Sure your fancy video camera cost $2,000, but can it record underwater? No? Well if you're feeling extravagant or just have some extra funds left in the budget check out these gadgets that will take your work to new heights.

ContourHD Wearable Camera

Other helmet cameras have been featured here before, none of which captured such sweet-looking high definition video. The ContourHD records in a 1280 x 720 pixel, widescreen format at 30 or 60 frames per second and records up to 8 hours of video and audio. Be sure to check out some of the video captured by satisfied customers.

($299.99 | B&H Photo)

ProTrack Handheld Audio Recorder for iPod

Turn your iPod or iPod Touch into a powerful recording machine with this cool add-on. The ProTrack has a built-in stereo microphone and requires no cords, but also has an XLR input for connecting external mics. The recorder also comes with a headphone jack and — for 20 bucks more — a nifty tripod.

($159 | B&H Photo)

GardenWatchCam

Perfect for the horticulturally-minded photojournalist, the GardenWatchCam is a time-lapse camera that can be placed anywhere to capture nature's beauty over time. The small camera is weather-resistant and can capture photos at seven different time settings. The 1.3-megapixel camera runs on AA batteries and connects to the computer's USB port.

($139.95 | Amazon)

SRV-1 Blackfin Mobile Surveillance Robot

Let this pint-sized robot camera do all your dangerous shooting for you. The tank-like camera operates wirelessly, shoots at up to 1280 x 1024 resolution and fits in the palm of your hand. The little guy moves a foot a second and can run for 4 hours on a single charge. The SRV-1 requires some knowledge of computer programming to operate, but because it can tread where no human dare go, it is worth the effort.

($474.99 | ThinkGeek)

Infrared Flashlight Video Recorder

Sometimes journalism takes you to some dark and mysterious places. You can use your regular camera's onboard light or just use this handheld flashlight that doubles as a video camera. The flashlight records up to 15 seconds of video at 30 frames per second or 500 photos at 640 x 480 resolution with its 128MB of built-in memory. All the footage shot is downloadable via your computer's USB port.

($399.95 | Hammacher Schlemmer)

Pet's Eye View Digital Camera

Entertain Fido's ambition to become a photographer with this compact camera that fits securely on your pet's collar. The digital camera can be set at 1, 5, or 15 minute-intervals and is perfect for gaining insight on the daily lives of animals. Note: expect lots of photos of fire hydrants and worn out couches.

($49.99 | ThinkGeek)


Also on 10,000 Words:

• 30 Must-have gifts for journalists
• Crazy gadgets that are (possibly) crazy useful
• 6 Creative approaches to photography

Labels: audio, photos, video

1. The White House

Just a few months ago, the new presidential administration was greeted with antiquated computers and technology that forbade access to social networks like Facebook or even outside email. Fast forward to today and there are now a variety of ways to connect and interact online with the White House.

The official White House site has been revamped and updated to include a blog to keep the world abreast of President Obama and crew. The site also contains a number of photo slideshows based largely on photos from the official Flickr photostream.



The White House's official YouTube channel contains loads of speeches and press briefings and — to dispel earlier allegations of technology favoritism — the same content is also available on Vimeo.

After Barack Obama's landmark use of social networking during his presidential campaign it should come as no surprise that the White House is also friending people across the world. The president's pad has more than 126,000 followers on Twitter and follows a number of government agencies, including FEMA and NASA.

The White House also has more than 205,000 fans on Facebook and the president himself has more than six million fans, more than anyone else on the site. The White House is also on MySpace, along with both President Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden.

2. The Vatican

As highlighted in this month's issue of mental_floss magazine, The Vatican — the centuries-old religious institution — is also down with new technology.

The official newspaper of The Vatican, L'Osservatore Romano, is available online in several languages as are many programs from Vatican Radio. The official radio station of Vatican City also has podcasts available for listening or to download.


Flickr photo of Pope Benedict XVI by Paul Resh

The Vatican's official YouTube has almost 200 videos that range from morning prayers to papal visits. The Vatican even has its own iPhone app that contains prayers and scriptural readings and is available in six languages.

3. Major League Baseball

MLB has all the bases covered with its wide range of ways to follow games electronically. The most impressive offering is MLB.TV, a subscription service where baseball fans can watch live games online in high definition. The site streams 100 games a week to hundreds of thousands of subscribers and the quality is hard to match.

If you prefer your baseball on the go, MLB has a series of iPhone apps including MLB At Bat, where fans can find the latest scores, standings and schedules, and MLB World Series 2009, an interactive game that features all 30 MLB clubs.

The official MLB site contains various other ways to get your baseball fix, including a series of blogs, podcasts, video clips and photo galleries. There is also an official Facebook page where social networkers can step up to the plate.

4. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI, America's hub of criminal investigation with a reputation for secrecy, recently announced a slew of online efforts that will make the agency more open and approachable.

The Bureau's official Twitter feed shares criminal alerts and press releases with its thousands of followers and similar content is shared on the official FBI Facebook page. The videos featured on the FBI's YouTube channel give an insider's view of such operations as bomb training and prostitution stings.



In an effort to spread news of and apprehend the fugitives on its famed Most Wanted List, the FBI also has several widgets available that anyone can embed on their blog, site or social network profile and apparently the new media approach is working. The widgets have directed more than 2.5 million people to the FBI website and the Most Wanted widget averages more than a thousand views a day, according to a press release.

The FBI even plans to take its Most Wanted list to Second Life where virtual visitors can keep tabs on real-life criminals.



Also on 10,000 Words:

• 12 Things to tell your tech-impaired editor
• Great online journalism from non-traditional journalists
• Create brilliant multimedia projects from the mundane
• Visual and interactive guides to the economic crisis
• Sports arenas: How to put a multimedia twist on traditional coverage

Labels: audio, photos, social networking, video, widgets

New York City...center of the universe. Okay not quite, but there are a lot of great multimedia stories and interactive projects emerging from the City that Never Sleeps.

There is perhaps no better way to take in the many landmarks of Manhattan than an aerial tour of the area. In today's economy, a helicopter ride perhaps isn't the most efficient means of transportation, but thanks to Pixelcase you can still take in magnificent views of the city. The interactive, panoramic photographs let users zoom across the New York skyline, above the noise and traffic. More on how to create similar panoramas here and here.



The following map of a horizonless Manhattan has been circulating around the internet for good reason: it is a unique take on the flat map we are so used to seeing. The map, created by London design studio Schulze & Webb, was created and fine-tuned using 3D imaging software.



