That is one AWESOME setup... I LOVE IT! Seriously genius! A couple questions: 1) I assume your using low iron glass and if so may I ask how much that ran you? I priced a piece here in PA only 3 ft x 4 ft at 1/2" thick and they want $1097 which seems nuts to say the least. 2) How do you keep the glass from crushing the leds on the bottom? 3) Do you have any overheating issues with the leds being enclosed between the wood and the glass? I want to set mine up on it's own stand and was going to use a rubber u-channel with the leds stuck to the bottom and then slip it over the glass edge. Am a bit worried about heat build-up.
1.) No actually, I didn't go super fancy and get low-iron.. That's where those professional lightboards run upwards of 5-7 grand, because of the quality of glass they use mainly. For me, I just ordered a sheet of "normal" glass at 0.25" thick in my dimensions and so far, I think it's worked great for my purposes.. No false expectations of "professional-quality" lightboards from my home office :) I was on a budget... 2.) Hasn't been an issue.. No special precautions were taken there, just used a router, cut the notch in the wood frame, slid the LED's in, set the glass in carefully, glued, done.. It's worked so far for over a year, so I don't think it's an issue, at least not in my case. 3.) No issues with heat here. That said, not like i've done "all day heaters" of lightboarding.. More times than not for my purposes, I would fire up the setup, do a few takes at a 5-10 minute video, then power everything down. So, I would say no more than 2-3 hours run time is all i've ever done at once, and with that, zero issues.
I just used regular glass from a local glass shop.. You can certainly pay more and get low iron glass or whatever it is to help the light refract better; however, I would argue it really isn't needed.. The height/length is entirely up to you with your custom design, mine is 3" tall, but dimensions really don't matter at all as long as you have the LED strips around the perimeter of the glass and not solely across the bottom..
In the video you orally state the glass is 6 ft wide. However, in a written comment you state it is 4 ft wide. Please clarify. Also, what is the height (3 ft?) and thickness (.25 inch?)? Great video...thank you.
Perhaps I should have been more specific when speaking. What I meant was, the glass sheet they had in stock was the typical 6 foot wide (apparently that's a common size they, at least my place, carried). I wound up cutting it, width wise, to 60" (so technically both places I referenced width were incorrect based on my custom design). To be honest though, the width is 100% up to your dimensions and what custom mount you build. 3" is definitely the height (they didn't trim it long ways). And yes, thickness is indeed 0.25" thick. Thanks for stopping by :)
Great video. Extremely useful, simple, and very well presented. I have just three doubts: (i) do we need to have a video mixer between the computer and the camera, or a simple USB cable will do the job; (ii) where is the final output (written equations on the glass, superimposed figures/computing code on the glass) saved: in the video recording camera, or in the computer where the OBS software is installed?; (iii) If I need an extra monitor to be used as a supporting visual tool for highlighting some parts of superimposed computing code, where does the signal come out from? From the computer with the OBS, from the recording camera, or from the switcher, if one is required? Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the comment! Simple USB cable is how I have mine setup. I run Open Broadcaster Software (OBS for short) coupled with a Logitech Brio webcam (USB3). You simply flip the horizontal axis either for a live view in OBS or in post editing (such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut). Since I am using a webcam, there isn't a second location to record like you might think of a DSLR recording locally, so all is stored as one video track on the PC where OBS is running. It would need to be a secondary monitor connected to the PC where OBS runs. Hope this helps you.
@@Chromedonkey Wonderful! I had taken a look at Michael Peshkin website "How to build a Lightboard," and it looked so complicated and so expensive that I was considering giving up the idea of setting one for myself. You make it look so much simpler and cheaper than other setups we can find on the internet (and the quality of your video is on par with the expensive ones), that I am changing my mind. If I understand you correctly, I do not really need to buy a video-mixer table (which cuts around 0.6-1.5K from the budget) to connect the computer and the video camera (that is great). All I need is to have a video camera that can export the signal to the computer, right!? Everything can be settled with one computer and an extra monitor (obviously, besides a microphone and lights). Finally, I thought I could use OBS Studio to flip the horizontal axis and do the post-editing as well, but I now understand that I was wrong. Adobe Premier is quite expensive, so I may have to look at a cheaper one or an open-source video editor (do you know HitFilm Express?). I do not need to ho live or produce very sophisticated videos; just for teaching. Thank you very much for the video and your prompt help. It mattered a lot.
You can absolutely flip the horizontal axis in OBS so your video recording shows the text you write correctly (and not in reverse). I was simply saying you do have the choice of whether to do it in OBS OR you can easily do it in post editing as well using Premiere Pro, etc.. You don't need a post-editing software to create a lightboard video though, OBS will record and create an MP4 for you just fine, with the horizontal flipped if you apply that filter to the webcam feed, and you'll be good. No need for a mixer.. If you want to use something besides a webcam which is obviously recognized by the computer as a video source, such as a DSLR, then worst case, you'll need to add a capture card to your PC so you can feed the video input from the camera into the PC so it shows up in OBS as a video source.
