Hello,

I've read and researched a number of other discussions on these forums. I want to sythesize what I've researched for my next project as I'll describe below:

Note: I am assuming Captivate 3 and Camtasia 5.1.

Req 1. I need to record a number of non-interactive "movies" efficiently. My sense is Camtasia has a slight edge if I need advanced features in doing this, but Captivate is fine/very good? Please confirm.

Req 2. I need to create a "try me" path where the user needs tries to do the task themselves and get feedback after learning the steps in the in the passive movie. Of course feedback will be provided if they click in the wrong place. I've heard Captivate is better for eLearning, so for this interactive portion, Captivate is the way to go. Is that true? I figure I'm not asking too much in 2008 on this requirement.

Req 3. I want the .swf file to be backwardly compatible with the maximum number of Flash readers on older computers systems. What do Camtasia 5.1 and Captivate 3 offer in terms of .swf compatibility for exporting?

Req 4. Flash 8 software developers will be receiving the .swf files. I used Captivate 1.0 and as I recollect there is no way for the software developers to edit the Captivate timeline within Flash 8 before it becomes .swf file. Perhaps I'm mistaken, what options might exist?

Thanks for your time!!

Is this a software simulation? It sounds like it.

You might review the product documentation to ensure the Flash Player export versions. If you don't find it there, you might download a trial version.

Do you need to measure the usage of this course?

You are correct in assessing that the Flash developers will not be able to edit your Captivate or Camtasia files after they've been published to SWF. Flash can be used to create an interface that will contain the swf files and serve them up at the appropriate time, but that's about it.

Maybe if you'll explain a little more about what you're trying to accomplish, we can advise you about a good tool or combo.

Thanks,

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
www.sslearn.com

I think the previous response answered most of your questions.

For Req 1, I would focus on Captivate and not worry about Camtasia (although it is a neat package). I think Captivate will meet your needs for displaying the proecedures in demo-only mode as well as try-me.