3Com  Bigpicture Manual
3Com  Bigpicture Manual

3Com Bigpicture Manual

Videophone camera & capture card
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This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following 3Com
Bigpicture
TM
products:
Videophone Camera & Capture Card
3Com, the 3Com logo, and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks; Bigpicture and the Bigpicture
logo are trademarks of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. Windows and NetMeeting are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Kai's Photo Soap Special Edition is a trademark of
MetaCreations. Digital Video Producer is a trademark of Asymetrix. VDOPhone, VDOLive, and
VDOMail are trademarks of VDOnet Corp. iVisit is a trademark of BoxTop Interactive. Any other
trademarks or service marks used in this manual are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 1997 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries
7770 North Frontage Rd.
Skokie, IL 60077-2690

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Summary of Contents for 3Com 3Com Bigpicture

  • Page 1 ® This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following 3Com Bigpicture products: Videophone Camera & Capture Card 3Com, the 3Com logo, and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks; Bigpicture and the Bigpicture logo are trademarks of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. Windows and NetMeeting are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Determining Your Version of Windows 95 Inserting the Video Capture Card into Your Computer Connecting Your NTSC Camera to Your Video Capture Card Connecting a Camcorder or Other NTSC Device to Your Video Capture Card Installing the Video Capture Card’s Drivers Software Installation...
  • Page 3 Glossary Specifications Video Capture Card NTSC Camera Regulatory Information and Limited Warranty ABLE OF ONTENTS...
  • Page 4: Introduction

    ongratulations! You have purchased a powerful (and fun!) video communications tool. 3Com is known worldwide for reliable and easy-to-use networking and data communications tools. Now you can count on 3Com for the same quality in digital video applications. 3Com, the leader in networking, now puts digital video right inside your PC.
  • Page 5: Installation

    You’ll need these items from your Bigpicture box: NTSC camera Bigpicture CD-ROM Plus: screwdriver (not included) This section will guide you through installation of the hardware and software in your Bigpicture Videophone package. The hardware (video capture card and camera) must be installed before the software.
  • Page 6 3. In the “System Properties” screen, look at the system information under the General tab (circled in the following screen image). The number following the text “Microsoft Windows 95” will end with “950”, “950a”, or “950b”. This indicates your version of Windows 95.
  • Page 7: Inserting The Video Capture Card Into Your Computer

    Inserting the Video Capture Card into Your Computer NOTE: Before installing your capture card, write down the card’s serial number in this space: ________________________________ You will find the serial number underneath the bar code on the white sticker on the capture card and on your Bigpicture package.
  • Page 8 CAUTION : To avoid risk of electric shock, make sure your computer and all peripheral devices are turned off and unplugged from electrical outlets. 3. Remove the screws from your computer’s cover and then remove the cover. Your computer may not resemble the computer in the following diagrams, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same.
  • Page 9 5. There should be two types of expansion slot inside your computer, ISA and PCI (see the following diagrams). Find an empty PCI slot inside your computer. PCI slots are usually white plastic grooves lined with silver metal. ISA slots are usually longer black plastic grooves lined with silver metal.
  • Page 10 6. Unscrew and remove the expansion slot cover (the long, narrow piece of metal that keeps dust from entering through the opening perpendicular to the slot). Be careful not to drop the screw into the PC. 7. Holding the video capture card at each corner, with the gold edge facing the slot, push the card down as gently as possible until it snaps into the expansion slot.
  • Page 11: Connecting Your Ntsc Camera To Your Video Capture Card

    Bigpicture package, a camcorder (not included), or a VCR (not included) to channel video signals into your capture card. If you wish to use a camcorder or VCR, go to “Connecting a Camcorder or NSTALLATION Other NTSC Device to the Video Capture Card”...
  • Page 12: Connecting A Camcorder Or Other Ntsc Device To Your Video Capture Card

