Just wondering if anyone has had any luck integrating CrazyTalk and Storyline products? Storyline has no problem utilizing the output, but it adds a box around the image. It outputs in a flash format and I'm sure there is a way to strip this box off, I just don't know how to do that. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Here's the link to CrazyTalk for those who may not be familiar with the product: http://www.reallusion.com/event/12-crazytalk7/special.html
I thought it looked like a great product for my purposes. I had the trail for a while but they limit the exports (no .swf) therefore, I couldn't fully test it with SL. So I decided to buy CrazyTalk Animator and the new CrazyTalk 7 (Windows)
My main goal was to lip-sync audio to characters then export as .swf - then import to Storyline and finally export to iPad/HTML 5 for delivery.
During my test's, if I played back the course and animations in a browser with flash installed everything worked great. (Also, I didn't see any box around the animations). I didn't do a lot of testing but the audio seemed to be in sync as well. However, The HTML 5 output either hung or displayed nothing and the Articulate Mobile Player on iPad showed nothing. (except for the non-flash elements in both cases)
If you only need flash output it could be a great solution. I might be able to help with the box problem but I deleted the program since I'm currently trying to get a refund from reallusion.
I really hope Articulate beefs up their animation capabilities in the next version (I've heard rumors of this).
At the very least sequential .png's and FPS timeline control.
I thought it looked like a great product for my purposes. I had the trail for a while but they limit the exports (no .swf) therefore, I couldn't fully test it with SL. So I decided to buy CrazyTalk Animator and the new CrazyTalk 7 (Windows)
My main goal was to lip-sync audio to characters then export as .swf - then import to Storyline and finally export to iPad/HTML 5 for delivery.
During my test's, if I played back the course and animations in a browser with flash installed everything worked great. (Also, I didn't see any box around the animations). I didn't do a lot of testing but the audio seemed to be in sync as well. However, The HTML 5 output either hung or displayed nothing and the Articulate Mobile Player on iPad showed nothing. (except for the non-flash elements in both cases)
If you only need flash output it could be a great solution. I might be able to help with the box problem but I deleted the program since I'm currently trying to get a refund from reallusion.
I really hope Articulate beefs up their animation capabilities in the next version (I've heard rumors of this).
At the very least sequential .png's and FPS timeline control.
Thanks, Mark! Since I'm not exporting for mobile, it might just work. I've got CrazyTalk 6 right now...I'll see how that works and I'll keep you posted if I need assistance. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Have you checked the settings when you export from CrazyTalk? There's a check box for "render hidden objects" maybe that should be unchecked. I found this link maybe it will help:
It should be a good tool for creating lip synced character animations if you only require Flash output as your endpoint in Storyline. It’s really more a current limitation of SL.
I wanted to export the sequential .png(s) from CrazyTalk Animator then import them into SL… and then publish the course for specific use on the iPad and HTML5. Alas, this is not possible right now. Believe me I've tried. Storyline doesn't accommodate frame by frame importing of transparent png’s.
The .swf output of CrazyTalk into SL worked great in my tests. However, since I’m trying to publish the course for people without the Flash plugin, this would not work for my purposes.
I wish I could use CrazyTalk Animator together with Articulate products. Someday soon, I hope. I’m sure it’s on their roadmap.
BTW, I was able to get a full refund from Reallusion after a bit of “back and forth”.
If you end up getting the app let me know how it works for you.
Mark, just curious - did you consider converting CrazyTalk's swf output to mp4 and then inserting into Storyline?
I did try that and it worked on iPad. However, I was looking for a way to integrate the CrazyTalk assets directly into the SL timeline. This would give me much more flexibility when working with interactions, user input etc.
Reviewing CrazyTalk 7, they can export to AVI, and WMV, couldn't you just convert if necessary and insert? Please advise. We can't use MP4s on our LMS, need to ensure Storyline won't convert them on us.
Somebody? Anybody? Now I am demoing Crazy Talk Animator. Has anyone succesfully utilized this software with Storyline?
Storyline folks? The software exports in multiple formats. Our LMS does not support .MP4. If I export .swf files from Crazy Talk Animator will Storyline convert those to MP4 the way it does to .FLV files or will it leave the .SWF files alone.
Not 100% sure, but it should leave your .swf files alone. If you add just about any other format that is video (FLV, wmv, avi, etc.) SL will convert it to MP4.
