Usability Software: Ovo Solo
An Application for Recording User Interactions
The latest version of Ovo Solo allows you to record video and make highlight clips in one of four configurations: screen only, screen and single webcam, single webcam only, or two web cams. A free version of Ovo Solo can be installed on a second PC to view video on a lag and to log in real time. The second PC must be on the same network* as the licensed Ovo Solo PC.
Buy Ovo Solo for US$99.00
- A US$99.00 license allows you to run Ovo Solo's recording engine on one PC.
- This license can be moved to another PC, which will render the first PC incapable of recording.
- The license is good for one year and is non-transferable.
- The license fee is for the purchased version of Ovo Solo only. New versions require a new license to be purchased.
- A free version of Ovo Solo installed on a second PC can be used to take notes and view video during test-time. The second PC must be on the same network* as the licensed Ovo Solo PC
Trial Version
You may request a trial version that will allow you to try out all the features of Ovo Solo. Complete documentation for Ovo Solo is available here. You may only use the trial to evaluate Ovo Solo's features and functionality. In keeping with the intended use of the trial version, all video has a very prominent textual overlay.
One Webcam
Ovo Solo can record a single DirectShow compliant "webcam", via USB or built into the bezel of a notebook PC.
Two Webcams
Ovo Solo can also record two webcams in a side-by-side configuration.
User PC
Ovo Solo can record the PC desktop of the computer on which it is installed, i.e., its own desktop.
User PC & Webcam
Ovo Solo can record its own PC desktop with an embedded webcam feed.
Functional Highlights
Multiple Real-Time Logging Methods
- Via an iOS device running the free Ovo Studios app available from the iStore.
- Via the Ovo Solo PC itself when recording cameras-only.
- Via a second PC running a free version of Ovo Solo. The second PC must be on the same network* as the licensed Ovo Solo PC.
Record and Share Video Within Seconds
- No post-processing required in order to view and share video.
- Create video highlights to add to Word, PowerPoint, and other applications.
- Perfect for students.
- Windows Media based video for easy sharing with any computer running a Windows operating system.
Implementation Options
- When making screen recordings of user interactions with software, participants must work at the licensed Ovo Solo PC.
- Logging can always be performed using the Ovo Studios app on an iOS device or by using the free Ovo Solo software on a second PC. The second PC must be on the same network* as the licensed Ovo Solo PC.
Technical Specifications
Ovo Solo is built using Microsoft .NET technologies and Microsoft Expressions Encoder. To use Ovo Solo, you will need a computer that meets the following minimum specifications. Of course, it is always a good idea to exceed minimum specifications because of other applications and processes that might be running or be scheduled to run.
- Windows 7 operating system
- 1 GB RAM
- Dual-core Intel processor
- Dedicated video card with at least 256MB of onboard VRAM
- 7200 RPM hard drive or faster
Your hard drive might fill up with video files if you don't take action to manage your data, e.g., moving video files to an external storage device. Use the following estimated video file sizes for planning purposes:
- Single webcam: about 250MB/hour
- Two webcams: about 370MB/hour
- User PC screen (1920x1200 max) only: about 1 gb/hour
- User PC screen (1920x1200 max) with webcam picture-in-picture: about 1 gb/hour
What Can't Ovo Solo Do?
Ovo Solo does not work with all built-in webcams. If you plan on using a webcam that is built into your laptop computer, test it with the Trial Version of Ovo Solo. Ovo Studios recommends Logitech USB-connected webcams for use with Ovo Solo.
Ovo Solo does not capture time on task, does not export reports, and does not calculate statistics. Ovo Solo cannot stream to more than one other PC. It is not an enterprise-level logging, analysis, and reporting solution, nor is it an A/V command center for your fixed or portable usability lab. Ovo Solo does not come with free technical support. If you are interested in robust features and functionality like these, please consider Ovo Logger.
Technical Support
Ovo Solo's documentation is available here. If you want Technical Support from our staff, it is available for $49/incident, payable by credit card at the time support is rendered.
* Some users have questions about what it means to be "on the same network." Just because two computers can both access the internet does not mean they are on the same network. In an office environment, if two computers are "plugged into the LAN" in close physical proximity to each other then they are likely to be on the same network. However, the network could be configured in ways that could keep Ovo Solo from streaming or supporting remote logging, e.g., firewalls on either machine or a network-level prohibition on port communications.
If you are uncertain about whether your PCs, network connections, and permissions can support Ovo Solo's streaming and remote logging functions -- or if you have any questions about Ovo Solo's functionality -- you should use the free Trial Version of Ovo Solo to explore whether Ovo Solo is right for you before you buy Ovo Solo. This includes the best practice of running a pilot test under the exact conditions of your usability test -- the free Trial Version of Ovo Solo does everything the licensed version does, so run a quick pilot test with the free Trial Version of Ovo Solo before purchasing.