustang19]

Taksi didn't work either. It simply doesn't record and doesn't show the indicator when I start up FS, even in OpenGL.

I actually have a downstairs and upstairs computer. The downstairs is mine, I prefer to use it, but it doesn't work. Anyway, I can still run Fraps on the upstairs (the family comp). The glorius result?

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OXVJT1N8

Didn't put much thought into it, a huge 1024X768 .ANI for demonstration. But it wouldn't be hard to make a smaller one. I also used Fraps so there's the stupid Fraps.com logo on top, but that's easily solved. But you get the idea; record some video in Fraps/GameCam, convert it to PCX in Bink, and build it with AniBuilder.

The upload includes both the ANI file and a mission to demonstrate it during a command brief. Oddly, the 1024X768 displays at full size; its transparent through the briefing text, which is kind of cool.

Just in case anyone was interested in doing something similar; you can use the FS engine to create all kinds of 3D setups and then turn them into ANIs using the way I described.

[jr2]

That compy needs replacing... but the parents, eh...

[Kazan]

so get a job

[asyikarea51]

Pardon my noobness in the subject of video capturing - I had a go at Taksi myself, but I recorded 1280x1024 ( I know it's too big) footage from a different game. Probably a codec issue, but it either:

1) created a really small file with no sound (sound don't work yet, right?) and no footage, although timing was captured
2) created a really really large file that didn't even work, AND crashed the computer while said file was being "created" (ffdshow).
3) refused to even record, even after mashing the record button countless times (other random codecs).

Won't be surprised if I set something wrong somewhere. The thing is, what should I do to get it working properly.

Fraps works okay for me (school comps can't even play Xvid AVI, only basic WMV ). Gamecam, never tried. Personally I'm looking for something that can record short to mid-length clips without delving into the hundreds or thousands of megabytes for only 30 seconds to a minute's worth of footage.

[Mustang19]

so get a job

Meh. I could probably find enough money somewhere, it's only $30-50. But problem solved.

Asy, you're supposed to compress the files after you make them using VirtualDub or a similar program. Taksi compresses them automatically using a codec of your choice. Just pick a better one. BTW, GameCam is excellent and I recommend it much more than Fraps, unless you really need sound. As for your questions,

1 and 2) Taksi only works with OpenGL, DX 8 or DX 9. So I recommend running FS2 in OpenGL if possible. Also, go into Configuration and play around with your codec choices, if you haven't already gone on the internet and installed a good codec pack.
3) My main problem with my downstairs computer. What's your video card? Mine is ancient, it has OpenGL problems and no TNL; no surprise that it doesn't even record.

Try GameCam and get back to me. Taksi is cool because it's open source, but otherwise GameCam will do everything better except capture sound. GameCam freeware, that is, go pirate the full version if you want sound.

[Polpolion]

so get a job

Meh. I could probably find enough money somewhere, it's only $30-50.

New computers cost quite a bit more than $50.

[Mustang19]

The one I was talking about was $20. But I don't care if it runs fast, I just want a video card that's compatible with games made after the turn of the century.