The City Concealed, a project of THIRTEEN, explores some of the hidden gems of New York City through a series of online videos. Offbeat locales such as the tombs and catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery and Brooklyn Navy Yard — places likely overlooked by even native New Yorkers — are profiled. (Link courtesy of @fgeorge)



While the sights and sounds of NYC are fascinating, it is the city's more than 8 million residents that bring it to life. Tough Times, a project created by students at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, uses a combination of print stories, Flash, audio slideshows and video to tell the stories of New Yorkers struggling with the current economic crisis.

For example, the harrowing story of Maisha Morales, a single mother from Brooklyn, is detailed in a print story, but her raw emotion emerges from the accompanying video. A thoughtful analysis of Morales' situation is explained in an easy-to-navigate Flash infographic.



Local publication amNY also has a comprehensive collection of interactive photo slideshows and video, including "Young and Muslim in NYC," a series of video interviews complemented by traditional print stories.



Of course, one cannot discuss multimedia in New York City without mentioning the New York Times. The new media powerhouse is known for its captivating projects that explore global and national issues, but some of its most intriguing are those that focus on the city itself.

One such example is One in 8 Million, a series of audio slideshows that explore the lives of average New Yorkers. Stories include those of Melissa Dixson, a painter turned taxidermist and Christian Hubert, a bicyclist who suffers from vertigo.



The project is reminiscent of the Going to the End of the Line photo story featured in this post. The project focused on stations at the end of train lines where most commuters never venture.

The Water Dance, another photo slideshow from the New York Times, takes a simple, often overlooked moment and visualizes it as a metaphor for humanity. The result is one of the most captivating multimedia pieces to emerge this year.



One point should remain clear: While New York attracts creative minds from all over the world, the city does not have a monopoly on multimedia journalism. Large papers like the New York Times may have vast resources, but compelling multimedia projects can be created by anyone anywhere.

Have a multimedia story or project you're proud of? Share it in the comments and it just might be featured here on 10,000 Words.


Also on 10,000 Words:

• Multimedia: Chicago, in Color
• Innovative multimedia centered on the ordinary and everyday
• Exploring the human body through multimedia
• Great online journalism from non-traditional journalists
• Museums as Inspiration: Museum of Modern Art

Labels: audio, flash, maps, photos, video

A news story that will make national or international headlines is breaking. Quick...what do you do? If you don't have already have a game plan for how to report a crisis online, now's the time to start making preemptive plans. Most newsrooms already have reporters to turn to for print stories and broadcast news coverage, but here are few multimedia components to consider so the internet audience is informed as well.

Maps

The first multimedia component that should be added to a breaking news story is a map that shows exactly where the incident occurred. This can be as simple as a computer-generated map created with Illustrator or mapping software, like the one included in this BBC News story to illustrate where Burma and its 2007 protests took place. Or it could be an uncomplicated Google Map like the one adjacent to a Record story on a bear attack.



Interactive Google map mashups can be created fairly quickly with a number of online programs, the easiest of which is likely FM Atlas. Addresses and locations can be plotted on a map and made ready to embed within minutes. Just be sure to verify the location before posting it online to avoid the Georgia/Georgia screwups that happened last year.


Flash animation/timeline

If a major catastrophe occurs, people want to know how it happened. A very basic interactive graphic or even a flat infographic should be built to better internet readers understanding of the crisis. Examples include washingtonpost.com's interactive explanation of the 2007 Minneapolis bridge collapse and the Press & Sun Bulletin's illustration of last week's Binghamton shooting. Flash graphics can be overwrought and complicated if you allow them to be, but sometimes it just takes a simple illustration to communicate a story. The interactive can be embellished later when time is less of a factor.



Audio slideshow

As disasters occur, telling photos come streaming in from staff photographers or from wire services. Creating an audio slideshow that combines these photos with raw or edited audio collected by field reporters is a fast way to showcase both the story and the emotion behind it. Also, interactive slideshows are often the most popular stories on any news site.

A simple slideshow, with or without audio, can be created using a pre-existing template or with slideshow maker Soundslides. Examples include Reuters' slideshow of reporter David Gray's response to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and its recent encapsulation of the Italian earthquake.



Resources

Once readers are informed of how a disaster happened, it's up the news outlet to provide resources to victims and their families. Post-Hurricane Katrina, MSNBC put together message boards and useful links, as well as comprehensive list of ways readers could donate to relief efforts. In the midst of the fires that raged through California, the Los Angeles Times created a Google map of evacuation centers that showed exactly where victims could go for help.



Landing page

Most importantly, all the print stories, multimedia, interactive graphics and blog posts should be aggregated on one page to serve as a single destination for those looking for information related to the crisis. Not only does a landing page make content easily accessible but it makes the hunt for the latest news less of a struggle when time may be a factor.


Also on 10,000 Words

• 5 Ways to create a Google Map in minutes
• How to save time when using Flash
• How the internet is changing how natural disasters are covered
• Landmark moments in citizen journalism
• 7 Eye-popping interactive timelines (and 3 ways to create one)
• How to quickly track natural disasters online

Labels: audio, flash, maps, photos, site management

Online photo slideshows are an increasing popular tool by online news sites to illustrate news stories and showcase their best photography. Photo slideshow creators like Soundslides and other online alternatives make creating them easier, but not necessarily better. Here are some of the common pitfalls to avoid:


1. Too many or too few photos

Too many photos crammed into one slideshow usually means each photo only appears for a second or two, barely enough time for the viewer to take each one in. Too few photos means each photo remains on screen way too long, making the slideshow feel drawn out and boring. Avoid either extreme by editing the narration or selecting only the most relevant and necessary photos. Two to three minutes in length is best. Any longer risks losing the viewers attention.


2. Unmatched photos

If the subject is discussing their cat, don't show a duck. If they are describing a sad time in their life, don't show a photo from their bachelor party. Like in broadcast news packages, the photos that appear should reflect what the subject is discussing. More commonly, some slideshows will use an interview as narration, but won't visually identify the person who is speaking until midway through the slideshow, if at all. Whenever possible, include a photo of the speaker at the beginning of their talk so the viewer knows who is speaking.


3. No captions

A pretty picture is just that without identification of what is happening in the photo. Write clear and concise captions for each photo, including the people, places or things being shown and the photographers' names, to take the guesswork out of viewing a slideshow.


4. Awkward transitions

The voice of the narrator is saying something poignant and yikes! the photo has changed mid-sentence or mid-thought. Soundslides and some other slideshow editors allow the user to adjust the length of each slide. If the slideshow has narration, tweak each slide to fade in or out during natural pauses and breaks to lessen the chance for awkward transitions.


