Possible name of the software used to type equations in a video

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the software used to type equations in a video, with a focus on real-time equation rendering and the effectiveness of various tools for teaching purposes. Participants explore different software options, their functionalities, and the aesthetics of the output.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for software that can type LaTeX equations in real time, noting that LyX does not produce clear outputs.
  • Another mentions that MS Word's Equation Editor was replaced by MathType, which may be relevant to the discussion.
  • Some participants suggest that the video likely uses a WYSIWYG generator rather than LaTeX, speculating on the possibility of video editing techniques being employed.
  • Concerns are raised about the clarity of equations produced by various software compared to those in the video, with specific mention of font differences.
  • Several participants share their experiences with different programs, noting difficulties in writing equations quickly and cleanly compared to the video.
  • One participant mentions creating a video on MathType, indicating it allows for shortcuts in typing equations.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the video being recorded in real time, suggesting that editing is likely involved.
  • A later reply identifies the video as potentially using the Equation Editor from older versions of PowerPoint, speculating on the use of macro recorders for timing adjustments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific software used in the video, with multiple competing views regarding the tools and techniques employed. There is general uncertainty about the real-time nature of the video and the effectiveness of various software options.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the exact software used in the video, dependence on personal experiences with different equation editors, and unresolved questions about the editing process involved in the video production.

brotherbobby
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TL;DR
I would like to know, if possible, the ##\text{name of the software}## used to type equations on to the computer screen shown in the video below.
Video Link

Many thanks if you can guess what the name of the software is. It can be very useful for teaching.

Let me also confess that, till date, I haven't found a software that can type ##\rm{LaTeX}## equations in real time on to the computer screen. LyX is the only one I know of, but the look of the equations that appear is not clear for people to read.

Alternately, I would be glad if someone could suggest an app with a space where rows of equations can be typed in ##\rm{LaTeX}## in a WYSIWYG form. There are ##\rm{LaTeX}## online renderers but the space available is one equation at a time.

Also, as you will see in the video, nowhere are the actual ##\rm{LaTeX}## codes showing. I suspect it is not ##\rm{LaTeX}## at all in the video but a form of writing equations very close to it in look and feel.

Many thanks.
 
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MS Word until 2018 had its own Equation Editor, but that was removed due to security concerns. Its successor appears to be MathType.
 
That doesn’t really look like LaTeX. More likely some wysiwyg generator, possibly the equation efitor of Powerpoint or similar. Either used with key commands, video edits, or both. I find it somewhat unlikely that this video is recorded real time. The typical thing to do would be to prepare the video and a manuscript, then record the manuscript and match the video to the narration.

When I teach in distance I write by hand using a tablet as a black/whiteboard.
 
Actually there's both today @pasmith. I have them. But neither is as good as the one on the video.

Equation editor uses the Cambria Math font, which is not as good as the Latin Modern Roman Font in ##\rm{LaTeX}##. Or the Computer Modern Roman font.

In MathType, you can install and load those fonts but they are not as clean as the way it appeared on the video.

Here's a screenshot from MathType :

1712077842930.png


Here's a screenshot from MSWord's Equation editor :

1712078116928.png


As you can see, the Cambria Math font of MSWord doesn't have the nice look of the CMR one of ##\rm{LaTeX}##. However, both Equation Editor and MathType can be used to type in real time. MathType has the advantage of better shortcut keys so as to avoid the commands being shown.
 
Orodruin said:
That doesn’t really look like LaTeX. More likely some wysiwyg generator, possibly the equation efitor of Powerpoint or similar. Either used with key commands, video edits, or both. I find it somewhat unlikely that this video is recorded real time. The typical thing to do would be to prepare the video and a manuscript, then record the manuscript and match the video to the narration.

When I teach in distance I write by hand using a tablet as a black/whiteboard.
So do I, but the equations are handwritten and not as clean as the typed one in the video.

Again, can one type equations as easily as one can "write" them down with a stylus pen? I wish I could do that.
 
I've tried several programs but I've never been able to "write" equations fast enough. My old hand always wins.
 
brotherbobby said:
So do I, but the equations are handwritten and not as clean as the typed one in the video.

Again, can one type equations as easily as one can "write" them down with a stylus pen? I wish I could do that.
I see that you posted your question after the video that you linked to. If they answer, can you please let us know the answer. I am not aware of a text editor that makes equations so simple. Maybe it is the "magic of video editing".
 
FactChecker said:
Maybe it is the "magic of video editing".
I am about 3-1 in favor of video editing over typing with shortcuts …
 
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FactChecker said:
I see that you posted your question after the video that you linked to. If they answer, can you please let us know the answer. I am not aware of a text editor that makes equations so simple. Maybe it is the "magic of video editing".
I have had no answers from them.
However, I have made a video on ##\text{MathType}^{\circledR}## in which you can type equations using shortcuts. Here's the video of it below.

MathType
 
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  • #10
brotherbobby said:
I have had no answers from them.
However, I have made a video on ##\text{MathType}^{\circledR}## in which you can type equations using shortcuts. Here's the video of it below.

MathType
Thanks! That looks very close. So the only thing to do after that is to edit the video to shorten some pauses. I don't think anyone could do much better without a lot of practice and retakes.
 
  • #11
FactChecker said:
Thanks! That looks very close. So the only thing to do after that is to edit the video to shorten some pauses. I don't think anyone could do much better without a lot of practice and retakes.
With more practice, I could write without those pauses. Still, as you noticed, I couldn't do it as well as those guys in the original video.
Of course it's all a bit cosmetic, but can be very useful if you're teaching a classroom.
 
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  • #12
brotherbobby said:
With more practice, I could write without those pauses. Still, as you noticed, I couldn't do it as well as those guys in the original video.
Of course it's all a bit cosmetic, but can be very useful if you're teaching a classroom.
I am doubtful that the videos in Socratica are done in real time without editing. A professional would routinely edit their videos and possibly splice together cuts from several takes.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
brotherbobby said:
That video was made 12 years ago: it looks like the Equation Editor in Powerpoint 2010 or possibly 2007.

I would guess they used a macro recorder to clean up and change the timing of the input keystrokes: that would be easier than editing a video.
 
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