The Focus Recorder contains features to fine tune your video properties. It is not recommended to modify these settings unless you are experiencing problems with the resolution or quality of your primary video feed.

 Windows Recorder Settings

To start, open the Panopto Recorder and click on the Settings tab at the top of the window.

After clicking this, you will proceed to the basic settings page.

Use Smart Video Capture Resolution Detection

This setting (default is ON) controls the video resolution configured on the primary/secondary video capture device. Smart capture resolution refers to a method of examining every possible output resolution supported by a video device to find and select the one that most closely matches the specified target resolution, without exceeding the target pixel count.  For example, if 1280×1024 is specified for the secondary source target resolution, and your webcam only supports 1280×720 and 1920×1080, you’ll get 1280×720.  If you select a target of 720×576 (“standard”) and your webcam supports 800×480 and 640×480, you’ll actually get 800×480 (because 800*480 = 384000 pixels, which is still less than the target of 720*576 = 414720 pixels).

If you turn off smart resolution detection, we just take the first available output resolution supported by the device, regardless of what you pick.  You could be asking for 1920×1080, but if the device reports 640×480 as its default resolution, that’s what you get even if it supports higher resolutions.

Prefer Primary Capture Device Input Resolution

If the “Smart Video Capture Resolution Detection” setting is unchecked, this setting does nothing. If it is checked, then this specifies the primary/secondary video capture device target resolution described above, as follows:

• Auto (default) – Target resolution is specified by the quality setting selected in the UI.
• NTSC – 720×486
• PAL – 720×576
• 720p – 1280×720
• 1080i/p – 1920×1088

If you are having resolution difficulties on your primary feed, the  “Prefer primary capture device capture resolution” section may be the source of the problem.

– This function is primarily used when you need to override the way a camera input is displayed in the Panopto recorder.  In most cases, the “Auto” selection will detect which setting is best. If you are experiencing problems with this setting, we recommended that you refer to your recording device’s instruction manual to determine your device’s standard resolution type.
– This is especially useful for capture devices that accept multiple video inputs. You will use this function to communicate the desired resolution between the capture device and Panopto Recorder.
– The enable video capture device property page will not work with all cameras. For example, DV or HDV cameras will not make use of this function. This feature is best used with webcams and capture cards/devices.

If all else fails and you still receive a blank video feed, disable the smart video capture resolution detection by un-checking the box. Remember to hit save.

Windows Recorder Advanced Settings

To continue to the other features, click on the tab entitled “Advanced Settings.”

Enabled Video Capture Device Properties Page

The Enable video capture device property pages will allow you to access and change the native settings of your input device directly in the Windows Recorder.

Check this box and hit SAVE in order to activate this feature. Then click back to the “Create New Recording” tab.

If you have a video source selected, you will see a new button with a wrench image inside of it. Clicking this button brings up the device property menu.

Modifying these settings is only recommended for advanced users.

After changing any of the settings on the slider (or checking any of the boxes in the “Auto” column) make sure you click “Apply” so the settings take effect.

The same instructions apply to the next tab titled “Camera Control”

This tab will modify other features of your camera as it is displayed through the Panopto Recorder.

Once again, after changing any of the settings on the slider (or checking any of the boxes in the “Auto” column) make sure you click “Apply” so the settings take effect.

After clicking “Apply” click the “OK” button when you are finished to confirm the changes and return to the “Create New Recording” page.