epiphan VGA2USB User Manual

Frame grabber
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Epiphan Frame Grabber User Guide
VGA2USB
VGA2USB LR
DVI2USB
VGA2USB HR
DVI2USB Solo
VGA2USB Pro
DVI2USB Duo
KVM2USB
www.epiphan.com
1 February 2009
Version 3.20.2 (Windows) 3.16.14 (Mac OS X)

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Summary of Contents for epiphan VGA2USB

  • Page 1 Epiphan Frame Grabber User Guide VGA2USB VGA2USB LR DVI2USB VGA2USB HR DVI2USB Solo VGA2USB Pro DVI2USB Duo KVM2USB www.epiphan.com 1 February 2009 Version 3.20.2 (Windows) 3.16.14 (Mac OS X)
  • Page 2: Specifications

    Thank you for choosing Epiphan! At Epiphan, product function and quality are our top priority. We make every effort to make sure that our products exceed our customers expectations. We regularly contact our customers to ensure product performance and reliability.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    About this Document 9 2. System Requirements 11 3. Installing the Windows VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application 12 4. Installing the Mac OS X VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application 14 5. Connecting a VGA2USB Device 16 6. Connecting a DVI2USB Device 18 7.
  • Page 4 Status bar 68 Shortcut keys 69 Recording, display, KVM and sharing options 69 Windows Epiphan USB device driver 76 13. Mac OS X video capture application 79 Upgrading to the latest Mac OS X software version 80 Starting the Mac OS X video capture application 81...
  • Page 5 Table of Contents 16. Web Broadcasting 121 Setting the Display format for web broadcasting 122 Starting a web broadcasting session 123 Viewing a web broadcasting session 124 Changing web broadcasting compression and performance 125 17. Using the KVM2USB Frame Grabber 129 18.
  • Page 6 Table of Contents Page 6 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 7: Introduction

    Internet. Epiphan Frame Grabbers can be used in a wide range of applications such as: • Capturing data from a computer screen for educational, training and diagnostic purposes.
  • Page 8 1. Introduction Comparing Epiphan Frame Grabbers Figure 1: Comparing Epiphan VGA Frame Grabbers VGA Frame Grabber comparison table on the Epiphan VGA Frame Grabbers web page provides more detailed comparisons of all Epiphan Frame Grabbers. If you need to capture images from a DVI stream you can use...
  • Page 9: About This Document

    1. Introduction About this Document About this Document This Epiphan Frame Grabber User Guide describes the basics of how to install Epiphan Frame Grabbers and how to use the Epiphan video capture application to capture, record, and broadcast images captured by any Epiphan Frame Grabber.
  • Page 10 Chapter 11. “About Epiphan frame grabbing technology” on page 29, describes how the components required for capturing, displaying, recording, and broadcasting images from a VGA or DVI source with an Epiphan Frame Grabber work together. • Chapter 12. “Windows video capture application” on page describes the most commonly used functions and features of the Epiphan Windows video capture application.
  • Page 11: System Requirements

    VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application” operating on page system Mac OS X 10.3 “Panther” or more recent, see “Installing the Mac OS X VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application” on page Linux 2.6.x (i686 and x86_64). VGA2USB/ To download the latest version, browse to DVI2USB/ http://www.epiphan.com/products/...
  • Page 12: Installing The Windows Vga2Usb/Dvi2Usb Drivers And Application

    Browse to http://www.epiphan.com/products/ and go to the Download page for your Frame Grabber. 2 Download the latest version of the VGA2USB drivers and application from the Windows section of the Download page. Tip: Make sure you note the download destination folder.
  • Page 13 3. Installing the Windows VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application 4 Run the Setup Utility (setup.exe) and follow the prompts. 5 Connect your Frame Grabber, refer to the appropriate section: • 5. “Connecting a VGA2USB Device” on page 16 • 6. “Connecting a DVI2USB Device” on page 18 •...
  • Page 14: Installing The Mac Os X Vga2Usb/Dvi2Usb Drivers And Application

    4. Installing the Mac OS X VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application 4. Installing the Mac OS X VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application You must install the VGA2USB/DVI2USB software on your Mac OS X video capture workstation before connecting the Frame Grabber to the workstation USB port. This single download includes the video capture application (v2u), the QuickTime digitizer (vdig), and the VGA2USB/DVI2USB USB device driver.
  • Page 15 4. Installing the Mac OS X VGA2USB/DVI2USB drivers and application 5 Connect your Frame Grabber, refer to the appropriate section: • 5. “Connecting a VGA2USB Device” on page 16 • 6. “Connecting a DVI2USB Device” on page 18 • 7. “Connecting a DVI2USB Solo Device” on page 20 •...
  • Page 16: Connecting A Vga2Usb Device

    This section shows VGA2USB (including LR, HR, and Pro) package contents and describes and how to connect a VGA2USB Frame Grabber to your VGA source and to a video capture workstation.
  • Page 17 Make sure that the video capture application is installed on the video capture workstation before connecting the Frame Grabber. 1 If you are connecting a VGA2USB LR, HR, or Pro Frame Grabber, connect the power adapter to the Frame Grabber.
  • Page 18: Connecting A Dvi2Usb Device

