Panopto

Introduction

Panopto Focus is a software based recording solution that has been in testing at UVa since 2008. In the fall of 2012, integration into UVaCollab was introduced in our first public pilot. In 2013, this tool was fully integrated into UVaCollab. You can add the tool to your site if you would like to use it (see Site Info > Edit Tools ).
  

Background - Panopto Focus

Panopto was created by faculty and staff of Carengie Mellon in 2007.   Panopto Focus is being hosted at uva.hosted.panopto.com. Recordings originate and raw files are stored on the local recording PC or Mac computer. The files are then uploaded to the encoding servers at Panopto for processing. Links to the recordings are available through UVaCollab for your class.

Getting Started

1. Install the Panopto Tool
   Panopto is provided as a Tool in UVaCollab. To install the tool select Site Info > Edit Tools > Panopto.
2. Download the Recording Software
   When the Panopto tool is selected, a link to the recording software will be provided. Please select and install the appropriate (Mac or PC) software package on your computer. You only have to do this once per computer. The classroom computers should already have the software installed. By default, instructors and/or administrators are the only people that can record.
3. Scheduling Recording in an ITS-supported Classroom
   Automatic recordings of your class can be scheduled in ITS-supported classrooms with cameras installed. Please contact Classroom Support Administration if you would like to initiate this service. It is not available in all rooms. Once this has been set up (and tested) you should be able to record all of your lectures for the semester without manual intervention. 
4. Manually Recording Sessions
   To record manually, you will start the local recorder software from within your UVaCollab tool, setup the microphone and camera(if present), and press record. You may pause or stop the recording at any time.  For complete recording instructions please refer to the "How To" section of Panopto's excellent support documentation. If a camera is not installed in the room you will be responsible for bringing your own USB web camera/mic for use.
5. Uploading the Recording to the Server
   The recorder can be set up to automatically upload to the server folder for your class. This will be the default for classroom computers. If you are recording to your own computer, please be sure to have a wired connection to the internet for best performance. Unless you erase the raw files from your computer, the files can be uploaded again if there are issues with the encoding session or upload process.
6. Editing your Recordings
   Once your sessions are encoded you may use the web-based editor directly from your folder to edit your recordings. The editor is very simple simple to use.  Again - instructions can be found in Panopto's support documentation.

Getting Help

Panopto's support documentation provides a wealth of resources to learn the product. Local UVA support documentation other than this document does not exist. If you just can't find your answer you can ask Classroom Support Administration.

• Basic Windows Recording (login is automatic if you access the product through UVaCollab)
• Basic Mac Recording
• Basic Editing
• Advanced Editor Usage
• Viewer "How To" Videos

Panopto Focus is a hosted course/knowledge capture solution provided to the UVa Community by ITS. The project was undertaken by the ITS Classroom Support Administration in the hopes that it will be useful to faculty and students in their knowledge acquisition. It is open to all Agency 207 participants. Continuation of the offering is not guaranteed indefinitely. It is our hope that you will find it useful. - Lela Marshall, UVA Classroom Support Team.