Articles for category ‘Pamela for Skype’
Today we release a Release Candidate version of Pamela Professional 4.6. Release Candidate means that unless we find a serious bug, this version will go live in the next days, replacing Pamela 4.5.
So, what are the big changes? First of all we completely redid the Skype video recording module. This was used a lot in Pamela since introduction in 2006 but since then evolution of the software world has caused more and more issues with it. So we decided to completely re-write the recording part.
We have managed to create a very low resource recording, this is especially critical as any video application already uses considerable resources. We also wanted to make the settings very simple. In Pamela 4.6 you will see only three main settings regarding video. FPS, the captured Frames Per Second. This impacts file size and quality of the video. Then there is the size of the video file (320×200 up to 800×600 including a YouTube setting). This obviously impacts size of the recording too. And then there is the audio quality starting from “low” to “highest”.
The output file is default WMV format and with Pamela 4.6 we’re doing away with all the complex codec configuration.
In addition there is a video custom recording option which will just record anything from the webcam.
If you have Pamela Professional you can just download and install which will update your Pamela to 4.6. If you do not have Pamela Professional or another Pamela version you will have Pamela Professional in trial mode (full functionality for 30 days).
UPDATE: Pamela 4.6 is now released as final version. Download from www.pamela.biz
Written by Dick on 18. August 2009 in category Pamela for Skype
The team is currently working on revamping the video recording module in Pamela. It is a feature requested and used a lot and the 1.0 version we have currently has some limitatons. We have addressed some of them in Pamela 4.5 but are still not happy with the results.
So, we decided to re-write the entire module from ground up based on DirectX. This is a Windows subsystem which allows for easy access to audio and video components in Windows.
The engineers have created a first test application which works flawlessly already. The CPU usage is between 3-5% and thus really low. The output file is WMV format which is compressed and a lot smaller then the current AVI. There will also be no more requirement to select a codec or install one so the trouble with this will be gone too. We are testing this internally and plan to release this in Pamela 4.6.
The inital results are very promising. I will keep you updated as the development progresses.
Oh, you may ask yourself when we plan to release this module? With a bit of luck it should be out second week of July.
Written by Dick on 22. June 2009 in category Pamela for Skype
A few weeks ago we have added a new module to Pamela for Skype and Pamela Call Recorder which will provide us better feedback when the application causes a crash. Unfortunately, despite all the testing, there are always situations where an application might become instable.
For this reason we decided to upgrade the reporter module. We added this to Pamela and PCR (Pamela Call Recorder) three weeks ago and have had some very good feedback. With this information we have released two new builds (versions) of Pamela and PCR and activated the auto update function too. So next time you start Pamela you should be notified that there is a new version available with the offer to download.
We have decided to push out a new release, based on feedback, every Friday. This of course only when there is enough feedback to justify this.
With this regular update cycle we want to further improve the stability of the applications to provide you with the best service possible.
On a side note, we will also release some changes to the video recording module to address some issues reported. Video remains high on the radar and we have been doing deep investigation into how to improve this function in Pamela further. Based on this research some changes will be implemented in this weeks update.
Written by Dick on 29. May 2009 in category Pamela for Skype
We released new Pamela for Skype and Pamela Call Recorder updates.
In Pamela several things were fixed like a bug when recording conference calls which resulted in the recording stopping when you added a person to the conference. We also fixed the call transfer feature which was broken in 4.5.0.96. A potential crash situation after finishing a call recording was also implemented.
In addition we decided to auto upgrade the entire Pamela user base to the new version. So all users who are still using an older Pamela version will receive an automatic update notification when they start Pamela.
In Pamela Call Recorder we also fixed the conference call bug and an issue related to settings not being saved as well as some minor things. The released version is 4.5.0.50 and is available from www.pamcorder.com. The new version has an improved installation routine which now will also allow starting the call recorder from the Skype Tools, Do More menu (requirement is that Skype Extras Manager is installed).
We activated the auto update for Pamela Call Recorder as well as we think the new version has several important fixes. People starting Pamela Call Recorder with an olderversion number then 4.5.0.49 will receive an automatic update notification.
Written by Dick on 1. April 2009 in category Pamela for Skype
Since the initial release of Pamela in February 2005 and after the last main release in May 2008, we now released Pamela for Skype version 4.5.
4.5 has some new features and changes which I will describe in this post.
The new version has two new main functions: Call Scheduler and Auto Conference Call Manager
Call Scheduler: This function allows you to schedule Skype calls and Pamela will popup a reminder at the preset time before the call is supposed to happen. The call scheduler has several options like recurring calls (great for those weekly/monthly calls). When a call notification is shown you can easily click on an icon which initiates the call for you.
Conference Call Manager: With this tool you can remotely start conference calls, bookmark conference calls or join calls. The situation of use would be where you are to start a conference call but need to attend other business. In this case you can define that when a particular Skype user calls you that Pamela creates the conference call (and you can record it also). The same works for outbound calls, you call a collegue and Pamela will create the conference call for you. You can also click on a call button and Pamela will automatically create a conference call with all people you have defined in the group.