5. Overpowering music

Many slideshow editors add royalty-free music to their projects to support the narration and heighten the drama. Unfortunately, because many forget to adjust audio levels, the music drowns out the narrator or interviewee. Use a sound editing program like Audacity or similar programs to edit the audio before it is added to the slideshow and ensure that what's important — the human voice — isn't being overshadowed.


Also on 10,000 Words:

• Move over Soundslides: 4 Free online slideshow creators
• 9 Telltale signs of amateur video
• 30 Amazing photoblogs (and a few tips for creating one)
• How to create, edit and embed audio for free

Labels: audio, photos

The photo slideshow has revolutionized online journalism and can be seen on nearly every major news site. Many are created in Flash and many more are created using the popular program Soundslides. The problem is building slideshows in Flash can be daunting for the non-technical reporter and Soundslides, while extraordinarily simple to use, costs money. Because many newsrooms face financial difficulty, journalists must cut corners where they can.

In that spirit, the following free online slideshow creators allow the user to blend photos and audio to create embeddable slideshows without spending money on software. Each slideshow was created with the same seven photos (source) and 30-second audio clip. Which one is best? You be the judge.

PhotoPeach

How easy was it? Very. PhotoPeach's Java-based uploader and drag-and-drop interface make creating slideshows a breeze. However, users must use audio that currently exists on YouTube, meaning you can theoretically host your audio on YouTube and then search for it. But because the audio is not synced with the actual slideshow, if the viewer were to pause the audio would continue.

Joggle

(slideshow autoplays, click to view embedded version)



How easy was it? Joggle's interface isn't very intuitive and takes a minute to get used to. Fundamentally, the user uploads photos, audio or video and arranges them into a slideshow. The result looks amazing, but the embedded slideshow a) lets the users toggle the speed of the presentation b) autoplays the audio which is a sure way to drive users crazy and c) plays the audio on a loop. Joggle is still in beta, so hopefully some of those quirks will eventually be corrected.

Flowgram

How easy was it? By far the simplest and most user-friendly slideshow creator of those reviewed. The upload and arrangement was much like a friendly customer service agent helping the process along. Flowgram has many features other online slideshow creators don't: the ability to set individual times for each photo, synced audio that can be uploaded by the user and an uncomplicated drag-and-drop layout. Users can also record audio directly into the slideshow.

The only two qualms are that the resulting widget didn't show the uploaded photos (kind of important) so another working slideshow was embedded as a demo. Also, there is no way to add captions (Flowgram does offer a notes feature, but it is very bulky), but this can be circumvented by adding captions in an image editing program.

Animoto

How easy was it? Too easy. Animoto bills itself as "the end of slideshows" and while the creation process is quick and painless, it's mostly because the online tool does the customization for you. Instead a simple fade-in and fade-out, Animoto "feels" each photo and creates a visually dazzling slideshow based on the audio you provide. While this is great for the casual slideshow maker, professional journalists may not find this tool quite as useful.


And there you have it. The aforementioned tools may not be a replacement for Soundslides, but they do the trick. For innovative alternatives to the photo slideshow, check out Vuvox and Capzles, two sites for presenting slideshows in timeline form. For tips on what makes a great photo slideshow, check out this Poynter column.


Also on 10,000 Words
• How to create, edit and embed audio for free
• 7 Eye-popping interactive timelines (and 3 ways to create one)
• Where to find the best in Flash journalism
• 5 Ways to create a Google Map in minutes

Labels: audio, photos

The internet is full of places for graphic designers to find inspiration, but where are sound designers to go to be inspired? Right here, of course. The following songs combine lush instrumentation, complex arrangements and, in some cases, avant-garde editing to create evocative pieces that tell a story, sometimes without words. Close your eyes and take a listen:

1. "Frontier Psychiatrist," by The Avalanches

Frontier Psychiatrist is nearly five minutes of nonsensical audio clips taken from a movie, strung together and layered on top of a driving beat. The magic is that in all of its insanity, everything still works together.

2. "ROAR! (Cloverfield Overture)," by Michael Giacchino

Moviegoers were divided over Cloverfield upon its release, but any audiophile will appreciate the thunderous piece that helped drive the film and gave the monster its bite.

3. Symphony No. 9; 4th Movement (Ode to Joy), Beethoven

The original music maestro's orchestration is at times delicate and sweet and at others grandiose and triumphant. The greatest achievement of the song is conveying a sense of might and power without a single word (that is, until the chorus kicks in).

4. "The Diva Dance," by Inva Mula-Tchako/Eric Serra

Tchako's acrobatic soprano is sure to spark a debate: Is she actually singing those seemingly impossible notes or was the performance digitally altered? While a close listen supports the latter opinion, the filmmakers insist that it was not.

5. "Dora the Explorer" (Baltimore remix)

A harmless children's television theme is chopped up and given a thumping bass line, transforming the innocent song into something completely different (listen to the original here).

6. "Overture," by DeVotchKa

The indie fave band gives Danny Elfman's original composition for The Nightmare Before Christmas an injection of Eastern European flavor on the recently released "Nightmare Revisited" album. Listen with headphones and you will hear each weird and wacky instrument clearly, though there are many to listen for.

7. "Hot Lunch Jam," Fame: Original Soundtrack

The kinetic energy of the 1980 film is epitomized in this disco-funk jam that starts with a simple drum beat and crescendos into layer upon layer of electrifying sound.

8. "Tonight, Tonight" by The Smashing Pumpkins

The operatic tone of "Tonight, Tonight" is cinematic and moving, even without the haunting vocals of frontman Billy Corgan.

9. "United State of Pop," mixed by DJ Earworm

The top 25 songs of 2007 are mixed into one seamless track. It's hard to tell whether this should be attributed to DJ Earworm's masterful mixing skills or the homogenization of modern pop music.

10. "Rhapsody in Blue," George Gershwin

Gershwin's 1924 jazz/classical instrumental composition was given a narrative courtesy of Disney's Fantasia, but as a solo piece, its highs and lows create a musical landscape that gives the listener's imagination a platform to run wild.

Labels: audio

Many multimedia and video journalists require ambient music for their projects, but truly free royalty-free music and sound effects are hard to come by. Most companies charge hefty one-time prices to use their products, which usually puts them out of the price range of the average financially-challenged media outlet.

Incompetech has a host of royalty-free music available, though donations are accepted. Flash Kit also has both sound loops and sound effects available for download.

Another option is to use public domain music, or music that falls outside of copyright protection. Public Domain 4U has a lot of public domain MP3s available (mostly jazz/blues), while Musopen has a large selection of classical music for immediate download.

