The OP edits his posts multiple times that it is very hard to keep track of what the original request was. And the edits do not explain if it was a simple typo or a major change to the post.

Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2014 01:34AM by scanman1.

scanman1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This thread is like herding cats at this point.

>^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<

You can't "herd cats" no more than you can swim with Shamu the Killer Whale...

Cats have their own minds....

I'm fairly certain that was his point

Even the blonde ones?

bgriffin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm fairly certain that was his point


That's OK, dspeakes has shown us how easy it is to recreate a post that an OP has edited in an attempt to confuse the issue of their original post. If I were interested enough, I would recreate his original post to compare the Before with the After the multiple edits.

bgriffin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> He is not asking for samples of your work. He is
> asking you to run a sample of your work through a
> program that identifies all of the setting for the
> video. Much like a program that would read the
> EXIF info from a photograph. Basically he wants
> to be able to take the video from a PV500 and
> either have his equipment create the exact same
> spec of video or convert whatever his equipment
> creates into the same spec of video. He needs to
> know a lot of information from a sample video to
> be able to do that.
>
> Also Leslie is spectacular and you (scanman)
> should listen to what she has to say.

You are 100% correct. That is all I am seeking at this point is the technical spec's that this unit outputs.


James Bond 007.5 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I believe what Scanman is attempting to do is use
> some of the newer digitally programmable equipment
> and program it to the standards of the
> PV-500...

The PVR equiptment that I am working with is very small and ruggedized to withstand being crash landed as the manufacturer is working with the drone hobbiest community. It is fully programmable as to the format it will do the recording in, via software on a computer. Than after all the settings are created on the computer, a "firmware" is then sent via USB cable to the unit. The unit itself does not have any video screen or a bunch of buttons to navigate or select any settings. It is capable of direct recording in mpeg2, mpeg4, h.264 and the bitrate as well as the camera resolution can also be set from the computer and then uploaded to the unit to create video from the pvr depending on the camera and it can be from sd video all the way up to 1080p at a full 30 fps.

This means that the unit is as simple to operate is possible. It has only a few buttons such as recording on, recording off, snap hires photo and small led's on the unit itself. An addition battery cell can be added to extend the recording range into several hours.

Here is an example of one of the units I am talking about:

[www.rcgroups.com]

The camera can be removed from the PVR itself and an extension cable can be ran to the pinhole camera you currently use. When I spoke earlier, I was refering to custom adaper cable to make existing button cameras capable of plugging into this PVR.

From what specifications are available avout the pv-500, the unit I am looking to use is more advanced in that it can record using a more compact and modern video format that will generate smaller and higher quality video recordings. I'm sure that would be very desirable when someone is in a hotel looking to upload video from a very slow network.

I'm NOT refering to another PV-500 type device like this $165 unit that is very similar full size PVR:
[www.ebay.com]




Shop2LiveinFL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The OP edits his posts multiple times that it is
> very hard to keep track of what the original
> request was. And the edits do not explain if it
> was a simple typo or a major change to the post.

I make lots of typo's when it's very late at night. I see a typo and edit it, then start to read my post again and find another. There is a second edit. If you look at my post times and edit times, you will see that they are all within minutes of my post. I have never gone back and edited content of a post after someone has replied to it.

You are saying your DVR does not have a screen? One of the things that must be done as soon as possible after a video shop is to review the footage for any problems. If video cannot be reviewed on the actual DVR it would require plugging it into another device. IMO that could be cumbersome on a route of video shops.

LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You are saying your DVR does not have a screen?
> One of the things that must be done as soon as
> possible after a video shop is to review the
> footage for any problems. If video cannot be
> reviewed on the actual DVR it would require
> plugging it into another device. IMO that could be
> cumbersome on a route of video shops.

When plugged into a smartphone, tablet or laptop via the usb cable, the video files can be played on the DVR as well as transfered to the other device for uploading. It looks just like pluging in a usb memory stick.