    VESA-compatible DVI sources. You can also use the DVI2USB Frame Grabber to capture VGA images from most VESA-compatible VGA sources using a VGA to DVI cable. Using the Epiphan video capture application installed on a video capture workstation, you can view and record the captured images.
  • Page 19 DVI Input DVI Signal Output If you are connecting the VGA2USB Frame Grabber to a VGA source, use the DVI to VGA cable to connect the VGA signal output source to the DVI2USB DVI port. 3 Use the USB cable to connect the DVI2USB to a USB 2.0 port on the video capture workstation.
  • Page 20: Connecting A Dvi2Usb Solo Device

    7. Connecting a DVI2USB Solo Device THe DVI2USB Solo Frame Grabber captures images from most VESA-compatible DVI sources. Using the Epiphan video capture application installed on a video capture workstation, you can view and record the captured images. This section shows DVI2USB Solo package contents and describes how to connect a DVI2USB Solo to a DVI source and to a video capture workstation.
  • Page 21 7. Connecting a DVI2USB Solo Device To connect a DVI2USB Solo DVI Cable Cable Equipment with Video Capture DVI Signal Output Workstation Make sure that the video capture application is installed on the video capture workstation before connecting the DVI2USB Solo Frame Grabber.
  • Page 22: Connecting A Dvi2Usb Duo Device

    8. Connecting a DVI2USB Duo Device The DVI2USB Duo Frame Grabber captures images from most VESA-compatible dual-link DVI sources. Using the Epiphan video capture application installed on a video capture workstation you can view and record the captured images. This section shows DVI2USB Duo package contents and describes how to connect a DVI2USB Duo to a dual-link DVI source and to a video capture workstation.
  • Page 23 8. Connecting a DVI2USB Duo Device To connect a DVI2USB Duo Dual-link DVI Cable Cable Equipment with Dual-link Video Capture DVI Signal Output Workstation Make sure that the video capture application is installed on the video capture workstation before connecting the DVI2USB Duo Frame Grabber.
  • Page 24: Connecting A Kvm2Usb Device

    DVI port. This section shows KVM2USB package contents and describes how to connect a KVM2USB to a headless server and to the administrator’s PC. KVM2USB package contents KVM2USB KVM Cable Cable Page 24 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 25 9. Connecting a KVM2USB Device To connect a KVM2USB Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) USB Cable Administrator’s Headless PC or laptop Server Make sure that the video capture application is installed on the video capture workstation before connecting the KVM2USB Frame Grabber. 1 Connect the multi-connector end of the KVM cable to the Headless server keyboard, video, and mouse ports.
  • Page 26: Troubleshooting

    Frame Grabber to your equipment. • Observe the behavior of your Frame Grabber LED indicators before requesting support. See “VGA2USB, DVI2USB, and KVM2USB LEDs” on page 27 for LED information. • Whenever possible, when splitting VGA connections, use an active VGA splitter rather than a VGA Y-adapter to help maintain a cleaner video signal.
  • Page 27 When the workstation comes back online, open the Windows Device Manager or Mac OS X System Profiler to confirm that the Frame Grabber is detected. VGA2USB, DVI2USB, and KVM2USB LEDs Activity Description Normal operation, the Frame Grabber is receiving power.
  • Page 28 10. Troubleshooting Page 28 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 29: About Epiphan Frame Grabbing Technology

    This chapter describes how the components required for capturing, displaying, recording, and broadcasting images from a VGA or DVI source with an Epiphan Frame Grabber work together. This chapter also contains a glossary of the terms used in this document.
  • Page 30: The Vga Or Dvi Video Source

    VGA2USB Frame Grabber to most VGA video sources and successfully capture images. For high resolution images or high frame rates, you should upgrade to the VGA2USB LR, HR, or Pro, depending on your detailed video format, frame rate, and resolution requirements and budget. See the...
  • Page 31 11. About Epiphan frame grabbing technology The Frame Grabber Epiphan Web Site for specifications of the all of the VGA2USB Frame Grabbers. You should select the Frame Grabber that matches or exceeds the output of your video source. For most DVI video sources, you can connect the DVI2USB Frame Grabber.
  • Page 32 All Epiphan Frame Grabbers use USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 to transfer captured images to the video capture workstation. USB 2.0 is Page 32...
  • Page 33: The Video Capture Workstation