Sound FX hunters will find both Soundsnap, with its user-friendly search interface, and FindSounds, with its preview waveforms, two of the best online resources for sounds. Mac users can also make use of GarageBand's sound effects library. For more resources, check out Hongkiat.com's 55 great websites to download free sound effects or this list of additional resources.

There is a prevalent myth among audio-seeking journalists that any piece of music, copyrighted or not, can be used freely as long as the clip is under 30 seconds. This is, in most cases, untrue and opens the user and company up to potential lawsuits. The best approach is to stick with the music and sound effects that are explicitly free.

For a quick history of what makes a great, iconic sound, check out mental_floss' 17 Most Recognizable Trademarked Sounds.


Also on 10,000 Words:

• How to create, edit and embed audio for free
• 9 Tips for recording audio for the web
• How to record audio that doesn't take hours to edit

Labels: audio

1. Panedia

Panedia has combined two great online technologies — panoramas and maps — to create an annotated virtual tour of some of Australia's most beautiful sites.

2. terraSound

TerraSound has found another great multimedia combination — this time maps and sound — to create the sense of a walking down a city's sidewalk while monitoring your position on a map.

3. Twitter Weather Map

The weather map parses tweets about climates in the United States and with a little bit of math displays the information on a simple map.

4. 2itch

2itch answers a simple question "What is open 24 hours a day in my neighborhood?" with an interactive Google maps mashup.

5. Ride the City

New Yorkers who prefer two wheels to taxis and trains can input their starting and stopping points and get the safest route for biking through the Big Apple.

6. World News Map

While there are several sites that display current news on a map, maplandia.com displays geotagged news going back to 2005, which is an impressive feat.

7. Olympic medalists map

If you're still in Olympics withdrawal, this comprehensive map of the hometowns of Olympic medalists around the world should do the trick.

8. OnionMap

Many maps may be mind-blowing, but at the same time are also mind-numbingly flat. OnionMap puts a new angle on things by showcasing a map that is both visually striking and, through its search features, incredibly useful.

9. Breaking News Map

Another news map, except this one has filters for viewing particular topics such as business, politics or entertainment.

10. 08 DNC Events

To all the journalists hanging around Denver this week for the Democratic National Convention, be sure to take a little time to enjoy yourself by attending any of the mapped events held this week in The Mile-High City.




And the 3 ways to create them:

1. UMapper

UMapper has a simple interface for creating map mashups and allows for importing data feeds as well as creating lines, labels and shapes. The finished map can be exported to Flash ActionScript 3.0 or KML.

2. Yahoo! MapMixer

Now that maps are all over the internet, it's time to bring some uniqueness to the party. MapMixer is a simple way to overlay an existing map on top of a Yahoo! Map, thus giving an image the functionality of a map mashup.

3. map a list

The latest in mashup technology lets users create a map from a Google Spreadsheet. And, like the best things in life, the service is free.


Also on 10,000 Words
• 5 Ways to create a Google Map in minutes
• 10 Mind-blowing maps (and 3 ways to create them)
• How to create a Google Map in about 30 minutes
• 8 Beautifully Designed Maps

Labels: audio, database, maps

Covert Camcorder Spy Sunglasses
Brickhouse Security | $299.95

These shades were made for spyin' and that's just what they'll do. But don't let the "spy" part dissuade you. These beefed up Oakley-style sunglasses can record first person perspective video so the world can be seen through your (or someone else's) eyes.



Bluetrek Levis Bluetooth Headset
Wireless Ground | $79.95 (On sale for $64.95)

This Bluetooth headset's dog tag look is a lot more stylish than others in the market, yet it still offers 7 hours of talk time and more than 10 days of standby time.




120 Tri-lens Stereo Camera
3D World | TBD

This three-lensed camera takes stereoscopic images that create the illusion of 3D photographs. Perfect for the photographer looking to give his or her work a little punch.





Olympus Waterproof Digital Camera
Amazon | $348.95

The waterproof camera is perfect for capturing those splashy summer photos and be used year-round wherever water is involved. According to the manufacturer the camera is also shockproof, freezeproof, and sand/dustproof and can be used underwater up to 10 feet/3 meters.



Snowflake Mobile Professional Microphone
Blue Microphones

The professional grade cardioid mic connects to your computer through USB port which makes it especially useful for recording podcasts or VoIP. The Snowflake is plug and play and greatly reduces the need for cords and other clutter.


Also on 10,000 Words:

• 7 Gadgets for the eccentric journalist
• 6 Must-have gadgets for journalists
• Inexpensive gadgets for backpack journalists

Labels: audio, photos, video

The recent launch of Apple's App Store means millions of iPhone users will have hundreds of handy applications available at their fingertips. Many of these apps make it easier bloggers and reporters to work on the go. For those that don't have an iPhone, perhaps it's time to considering purchasing one.

1. SpeakEasy Voice Recorder

Average Rating: 3 Stars Price: $4.99

From the developer: Record and playback notes, reminders, or just about anything from your iPhone's built-in microphone. SpeakEasy gives you a recording studio that fits into your pocket. Intuitive and fun, SpeakEasy is the premier voice recorder for your iPhone.

• Record voice memos, reminders, lectures, meetings, or anything you wish.
• Add a title, comments, or even a photo from your photo library or camera while recording.
• Group and organize your recordings by category.
• Interruption protection lets you pick up and continue your recording after a phone call interruption.
• Pause and continue recording with a single touch.
• Playback and quickly scan your recordings with the touch slider.

2. Writing Pad

Average Rating: 4 Stars Price: Free

From the developer: Store notes and send email using ShapeWriter on your iPhone. ShapeWriter is a revolutionary text input technology that enables you to enter text into the iPhone by tracing word shapes rather than typing letters. Each shape traced on the soft keyboard with your finger is recognized as a word. Error correction is fast and easy. For rare names and acronyms, type only once and you will be able to shape write the next time. Shape writing is many times more efficient than letter-based handwriting recognition.

3. WordPress

Average Rating: 3½ Stars Price: Free

From the developer: Robust but simple to use, the WordPress for iPhone Open Source application allows you to create and edit content on your WordPress blog(s) with support for offline use. The app includes the following features:

• Support for WordPress.com blogs and self-installed WordPress blogs (version 2.5.1 and higher)
• Embedded Safari for true previews of posts
• Full support for tags and categories
• Photo support for both camera pics and library photos
• Support for multiple blogs
• Ability to password protect a post, save as draft, or mark for later review
• Auto-recovery feature recovers posts interrupted by phone calls

4. TypePad

Average Rating: 3½ Stars Price: $4.99

From the developer: Update your blog and share pictures with the world from wherever you are with TypePad. Built to connect with the award-winning TypePad blogging service, TypePad for iPhone and iPod touch enables you to...