You could use software such as Open Broadcaster Software and have yourself on the lightboard as one part of the screen and a PPT shown as a second, or flip back and forth (simply by creating two separate "scenes" in OBS, one for Lightboard full screen, and the other for PPT full screen).. Toggle between, etc..
This is an extremely helpful video, thank you so much! As a professor trying to convert classes online for students this fall, this is what I'm hoping to do. I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping you can help with. First, are you just using the LED lighting on the frame or do you have extra lighting and if so what lights are you using and where are they placed? Second, I have a Razer Kiyo streaming webcam and a Samsung Q2U dynamic USB microphone, do you think these would work, or if not could you link the camera and microphone you use?
I have an LED strip surrounding the edge of the glass.. I actually used a router to create a channel that is JUST wide enough for the glass to slip down into (it's important you don't make the track/notch TOO wide, or else the light will glare on the surface of the glass, messing up the effect). You want that notch just wide enough where you basically have to lightly tap the glass/wood into place. I used a cheap LED strip I found on Amazon (should be linked in the description, i'll double-check that) that surrounds all 4 sides.. As far as additional lighting, yes, you definitely want light shining on JUST you. I found that runnning two Philips Hue LED strips across the front (top AND bottom) provides just enough light to illuminate the "talent" (i.e., yourself) without washing out the colors.. You will want to use software to adjust your camera's ISO, low levels, and saturation a bit to get the right effect, as well as flipping the horizontal axis.. I use Open Broadcaster Software for this.. The cam/mic should work fine, I would suggest pinning it on your lapel or mounting it to the lightboard just out of the camera shot. Hope this helps. Matt
@@Chromedonkey This is really helpful, thanks so much! I tried out making my own small test and it works great, now going to be making a much larger version:)
You're welcome! This is just normal glass. You'll see some people recommending low iron glass, and while that will yield better results with more light refraction, it costs substantially more! This is 0.25" thick. Just have it cut to the dimensions you'd like to build a frame for. Mine is 4' long by 3' tall, based on what I had to work with. Just be sure to run LED's around the full frame (all 4 sides) to get the best result.
@@Chromedonkey Thanks for the reply..it is very helpful. one more question,, do I have to use fluorescent markers only? can i use normal whiteboard markers?
I set the ISO and remainder of the camera settings before shooting, so in OBS camera settings.. Got it dialed in there, recorded, so there was very little post-editing since you can also flip the horizontal in OBS as well.
@@Chromedonkey thanks so much, do you use normal glass like regular window glass? What colour LED strip do you use sir? I really want to make lesson class with the light board too
I used regular glass that you can pickup at any glass shop.. It's basically 0.25" thick, not the fancy low iron glass like some recommend (which certainly would be a little better, but more expensive and not required).. On the LED strip, I just used a cheap one off Amazon (link should be in the description).. For the "talent" strips, I use Philips Hue so I can alter the temperature if needed from bluish white to natural, etc..
Matt - I see you have a Blue Yeti attached to your desk - is that the microphone you used when you were on the OTHER side of the glass? Actually, my question really is "What microphone do you use?" - I've watched a lot of Lightboard videos - got more out of yours than most of the others.
Yes, I have the Blue YETI, but no, that is definitely not the mic. I have a Rode Micro that I hard wire into the PC and just clip it to the bottom on the lightboard facing up towards me just out of the shot. Seems to work great. Your other option would be to do the same, except run the lapel style and clip to your shirt and tuck the wire inside your shirt and connect to the PC. Easy enough by getting a 3.5mm cable extension. Thanks for the comment!
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah sir. how are you Sir, we erase the writings on the white board with a duster. But my question is what can we erase the writings on the light board? It would be helpful if you could say a little, sir.
the Curtin rod idea is what I'm stealing!
haha nice! Yea, works great :)
Your space saving table idea of the light board is awesome
Thank you
Thanks!! Limited on space in my home office, so I wanted a collapsible option to save space when not in use.
Great Info...Thanks...For some reason, I can't find the description link :(
Thanks ! Very nice. I will try to build my own lightboard.
Awesome!! Good luck w/ it!
Great -- really liked your presentation ..Dr Ram
Muchas gracias!! Excelente video desde Colombia 🇨🇴
That is one AWESOME setup... I LOVE IT! Seriously genius! A couple questions:
1) I assume your using low iron glass and if so may I ask how much that ran you? I priced a piece here in PA only 3 ft x 4 ft at 1/2" thick and they want $1097 which seems nuts to say the least.