    Dual-DVI Output) Captured images) To be a video capture workstation the PC must include a USB device driver that can receive images from Epiphan Frame Grabbers. The video capture workstation must also include video capture application software for processing captured images according to your requirements.
  • Page 34 • On Windows 2000, XP, and Vista the Epiphan USB device driver and video capture application is compatible with the Microsoft DirectShow API. • On Mac OS X the Epiphan USB device driver and video capture application is compatible with the Apple QuickTime API.
  • Page 35 • Video codecs The Epiphan USB device driver The Windows 2000, XP and Vista Epiphan USB device driver receives images from an Epiphan Frame Grabber and delivers the images to the Epiphan capture API and to DirectShow. Before delivering the images the Epiphan USB device driver also performs image adjustment to improve the quality of the image.
  • Page 36 Images Video Broadcast Internet Using the Epiphan software development kit (SDK) you can also create custom USB device drivers that incorporate the functions that you need. On Windows video capture workstations the Epiphan USB device driver installs a control panel application...
  • Page 37 DirectShow DirectShow is the standard Microsoft DirectShow multimedia API. The Epiphan USB device driver can send captured images directly to DirectShow. This means that any DirectShow- compatible application can receive captured images. For example, you can use applications such as VirtualDUB to record avi files,...
  • Page 38 KVM functions if you are using a KVM2USB frame grabber. The Epiphan capture API is an alternative to using DirectShow to capture images. The Epiphan capture API delivers captured images to the Epiphan video capture application. You can use the...
  • Page 39 11. About Epiphan frame grabbing technology The video capture workstation Figure 9: Selecting a video codec using the Epiphan video capture application After you install the video codec on the video capture workstation you configure the Epiphan video capture application or your custom video capture application to send captured images to the video codec.
  • Page 40 Record Video The Epiphan USB device driver The Mac OS X Epiphan USB device driver receives images from an Epiphan Frame Grabber and delivers the images to the Epiphan capture API. Before delivering the images, the Epiphan USB device driver also performs image adjustment to improve...
  • Page 41 USB device driver converts the images to the required color depth. Using the Epiphan software development kit (SDK) you can also create custom USB device drivers that incorporate the functions that you need.
  • Page 42 Video4Linux so you can use Video4Linux- compatible applications to receive and process captured images. You can also use the Epiphan Linux SDK to write your own custom video capture application that receives captured images from the Epiphan capture API. The following software...
  • Page 43 Images Video The Epiphan USB device driver The Linux Epiphan USB device driver receives images from an Epiphan Frame Grabber and delivers the images to the Epiphan capture API and to Video4Linux. Before delivering the images the Epiphan USB device driver also performs image adjustment to improve the quality of the image.
  • Page 44 11. About Epiphan frame grabbing technology The video capture workstation The Epiphan USB device driver may not be available for your version of Linux. Epiphan does not provide source code for the Epiphan USB device driver. But you can contact Epiphan if you need an Epiphan USB device driver compiled for a specific Linux kernel version or kernel setting.
  • Page 45: Glossary Of Terms

    Internet. You can also use the Epiphan Linux SDK to create your own custom video capture application. The SDK along with some example applications is available from the downloads page of the Epiphan Web Site.
  • Page 46 Frame Grabber. The maximum resolution supported by the VGA2USB Frame Grabber is 16 bits per pixel (bpp). The maximum supported by all other Epiphan Frame Grabbers is 24 bpp.
  • Page 47 Capturing DVI or dual DVI data involves using a Frame Grabber to convert DVI or dual DVI data into frames that can be transmitted over a USB connection to the Epiphan video capture application. Capturing can also compress images before they are transmitted.
  • Page 48 VGA standard for transmitting visual data. All Epiphan VGA2USB Frame Grabbers capture analog VGA frames and convert them to digital signals that are transmitted to the Epiphan video capture application using a USB connection. This USB data is then interpreted and displayed using the Epiphan video capture application.
  • Page 49 Video capture application The Epiphan software that intercepts the frames (images) sent by the Frame Grabber over the USB connection. Using the video capture application you can display, print and record captured frames.
  • Page 50 11. About Epiphan frame grabbing technology Glossary of Terms Page 50 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 51: Windows Video Capture Application

    Windows 2000, XP, and Vista version of the Epiphan video capture application. However the information in this chapter also applies to the Linux version of the Epiphan video capture application software. Note: For information about the Mac OS X version of the Epiphan video capture application, see Chapter 13.
  • Page 52 • Connected your Frame Grabber to a USB port on your video capture workstation. • If required you should have also connected power to the Frame Grabber. Figure 12:Connecting Epiphan Frame Grabbers VGA, DVI or Dual-DVI USB Cable Cable...
  • Page 53: Upgrading To The Latest Software Version

    Upgrading to the latest software version Upgrading to the latest software version From time to time Epiphan makes new versions of all Epiphan Frame Grabber software available from the Epiphan web site. To confirm that you have the latest video capture application version select Check for Updates from the Help menu.
  • Page 54: Starting The Video Capture Application

    • For Linux (i386 and x86_64): pre-compiled drivers for many Linux distributions. • For Macintosh: the latest release of the Epiphan device driver, QuickTime component and VGA2USB application compatible with MacOS X 10.4 and 10.5 (Intel and PowerPC) and 10.3.
  • Page 55 12. Windows video capture application Starting the video capture application As the application starts the following messages may appear on the video capture application window: • Detecting Video Mode as the video capture application starts up and attempts to connect with the Frame Grabber. •...
  • Page 56: Common Procedures