• Write new posts for your blog in just a few seconds.
• Post photos to your blog from your iPhone's camera or photo albums.
• Alert your friends when you post to your blog by automatically updating Twitter.

With TypePad on your iPhone or iPod touch, you can share your ideas and photos as they happen, from wherever you are. And since it integrates with TypePad on your desktop, you get all the great features of the world's premier blogging service.

5. Twitterific

Average Rating: 3½ Stars Price: Free

From the developer: A fun application that lets you read and publish posts (called "tweets") on the Twitter social network. Stay connected with friends, family, and co-workers through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

6. Kyte Producer

Average Rating: 3½ Stars Price: Free

From the developer: Use your iPhone to instantly share photos and slideshows with your friends on Myspace, Facebook, or any website, blog or mobile phone.
Instantly broadcast pictures as you take them, or create slideshows from your iPhone's picture gallery. You can even chat with your audience in real-time!

7. EverNote

Average Rating: 3½ Stars Price: Free

From the developer: Evernote helps you remember everything from your real and digital life using whatever device or platform you find most convenient.

Evernote for iPhone is part of the Evernote service. With it, you can take notes, snap photos, create to-do lists. and record audio. Everything is seamlessly synchronized with the web, and made available across all the devices and platforms you use, including iPhone, Evernote for Mac, Evernote Web, and Evernote for Windows.
Snap photos of any thing from whiteboards to business cards to wine labels, and Evemote will make the text within those images searchable.

Need something from last week or last year? Evernote instantly connects to the Evernote web service so you can get what you need. Find what you're looking for by searching or filtering by tag, date, location. and more.

8. NetNewsWire

Average Rating: 3 Stars Price: Free

From the developer: NetNewsWire is an RSS reader for iPhone — you can read news from the millions of weblogs and sites that publish RSS feeds.
Because NetNewsWire syncs with all of NewsGator's free RSS readers, if you read an item on your iPhone, you don't have to read it again on your Macintosh or other computer. It's automatically marked as read everywhere.
You can also save items for later via the Clippings feature, and any item you clip is available on your other computers. It's an easy way to save something to read when you have more time.

9. Jott for iPhone

Average Rating: 3 Stars Price: Free

From the developer: Jott for iPhone is the ultimate mobile notepad that turns your voice into notes. Capture your to-dos as quickly as you can say" Get strawberries for dessert. "We transcribe your voice into text and place the resulting notes in your lists. When you complete items, just cross them off with a swipe of your finger.

All of your lists are backed up on Jott.com, where you can manage them when you are at your computer. For existing Jott customers, your lists and notes will load after you've downloaded the app (may take a minute if you have a lot).

10. Lonely Planet

Average Rating: 2½ Stars (Spanish) to 4½ Stars (Vietnamese) Price: $4.99

From the developer: Want to never be at a loss for words, no matter where you are in the world? With your iPhone, and a little help from Lonely Planet, you'll have the local lingo licked.

Lonely Planet, the world's leading travel company, now offers its 10 most popular phrasebooks in downloadable audio format, specially tailored to make the most of your iPhone. Don't just skim the surface on your next trip; with 530 spoken (and phonetically written) phrases in each guide, you can shop, socialise and shout like a native.





And a few worth copying by other news organizations...

Fox News UReport

Average Rating: 3 Stars Price: Free

From the developer: FOX News wants you to report the news. The uReport Application for iPhone allows you to do just that. You can easily take or select pictures of news happening around you and send them directly to FOX News Channel from your iPhone. If we determine your submission is newsworthy, your photo could appear online or even on air!

MLB.com At Bat

Average Rating: 3 Stars Price: $4.99


From the developer: MLB.com At Bat from MLB.com, the official site of Major League Baseball, delivers real-time scores and in-game video highlights of every game directly to your iPhone.

You'll get each highlight moments after the play happens so you never miss the important action. The application will automatically detect your network and play video encoded for either EDGE/3G or Wi-Fi bitrates. MLB.com At Bat will provide this breakthrough service for the remainder of the 2008 season - including playoffs and World Series. It's a whole new ballgame!

Now Local

Average Rating: 3 Stars Price: Free

From the developer: NowLocal is the best way to find news that's happening around you. Using the iPhone's location services, NowLocal automatically delivers you news from the best local sources, wherever you are. So as you move from place to place, it's easy to quickly check what's going on around you.




For more news iPhone news apps, click over to Mindy McAdams.

Labels: audio, blogging, mobile, photos, rss, social networking

As part of the "Multimedia Shootout" held at this week's UNITY conference, I created a project called "Chicago, in Color" aimed at celebrating diversity in Chicago. I knew the obvious story would be to go to Chinatown and barbershops to interview local residents, but I wanted to give a voice to those who couldn't speak for themselves: the monuments and statues of the Windy City. The entire project was created in a span of 48 hours.





Here's how I did it. There was no easily accessible existing resource on Chicago public art so I went to Flickr and searched for "Chicago statues" and "Chicago monuments." I whittled down the list to four: The Chicago Mural, The Spearman/The Bowman, Benito Juárez and Willie Dixon's Blues Garden. All four are mapped on an interactive Flash map (download FLA here). The accuracy of the map was created by using Photoshop to trace over an existing Google Map which was created in 5 minutes with MapBuilder (download PSD here). The icons were also silhouetted in Photoshop.


1. Chicago Mural

All the photos for the project were taken with an iPhone. Although the mural seems like one seamless photo it is actually several stitched together in Photoshop using layers and the cloning tool. The sliding element was created in Flash (download FLA here) using one of my favorite tutorials from kirupa.com on interactive image panning.


2. The Spearman/Bowman

The rotating effect used in this interactive image was created by taking one photo at a time with the iPhone and taking a step to the left or right to create the intervals. Because the photos didn't line up accurately, all of them were layered on top of each other in Photoshop (download PSD here) and resized and color corrected to ensure continuity. All the photos were then imported into Flash and distributed over several keyframes (download FLA here).



3. Benito Juárez

The Flash slideshow of the Mexican leader was perhaps the easiest facet of the project. The photos were taken with the iPhone, only one of which was (badly) color corrected, and uploaded into Flash (download FLA here). The audio was recorded with a $450 Olympus recorder in an empty room in my hotel, but could have just as easily been done with an El Cheapo recorder. The track was edited for pauses, ums and ahs in about ten minutes using Adobe Audition.


