Screencam
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Screencasting software |
| Predecessor | Lotus ScreenCam, IBM ScreenCam |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | ScreenCam screencasting application |
ScreenCam (previously known as Lotus/IBM ScreenCam) is a screencast application designed for Microsoft Windows that facilitates the creation of software demos, interactive simulations, branched scenarios, and instructional tutorials in the .swf (Adobe Flash) format. It was aimed at users requiring video-based educational content without the necessity for advanced multimedia or video editing skills. ScreenCam offers an intuitive 'VCR-style' user interface and includes functionality to convert Microsoft PowerPoint slides into Flash presentations.
History
Originating in the early 1990s, ScreenCam was among the pioneering commercial screencasting tools and received favorable critiques. It gained traction for delivering streaming screen demonstrations and tutorial content. The software captured screen activity by intercepting Video Procedure Calls (VPCs) in Windows 95 through a proprietary technique, storing these calls to replay actions that closely resembled the original on-screen behavior. This novel capture method played a key role in establishing ScreenCam’s foothold during the era of Windows 95.
Following IBM’s acquisition of Lotus Corporation, ScreenCam saw only minor updates under IBM’s stewardship. A 2003 review in PC Magazine acknowledged its solid performance despite limited compatibility with newer operating systems. However, as Windows evolved, the VPC interception approach became increasingly difficult to maintain due to its invasive nature, and playback fidelity declined when target systems lacked certain fonts or icons. Additionally, the proprietary file format restricted editing flexibility and hindered web integration.
While IBM supported Windows NT 4.0, it eventually withdrew from the screen capture software sector. The ScreenCam trademark was subsequently acquired by SmartGuyz Incorporated, which introduced a revamped edition utilizing periodic captures of screen images and cursor positions combined with an integrated editor. This updated methodology overcame earlier shortcomings and enabled support for modern operating systems alongside easier distribution over the Internet.
Modern version
The latest iteration of ScreenCam enables users to create and modify interactive software demonstrations, simulations, podcasts, screencasts, and program walkthroughs. It performs real-time recording using a proprietary capture method that collects static images while emulating mouse movements to simulate active program operation. By employing Adobe Flash Tweening technology, ScreenCam generates significantly smaller file sizes compared to conventional video compression techniques by simulating cursor motion without relying on full-frame codecs.
The tool allows authors to enhance presentations by inserting interactive elements such as clickable buttons, captions, callouts, graphical overlays, hotspots, and text input fields. Content creators can adjust various aspects including mouse pointer trajectories and timing sequences and develop branching hotspots that link to other sections or external websites. Its interface resembles that of a video editor, offering features for merging, splitting, and removing segments.
ScreenCam supports importing static images and audio files and exports projects into Adobe Flash .swf, .avi, and animated GIF formats. When exporting to .swf, it automatically produces an accompanying .html file to facilitate seamless web publishing. Additionally, it can package an .swf file together with a Flash player into a standalone .exe executable that operates independently of Adobe Flash installation.
Versions
- SmartGuyz ScreenCam 3.6 (December 2012) Introduced compatibility with Windows 7 including the latest service pack and Windows 8, alongside various stability enhancements and bug resolutions.
- SmartGuyz ScreenCam 3 (March 2009) Completely redesigned for Windows Vista and Windows XP (supporting 64-bit versions), featuring SWF7 compatibility, support for exporting large files, an upgraded capture engine, in-application audio dubbing, refined playback controls, enhancements to the word editor, updated cursor and note styles, and a refreshed user interface.
- SmartGuyz ScreenCam 2 (January 2007) Launched a Microsoft PowerPoint add-in that allows automatic recording of slide presentations.
- SmartGuyz ScreenCam 1 (November 2004) The initial release from SmartGuyz offering export functionality to .swf format, graphical timeline editing, and editable 'tweened' cursor recordings.
- IBM ScreenCam for Windows NT 4.0 (November 2004) Released following IBM's acquisition of Lotus.
- Lotus ScreenCam 2.0 for Windows (May 1995) Enhanced compression techniques, integration with Lotus Notes/FX, captioning features, and separate editing capabilities for movies and soundtracks were introduced.
- Lotus ScreenCam 1.0 for Windows (April 1994) The first significant version included in the Lotus 1-2-3 Multimedia suite; it debuted user-friendly VCR-style controls and smooth full-screen capture playback—the first of its kind in the industry.