2) How do you keep the glass from crushing the leds on the bottom?
3) Do you have any overheating issues with the leds being enclosed between the wood and the glass? I want to set mine up on it's own stand and was going to use a rubber u-channel with the leds stuck to the bottom and then slip it over the glass edge. Am a bit worried about heat build-up.
1.) No actually, I didn't go super fancy and get low-iron.. That's where those professional lightboards run upwards of 5-7 grand, because of the quality of glass they use mainly. For me, I just ordered a sheet of "normal" glass at 0.25" thick in my dimensions and so far, I think it's worked great for my purposes.. No false expectations of "professional-quality" lightboards from my home office :) I was on a budget...
2.) Hasn't been an issue.. No special precautions were taken there, just used a router, cut the notch in the wood frame, slid the LED's in, set the glass in carefully, glued, done.. It's worked so far for over a year, so I don't think it's an issue, at least not in my case.
3.) No issues with heat here. That said, not like i've done "all day heaters" of lightboarding.. More times than not for my purposes, I would fire up the setup, do a few takes at a 5-10 minute video, then power everything down. So, I would say no more than 2-3 hours run time is all i've ever done at once, and with that, zero issues.
a big thanks from Morocco
great. what type of glass do you use? Can use with normal window glass? what height of your lightboard?
I just used regular glass from a local glass shop.. You can certainly pay more and get low iron glass or whatever it is to help the light refract better; however, I would argue it really isn't needed.. The height/length is entirely up to you with your custom design, mine is 3" tall, but dimensions really don't matter at all as long as you have the LED strips around the perimeter of the glass and not solely across the bottom..
In the video you orally state the glass is 6 ft wide. However, in a written comment you state it is 4 ft wide. Please clarify. Also, what is the height (3 ft?) and thickness (.25 inch?)? Great video...thank you.
Perhaps I should have been more specific when speaking. What I meant was, the glass sheet they had in stock was the typical 6 foot wide (apparently that's a common size they, at least my place, carried). I wound up cutting it, width wise, to 60" (so technically both places I referenced width were incorrect based on my custom design). To be honest though, the width is 100% up to your dimensions and what custom mount you build. 3" is definitely the height (they didn't trim it long ways). And yes, thickness is indeed 0.25" thick. Thanks for stopping by :)
Are they white or flourescent leds?
Sorry for the delay on responding. They are strictly white LED's, no need for RGB stuff here.
Thank you..
Welcome!
Great video. Extremely useful, simple, and very well presented. I have just three doubts: (i) do we need to have a video mixer between the computer and the camera, or a simple USB cable will do the job; (ii) where is the final output (written equations on the glass, superimposed figures/computing code on the glass) saved: in the video recording camera, or in the computer where the OBS software is installed?; (iii) If I need an extra monitor to be used as a supporting visual tool for highlighting some parts of superimposed computing code, where does the signal come out from? From the computer with the OBS, from the recording camera, or from the switcher, if one is required?
Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the comment!
Simple USB cable is how I have mine setup. I run Open Broadcaster Software (OBS for short) coupled with a Logitech Brio webcam (USB3). You simply flip the horizontal axis either for a live view in OBS or in post editing (such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut).
Since I am using a webcam, there isn't a second location to record like you might think of a DSLR recording locally, so all is stored as one video track on the PC where OBS is running.
It would need to be a secondary monitor connected to the PC where OBS runs.
Hope this helps you.
@@Chromedonkey Wonderful!
I had taken a look at Michael Peshkin website "How to build a Lightboard," and it looked so complicated and so expensive that I was considering giving up the idea of setting one for myself. You make it look so much simpler and cheaper than other setups we can find on the internet (and the quality of your video is on par with the expensive ones), that I am changing my mind.
If I understand you correctly, I do not really need to buy a video-mixer table (which cuts around 0.6-1.5K from the budget) to connect the computer and the video camera (that is great). All I need is to have a video camera that can export the signal to the computer, right!? Everything can be settled with one computer and an extra monitor (obviously, besides a microphone and lights).
Finally, I thought I could use OBS Studio to flip the horizontal axis and do the post-editing as well, but I now understand that I was wrong. Adobe Premier is quite expensive, so I may have to look at a cheaper one or an open-source video editor (do you know HitFilm Express?). I do not need to ho live or produce very sophisticated videos; just for teaching.
Thank you very much for the video and your prompt help. It mattered a lot.
You can absolutely flip the horizontal axis in OBS so your video recording shows the text you write correctly (and not in reverse). I was simply saying you do have the choice of whether to do it in OBS OR you can easily do it in post editing as well using Premiere Pro, etc.. You don't need a post-editing software to create a lightboard video though, OBS will record and create an MP4 for you just fine, with the horizontal flipped if you apply that filter to the webcam feed, and you'll be good. No need for a mixer.. If you want to use something besides a webcam which is obviously recognized by the computer as a video source, such as a DSLR, then worst case, you'll need to add a capture card to your PC so you can feed the video input from the camera into the PC so it shows up in OBS as a video source.