    NTSC compliant device to the video capture card. In this manner, you could hook up a camcorder, VCR, laserdisc player, or other NTSC video device. You should consult the device’s manual for specific information about connecting the device to a source other than a television.
  • Page 13: Installing The Video Capture Card's Drivers

    consult your device’s manual if this configuration does not apply. The power jack on the capture card is of no concern when you are using a device other than the NTSC camera included in your Bigpicture kit. To connect your device’s audio out to your sound card, connect a phono plug to miniature 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) phone plug adapter (Radio Shack catalog number 274-330a) to one end...
  • Page 14 NOTE: If you do not see the preceding screen, your Plug and Play installation was not successful. See “If Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your Capture Card” (page 43). NSTALLATION 2. Click Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer. 3.
  • Page 15 5. Next, you will see the following screen on your desktop. Click OK. Windows will install the additional software. 6. Once the additional software is installed, you will see your normal desktop. You should now verify that the installation was a success.
  • Page 16 NSTALLATION 7. Double-click the System icon (circled in 8. Click the Device Manager tab. the screen image below).
  • Page 17 9. Double-click Sound, Video and Game Controllers. NSTALLATION 10. You should see “U.S. Robotics Video Capture” in the Sound, Video and Game Controllers listing. This indicates that the installation was successful.
  • Page 18 NOTE: If you do not see your video capture card listed in the preceding screen, your Plug and Play installation was not successful. See “If Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your Capture Card” (page 43). You are now ready to install the software for Bigpicture.
  • Page 19 2. When you see the following screen, click Finish. NSTALLATION 3. Next, you will see the following screen on your desktop. Click OK. Windows will install the additional software. 4. Once the additional software is installed, you will see your normal desktop. You should now verify that the installation was a success.
  • Page 20 NSTALLATION 5. Double-click the System icon (circled in the screen image below).
  • Page 21 NSTALLATION 6. Click the Device Manager tab. 7. Double-click Sound, Video and Game Controllers.
  • Page 22: Software Installation

    8. You should see “U.S. Robotics Video Capture” in the Sound, Video and Game Controllers listing. This indicates that the installation was successful. NSTALLATION NOTE: If you do not see your video capture card listed in the preceding screen, your Plug and Play installation was not successful.
  • Page 23 This section will guide you through installing the Bigpicture Setup Wizard, which installs your Bigpicture software applications. 1. Click Windows 95 Start. 2. Then click Run. NSTALLATION 3. Your Bigpicture CD-ROM should be inserted into your CD-ROM drive. If it is not, insert it now.
  • Page 24 NSTALLATION 4. You will see the following screen. The 5. After you read the “Welcome” screen, Setup Wizard is preparing your system for click Next. installation.
  • Page 25 6. Fill in the blanks on the next screen with your information, using the TAB key to move between the fields. Then click Next. 7. The next screen allows you to choose a typical or custom installation. We recommend that you click Typical. If you click Custom, you can choose which software applications will install and NSTALLATION...
  • Page 26 NSTALLATION On the following page is a summary of the software available on the Bigpicture CD- ROM. Review each item to familiarize yourself with the applications. Keep in mind that your Bigpicture system will be easier to use if you install all of the software included on the CD-ROM by choosing the Typical installation.
  • Page 27: Bigpicture Software Summary

    Bigpicture Software Summary Bigpicture - This is the application launcher that you use to quickly access any of the software in the Bigpicture program group. It also provides easy access to help files for some applications. Kai’s Photo Soap Special Edition - Special Edition is a fun tool for manipulating and editing digital photos and still images.
  • Page 28 NSTALLATION 8. When you see the following screen, click 9. This is the first screen of the Registration Yes. Wizard. After reading the screen, click Next.
  • Page 29 10. When you see the next screen, type the appropriate information. Then click Next. 11. When you see the following screen, you are asked which Bigpicture product you purchased. Scroll down and select 3Com Bigpicture Video Capture Card and Camera. Fill in the rest of the information as required.
  • Page 30 NOTE: You can also register by fax or e-mail if you have those options. We explain the By Mail option to ensure that everyone can register, regardless of their system’s capabilities. NSTALLATION 13. When the following screen appears, make sure the printer selected is the correct destination for your registration information.
  • Page 31: The Bigpicture Application Launcher