    While the captured image is paused the video capture application stops receiving new images from the Frame Grabber. Pause also pauses video recording, image recording and web broadcasting. While paused you can save, print, and copy the captured image. Page 56 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 57 12. Windows video capture application Common procedures 2 To resume capturing images select Pause from the Capture menu or from the toolbar select To copy a snapshot of the current image You can use the following procedure to copy the image currently displayed by the video capture application to the video capture workstation clipboard.
  • Page 58 Recording tab of the Options dialog. The Status bar shows the name and location of the last saved file. You can pause recording by selecting Pause from the Capture menu or from the toolbar. Page 58 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 59 12. Windows video capture application Common procedures You can stop recording by selecting Stop Recording from the Capture menu or from the toolbar. When you stop recording images, the status bar displays the number of image files saved. For example, the message Wrote 31 files.
  • Page 60 The Start web broadcasting dialog appears. 2 Record the Internet address from which users can view the web broadcast. The address is always http://www.vga2usb/ followed by the serial number of the Frame Grabber capturing the broadcasted images. In the example above the Internet address is http://www.vga2usb.com/V2U15100.
  • Page 61: Menus

    12. Windows video capture application Menus 3 Select Start Web Broadcasting. As images are captured by the Frame Grabber they are broadcast over the Internet. The Status bar displays SHARING ON. Users can use any web browser to connect to the Internet address to view the broadcast.
  • Page 62 Options then select the Display tab and select Invert colors for printing. See “Configuring display options” on page Print Print a snapshot of the current image to the configured printer. Exit Close and exit the video capture application. Page 62 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 63 12. Windows video capture application Menus Edit menu From the edit menu you can copy a snapshot of the current image. Copy Copy a snapshot of the current image to the video capture workstation clipboard. You can paste this image into a document or other application as a bitmap image.
  • Page 64 Frame Grabber that the video capture application receives captured images from if you have more than one Epiphan Frame Grabber connected to the video capture workstation. You can also override image adjustments, DirectShow settings, and the VGA mode settings for the selected Frame Grabber.
  • Page 65 Configure recording, display, KVM, and sharing (Internet Broadcasting) settings. See “Recording, display, KVM and sharing options” on page KVM menu Use the KVM menu if you are using the Epiphan KVM2USB Frame Grabber. See “Using the KVM2USB Frame Grabber” on page 129 for more information.
  • Page 66: Help Menu

    Note: Check for Updates will only recommend an update if Epiphan recommends that you install a new version. This will happen if the latest version contains significant bug fixes or enhancements. If a new video capture application version only contains minor changes, Check for Updates may not recommend that you install a new version.
  • Page 67: Toolbar

    12. Windows video capture application Toolbar Toolbar Use the toolbar to save, print, or copy the current captured image, to start, pause, and stop recording the current captured image, and to start and stop web broadcasting. You can use the Toolbar command on the View menu to change the size of the toolbar icons or hide the toolbar.
  • Page 68: Status Bar

    See “Configuring display options” on page 71. The number of frames stops incrementing and starts flashing if you have paused the video capture application. • The color depth and refresh rate of the captured images. Page 68 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 69: Shortcut Keys

    12. Windows video capture application Shortcut keys Shortcut keys You can use the following shortcut keys from the video capture application window. Ctrl+S Save a snapshot of the current image to the video capture workstation. Ctrl+Shift+S Save As. Ctrl+P Print a snapshot of the current image to the configured printer.
  • Page 70 (frames) have been recorded. Set the number of frames in the range of 1 to 30,000. • You can stop recording after a specified time has elapsed. Set the time in seconds, minutes, or hours. Page 70 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 71 12. Windows video capture application Recording, display, KVM and sharing options Figure 15:Record as images options Configuring display options Select Options from the Tools menu and select the Display tab to select the display format that the video capture application uses to display and record captured images.
  • Page 72 For descriptions of display formats and color depths, see “Color depth, bits per pixel (bpp)” on page 45. For more information about setting the display format, see “About setting the display format” on page Page 72 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 73 For example, a VGA2USB LR or PRO can capture up to 60 frames a second (fps). This frame rate may approach 100% CPU usage, even on a dual CPU video capture workstation.
  • Page 74 Using a lower display format color depth means that the video and image files saved by the video capture application are smaller and use less disk space. Page 74 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 75 Set the display format to the color depth that you require. Epiphan Frame Grabbers capture images at the color depth of the video source up to the maximum color depth supported by the Frame Grabber.
  • Page 76: Windows Epiphan Usb Device Driver

    If you have concerns about performance, you can make some trial recordings to ensure the video capture workstation has sufficient CPU and memory resources. Windows Epiphan USB device driver On Windows video capture workstations the Epiphan USB device driver installs a VGA2USB control panel application (Figure 17).
  • Page 77 12. Windows video capture application Windows Epiphan USB device driver • Customize or limit the VGA modes that the Frame Grabber can use, see “Configuring VGA modes” on page 145. Figure 17:Epiphan USB device driver Note: Changing these settings from this control panel has the same effect as selecting Configure Device from the Capture menu and changing the settings there.
  • Page 78 12. Windows video capture application Windows Epiphan USB device driver Page 78 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 79: Mac Os X Video Capture Application

    This chapter describes common functions and features of the Epiphan video capture application for Mac OS X. You can use the Mac OS X version of the Epiphan video capture application to configure the Frame Grabber attached to your computer and to view, save, copy, and print the images captured by the Frame Grabber.
  • Page 80: Upgrading To The Latest Mac Os X Software Version

    Upgrading to the latest Mac OS X software version From time to time Epiphan makes new versions of all Epiphan Frame Grabber software available from the Epiphan web site. In most cases you can upgrade the Epiphan software on your Mac...
  • Page 81: Starting The Mac Os X Video Capture Application