4. Willie Dixon's Blues Garden

The backlighting in this photo project could have been corrected with a more high end camera, but one was not available so I simply used the same technique I had used for The Spearman...click, step, click, step. The photos were also aligned in Photoshop and imported into a simple Flash slideshow (download FLA here). The music (and this is a big NO NO) was stripped from YouTube using online file converter Zamzar. It was then edited in Audition and uploaded into Flash. This is a likely violation of copyright law (even though the clip is less than 30 seconds), but in this case was only used for demonstration and will likely be pulled some time in the very near future.


Design

The design was created in Photoshop and exported as one big background image with a hole for the Flash projects (a big design no no, but less time-consuming than coding the necessary CSS). The menu on the right is actually a Flash project with transparent buttons overlaid on top of the Photoshopped background (download FLA here). The whole thing was cobbled together in Dreamweaver.


Needless to say, this was the only project of its kind submitted for the Multimedia Shootout which was both a blessing and a curse. The project, which mirrors what a mainstream news outlet is likely to produce, stood out from the other 20 entries that were simply slideshows or video. I acknowledge that everyone doesn't have such a varied skilled set, but this type of project can be put together with the right team and the right tools.

Labels: audio, flash, maps, photos

1. Use the correct microphone (ex: cardioid, omnidirectional, unidirectional).

2. Take notes for reference to ensure quicker editing.

3. Don't talk over your subject.

4. Use headphones!

5. Expensive doesn't always mean best when it comes to recorders.

6. Leave the noisy jewelry at home.

7. Hold the mic 6 inches from the speaker.

8. Wind is your enemy.

9. Garage Band and Audacity are your friends. Your free friends.

Labels: audio

In a continuation of 12 Useful online tools for journalists, here are 12 more tools for getting the job done.


Gcast
Computer-free podcasting

Who needs thousand of dollars in equipment (okay maybe hundreds) to record a podcast, when Gcast lets anyone record a podcast by calling a toll-free number on their phone? The recording isn't exactly broadcast quality, but it is useful for recording in the field.


Listen and Write
Improve note-taking

In the last post, Learn2Type was suggested as a means of improving typing skills. Well once you have the keyboard mastered, it's time to visit Learn and Write and practice recording skills while listening to actual news stories.


wikirage
Find out what's going on

Wikirage lists the pages in Wikipedia that are receiving the most edits per unique editor over various periods of time, according to the site. This means journalists can find out what's popular (or controversial) on the web and the world without leaving our cubicles.


Urban Dictionary
Speak the lingo

Language changes all the time and if you're covering teens and preteens, or just very cool adults, Urban Dictionary will help in translating those unheard of words. The dictionary was especially useful in helping a former editor understand the word homothug and whether it should be used in print.


Tablefy
Compare data

Tech savvy journalists love a good Excel spreadsheet, but if more of us use Tablefly, a useful tool for comparing one or more things to each other, then Excel may go the way of the dinosaur.


Alerts.com
Manage appointments

The free service makes it easy to juggle multiple appointments with sources, editors or whomever, by sending alerts directly to you by email, phone or text. The site can also send traffic and weather alerts, baseball scores and gas prices, or updates about your favorite websites.


Hey!Spread
Video distributor

Journalism is all about getting as many eyes on a story as possible. Hey!Spread makes it easier with their tool for distributing video to almost 20 different video hosts, including YouTube, Google Video and DailyMotion. P.S. It's not free.


SimplyNoise
Block out distractions

Newsrooms can be a noisy, raucous affair that makes it difficult to concentrate when writing a story. The white noise generator from SimplyNoise will block out your surroundings with just a slide of a little orb.


FindSounds
Find sounds (yes, it's that simple)

Producers, especially those in radio and multimedia, will appreciate this online search tool for finding all the booms, clicks, bangs and dings that make audio projects sing.


eufeeds
Stay in touch with the world

Eufeeds is a one-stop shop for finding out what newspapers around the world are reporting. Its front page can be used for quick scanning and reference or click one of the almost 30 countries to read several of its newspapers at once.


The Alphabetizer
Sort your lists

The aptly named Alphabetizer takes any lists and sorts in alphabetically in just a few seconds.


Time and Date
Distance calculator

Journalists, present company included, love to say this place is about X miles from this place. Instead of pulling out a ruler and map, use Time and Date's distance calculator to get a more accurate number. The calculator came in handy in this post when determining the distance between England and Israel.


And one bonus tool:

Tell Zell
Resignation form creator

For our colleagues at Tribune Co. properties, including the Los Angeles Times, this handy form will let you craft your resignation letter with just a few drop down menus. This would be hilarious if the situation wasn't so dire.

Labels: audio, site management, video

The Brooklyn Museum is as traditional a museum as museums go (though one could argue that the work of artist Takashi Murakami currently on display is far from traditional). But much like journalism, another age-old institution, this museum is embracing the mobile phone and other new technology to heighten the experience of its visitors.

In the past one could meander haplessly through the halls, gawking at art and artifacts with no more understanding of each work than what was written on a tiny placard. Now, some of those placards have a cell phone icon and a number to dial that provides even more information about a particular exhibit.


At the Brooklyn Museum, visitors can call (718) 352-9589 and enter the item number displayed near the artwork (e.g. 12 corresponds to the intricate work "Flower Matango") and listen to either the artist (in this case Murakami) or a curator discuss the piece. The best part is museum guests are allowed to leave comments on the phone system as they navigate through its halls.

It is true that other museums have special listening devices, but most can only be used in that particular location. Making the audio available by phone means that any of the billions of cell phone users worldwide can access the additional information. The theory is similar to creating a multimedia project that only works in Firefox. Sure, a large percentage of users can access the content, but those that can't aren't exactly willing to download a new browser just to view the one site.


Other multimedia features of the museum include video incorporated into the exhibits through the use of high definition televisions and computers strategically placed around the museum for visitors to leave comments. At last check, one computer had 474 comments, an impressive number for any institution, whether it be a museum or online news site.


Also on 10,000 Words:
• Museums as Inspiration: Museum of Modern Art
• Museums as Inspiration: California Science Center

Labels: audio, mobile

Maps, video and geotagging are all coming together at Seero, a new video mapping site that aggregates citizen journalist-created video on a Google Map. Users can submit their geotagged video for archiving or broadcast it live. Casual visitors can browse video from all over the world, including footage of the Wailuku River in Hawaii and the Taj Mahal in India. The site is a little sparse right now, but shows great promise.