    14. This screen marks the end of the registration process. Click OK. Continue with the next section, which provides an overview of the Bigpicture application launcher. The Bigpicture Application Launcher The Bigpicture application launcher is a quick and easy way for you to access the software programs installed to your computer from the NSTALLATION Bigpicture CD.
  • Page 32 Here is a synopsis of the launcher: Click Video Phone and a menu appears allowing you to launch VDOnet’s VDOPhone Professional H.324 & Internet videophone software, BoxTop Interactive’s iVisit Internet chat software, or Microsoft’s NetMeeting H.323 Internet software. Click Video Mail and VDOnet’s VDOMail launches automatically.
  • Page 33: Internet Security Issues

    NTERNET The Internet is an amazing new frontier of human interaction. Almost anyone and anything can be found there in one form or another. This is part of the appeal of gaining access to the Internet and the World Wide Web.
  • Page 34 communications path. It should be considered a public “place.” Therefore, you should assume that any information that you send over the Internet can be viewed by strangers. If the software you are using includes security measures, we recommend that you take advantage of them.
  • Page 35 The information that you provide here will be available to anyone accessing the VDO directory while the VDOPhone software is running on your PC. Adding information to the VDOPhone “Identity” section might help friends and family identify who you are for practical reasons.
  • Page 36 than your real name to ensure that no one will know who you really are. Use a password your children don’t know. If you have children who use your computer, you may want to keep your VDOPhone password a secret from them to ensure that they don’t have access to the software.
  • Page 37 can protect your identity and that of your family. Do not use “Auto Answer” when using VDOPhone. This setting automatically brings up any video images that enter the VDOPhone directory, regardless of whether you want to see them or not. By disabling this feature, you reduce the risk of seeing something that might offend you or that you do not wish to see.
  • Page 38: Troubleshooting And Online Help Resources

    ROUBLESHOOTING AND PROBLEM The computer or software will not recognize the video capture card. You do not see video in an application’s video window. NLINE DIAGNOSIS You may have a conflict between your COM and IRQ ports. The camera may not be turned on. ESOURCES POSSIBLE SOLUTION Check to make sure you...
  • Page 39 PROBLEM You do not see video… (cont.) A “No suitable DirectDraw provider” error box appears when starting a video application. ROUBLESHOOTING AND NLINE DIAGNOSIS The application may be set to accept video from a non-existent source. Your software may be set to the wrong video format.
  • Page 40: Irq Conflicts: Freeing An Irq

    IRQ Conflicts: Freeing an IRQ Your video capture card requires two system resources: an interrupt and a memory segment. If your system is not immediately detecting the card, there is a high probability that there is an IRQ conflict involving the video capture card.
  • Page 41 NOTE: If your PC is loaded with many devices, there may not be a free interrupt available for the video capture card. If this is the case, you’ll need to find an unused device which has a reserved interrupt and free that interrupt for use by the capture card.
  • Page 42: Irq Conflicts: Altering Pci Bios Settings

    IRQ Conflicts: Altering PCI BIOS Settings Your Bigpicture package is a PCI-based system. While most PCI-based systems configure themselves automatically via a Plug and Play compliant chip set and BIOS, there are occasional problems. Some of these systems require you to configure some or all of the following functions, usually by changing jumpers on the system board or BIOS setup parameters.
  • Page 43: System Locking: Readjusting The Video Capture Card's Memory Address

    System Locking: Readjusting the Video Capture Card’s Memory Address If your PCI video capture card installed correctly, yet your system locks up when attempting to access video applications, there may be a Plug and Play memory overlap between your capture card and an existing video card with a S3/968 chip set (Diamond Stealth 64 PCI, etc.).
  • Page 44: If Plug And Play Does Not Detect Your Capture Card

    If Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your Capture Card 1. Click Windows 95 Start and click Shut Down. When asked if you wish to shut down your computer, click Yes. When Windows 95 indicates that it is safe to turn off your computer, turn it off and wait 15 seconds.
  • Page 45: Online Help Resources