    You may also need to delete older versions of the Epiphan icon. Finding software updates To find the latest versions of all Epiphan software for Mac OS X, go to http://www.epiphan.com/downloads. You can also browse to the download page for your Frame Grabber product.
  • Page 82 • No Signal Detected if the video capture application cannot connect with the Frame Grabber or if the Frame Grabber is not connected to an active video source. Figure 19:Epiphan video capture application window (Mac OS X, VGA2USB Frame Grabber) Title Bar...
  • Page 83: Copying, Saving, And Printing Images

    13. Mac OS X video capture application Copying, saving, and printing images Toolbar Save, copy, and print a snapshot of the current captured image. Switch to full screen mode, override image adjustments, and display information about the Frame Grabber. See “Toolbar”...
  • Page 84: Menus

    View menu • Tools menu VGA2USB menu Use the commands on the VGA2USB menu to view the current version of the video capture application, configure preferences for the video capture application, configure KVM preferences, and exit the video capture application.
  • Page 85 You can select this option if your video source uses a wide video mode to make sure that the Epiphan USB device driver selects a wide video mode. You can also set this option using Mac OS X System Preferences.
  • Page 86 KVM preferences Configure KVM preferences to enable KVM support and specify the event that starts KVM operation. To set KVM preferences, select Preferences from the VGA2USB menu and the select KVM from the Preferences toolbar. Figure 22:KVM Preferences Page 86...
  • Page 87: File Menu

    13. Mac OS X video capture application Menus Enable KVM Enable or disable KVM support. This option Support only takes effect when a KVM2USB Frame Grabber is connected to the video capture application. When KVM support is enabled the video capture application sends PS/2 events and with a KVM2USB Frame Grabber can be used to control a headless machine.
  • Page 88 Use the Tools menu to select Show VGA Information to display low level information about the VGA mode that you are capturing with your Frame Grabber. When requested by Epiphan Support you can use this command and copy this information into an email to send it to Epiphan Support.
  • Page 89: Toolbar

    13. Mac OS X video capture application Toolbar Toolbar Use the toolbar to save, copy or print the current captured image and to start, pause, or stop recording and to pause image capturing. You can use the Hide/Show Toolbar command on the View menu to show or hide the toolbar.
  • Page 90: Changing System Preferences

    Changing system preferences Before starting to record videos or to save or print images, you should configure Epiphan QuickTime integration options by opening System Preferences and selecting VGA2USB under Other and configuring QuickTime settings. See “Setting QuickTime options for recording videos (Mac OS X)” on page 111.
  • Page 91: Recording Image Files

    14.Recording image files You can use the information in this chapter if you are planning on using your Epiphan Frame Grabber and Epiphan video capture application to record the images captured by your Frame Grabber as a series of individual image files.
  • Page 92 All of the image files will be saved into this folder. Prefix Enter a prefix to be added to the start of each saved image file name. All saved files will have the same prefix. Page 92 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 93 14. Recording image files Configuring image file recording options Suffix Select a suffix for the end of each saved image file name. Use the suffix to automatically change the name of each saved file. You can select a number of different suffixes. Each one changes how the automatic file naming works.
  • Page 94 You can turn recording off after between 1 and 30000 frames (or images) have been recorded. You can also turn recording off after a period of time that you set in seconds, minutes, or hours. Page 94 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 95: Setting Display Options To Change How Image Files Are Recorded

    14. Recording image files Setting display options to change how image files are recorded Setting display options to change how image files are recorded To change display options from the Tools menu, select Options and then select the Display tab. The following display options change how image files are recorded.
  • Page 96: Viewing Saved Image Files

    Figure 26 shows a saved image file named 640x480.png displayed using the GIMP bitmap graphics editor. You cannot use the Epiphan video capture application to view saved image files. Figure 26:Viewing a saved image file using GIMP Page 96...
  • Page 97: 15.Recording Videos

    Recording videos for Linux Recording videos for Windows 2000, XP, or Vista This section describes how to use the Epiphan video capture application to record video files on a video capture workstation running Windows 2000, XP or Vista. Under Windows 2000, XP, or Vista, the Epiphan video capture application records videos as windows *.avi files.
  • Page 98 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Windows 2000, XP, or Vista Setting display options for recording videos Before starting to record videos, you should configure Epiphan video capture application display settings. Note: Most video codecs require setting the display format to RGB 24 bits per pixel.
  • Page 99 Figure 27:Example list of installed Windows video codecs Although a number of codecs may be available, Epiphan recommends that you select a third-party codec to purchase or download that will meet your requirements. Select a video codec that can record videos at a high frame rate and that also supports high quality compression.
  • Page 100 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Windows 2000, XP, or Vista Epiphan recommends the MS MPEG 4 V2 video codec for most applications. You can use this codec to produce *.avi files that are compatible with most *.avi players. This codec operates at high refresh rates without reducing the performance of the video capture workstation and also includes high quality compression.
  • Page 101 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Windows 2000, XP, or Vista Encoder MS MPEG4 v2 FOURCC MP42 Mode one pass - quality Quality Between 1 and 100. (Selecting a higher quality may reduce the frame rate and increase the size of the video files produced by the codec.
  • Page 102 1 Start the video capture application. 2 On the Tools menu select Options. 3 On the Recording tab select Record As Video. 4 Configure the following options and select OK or apply to save your changes. Page 102 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 103 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Windows 2000, XP, or Vista AVI file size Select the maximum size of the video file that limit the video capture application can save. You can set the size to from 1 to 4095 Mbytes. During video recording, when the video file reaches this size limit a new file will be saved and recording will continue if you have selected Automatically...
  • Page 104 For example, if you named the video file VID, set the suffix to %02d and set starting with to 1, the video file names would be VID.avi, VID01.avi, VID02.avi and so on. Page 104 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 105 102). To record captured images as a video file 1 Connect the Epiphan Frame Grabber to the video source that you want to record from and to the video capture workstation. 2 On the video capture workstation, start the video capture application.
  • Page 106 If you are playing back the video file on a computer other than the video capture workstation, you may need to install a video codec on that computer. You cannot use the Epiphan video capture application to play back video files. Page 106...
  • Page 107: Using A Directshow Application To Record Video Files