GPSed is also making use of geotagging by facilitating a place where users can upload photos onto a Google Map that corresponds to the exact location it was taken. A series of photos creates a mapped chronological line of the course of travel that others can later follow. Use of the site requires a GPS-equipped mobile device such as a Blackberry or Windows Mobile smartphone.


If you haven't had enough of geotagging, MetaCarta takes stories from news sources like Reuters and the Associated Press and plots them on an interactive Google Map. Clicking a link in the map markers directs users to a full version of the story with a small inset map of locations mentioned in the story. MetaCarta also suggests stories within the same region or of similar interest. Stories can be searched for by moving the map around or entering a specific location or keyword.

Geotagging stories is a growing trend in journalism, though honestly I have yet to completely wrap my head around the process. Click here for a primer on geotagging and be sure to read this thought-provoking editorial by Martin Stabe that questions the ethics of the process.

Away from the visuals and onto the audio. MyVox's API makes it less complicated for developers to integrate user-generated audio onto a map. Its Voice Map application lets users create a map and then provides a call-in number to add voice recordings to each marker(click here for a demonstration).

Lastly, the Static Map Wizard allows for creation of a Google Map without the need for messy JavaScript. Customizing the map only takes a few steps and the result is a map that can be embedded into any web site with just an URL and an <img> tag. A Google Map API key is required to embed the map and be obtained here.


This post is the third in a five-part series on maps. Previously: Exploring the Earth, Tracking down criminals with crime maps

Labels: audio, maps

At its inception, I admittedly was not a fan of the podcast (more specifically, the once common practice of posting a couple of mp3s online and calling it a multimedia page). But now that multimedia journalism is diversifying, it's time to take those podcasts to the next level.


An estimated 18.5 million people downloaded a podcast in 2007 and that number will jump 70 percent in 2008, according to a February eMarketer study. That's a lot of potential listeners. For the uninitiated, Podcasting News has a great primer on what a podcast is and how it works. Newbies who don't have access to podcasting equipment such as a microphone, headphones and software can purchase a podcasting kit from Urban Outfitters for $120 or from zZounds for $99.95.

Recording a podcast, doesn't have to mean sitting in front of a computer or in a recording studio. Sites like BlogTalkRadio, Gabcast and Yodio make it simple to record podcasts from the field using a cell phone. This is ideal for conversing with subjects who can't make it to the newsroom or podcasting from a live location such as a press conference or convention.

It's also easy to record interviews or conversations over the phone for inclusion in the podcast. You can use a gadget that will record landline phone calls or, if you are a Skype user, use Call Graph to record and save calls as mp3s. The free software indexes calls in a user-friendly way that makes tracking them down later a breeze.

Podcasters with an existing listener base will appreciate the services of K7. The site lets users call in and leave voice messages which can then be included in future podcasts. It's a unique way for integrating interactivity in what is often a one-way medium.

Odiogo is perfect for those who don't want to bother recording audio or just want a new way to present content on the web. The online service will extract text from an existing RSS feed and convert it to audio, thus making it perfect for audio-inclined visitors.

Finally, if you're looking to increase listenership for your podcast, consider publishing it on iTunes or including it in any of a number of online podcast directories, including Podcast Alley and Podcast.net.

Labels: audio

Of all the skills required of a multimedia journalist my favorite is definitely audio editing. I have been a serious audiophile since I produced my first old timey radio drama in college, so imagine my delight at this demonstration of the stereo effect (listen with headphones). The audio project replicates the feeling of sitting in a barber's chair, including the snip of the scissors and the cringeworthy sound of electric clippers.

While you're not likely to hear elaborate radio dramas anymore, the web does offer a space for providing unique audio experiences to an attentive audience. That being said here are some tips on creating better, more efficient audio projects:

When it comes to free audio editing programs, Audacity, with all its faults, seems to be the industry standard. One of the most obvious flaws is that the program will return an error message if you try to export your file as an mp3. There is, however, a simple download that will nip the problem in the bud. For more Audacity tips and tricks, check out this video tutorial.



Mac users will find that GarageBand will handle their basic audio needs. If you're using Windows, Free Audio Editor and Wavosaur are free software that are simple to download and use. Both allow for quick audio editing of mp3s and is great for chopping down field audio or podcasts when time is an issue.



Once you've got your audio pared down, you need an online player that you can embed in your site. Most major news sites have proprietary or internal audio players, but if your project requires something simple and free without building it in Flash, check out imeem. It's not exactly a YouTube for audio, but it does allow users to upload and embed audio files for free. Check out an example below.

Labels: audio

The handheld video camera is the cornerstone of any multimedia journalist's arsenal and the Sanyo VPC-HD700 is bringing high-definition recording to the party. The small and sleek camera records HD video and doubles as a high-powered still camera. It comes with a remote control, has in-camera editing abilities and saves files to SDHC memory cards. It doesn't have a dedicated audio recording feature, but with a little ingenuity and conversion, that can be resolved. The HD700 is available for $350 at Amazon.

For high-definition video without the HD cost check out the Aiptek A-HD 720P High-Definition camcorder, which retails at Amazon for $134.99. The viewfinder is small and the zoom is not much help compared to other handhelds, but its great for newsrooms on a budget (which is to say, almost everyone).


The Tony Hawk HelmetCam is a tiny camera that can be strapped on to any helmet and is great for capturing elusive action shots (I wish I had one for a project on downhill skateboarding). The compact camera is great for recording from the viewpoint of a staffer and records 640 x 480 video in a range of formats. The HelmetCam is available from Amazon for $30.


With all the useful and cool gadgets available, it may be easy to run out of room in your proverbial backpack. There is, however, always room for the ZRAD Super Mini SPY Cam. The tiny camcorder is about the size of a pack of gum and record up to two hours worth of video on a single charge and can store up to 33 hours of video. The video output is not broadcast quality and is barely web quality, but is useful for capturing spot news on the fly when a larger camera is impractical. The SPY Cam is available from Spy Gadgets for $129 (please refrain from actual spying).





If size is not an issue and pitch perfect, broadcast quality is what you're looking for, look no further than the M-Audio MicroTrack II. The battery operated audio recorder has two-channel WAV and MP3 recording and playback and stores to Compact Flash cards. It records up to four to five hours on a single charge and connects with a USB cable for quick uploading to the web. The recorder also has input jacks for professional and consumer microphones and headphones. The MicroTrack II is available for $300-$500, depending on where you get it from.





Recording phone calls with sources can be a pain, but the Teleport 2.0 makes it a little easier. The gadget connects your telephone to your PC's USB port, and records incoming and outgoing calls. It also keeps a log of calls made and is compatible with any telephone set. The Teleport 2.0 is available for around $70. A friendly reminder from 10,000 Words: remember to check state laws before recording phone calls.


