Screencast – Screen Recorder 4+

Excellent Functionality at a Great Value

Screen Cast-Screen Recorder is an excellent application. Without any training, I was quickly able to install and start developing a screen cast for my small engineering company. I was able to record my presentation of a powerpoint brief for use by one of my colleagues at an upcoming conference. I prepared two versions of the screencast. The first was an audio version of the brief. I recorded my voice using the display microphone as I presented each slide. As a test, I was also able to use the built-in microphone in my Apple earpods and even with record my voice using the microphone in my older plug-in ear phones. I prepared a second version of the presentation with a audio-video recording of myself. You can place the presenter’s video box anywhere on the screeen and dynamically move it as you record. In both instances, I completed the task seamlessly and was very happy with the result. The file is saved in .mov format and can be shared and stored directly from your desktop. A very nice feature is the ability to adjust the resolution of the saved presentation from 2560 x 1440 down to 1280 x 720 with the additional option of chosing frame rates of 60-15 fps. As you select the resolution, you will immediately see a display of the final file size, ensuring the file is tailored for the appropriate medium. So, in conclusion, without any accessories or instructions, you can be up and runnning in minutes. This application is a bargain.

Great promise, but no delivery

I purchased this specfically to record a training session. Unfortunately, the app appeared to record OK, but would not save files to my Mac and I've heard nothing in response to multiple support messages I sent to the developers. Since I'm a bit stubborn, I finally found a setting in Security & Privacy and granted Screen Recording access to the program and it seems to work now...three days after I needed it. Why can't the developers provide this guidance in their instructions and why can't they respond to a support inquiry during my lifetime?

Developer Response ,

To resolve this issue, please ensure that the following conditions are met:

1) You have enough storage to save the recording. Open Screencast settings to see how much storage is required per minute of recording (it depends on your quality settings).

2) Screencast has permission to record your screen. Open System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Privacy -> Screen Recording and ensure that there is a checkmark next to Screencast.

Additionally, if you would like to record audio, Screencast needs permission to use your microphone. Open System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Privacy -> Microphone and ensure there is a checkmark next to Screencast.

Limited Function

This app is good if it is created by some hobbiest programmer, but no where near practical. I brought it only because it is ARM-native. But the function is too limited so I don't have a reason to use it at all.

For possible buyers please read this:

- If you are looking for a simple way to reocrd the screen, use Quick Time.
- If you are looking for a simple way to record the screen with lower resolution and image quality to save disk space, this app is a good choice.
- If you are looking for a OBS replacement, no, this app is not adequate.
- If you want to record mac internal sound, all software solutions are messy. I actually endup loop the sound back by hardware audio card and this problem is solved.

For developers of this app, here are some feature requests to make it more useful.
- name the monitors instead of using numbers. For example, I don't know what is monitor 3 if I have more than 3 monitors.
- add internal audio recording support if possible.
- If possible, let the user choose 2 sound sources, one for mic, one for speaker.
- add state indicator when the recording is going on. Currently, there is only a time indicator, a indicator for sound level and screen choice is very useful. Imagin I want to record a meeting and I selected the wrong screen. If there is an indicator, I would spot this mistake quickly instead found out I recorded nothing at the end.

Wish you can get better and more useful in the future.

Developer Response ,

We've recently made some improvements that are directly related to your review:
- Improved monitor naming
- Added ability to record system audio (macOS 13 or greater required)
- Mic (or other audio input) and system audio can be recorded at the same time
- Improved the state indicator in the status bar ("R" will be prefixed before time when recording)
- Added a sound level indicator to the recording window

Thank you for your thoughtful and elaborate feedback.