    Epiphan Frame Grabber can also receive captured images from the Frame Grabber. The key to capturing images from an Epiphan Frame Grabber using a DirectShow-compatible capture application is to find the Frame Grabber from the capture application. To be able to find...
  • Page 108 Scanners and Cameras control panel application is in the Windows Device Driver. From the Scanners and Cameras control panel application, you can right-click on the Epiphan Frame Grabber icon and select Get Pictures to save images captured by the Frame Grabber. Before you start recording images with...
  • Page 109 4 Connect your Epiphan Frame Grabber as described in the install chapters of this guide. For example, if you have a VGA2USB Pro Frame Grabber, see Chapter 5. “Connecting a VGA2USB Device” on page To record captured images as video files using VirtualDub...
  • Page 110: Recording Videos For Mac Os X

    You can configure other VirtualDub options to control how VirtualDub records images. You can play back recorded videos from VirtualDub. You can also use the VGA2USB Windows control panel application to configure image adjustments and DirectShow options for images captured and recorded by VirtualDub or any other DirectShow application.
  • Page 111 Playing back a video file (Mac OS X) Setting QuickTime options for recording videos (Mac OS X) Before starting to record videos you should configure Epiphan QuickTime integration options by opening System Preferences and selecting VGA2USB under Other and configuring QuickTime settings.
  • Page 112 QuickTime video recording application does not explicitly set the frame rate. Wide video The Epiphan USB device driver may not be able to mode determine whether the video source is sending a wide video mode signal. You can select this option...
  • Page 113 Note: Make sure you select Full Size from the HackTV Carbon Monitor menu to record full size video files. 1 Connect the Epiphan Frame Grabber to the video source that you want to record from and to the Mac OS X video capture workstation.
  • Page 114: Recording Videos For Linux

    You can play a QuickTime video using QuickTime or any QuickTime-compatible video player. Recording videos for Linux This section describes how to use the Epiphan USB device driver and Video4Linux to record video files on a video capture workstation running Linux.
  • Page 115 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Linux To record captured images as a video file 1 Connect the Epiphan Frame Grabber to the video source that you want to record from and to the Linux video capture workstation. 2 On the video capture workstation, start the Video4Linux- compatible video capture or recording application.
  • Page 116 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Linux Page 116 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 117 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Linux User Guide Page 117...
  • Page 118 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Linux Page 118 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 119 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Linux User Guide Page 119...
  • Page 120 15. Recording videos Recording videos for Linux Page 120 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 121: 16.Web Broadcasting

    Epiphan web broadcasting portal. Each web broadcast session is labelled with the serial number of the Epiphan Frame Grabber that is capturing the images. The Frame Grabber serial number appears on the video capture application title bar.
  • Page 122: Setting The Display Format For Web Broadcasting

    Internet reducing the amount of bandwidth being used. Depending on your requirements you may not have to change any other display settings. See “Configuring display options” on page 6 Select OK to save your changes. Figure 31:Configuring the display format Page 122 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 123: Starting A Web Broadcasting Session

    The video capture workstation can be connected directly to the Internet or to a LAN that is connected to the Internet. The following procedure is the same whether or not Epiphan has permanently enabled web broadcasting for your Frame Grabber.
  • Page 124: Viewing A Web Broadcasting Session

    Viewing a web broadcasting session 4 Record the Internet address from which users can view the web broadcast. The Internet address is always http://www.vga2usb/ followed by the serial number of the Frame Grabber capturing the broadcasted images. The serial number is visible in the video capture application title bar.
  • Page 125: Changing Web Broadcasting Compression And Performance

