tomwall

As I've mentioned in other posts on this forum, I used a free (non-Debut) screen capture program for a year or so. It had MANY problems, and was difficult to set up for a 16:9 aspect ratio (for youtube). After switching to Debut's free version, I was VERY HAPPY with it's features and lack of problems. It was also very easy to set up and use. I converted to the paid version very quickly, and am continually happy that I did! Their online help is very good (F1), but I've created a video tutorial to help new users. It's part 2B in this series: I'm a VERY satisfied customer!!

I think you'll find there are limitations to most "free" trials. I've been using Debut to record videos for a year or so, and LOVE IT. I used a free competing product before that, that had MANY problems. I made a tutorial on using debut (part was recorded with debut. The tutorials covers most features of Debut. It's part 2B in this series: To record streaming videos, there are some "really" free programs that do that and nothing else.

Try converting it to another format with Prism Video File Converter.

I think you need a more powerful computer. I had a similar fan and CPU temperature problem when rendering or converting the format of videos on my HP Pavilion computer. When I switched to a more powerful HP Envy, all those problems went away. You should replace, rather than upgrade a computer that is more then 4-5 years old. Get advice from apple sales support, not from a store clerk.

Your best option is to use NCH Prism Video File Converter to convert to another format.

If you are using a USB mic, try moving the plug from one jack to another (both USB 2.0, both on computer, not on a hub). The mic box is not clickable if the mic is not recognized (even if it is plugged in).

To prevent future problems, use the WIndows sound window: Right click the speaker icon in the system tray, click "recording devices". Double click your mic, click levels, Raise the slider. (If there's a boost slider, raise the mic slider to the max, try raising the boost slider in steps. I've found that cheap mics may not have sufficient output, so switched to a studio-quality mic with preamp. Also, if you are using a USB mic, plug it into a USB 2.0 (not 3.0) jack on the computer (not on a hub). See the videos in this series that have "mics" in their names:

If you are using a USB mic, unplug it and plug it into another usb 2.0 jack (on the computer, not on a hub), THEN start Debut. You may ALSO need to open the Debut options-audio window, then uncheck and recheck the mic box, then click OK. See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AukqijqSHbU&index=6&list=PLgHiYdbb2tMIQkEQXls8bvaPsLTDQrNFx

Have you checked the destination folder listed in Debut's options-output window? I leave it set to the default, then create a desktop shortcut for easy access. If you are recording very large files, I would definitely recommend using mp4 output format, and a usb 3.0 external hard drive of 4TB (4000 GB) or more. (Costco - $150). Set the destination folder to a folder on the external drive. And, of course, use a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). And you should set the options-record option to create a new recording every hour or less (you'll lose a few seconds each time a new recording starts.)

Two other things to try. Update your video card driver, and disable hardware rendering (use software rendering). Do not update your video driver with the windows screen. Go to the website for your video card to check your version and update the driver if necessary.

After you click screen capture at the top of the Debut window, make sure the item on the popup "follow mouse cursor" is NOT checked. Also, after clicking "select desktop rectangle to capture", make sure "follow mouse cursor" is NOT checked there either.

If you are running out of disk storage for large files, I recommend you get a 4TB (4000 GB) external usb 3.0 hard drive (approx $125 at Costco). Be sure to connect everything to a UPS. And you can move the drive to another computer if you need to.

Mp4 is MUCH BETTER. But, be careful. Some video editors have 2 mp4 output flavors: h.264 AVC mp4, and h.265 HEVC mp4. YouTube does NOT ACCEPT h.265 HEVC mp4. The mp4 output from NCH Prism Video File Converter IS h.264.

Capture ratio: If you are recording full screen, is your monitor resolution 16:9? I frequently use the "draw a selection rectangle" option, and adjust the rectangle length and width to get a 16:9 ratio. When I do that, my youtube videos do NOT have a black border. At approx 12 min. in this video, I demonstrate this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZdXj-Kqm1I&index=5&list=PLgHiYdbb2tMIQkEQXls8bvaPsLTDQrNFx

I've put together a video tutorial for Debut. It covers most, but not all features of Debut. It's Part 2B in this youtube series: