The Panopto software enables you to record anything on the host computer, this means you can capture the PowerPoint you are presenting or simply the desktop. The following page explains how to record using the manual recorder. The process is the same if you are using the manual recorder on a lectern PC or your own device.

The most common use of Panopto here at the University of Birmingham is the recording of a live lecture using a PowerPoint presentation.

We recommend that PowerPoint files are copied to and run from the desktop of the machine, rather than being run from a USB memory stick or network drive when being used with Panopto.

Step 1 - Open the Panopto recorder. If you are recording a lecture, it is recommend that you open this from the Panopto page in the Canvas Course you want the recording to be viewed from. Click the Create button and then Record a new session.

Step 2 - You will promoted to sign into Panopto and then re-directed to login via your browser. Choose the sign in via Canvas option (see below) and then log in using your normal Single Sign-On credentials. Once promoted, choose the 'Open Panopto Recorder' option to start the Manual Recorder.

Step 3 - As a default, Panopto titles each recording with the date and time it starts, you can enter a new title in the Name box if you wish.

Step 4 - Setting Primary Sources for audio and video.

Shown on the left side of the Panopto recorder are the Primary and Secondary Sources. The Primary sources deal with the main audio and / or video captured, whilst the Secondary sources are centred on whether you wish to capture the PowerPoint slides and / or the computer desktop, as well as any video sources.

Step 5 - Setting Primary Video can be done by clicking on the dropdown box. In a centrally managed teaching room you can select the video feed for the required projector (labelled 'SA7160 PCI, Analog 01 Capture' or similar).

Step 6 - Most lecture rooms will have a microphone tagged in the list as Panopto Mic, however this may vary. For centrally-managed rooms the best audio quality is achieved by using the lapel microphone which should be located in the charging cradle. The Audio level is shown in the coloured bar alongside the audio selection once a microphone is selected, ideally the sound should be in the green area of the volume bars

Step 7 - The Secondary Sources denotes what else will be recorded.

Capture PowerPoint

Capture Main Screen

More information on recording the main screen/desktop is available in Unit 2 – Recording Main Screen

You can select more than one source to be captured, each will show up in a separate tab that viewers can select during when viewing the recording. This is covered in more detail in Unit 2 - Recording Additional Video Sources

Step 8 - Click on the Record button to start recording

If you are using TurningPoint with your students and wish to record the session, you need to ensure you have launched TurningPoint before you launch Panopto recorder.

Minimize the recorder and then start your presentation. Don't close the recorder until you are finished.

If at any point during your session you wish to pause the recording, possibly while students are working in a group or there is comfort break in the lecture, you can click the Pause button to temporarily pause the recording process. You can restart it when you are ready.

Step 9 - At the end of recording, click the stop button.

Step 10 - When you have clicked stop you will see a confirmation screen. Click Upload on the confirmation message. The recording will then begin to upload to the Panopto server.

Step 11 - Sign out and close Panopto and log out of the machine, the recording will continue to upload in the background and so there is no need to wait for the upload process to complete.

Manage Recordings tab showing the upload progress of a new recording

Using the manual recorder on a Mac is almost identical. More information can be found on the Panopto Community

Do not shut down the machine as it needs to be on for the recording to upload.

Panopto supports the use of Function keys as shortcuts

F8 Key :Begin recording.
F9 Key: Pause Recording
F10 Key: Stop Recording

Further Support

HEFi Digital Support is available for each college

Guidance on a full range of topics is available from the HEFi Event Capture resource.

If you're still experiencing issues with Panopto you can contact Panopto Support: Email support@panopto.com from your university email address. Panopto support is staffed Monday to Friday 24 hours per day.

HEFi