    Changing web broadcasting compression and performance To view a web broadcast 1 Open a web browser and browse to the required Internet address, for example: http://www.vga2usb.com/V2U15100. A second web browser window appears displaying the message Applet is loading. Please wait… The broadcasted image should appear within 10 to 20 seconds.
  • Page 126 Lossy compression is not as CPU intensive as lossless compression. The default lossy setting is 75. The range is 10 (Compression, the highest lossy compression and lowest quality) to 100 (Quality, the lowest lossy compression and the highest quality). Page 126 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 127 16. Web Broadcasting Changing web broadcasting compression and performance Troubleshooting web broadcasting performance Here are three typical reasons for adjusting web broadcasting compression: • If you have a slow Internet connection or if receivers of the web broadcasts notice delays you can increase lossless or lossy compression to reduce Internet bandwidth usage.
  • Page 128 CPU resources to capture and compress the frames). To lower the frame rate, from the Tools menu select Options and then select Display. Select Limit frame rate to and set the frame rate to a lower value. Page 128 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 129: Using The Kvm2Usb Frame Grabber

    (if supported by the server) and configuring the headless server BIOS settings. You use a custom Epiphan cable to connect the KVB2USB device to the server. The custom cable connects to the mouse and keyboard ports using USB or PS/2 connections and to the VGA or DVI port of the server.
  • Page 130 3 Start KVM mode: • For Windows, from the KVM menu, select Enter KVM Mode. • For Mac OS X, from the VGA2USB menu, select Preferences then select KVM and select Enable KVM Support. • Use the KVM trigger event mouse and keyboard combination to start KVM mode.
  • Page 131 17. Using the KVM2USB Frame Grabber Figure 34:Configuring the KVM triggering event 3 Select a keyboard key and mouse combination that you would like to use to start KVM operation. Choose a combination that is not used by another application on the management PC or on the server.
  • Page 132 17. Using the KVM2USB Frame Grabber Page 132 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 133: 18.Advanced Topics

    EDID is crucial for DVI sources but mostly ignored by VGA sources. When you connect an Epiphan Frame Grabber to a video source, the video source sees the Frame Grabber as a monitor. Just like a...
  • Page 134 Usually you would operate an Epiphan Frame Grabber using the factory installed default EDID. However, in some cases when you connect an Epiphan Frame Grabber to a video source, the video source may operate using video settings that you do not want it to operate at.
  • Page 135 Frame Grabber and the Frame Grabber will always share this EDID with the video source. 1 Download an EDID file from the Epiphan web site or obtain an EDID file from Epiphan Support. 2 Disconnect the DVI cable from the Frame Grabber.
  • Page 136: Configuring Image Adjustments

    The user wanted to return the video source to operating at 640x480 but could not manually adjust the screen resolution. To solve the problem, Epiphan created a custom EDID for the Frame Grabber that excluded support for 720x400. When the user uploaded the custom EDID to the Frame Grabber, the video source returned to operating at 640x480.
  • Page 137 18. Advanced topics Configuring image adjustments You can also use command line options to override automatic image adjustments. See “Windows command line options” on page 149. On Mac OS X, from the View menu you can select Show Adjustment controls or from the Toolbar you can select the Adjust icon to configure basic and advanced capture adjustments.
  • Page 138 If the image in the video capture application window displays a similar quality of image as shown in Image B, then select and adjust the sampling phase in small steps until a sharper image is displayed in the video capture application window. Page 138 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 139 18. Advanced topics Configuring image adjustments Figure 39:Adjusting the Sampling Phase PLL adjustment The PLL adjustment adjusts the vertical synchronization properties of the image. In Figure 40, if the image in the video capture application window displays a similar quality of image as shown in Image D, then select and adjust the sampling phase in small steps until a sharper image is displayed in the video capture application window.
  • Page 140 For example, Image E in Figure 41 shows a captured image shifted slightly to the right (horizontally) and slightly downward (vertically). To correct the image position, minor adjustments to these settings are necessary. Page 140 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 141 18. Advanced topics Configuring image adjustments Figure 41:Horizontal and Vertical Shift Increasing or decreasing the Horizontal setting will cause the image to be shifted to the left or right respectively. Increasing or decreasing the Vertical setting will cause the image to be shifted upward or downward respectively.
  • Page 142 You can select this option if your video source uses a wide video mode to make sure that the Epiphan USB device driver selects a wide video mode. Resetting image adjustments...
  • Page 143: Configuring Directshow Options

    Configuring DirectShow options From the Capture menu you can select Configure Device and then select the DirectShow tab to configure DirectShow options. You can also configure DirectShow options from the VGA2USB control panel application. Figure 42:Configuring DirectShow options Control the image resolution reported to...
  • Page 144 Resize is a simple resizing method that adds or removes pixels as required to resize an image. If you set scaling to No Resizing the Epiphan USB device driver does not resize the image sent to DirectShow. If the actual resolution of the video...
  • Page 145: Configuring Vga Modes

    Device and then select the VGA modes tab to configure the VGA modes that the Frame Grabber can operate in. You can also configure VGA modes from the VGA2USB control panel application. In most cases you should not have to configure VGA modes.
  • Page 146 If the Frame Grabber and the VGA source cannot automatically select the VGA mode that you want them to use, you may be able to resolve this by only allowing the Frame Grabber to operate in one or some standard VGA modes. Page 146 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 147 18. Advanced topics Configuring VGA modes If the VGA source operates in a non-standard VGA mode, you can use the custom VGA mode settings to add that non-standard mode to your Frame Grabber. The Frame Grabber can then operate in that mode. Adding custom VGA modes Add custom VGA modes if you want your Frame Grabber to operate in a non-standard (custom) VGA mode.
  • Page 148 • Sync time • Back Porch • Sync polarity (positive or negative) The following vertical timings in pixels: • Active area • Front porch • Sync time • Back Porch • Sync polarity (positive or negative) Page 148 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 149: Windows Command Line Options