The MicroSD cards can also be shuffled between the DVR and another portable device.

If someone has another device that takes a card of USB device and wants to carry it with them. When traveling my electronics are never left visible in the car and locally I will not take more than my tablet which can be hidden under a seat. I only take it when some of my days shops can be completed on the run. Otherwise it is just one more thing to lug along.

Did I miss something about the audio for this new device?

(LisaSTL)
As long as you have a device that accepts USB On The Go cable connection, regardless if it is Android or iOS, you can use any device to view the video and audio. Without knowing what method the MSC requires you to send the video files, I cannot determine if your phone, tablet or pad would be capable of sending the video file to the MSC. Obviously a Netbook or Laptop would do everything.


(Walesmaven)
I have not really discussed the audio. It is mono and contains a condenser style microphone as all the other units are.

scanman1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I will exactly match the industry standard. The
> video I ask for is a video that is recorded
> *OUTSIDE* of a job and can be as simple as turning
> on the camera and pointing it at a tree and saying
> "test 1, 2, 3".


If I were the owner of such video equipment, I'd accept such an assignment from scanman1 to mystery shop my backyard tree... for a nominal fee of course

You're missing the point. I don't need to plug into anything and would rather not have the extra step. To me it is inefficient which makes it illogical. I have successfully reduced the equipment/paper/time/costs to do my job. Reversing any of those would also be illogical.

Scanman1: Why don't you make a youtube video of your audio/video mysteryshopping recorder gadget? Do all your explainations. Show and tell us everything. And finally, present it to a MSC or Client and let's see what their reaction is, all on video. Pass or fail. I suggest this, because reinventing the wheel, doesn't seem to be working.

scanman1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> (LisaSTL)
> As long as you have a device that accepts USB On
> The Go cable connection, regardless if it is
> Android or iOS, you can use any device to view the
> video and audio. Without knowing what method the
> MSC requires you to send the video files, I cannot
> determine if your phone, tablet or pad would be
> capable of sending the video file to the MSC.
> Obviously a Netbook or Laptop would do
> everything.
>
>
> (Walesmaven)
> I have not really discussed the audio. It is mono
> and contains a condenser style microphone as all
> the other units are.

Leslie had graciously and generously posted, shouldn't you be working with her on this video camera of yours?

I'm sure this has been said before, but it bears repeating. If you have never done a video shop or two, in order to be the most effective you should actually try them. Many of your own questions could be answered that simply. Proposing equipment which could be cheaper and just as reliable might end up being a stroke of genius or it may fall flat as things often do between the drawing board and the real world applications. Much has already been written about some of the problems unique to video shoppers along with the pitfalls. While some people can learn from reading, others learn more from doing. You strike me as the latter. Since some companies will gladly loan equipment and training, it is there for the taking and won't cost you a dime. Just do yourself a favor and don't take apart the camera or try to reprogram the dang thing

I did want to add this. Keep in mind what has been said about the whole of video shopping. The equipment is just part of the equation. You must consider how important it is to be comfortable with the scenario and with your own body. Video shopping is always a little leap of faith.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/03/2014 12:10AM by LisaSTL.

^^^ Agree with LisaSTL 100%!

Once I am at the shop, I completely "forget" about the camera. It's all about acting, ask the necessary questions, raise objectives, providing the correct name and scenario correctly.

Aha! I just remembered the term I was looking for in my previous post--Software Definable Radio. It appears that the video unit Scanman is describing is also software definable, which means that, if he has the correct parameters and specifications for the PV-500, then he programs this unit to those standards, it is then, for all practical purposes, a PV-500.

As others have said, the lack of a video screen is a drawback. I understand what Scanman is saying about being able to view on other equipment but, after I turn the unit on, I extend my arm and trace the image area with my hand at arms length, just to mentally have that "frame" in mind when I'm with the target. In that regard, it's good to have that immediate visual feedback.