@@Chromedonkey Thank you very much for your help.
Is it possible to present a PPT ? while explaining to the class?
You could use software such as Open Broadcaster Software and have yourself on the lightboard as one part of the screen and a PPT shown as a second, or flip back and forth (simply by creating two separate "scenes" in OBS, one for Lightboard full screen, and the other for PPT full screen).. Toggle between, etc..
This is an extremely helpful video, thank you so much! As a professor trying to convert classes online for students this fall, this is what I'm hoping to do.
I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping you can help with. First, are you just using the LED lighting on the frame or do you have extra lighting and if so what lights are you using and where are they placed? Second, I have a Razer Kiyo streaming webcam and a Samsung Q2U dynamic USB microphone, do you think these would work, or if not could you link the camera and microphone you use?
I have an LED strip surrounding the edge of the glass.. I actually used a router to create a channel that is JUST wide enough for the glass to slip down into (it's important you don't make the track/notch TOO wide, or else the light will glare on the surface of the glass, messing up the effect). You want that notch just wide enough where you basically have to lightly tap the glass/wood into place. I used a cheap LED strip I found on Amazon (should be linked in the description, i'll double-check that) that surrounds all 4 sides..
As far as additional lighting, yes, you definitely want light shining on JUST you. I found that runnning two Philips Hue LED strips across the front (top AND bottom) provides just enough light to illuminate the "talent" (i.e., yourself) without washing out the colors.. You will want to use software to adjust your camera's ISO, low levels, and saturation a bit to get the right effect, as well as flipping the horizontal axis.. I use Open Broadcaster Software for this..
The cam/mic should work fine, I would suggest pinning it on your lapel or mounting it to the lightboard just out of the camera shot.
Hope this helps.
Matt
@@Chromedonkey This is really helpful, thanks so much! I tried out making my own small test and it works great, now going to be making a much larger version:)
Thank you soo much. is this glass normal glass? in what name should i ask from hardware stores?
You're welcome! This is just normal glass. You'll see some people recommending low iron glass, and while that will yield better results with more light refraction, it costs substantially more! This is 0.25" thick. Just have it cut to the dimensions you'd like to build a frame for. Mine is 4' long by 3' tall, based on what I had to work with. Just be sure to run LED's around the full frame (all 4 sides) to get the best result.
@@Chromedonkey Thanks for the reply..it is very helpful. one more question,, do I have to use fluorescent markers only? can i use normal whiteboard markers?
They sell NEON dry-erase markers, make sure you pickup a set of those.. Like these: amzn.to/2ySG2SX
Hello, did you set the low ISO camera logitech on OBS before or after with editing software?
I set the ISO and remainder of the camera settings before shooting, so in OBS camera settings.. Got it dialed in there, recorded, so there was very little post-editing since you can also flip the horizontal in OBS as well.
@@Chromedonkey thanks so much, do you use normal glass like regular window glass? What colour LED strip do you use sir? I really want to make lesson class with the light board too
I used regular glass that you can pickup at any glass shop.. It's basically 0.25" thick, not the fancy low iron glass like some recommend (which certainly would be a little better, but more expensive and not required).. On the LED strip, I just used a cheap one off Amazon (link should be in the description).. For the "talent" strips, I use Philips Hue so I can alter the temperature if needed from bluish white to natural, etc..
@@Chromedonkey thanks so much sir, i'll try to build the light board..
Anytime! Let me know how it comes out!
Matt - I see you have a Blue Yeti attached to your desk - is that the microphone you used when you were on the OTHER side of the glass? Actually, my question really is "What microphone do you use?" - I've watched a lot of Lightboard videos - got more out of yours than most of the others.
Yes, I have the Blue YETI, but no, that is definitely not the mic. I have a Rode Micro that I hard wire into the PC and just clip it to the bottom on the lightboard facing up towards me just out of the shot. Seems to work great. Your other option would be to do the same, except run the lapel style and clip to your shirt and tuck the wire inside your shirt and connect to the PC. Easy enough by getting a 3.5mm cable extension. Thanks for the comment!
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah sir. how are you
Sir, we erase the writings on the white board with a duster. But my question is what can we erase the writings on the light board?
It would be helpful if you could say a little, sir.
There really isn't a good, clean & quick way I have found aside from very light usage of water in a microfiber rag.
@@Chromedonkey Thank you, sir.
very informative video
Glad you liked it
great
Top Notch
Thank you!
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕! 👍😊
Thank you! :)