    18. Advanced topics Windows command line options 8 Select OK. 9 Make sure that the required custom VGA mode or modes are selected in the Custom VGA modes list. Selecting standard VGA modes A Frame Grabber can operate in over 80 different standard VGA modes.
  • Page 150 In the following procedure, the video capture application executable file v2ugui2.exe has been installed in the folder C:\Program Files\VGA2USB DVI2USB KVM2USB\. 1 Open Windows Explorer and navigate the following path: C:\Program Files\VGA2USB DVI2USB KVM2USB 2 Right click on the file v2ugui2.exe and select Create Shortcut.
  • Page 151: About The Frame Rate

    4 Edit the Target field and add command line options after the closing quote. For example, to add the --topmost command line option: "C:\Program Files\VGA2USB DVI2USB KVM2USB\v2ugui2.exe" --topmost For example, to add --topmost and --borderless, set the horizontal shift to -67, and the vertical shift to 10: "C:\Program Files\VGA2USB DVI2USB KVM2USB\v2ugui2.exe"...
  • Page 152 18. Advanced topics About the frame rate For the VGA2USB Frame Grabber, n is always 2 (because the VGA2USB Frame Grabber maximum color depth is RGB16 which is 2 bytes per pixel). For the DVI2USB Frame Grabber n can be from 1 to 3 depending on the capture mode.
  • Page 153: Troubleshooting

    Frame Grabber or the connection to the VGA source instructions for your equipment. Frame Grabber. For example: “To connect a VGA2USB (including LR, HR, and Pro)” on page Autosave is Filename settings are See the File Name enabled, but not properly setup.
  • Page 154 18. Advanced topics Troubleshooting Page 154 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 155: Index

    88 broadcasting adjustments starting a session 123 image 35 API 34 DirectShow 107 capture 46 Epiphan capture 37 menu 64 QuickTime 34 turn off automatically 70 V4L 34 capture API 37 automatically start recording 103 Linux 44 automatically turn recording off 70...
  • Page 156 KVM2USB Solo 24, configuring 100 installing 100 connecting a VGA2USB 17 MS MPEG 4 V2 video codec connecting a VGA2USB device 16 connecting a VGA2USB HR 17 selecting a Windows video connecting a VGA2USB LR 17 codec 98...
  • Page 157 DVI2USB by Epiphan Systems Inc default configuration 77 DVI2USB Duo default frame rate connecting 22, 23 recording image files on Mac package contents 22 OS X 112 DVI2USB Solo default image connecting 20, 21 DirectShow 144 package contents 20 detecting video mode 55, 81...
  • Page 158 86 image adjustments 35, 65, 89 frames per second 68 override 88 full screen 88 image capture 46 pause 64 image compression general preferences 85 lossless 32 getting started Mac OS X 79 Windows 51 Page 158 Epiphan Frame Grabber...
  • Page 159 149 integrating with other applications 63 view 63 web broadcasting 123 imaging devices LEDs DVI2USB by Epiphan VGA2USB 27 Systems Inc 108 limit capture frame rate 86 installing 12, 14 limit frame rate to 73, 145 integrating with other applications...
  • Page 160 126 no resizing DirectShow scaling 144 Mac OS X no signal detected 55, 82 capture API 41 getting started 79 installing the VGA2USB/ options DVI2USB drivers and command 65 application 14 override 65, 89 preferences 84 overwrite existing files...
  • Page 161 11 captured image 58 record as video file captured image 59 record images QuickTime 34 Scanners and Cameras Epiphan QuickTime control panel application component 41 QuickTime component record video upgrading 80 display options 98, 111 QuickTime Pro 41...
  • Page 162 144 fix 143 pixel resize 144 resume scanners and cameras captured image 56 Epiphan Frame Grabber 108 16 bits per pixel 45 capture API 38 2:3:3 45 USB device driver 36 24 bits per pixel 45 select device...
  • Page 163 KVM 130 See SDK 36 trigger event software requirements KVM 87 VGA2USB/ DVI2USB drivers troubleshoot 127 and application 11 troubleshooting 26 video capture workstation 11 true color 45 software upgrade 53, 80 tuning capture parameters 55, 81...
  • Page 164 LEDs 27 video capture application 34, 38, Mac OS X menu 84 maximum color depth 75 DirectShow 107 package contents 16 Mac OS X 42 VGA2USB Device starting 54, 81 connecting 16 third-party 107 VGA2USB HR upgrading 53, 80 connecting 17...
  • Page 165 Mac DirectShow 34 OS X 112 getting started 51 video source 30 installing a video codec 100 Video4Linux 34, 42, 44 installing the VGA2USB/ View DVI2USB drivers and menu 63 application 12 view recording videos 97...
  • Page 166 Page 166 Epiphan Frame Grabber...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vga2usb proDvi2usbDvi2usb duoKvm2usbVga2usb hrDvi2usb solo

Table of Contents