Also on 10,000 Words:

• Crazy gadgets that are (possibly) crazy useful
• 7 Gadgets for the eccentric journalist
• Inexpensive gadgets for backpack journalists

Labels: audio, video

Do you know what a shamisen sounds like? Do you know what it is?

If you don't, this simple multimedia project will help you become more familiar with the banjo-like Japanese instrument.

Have a musical instrument, singer or band that would make an amazing multimedia project? Get it, them, him or her into a recording booth and upload the audio files onto the web or in a Flash project. Create a replica of the instrument or take photos of the musician to make the project come alive.

Now Play It has video tutorials that teach users how to play guitar chords from their favorite songs. The site includes from an impressive lineup of artists like Radiohead, Coldplay and KT Tunstall (who actually does the teaching herself.) The chords are shown in the foreground while the music video plays. You'll be rocking out in no time.

Buckle's virtual drum set is a killer way of learning how all the different sounds come together. The interactive project shows how basic drumbeats are constructed and allows the user to make a few beats of their own with a few clicks of the keyboard.

When you're ready to put it all together, you must check out this fun animated band. Each individual band member can be selected to make a catchy samba tune. The site is in Portuguese, but a língua da música é universal.

Labels: audio, flash

For his "Faces of New York" project, Simon Hoegsberg asked random New Yorkers of different ages, races and genders what they thought about their faces. The results are surprisingly introspective. Said one woman:

Essentially I would say I have made a drastic change the last three years. Age caught up with me. Good times caught up with me. Wild parties caught up with me. And what I see now is a truly aging woman. I no longer see the spontaneous, witty, charming... I see an elderly woman. And I find that difficult, but in a way very freeing.

For "The Thought Project," Hoegsberg stopped 150 strangers on the street over the course of 3 months and asked them what they thinking just before he approached them. The results range from the great mysteries of life to how to score something to eat.

Private and Public is a stunning collection of photographs of passersby taken from the same spot (Marble Arch in London) over the course of a year. The faces are sad, pensive, romantic... and captivating.

Labels: audio, photos, video

Podcasts are popular on many news sites and internet users download them in droves. If you still haven't jumped on the bandwagon, sites like Hipcast have you covered. Hipcast allows anyone to create podcasts (as well as other content) using their computer or telephone. The site is not free, but does offer a 7 day trial.


Podlinez lets podcast fans listen to their favorites on the telephone. Simply enter the podcast feed url and Podlinez produces a number to call and listen. The site already has a existing cache of podcasts/phone numbers, but any podcast can be assigned a phone number in minutes.

TalkShoe reimagines the one way conversation of a podcast and turns into a talk show that anyone can join. Site visitors, other podcasters or sources can join in on the podcast via phone or computer while it is being recorded. The conversation can then be store and played for other listeners.

If you're looking to turn your podcast into a readable document, CastingWords offers podcast transcription for a small fee. Impressively, the service is done by actual humans so you don't receive an illegible mess. The transcripts can be incorporated into the text areas of a site and are especially useful to those who cannot listen to audio, including users who are reading the site at work.

Labels: audio

Most online news sites let readers leave comments on stories, commentary, etc. This interaction allows site visitors to have an interactive discussion with others who are passionate about the story and makes most commenters feel like their voice is being heard. The problem is their voices aren't literally being heard.


Phone services that users can call and speak their mind brings a new dynamic to online interaction. The audio files can be used for podcasts, interactive galleries, and more. Think of it as a radio call in show that doesn't have to be manned. Sites like Ring Central and Access Direct make it easy for anyone to setup an 800 number that can be made public. A phone services is also a great way to get feedback from computer phobes or those who may not have immediate access to the internet. Apple recently used the technology get feedback from iPhone users.

WordPress users also have the option of installing an Evoca widget that lets site visitors use their computer mic rather than a telephone to leave comments. The audio files are stored on Evoca's servers and can be linked to with a bit of HTML code.

Labels: audio

Recording audio with a handheld recorder can be troublesome, especially if you are using the cheap inexpensive kind that are common in most newsrooms. There are ways to improve the quality so that you (or the person who will edit the audio) don't spend hours listening to a hissy, jumbled audio track.


Record in a quiet space

It's tempting to pull out the recorder and just push the red button, but take a minute to listen to the environment. Are there other people talking around you? Can you hear cars rumbling or the sound of small animals? Find a room that is relatively quiet and record there. If there is no room available (i.e. in an outdoor area) find a wall or barrier that blocks out the noise.


Stop talking

Most people are compelled to audibly agree with the subject, adding yeahs, rights and mm-hms that can take away from what the subject is saying. Practice non-verbal cues like nodding your head or smiling or frowning (when necessary).


Use a microphone

Most audio recorders have built-in microphones but the audio quality is noticeably inferior to audio recorded with a microphone. Mics allow for clearer audio and depending on the type of mic used, can effectively record one or more people with little background noise.


Don't fumble

Nothing can ruin good audio like fumbling with the recording device, especially with a handheld recorder. This creates an intense crackling sound that makes that portion of the audio unusable. Instead, place the recorder or mic on a table, pointed directly toward the subject.


Use a windscreen

Wind is the biggest enemy of audio recording. To cut down on its effects, use a microphone with a windscreen (the usually black foam thing on top). If you find yourself windscreen-less, turn your body away from the direction of the wind or — if you have one — place a sock or a similar apparatus on top.


Also on 10,000 Words:

• How to create, edit and embed audio for free
• How to create and share a better podcast
• 9 Tips for recording audio for the web
• How to edit your video online for free or cheap

Labels: audio

So your boss wants you to record a podcast or get on camera and you've got the shakes? No problem. These tips culled from personal experience and the teachings of media trainer/stand-up comic Marilyn Pittman should give you an added boost of confidence.

Stand up
It's amazing how much a person sounds if they are standing up rather than sitting when they talk. Sitting is like speaking from a comfort zone. Standing gives your voice more authority and personality.

Talk to someone
Picture a person that you are reading to: a listener, your grandmother. Pretend you are reading it to the person for the very first time. Your voice will carry the natural intonations of a conversation rather than a script.

Mark it up
Instead of just reading from the script, take a few minutes to indicate where you will place emphasis, pause or stop. Visual cues will help you from turning the page into a run-on sentence.

Breathe
The biggest mistake most speakers make is rushing through the copy. Exhale before you begin. Relish each word as you read it. Take breaths in between sentences. Don't worry, you'll be fine.

Labels: audio