Create, upload and share your profile and listing videos
To help you get started with creating your own video, we’ve made a list of simple steps you should follow.
Capturing the video
To create your video, you can use any video recording device that is capable of capturing digital video. This includes a camcorder, digital camera, or even some cell phones. Some of the more popular camcorders include the Canon XH A1, Sony Handycam HDR-SR11, Canon Vixia HV30, Canon Vixia HF10, and the Panasonic SDR-H18. The cost of these camcorders ranges from $700 to $3,999.
Video Format and Length
Most devices record in either the .AVI, .MOV or .MPG formats, and we recommend that your movie have a resolution of 640x480 pixels with MP3 audio (if you’ve included music in your video).
Copying the video to your computer
To download your video from your camcorder, you’ll need a direct connection from your camcorder to your computer, either to the USB or FireWire ports. After connecting the camcorder to your computer, you can copy the video to your desktop by using the software which came with your camcorder or by dragging and dropping it using Windows Explorer.
Editing the video
Once you’ve copied the video to your computer, you can edit the video by removing unwanted footage, adding titles, adding music and even special effects. You can edit your movie with the software that came with your camcorder, or you can purchase software such as iMovie or Windows Movie Maker from www.download.com. Once you’ve finished editing your video, you’ll need to save it in one of the following formats: Quicktime .MOV, Windows .AVI, or .MPG.
Uploading the video to HAR.com
To upload your video on HAR.com, you’ll need to login to the HAR Members Only Portal and click on “Member Videos” from the HAR Tools Central. You’ll be able to directly load the video using this tool, and your video will automatically be posted on YouTube. Please make sure to review the guidelines and production tips provided to you before you upload your video.
Video Sharing Sites
After creating your masterpiece and uploading it to HAR.com, you can post it on your personal Web site, your blog, and/or other video sharing websites. A few of the more popular video sharing Web sites include Google Video, MySpace, JibJab, Daily Motion, iFilm, and Reuters.
While these steps will be helpful in creating and uploading your video, the best way to learn is by trial and error. So get your camcorder out and start filming! HAR will look into offering classes in the near future to give you hands-on video training. For now, watch “How to create your own online video” on YouTube.com. Other useful resources include Digital Video for Dummies by Keith Underdahl and Digital Video Essentials: Shoot, Transfer, Edit, Share by Erica Sadun.
