Video Resolution and Memory FAQs: iOS

This section is for users who do not plan to upload their recorded videos to Reflectivity (Teams) web platform. Once you start using Swivl Capture app and robot for extended periods of time, there are many things to consider. Notably, the created video files can get rather large and take up space on your device. There are many ways to deal with large video files, and we are working on adding more capabilities to make it easier to get the files off the iOS device and to your final destination.

Considerations

For long recordings (like lectures or classes) there are several things to consider:

• Power
• Storage
• Setup and preparation
• Moving files

We have some recommendations on each that will make it easier for you to use Swivl robot.

Power

The Swivl base will last approximately 4-6 hours. The Swivl marker will last approximately 4-6 hours depending on its usage. The amount of time an iOS device lasts is highly variable and depends on the age of the device, video recording quality, etc. Swivl does not draw any power from the iOS device when they are connected.

Moreover, CX can charge your iOS device when connected to power, and C Series can charge the device with a boost cable.

First, you have to understand how big the video files can get depending on what iOS device you use, at what resolution, and which camera. This table is to help you understand it better (based on the Swivl app version 1.7 or later):

CAMERA	RESOLUTION	SIZE: MB PER MINUTE OF RECORDING
Rear Facing	1080P - FHD	~60 MB
	720P - HD	~40 MB
	480P - SD	~20 MB
Front Facing	720P - HD	~40 MB
	480P - HD	~20 MB
	480P - SD	~20 MB

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 Storage

Good ideas for dealing with video on iOS devices:

• Make sure you have plenty of space on your device. See the table above to give you a sense of how much space you need. Ideally, make sure you have 2x space
• To find out how much available space you have on your iOS device, go to Settings->General->Usage

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Setup and Preparations

• If possible, use the front-facing camera — this way the video will be smaller and you will be able to see yourself and the video recording status
• Record 1-2 short videos practicing the recording. Test how well the audio works — is the microphone too far? too close? Do you see where the video files are created (hint: check Swivl Teams video library)
• Do not record a 4-hour video. Periodically stop and restart the recording. Usually, it takes 10-20 seconds if you have recorded an hour-long video to stop and restart it.  Doing this will create more manageable files.

Moving Video Files off iOS Devices (Swivl Capture App)

DO NOT MOVE LARGE VIDEOS TO YOUR PHOTO ROLL — iOS does not handle moving or copying large files very well — it takes a long time and sometimes fails.

Save in iTunes (preferred method)

• Connecting your iPhone or iPod to your computer
• iTunes should open allowing you to click on your device on the left
• Click on the App Tab at the top and scroll all the way down until you see File Sharing
• Click on Swivl Capture App and select the video(s) then Click on Save To

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Uncommon ways to move large video files

Use iExplorer App

iExplorer is a free app for Mac and Windows and allows you to connect to your iOS device and browse files and folders. iExplorer is available here: iExplorer Once connected, you can find the Swivl video library, under Apps->Swivl->Documents->Library->Videos. All videos will be listed as separate files in the library. You can copy the files to your computer. Please note that copying can take a while for very large files.