Being a guest over the internet
If you are joining as a guest remotely, we will record the episode over the internet using Zencastr. This is free software, so it won’t cost you anything. It works very similarly to if we were talking over the phone.
Minimum software and hardware requirements
Operating system and devices
You will need a desktop or laptop computer running up-to-date versions of macOS or Windows 10.
Zencastr does not work on smartphones or tablets like the iPad.
Web browser
Zencastr runs in a desktop web browser. You can use one of these web browsers to join the recording.
Make sure your browser is running the latest version, as older versions might not work.
Internet speeds
You will need a reliable internet connection. Zencastr recommends at least 3Mb/s speeds for both uploads and downloads.
Headphones and microphones
Use headphones during recording; preferably a pair of over-ear headphones if you have them to minimise feedback.
Plug them in before you open the recording session in your browser to ensure they are detected by the software.
If you have one, use an external microphone. This will mean the sound-quality is better.
The recording
Joining the recording
You will receive a link to join the recording.
Open this in either Chrome, Firefox or Edge.
Before starting the recording
Close any other browser tabs and activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode if you can. This will mean fewer things interrupt the recording and avoid slowing down your computer.
Put your phone and any other devices onto silent mode.
Starting the recording
I will control the start and end of the recording; so you won’t need to do anything else.
During the recording
Try to avoid shuffling papers or fiddling with the microphone during recording.
If anyone on the recording needs to speak, click the ‘hand’ symbol on screen to ‘raise your hand’. This will indicate to the other people that you want to speak. The other person will ‘lower your hand’ to signal you can start to speak.
Ending the recording
I’ll let you know when I’ve stopped recording.
Do not close your browser window, shut down your computer or let it go to sleep when recording finishes. A high-quality copy of your recording will automatically upload from your computer so that I can edit it later. I’ll let you know when it’s safe to close your browser.