Again note that .swf will not load on devices that do not support Flash.
I see that there has not been any recent comments regarding this product. There are newer versions of both Crazytalk and Storyline out now - has anyone had success in being able to use Crazytalk Animation with Story Line??
I see that there has not been any recent comments regarding this product. There are newer versions of both Crazytalk and Storyline out now - has anyone had success in being able to use Crazytalk Animation with Story Line??
I've used Crazytalk in both Storyline and Articulate Studio.
I've been working with the new versions of CT Animator as well as Reallusion's iClone3D and would be happy to check this out as I plan on incorporating their output into my e-learning products.
I see that there has not been any recent comments regarding this product. There are newer versions of both Crazytalk and Storyline out now - has anyone had success in being able to use Crazytalk Animation with Story Line??
I've used Crazytalk in both Storyline and Articulate Studio.
I've been looking at CrazyTalk for the last month and wondering if I should purchase it but I keep backing off.
Question--have it tried with one of the photographic characters? Like in exporting a character out as a PNG or JPG and bringing into CrazyTalk. If so, how did it work?
@Gerry, I have tried it with one of the photographic characters and it works great although I decided not to use it in the project. The key is to use a front-facing pose with a neutral expression.
@Gerry, I have tried it with one of the photographic characters and it works great although I decided not to use it in the project. The key is to use a front-facing pose with a neutral expression.
Thanks, Nancy! That's just the type of use I was thinking about. Maybe time to get the credit card out . . .
One more question--how long, on average, once one knows the program, would it take to set something like that up? Just looking for a ballpark number.
@Gerry, I have tried it with one of the photographic characters and it works great although I decided not to use it in the project. The key is to use a front-facing pose with a neutral expression.
Thanks, Nancy! That's just the type of use I was thinking about. Maybe time to get the credit card out . . .
One more question--how long, on average, once one knows the program, would it take to set something like that up? Just looking for a ballpark number.
I'd say about 5 minutes to build the interaction in Crazytalk. I record the audio separately and import it into Crazytalk so you also have to account for that time.
Thanks Bruce - this bike project is very much a work in progress. One of the neat things I am doing with it is changing the interviews based on the evidence the user has collected. So it you view the video for John Blether before and after the cigarette is found, you will see his statement is different. Love those SL variables!
Actually, I used an example created by James Kingsley. It was on his blog but I just checked and can't find it. I've uploaded a story file for you. There is JS code on the save button and the print button. Note the print function is not working in IE right now. there is some code you need to add to the published user.js file. I just updated my bike project using storyline 2 update 1 and forgot to amend the user file. I'll have to dig around to find the code and will post it here when.
I am also using CrazyTalk animation though when I import the video the quality is quite poor as Storyline has compressed it. I appreciate that I can stop Storyline from compressing it though the video then becomes quite large.
Are you able to let me know what frame size you use for CrazyTalk when exporting it to use in Storyline as I'm wondering if this might help. It would be useful to know the average size of files others are using too.
Any suggestions on how to improve the video quality without increasing file size dramatically would be much appreciated!
26 Replies
Hey Jonathan,
I thought it looked like a great product for my purposes. I had the trail for a while but they limit the exports (no .swf) therefore, I couldn't fully test it with SL. So I decided to buy CrazyTalk Animator and the new CrazyTalk 7 (Windows)
My main goal was to lip-sync audio to characters then export as .swf - then import to Storyline and finally export to iPad/HTML 5 for delivery.
I knew that this might be a problem given my previous tests of importing flash (to SL) then publishing to iPad but I had to try. See my previous post here: http://community.articulate.com/forums/p/12217/73122.aspx#73122
During my test's, if I played back the course and animations in a browser with flash installed everything worked great. (Also, I didn't see any box around the animations). I didn't do a lot of testing but the audio seemed to be in sync as well. However, The HTML 5 output either hung or displayed nothing and the Articulate Mobile Player on iPad showed nothing. (except for the non-flash elements in both cases)
If you only need flash output it could be a great solution. I might be able to help with the box problem but I deleted the program since I'm currently trying to get a refund from reallusion.
I really hope Articulate beefs up their animation capabilities in the next version (I've heard rumors of this).
At the very least sequential .png's and FPS timeline control.