Immediate visual feedback at the beginning of the shop is essaential! That is how most of us test that the camera is at the exactly, correct angle, there are no sudden deviations in video quality that might indicate a problem, and can see that the record function is "on".

In addition, I think that if you look at the current equipment specs you will find that your idea for audio will fall short.

Will you please just work with a video MSC to get a more educayed view of the industry needs.

BTW, we upload unaltered video, usually via an ftp site. Neither the MSCs nor the clients want the shopper making any changes to the video! The common format is avi.

I decided that I will join the MSPA and then sign up for:

Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II – On Site Certification being offered on 10/19 from 10:00-11:50 AM.

I live less than 10 miles down I-4 from the Shopperfest 2014 event.


I just sent an email to: lwwods@hqtrs.com listed as the main point of contact on the Shopperfest 2014 website here: [mysteryshop.org]

The email bounced:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delivery has failed to these recipients or groups:

lwwods@hqtrs.com<mailto:lwwods@hqtrs.com>
The e-mail address you entered couldn't be found. Please check the recipient's e-mail address and try to resend the message. If the problem continues, please contact your helpdesk.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oops, typo scanman. It should be "lwoods".

(heart)

Looks like an error, but it isn't just a typo by scan man. When you click on the link in the MSPA Shopperfest, the link for lwoods actually becomes lwwods. Not sure that was an error made by whoever set up the Shopperfest announcement or what.

So, if you are trying to reach the point of contact, DO NOT click the link. Type in the e-mail address, lwoods@hqtrs.com

Less than 2 hours to get a certification for video shopping? The standard training courses are 8 hours. Sounds like you are just going to a workshop about video.

There will be an 8 hour VSN approved video training session in Vegas in November, the day after the IMSC conference there. It will be taught by Kathy Hart who is an excellent trainer and who manages a major video company. For other training at Chicago and in Washington, see a recent post here by the other trainers who are recognized by VSN as providing approved courses. (or check the VSN site)

Is the course that you are doing VSN approved?

walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is the course that you are doing VSN approved?

That's a good question. I am not prepared to fly across the country to a confrence and spend that kind of money at this point in the game, but I don't think I should pass up a training oppertunity that is less than a 30 minute drive from me.

There seems to be conflicting opinions and information about MSPA certifications and the fact that they are changing and this is a new one that they are offering from what I read.

I'm sure there are some people here that can elaborate on the values and meaning of the MSPA video certification?

I have been reading other posts and there are experienced shoppers that are giving differing opinions of the MSPA courses.

MSPA has not done any VSN approved video certification before, as far as I know. Many of the video MSCs don't even belong to MSPA. Who is the trainer?

Why not do the VSA approved video training offered as an on-line course through IMSC? It is only $75. And you have access to it for 30 days. Servanne Edland is a really great trainer and has done years and years of video. Just do a search on IMSC and you will find what you need. VSN member MSCs all recognize IMSC-sponsored video training. Have you check with VSN?

You may be jumping enthusiastically into the wrong lake, lol.

walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MSPA has not done any VSN approved video
> certification before, as far as I know. Many of
> the video MSCs don't even belong to MSPA. Who is
> the trainer?

The website does not give the name of the person(s) who are offering the training. As there are two seperate video training classes happening at the same time.

> You may be jumping enthusiastically into the wrong
> lake, lol.

I just recieved a reply to my email. In order for me to take part in the only training period they offer for the whole event, being this less than two hours of training, this is a breakdown of how much it will cost taken directly from the MSPA website:

---------------------------------------------------------------
MSPA Membership for one year: $20.00
MSPA Shopperfest for members:$120.00
MSPA Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II On-Site Certification $40.00 –
(Please note that Track I and Track II happen at the same time 10:00-11:50)

More industries and MSP companies are requesting and embracing hidden video shopping. There are logistics and legalities to be aware of to both protect your own interests and to help you provide the best possible video shop results that you can, and thereby earn you more work at some of the industry’s highest pay rates. MSPA Video Shopping-I covers the basic tenants of conducting hidden video mystery shops, particularly in the industries of new homes, multi-family (apartment) homes, automotive and education. You’ll learn about client expectations, camera positioning, common errors and the laws surrounding the recording and use of hidden video. Passage of a written exam is required to become certified. MSPA Video Shopping II is a practical hands on lab in wich students role play and experiment with hidden video equiptment in order to master the use of, andrecieve feedback on, their demonstrated handling of the equiptment. Students muss pas another exam to become MSPA-II video certified.