    Online Help Resources 3Com offers a number of online technical support options. Choose any one of the following if you need help with your new Bigpicture system or want to learn more about it. Bigpicture 90-Day Installation Support Line If you need further assistance with your Bigpicture product, call our dedicated 90-day installation support number.
  • Page 46 of our Web page. Log on to http://www.3com.com. CompuServe Connect to the 3Com forum with the command GO THREECOM. Leave a message on one of our message boards or e-mail us through CompuServe Mail for a response within 24 hours. Modem vendor forum address is GO THREECOM.
  • Page 47 NOTE: 888-877-4VID is a 90-day installation support number. After 90 days, please call 847- 982-5151. Priority “No Hold” Service 3Com staffs a 900 toll number for immediate assistance. These lines are staffed from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. “No Hold”...
  • Page 48: Glossary

    Cross references are printed in boldface. application A computer program designed to perform a specific function, such as word processing or organizing data into a spreadsheet. .avi (audio-video interleaved) Developed by Microsoft Corporation, .avi is a digital video architecture for use in the Windows operating system.
  • Page 49 bits per second (bps) The bits (binary digits) per second rate. Thousands of bits per second are expressed as kilobits per second or Kbps. .bmp This DOS three-character extension at the end of a file name identifies the file contents as bit-mapped graphics (FILENAME.BMP).
  • Page 50 composite video A video signal in which all the image information (color, brightness, line, field, sync, etc.) are mixed together. Cross-color artifacts become apparent in composite video. dynamic IP address A dynamic IP address is an address that changes every time a user logs into their ISP (Internet service provider).
  • Page 51 Internet Service Provider. A company that provides users with Internet access for a set fee. ITU-T An international organization that defines standards for telegraphic and telephone equipment. The initials ITU-T represent the French name. In English it is known as the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee.
  • Page 52 LOSSARY Random Access Memory. Memory that is available for use when the modem is turned on, but that does not retain information when the power is turned off. The modem's RAM holds the current operational settings, a flow control buffer, and a command buffer. Read Only Memory.
  • Page 53: Specifications

    PECIFICATIONS IDEO APTURE Physical Properties Internal PCI half card Resolution 640x 480 (NTSC standard), supports burst PCI bus transfers Maximum Frame Rate 30 frames/sec at full resolution in overlay mode Power Output jack: +5V, 1A limit...
  • Page 54: Ntsc Camera

    Physical Properties Integrated 3.8mm lens mount Built-in microphone Dimensions: 77 x 62 x 84 mm Switches: Power on/off, WB auto/fixed, BLC, contrast, image neg./pos (or flicker reduction). Interface: One cable (video and audio cinch., DC power jack) Operating temp.: 0 to 40 degrees Celsius ambient Resolution 512 x 492 pixels (NTSC standard) Viewing angle:...
  • Page 55 Audio Signal to noise ratio: 48dB Audio output: 400 mV Power Power input: DC 5V+5% Power consumption: <2.5W PECIFICATIONS in 10k (may be labeled FL)
  • Page 56: Regulatory Information And Limited Warranty

    EGULATORY Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity 3Com declares that the product Bigpicture Videophone Camera & Capture Card (model 1689) conforms to the FCC’s specifications: Part 15: Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful electromagnetic interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause...
  • Page 57 UL Listing/CUL Listing This information technology equipment is UL- Listed and CUL-Listed for use with UL- Listed personal computers that have installation instructions detailing user installation of card cage accessories. Radio and Television Interference This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause...
  • Page 58: Limited Warranty

    Relocate the computer and/or the receiver so that they are on separate branch circuits. If necessary, consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. You may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal Communications Commission, helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio- Interference Problems Stock No.
  • Page 59 working conditions (including, but not limited to, lightning and water damage). THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED...
  • Page 60 vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations on duration of an implied warranty, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you. To obtain service under this limited warranty, contact the 3Com Technical Support Department at 847-982-5151 or by mail.

This manual is also suitable for:

Bigpicture 1689

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