In addition we have done major redesign of the birthday section which now shows a list of all past, current and future birthdays of your contacts. Those that do not have a date set in the Skype profile do not show obviously. New is also the option to customize the standard birthday chat greeting message before sending it.
We’ve had requests from people who installed Pamela on another computer, to be able to import older recordings. This function has been added to 4.5 and you can now easily import recordings into Pamela.
The video recording component, although not yet there where we want it to be, has been improved. Many had issues with Pamela unable to locate the Skype video, this has been fixed. Stay tuned for more development here.
The sound options in Pamela have been simplified as the configuration in 4.0 was very technical and many could not figure out how that worked.
The audio engine in Pamela has been updated and performs better. We have also achieved considerable performance improvements when starting Pamela.
Furthermore icons have been updated for better clearity. Menus have been resorted so they are more logical. Some settings regarding default setting of various options changed based on user feedback.
If you are a current Pamela user (not Call Recorder!), you can upgrade for free by downloading the latest version. To do that open Pamela and click on the Help menu and then “Check for update”. Download the new 4.5 version and run the installer. There is no need to uninstall Pamela for the upgrade.
We hope you enjoy the features of Pamela.
Written by Dick on 5. March 2009 in category General News,Pamela for Skype
We’re proud to announce that we have found a new domain name for our Pamela product range. The new home of Pamela is www.pamela.biz and already live. We’ve migrated over from the old domain, but obvously the older links/bookmarks will just keep working.
Written by Dick on 8. January 2009 in category General News,Pamela for Skype
Today I received an interesting newpaper clipping from the Dutch NRC. It was about the European satellite mission called….. PAMELA.
The article went on to explain what Pamela stands for: Payload for Antimater Exploration and Light-nuclet Astrophysics. This is a European experiment and the article was about an information leak regarding the results which appeared on www.arxiv.org.
Written by Dick on 17. October 2008 in category Pamela for Skype
We recently upgraded our store on Pamela-Systems to a complete new system. The platform is the same as we have already been using with PamFax. Obviously we had to migrate a lot of legacy and this took us a bit longer then we had anticipated.
The new store is much simpler to navigate and find your way around. In addition it finally provides decent multi-currency support and can handle a large number of credit card processing systems. We still have PayPal but we replaced 2CheckOut with Worldpay. We added Google Checkout who are the only ones that offer Amex support and a really simple and easy payment process. In future we might look at adding systems for particular countries.
The store layout is much cleaner and we have been able to add more license packs, now also for Pamela Call Recorder. Each product can be viewed in detail, you can see exactly what a particular edition offers, what the requirements are and there is even a direct download option. In the past this was often confusing, having the download and purchase on separate pages – people occasionally purchased the wrong license. This should improve with the new store.
The backend side has also improved, you can now login to your account and see your purchase history. The system also provides you with the ability to lookup your activation key and download an invoice for your purchase. For companies within EU we offer the ability to enter the EU-VAT number and purchase without VAT.
The upgrade process has also significantly improved. You login to the store, select a product from the upgrade category, enter your old activation key at checkout and the previous paid price is subtracted from the basket. You only pay the difference. Note though that the entered key is disabled afterwards.
So, with this upgrade we hope you will find it easier to find the right product, with the right currency which fits your need. As always, any comments are greatly appreciated.
Written by Dick on 9. October 2008 in category General News,Pamela for Skype
Beginning this year we have founded the “Scendix Software GmbH” which focusses on selling our “off the shelf” software products like Pamela, Call Recorder, mcePhone, etc.
As of October 1st, Pamela has been switched over to this new company. In addition we upgraded the Pamela Store to a complete new solution. After 2 years of working with the old store, we now have a real solid platform. The PamFax store already uses the new system.
The new store provides a much better shopping experience as products are grouped better with detailed descriptions, requirements and direct download possibility. Now we are able to offer license packs for all products. Support for multi currency is built in. The new system provides you with an account login area where you can retrieve your activation code as well as download an invoice. Upgrading Pamela is also a lot easier. In addition the new platform allows us to do promotions and affiliate deals much simpler, so stay tuned!
Written by Dick on 6. October 2008 in category Pamela for Skype
We are currently finalising the next Pamela version, 4.1.
New will be a Skype call scheduler. Ever since I use Skype for calling I have missed a feature that enables me to manage my calls. I promise to call someone back and need to do this in Outlook or pen and paper. After plastering my screen with notes, we decided it is time to add this to Pamela. It has turned out to be a pretty cool feature with a wealth of flexibility.
The second major feature is a tool that helps you manage Skype conference calls more easier. I’ve always found it annoying not to be able to save a conference call with fixed participant list and start with one click. Also we’ve had requests from people who live in a different timezone from their headoffice and who want to initiate and record conference calls. Pamela 4.1 will offer all of this in a sleek function called Auto Conference Manager.
In addition we decided to change the audio engine for more simpler handling. Also to address some incompatibility issues with Ulead packages. And we have done some work on the video recording part and redone the language editor. You will also notice the new hints in options and other places that help you with what needs to be entered.
Stay tuned for the release!
Written by Dick on 6. April 2008 in category Pamela for Skype
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