Also happening at the same exact time frame is the other training, so you can only recieve ONE of the FOUR training courses, even if you do attend the full weekend event.

Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification $20.00
Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification $20.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So the cost for less than two hours instruction cost only $180, or over $90 an hour.

If they offered all four of the training courses at different times, I could see where a shopper would join the event and take the full 3 hours and 40 minutes of video training and the other two 50 minute certifications, if they thought they needed help with personal responsability and ethics, or a 50 minute English course on how to write an objective report.

Let me share the full email exchange I had with Leah Woods for clarification of what I just posted above:

Hi xxxxxxx,

In order to take the Video-Shopping on-site certification course you must be registered for ShopperFest. MSPA does plan to broaden this certification to members who don't attend conference, however we don't have a time frame when that will be available.

Thank you for pointing out the typo on the website, I have forwarded that to our web developer.

Best regards,


Leah Woods | Membership Coordinator
Mystery Shopping Providers Association - North America
Like the MSPA-NA on Facebook and keep in touch! Click Here!

www.mysteryshop.org
PROUDLY MANAGED BY
"Your Success with Our Support"
www.aboutfsa.com
888.478.9949



-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014
To: Leah Woods
Subject: MSPA Video training course

Hi,

I have been an active shopper for about 6 months and am fortunate enough to live in Orlando. I am signed up and already shop with several of the companies that are sponsoring Shopperfest 2014.

I am most interested in becoming a MSPA member and would like to take the (Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II - On Site Certification - $40 Sunday 10:00-11:50 am) course to gain the needed skills to begin video shopping.

As this is a separately purchased MSPA course, can I join the MSPA and take this course without registering for the full Shopperfest event?

I am already active on www.mysteryshopforum.com and have been reading posts at videoshoppingnetwork.org forum as well.

Thank You,

xxxxxxx xxxxxxx

P.S. The link to your email when actually clicked on from the main contact page "[www.mysteryshop.org]; is a broken link that will open a new email to "lwwods@hqtrs.com". You should report this to your webmaster to have this typo corrected.

Well, I think that I have said this before. The MSPA got out of in-person shopper education in 2009 "becasue we could not make it pay." Looks like they are getting back in with the same attitude. And their course description sounds pretty "lite."

What good will MSPA video certification do anyone when signing up with a non-MSPA video shopping company? Do you really think that MSPA will verify your MSPA certification to a nonmember MSC? They only certify their other certifications to MSPA members.

scanman1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> walesmaven Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Is the course that you are doing VSN approved?
>
> That's a good question. I am not prepared to fly
> across the country to a confrence and spend that
> kind of money at this point in the game, but I
> don't think I should pass up a training
> oppertunity that is less than a 30 minute drive
> from me.
>
> There seems to be conflicting opinions and
> information about MSPA certifications and the fact
> that they are changing and this is a new one that
> they are offering from what I read.
>
> I'm sure there are some people here that can
> elaborate on the values and meaning of the MSPA
> video certification?
>
> I have been reading other posts and there are
> experienced shoppers that are giving differing
> opinions of the MSPA courses.


You can take the $75.00 course, the one being referenced to on this thread, online so you don't have to fly anywhere.

Since I am already gold certified with MSPA, it would make sense to also be video certified under the same group. I believe they will also put out certification for restaurants, auto shops, etc.

cubbie,
If the MSPA certification is not recognized by most video MSCs, why would this be so great?