-Mark
Thanks, Mark! Since I'm not exporting for mobile, it might just work. I've got CrazyTalk 6 right now...I'll see how that works and I'll keep you posted if I need assistance. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Jonathan
Here is an example .swf file (attached) and a screenshot of what I'm seeing....note the black bars...
I see what you mean.
Have you checked the settings when you export from CrazyTalk? There's a check box for "render hidden objects" maybe that should be unchecked. I found this link maybe it will help:
http://www.reallusion.com/crazytalk/animator/help/animator/pro/11_Export/Exporting_SWF_for_Web.htm
Mark, could I ask why you requested a refund? I was looking at Crazytalk just last week, thinking about asking if we could purchase it.
Hi Ashley,
It should be a good tool for creating lip synced character animations if you only require Flash output as your endpoint in Storyline. It’s really more a current limitation of SL.
I wanted to export the sequential .png(s) from CrazyTalk Animator then import them into SL… and then publish the course for specific use on the iPad and HTML5. Alas, this is not possible right now. Believe me I've tried. Storyline doesn't accommodate frame by frame importing of transparent png’s.
The .swf output of CrazyTalk into SL worked great in my tests. However, since I’m trying to publish the course for people without the Flash plugin, this would not work for my purposes.
I wish I could use CrazyTalk Animator together with Articulate products. Someday soon, I hope. I’m sure it’s on their roadmap.
BTW, I was able to get a full refund from Reallusion after a bit of “back and forth”.
If you end up getting the app let me know how it works for you.
Mark, just curious - did you consider converting CrazyTalk's swf output to mp4 and then inserting into Storyline?
I did try that and it worked on iPad. However, I was looking for a way to integrate the CrazyTalk assets directly into the SL timeline. This would give me much more flexibility when working with interactions, user input etc.
Greetings,
Reviewing CrazyTalk 7, they can export to AVI, and WMV, couldn't you just convert if necessary and insert? Please advise. We can't use MP4s on our LMS, need to ensure Storyline won't convert them on us.
Somebody? Anybody? Now I am demoing Crazy Talk Animator. Has anyone succesfully utilized this software with Storyline?
Storyline folks? The software exports in multiple formats. Our LMS does not support .MP4. If I export .swf files from Crazy Talk Animator will Storyline convert those to MP4 the way it does to .FLV files or will it leave the .SWF files alone.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Storyline tech gurus where are you hiding?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
- Maya
Not 100% sure, but it should leave your .swf files alone. If you add just about any other format that is video (FLV, wmv, avi, etc.) SL will convert it to MP4.
Again note that .swf will not load on devices that do not support Flash.
Just an FYI... Not sure if you have control of this, but enabling MP4 playback on your LMS is a fairly easy process - http://www.articulate.com/support/kb_article.php?product=st1&id=w9bvqxxido6t
I see that there has not been any recent comments regarding this product. There are newer versions of both Crazytalk and Storyline out now - has anyone had success in being able to use Crazytalk Animation with Story Line??
I've used Crazytalk in both Storyline and Articulate Studio.
Storyline Example - check out the Conduct Interviews tab.
Articulate Studio Example
I've been working with the new versions of CT Animator as well as Reallusion's iClone3D and would be happy to check this out as I plan on incorporating their output into my e-learning products.
Love that work Nancy!
"Honey.....no...that's my last name..."
Thanks, Nancy!
I've been looking at CrazyTalk for the last month and wondering if I should purchase it but I keep backing off.
Question--have it tried with one of the photographic characters? Like in exporting a character out as a PNG or JPG and bringing into CrazyTalk. If so, how did it work?
@Gerry, I have tried it with one of the photographic characters and it works great although I decided not to use it in the project. The key is to use a front-facing pose with a neutral expression.
Thanks, Nancy!
One more question--how long, on average, once one knows the program, would it take to set something like that up? Just looking for a ballpark number.
Nancy - Love your example! Can you point me to the javascript code you used to enable printing on the notes portion?
Hi Nancy
I am also using CrazyTalk animation though when I import the video the quality is quite poor as Storyline has compressed it. I appreciate that I can stop Storyline from compressing it though the video then becomes quite large.
Are you able to let me know what frame size you use for CrazyTalk when exporting it to use in Storyline as I'm wondering if this might help. It would be useful to know the average size of files others are using too.
Any suggestions on how to improve the video quality without increasing file size dramatically would be much appreciated!
Thanks
Gemma
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