Quick Time March

 

P is for productivity...

As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to write something about how to use a second instance of Quicktime to do multicam recording easily with the new Continuity Cam setup.  Here's some brief instructions on how to achieve that.  Typed commands are in italics.  

1. Open Terminal.   Press return at the end of each line:

    cd ~/Desktop

    nano SecondQuicktime  

    This will open up the Nano editor with a file named SecondQuicktime.  

2. At the top type the following: #!/bin/bash

    Press enter twice.  

    Then, type the following:  -n -a /System/Applications/QuickTime\ Player.app

    Press ctrl+X and then Y and then return to exit.  

3. Back at the terminal type: chmod u+x SecondQuicktime

4. Exit Terminal

You will now have a black square with the word “EXEC” in it that says SecondQuicktime below it.  To use it, launch Quicktime as you normally do, then click the shortcut for SecondQuicktime to launch a second instance.  This is very handy for multicam recording.  

Sources:https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254453078, https://siytek.com/macos-terminal-command-as-a-shortcut/

I, Phone

 

Raffi does not approve

We all remember the days of the pandemic where no one could find a webcam to buy, or really buy much of anything.  With that in mind, Apple set up something special in the latest versions of its device operating systems to make use of the robust rear facing cameras on an iPhone as a very good external camera setup.  Even better, you can use it in conjunction with the web cam on your Macbook to have an easy multi-camera rig that will make all the Twitch streamers jealous (Ok, maybe not).  

1. First things first, ensure you have a good USB to Lightning cable.  It is possible to use Wi-Fi for this, but you may wonder why you even bothered if your Wi-Fi is shoddy.  A good cable will allow you to have the best connection possible to your phone’s camera as well as charge the device at the same time.  And as the screen will be active, you will be counting down to the dreaded 0% battery point if you aren’t charging simultaneously.  The contacts for the phone end of the cable (the metal bits), should be shiny.  If they are not, use a vinyl eraser to clean them.  Or, if your cable is worn, consider a new cable.  Anker makes a nice long cable that seems to be reasonably priced and well made.  Avoid using an adapter (USB A to C) if possible and go right into the computer.  It just adds another layer of complexity/failure and point of troubleshooting. 

2. Make sure you’re updated to the latest versions of IOS (currently 16.4) on your iPhone and MacOS Ventura (or at least Monterey).  You’ll need an iPhone XR or newer.  If your phone has a dial, it won't work for this.  

3. Make sure both Airplay and Handoff are on with both your Mac and your phone.  You can find both in Settings > General > Airplay & Handoff.  On your phone, in that same menu, make sure the slider for “Continuity Camera” is turned on.   

3. You’ll be prompted on your phone to “Trust this computer”.  You’ll want to do that.  Otherwise, there’s no point and you need to evaluate your life for trust issues.  Note: you will be prompted for this every time you connect your phone to your Macbook.

4. Open an application on your Mac that will use the camera, like Facetime or Photo Booth.  Check your mic settings at this time; it is possible your Mac may also try to use your phone’s mic. If you have a fancy external microphone, you’ll need to ensure it’s not switched over.  Your phone should full screen to “Connected to xxxxx” and give you the option to “Pause” or “Disconnect”.  Don't press those (unless you're a thrill seeker) or you'll lose your picture from your phone. 

And that's really all there is to it.  Apple has a good list of steps for both setting this up or troubleshooting issues should they arise.  You can find that here (the link awfulness is on Apple, not me): https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-iphone-as-a-webcam-mchl77879b8a/mac#:~:text=On%20your%20Mac%2C%20open%20any,video%20from%20the%20rear%20camera.

As a bonus, if you’re doing multi-camera work on Zoom, there is a built in shortcut to switch between cameras.  Command+Shift+N will change your active camera if you have camera turned on in Zoom.  But, be warned, there are three camera modes if you’re using a Macbook and an iPhone continuity camera: Laptop Webcam, phone camera, and Desk View Camera.  Desk View uses a computation engine to try to approximate what your desk looks like if the camera is looking straight on.  It can be a bit weird to look at if you’re using your phone as a document cam.  Best toggle past it as quickly as possible.  

If you find that nothing has worked after following these steps and looking at Apple's article, unplug everything and start over. Switch out your cable and try it again; it is possible that you have a cable that an only be used for charging and not data.    Happy streaming!