Add a "self timer countdown"

[jidanni]

Add a "self timer countdown" so we can push Record, then have x seconds to move our windows around before recording begins.

[sciurius]

Also, a "recording time" setting to stop recording after a preset time.
Or when the image doesn't change for a preset time.

[MaartenBaert]

This is now available in the master branch, see #749.

[fugata]

I'd like to add another vote for adding a "countdown" feature. No fancy graphics is needed -- just to have the option of giving the user (say) 5 seconds after clicking "start recording" before the recording actuallye begins.

I use SSR to record lectures for my classes. I have a dual-monitor setup, with the lecture materials on one screen and notes/monitor on the laptop's screen. Typically I would record a chunk of the lecture, pause, cut/paste notes from my laptop to the lecture screen, and resume. Without the countdown the mouse will constantly swing back-and-forth on the video and students understandably find it distracting. Having a bit of countdown buffer will help minimize this pain point for my audience.

I'm using v 0.4.2. I am aware of the scheduling feature, but unless I'm mistaken I don't think it will accomplish what I need.

Related note (I don't know if I should start a new, separate issue): I would be great to add keyboard-binding for (re)starting video recording for those of us who use the GUI version of SSR (I need the GUI verision, especially the preview feature, to monitor the recording).

SSR has been tremendously helpful for my sudden need to do online teaching. Thanks for making this tool available and thanks for your consideration.

[MaartenBaert]

Why don't you just use the hotkey to start the recording after you have everything set up correctly? The problem you describe is exactly why I introduced the hotkey feature in the first place. A countdown would solve the problem when starting the recording, but you would still have the same problem when stopping it. Or am I missing something?

[fugata]

Thanks for your prompt reply!

Mistake on my part --- I do screen recording on a dual-screen setup with SSR on one screen and the video content is on the other one. I was under the impression that the hotkey must be pressed in same screen as SSR, whence my question. Thanks for your clarification!

[sciurius]

Many web-based video players show some sort of control panel (start/stop, advance, ...) when the mouse is moved or keys are pressed during playback. Using the hotkey has the same effect, so every recording starts with the control panel visible until it times out (usually after 5-10 seconds).
Not a big deal, though...