Through our brief research, we found no simple, in-device method of recording a video file of what occurs on-screen of an iOS device. We brainstormed a few ways to “fake” the motion of the app through a sequence of screen grabs and motion graphics, but ultimately decided on a hardware solution.

Blackmagic Design offers a solution to record HD-in video and audio signals via HDMI or component cables with their Intensity line of products. It also allows for output to HDTVs via an HDMI-out port for pass-through monitoring purposes.

The iPad 2 as well as iPhone 4s offer screen mirroring via HDMI-out (Apple AV Adapter needed).

We installed the Intensity Pro card into a MacPro; and, after a driver upgrade fixed a small problem in the HDMI-out signal, we were up and running!  The software included with the card provided a stand-alone recorded application as well as plug-ins for our Final Cut and Adobe applications.

Things to note: the iPad 2 screen resolution is 1024×768, a 4:3 aspect ratio. Thus, videos recorded will be pillarboxed. Also, video coming from the iPad will be 60p. Capture software must be set up to record at the same rate.

Overall, this was a cool project to dig into and most definitely a learning experience of an atypical recording method!