MANU VisualDVR 8.0 009 PDF

User Manual
VisualDVR
Version 8.0
Document: MANU-VisualDVR-8.0-009.docx
009
Wizard Load & Save updated
BP-J
24 Nov 2010
008
Minor wording changes & HD Options
BP-J
09 Nov 2010
007
Company branding
BP-J
27 Sep 2010
006
Clarification of Videum Quatro connections
BP-J
09 Jul 2010
005
Prerequisites altered for HD playback
BP-J
14 May 2010
004
Osprey HD connections added
BP-J
04 May 2010
003
Overlay breakout cable added
BP-J
20 Apr 2010
002
Updated for High Definition
BP-J
09 Apr 2010
001
First Issue for VisualDVR 8.0
BP-J
30 Mar 2010
Author
Date
Revision
Comment
User Manual
VisualDVR 8.0
Revision 009
CONTENTS
1
Introduction to VisualDVR Version 8 .................................................... 8

1.1
High Definition Video...................................................................................................... 8
1.2
WMV or MPEG-2 from the Same Hardware ................................................................... 8
1.3
Configuration Wizard...................................................................................................... 8
1.4
Menu Editor ..................................................................................................................... 8
VisualDVR Options ................................................................................ 9
Key Features of VisualDVR ................................................................. 10
VisualDVR Quick Start Guide .............................................................. 11

4.1
Quick Start: VisualDVR Hardware Setup..................................................................... 11
4.2
Quick Start: Basic VisualDVR Operation .................................................................... 11
4.3
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard .................................................................................... 12
4.4
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard DVR Selection ........................................................ 13
4.5
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Load and Save Configuration ............................... 14
4.6
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard System Information ............................................... 15
4.7
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Network Options .................................................... 16
4.8
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Channel Selection ................................................. 17
4.9
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard - Video Source .......................................................... 18
4.10
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard - Audio Source .......................................................... 19
4.11
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Recording Quality.................................................. 20
4.12
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Channel Synchronisation ..................................... 21
4.13
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Black Box Mode ..................................................... 22
4.14
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Logging File Limits ................................................ 23
4.15
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Logging Drive Selection........................................ 24
4.16
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard File Copying Methods ........................................... 25
4.17
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Auto-Copy Destinations ........................................ 27
4.18
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Shared Folder Setup ............................................. 28
4.19
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Project Tasks ......................................................... 29
4.20
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Display Options ..................................................... 30
4.21
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Wizard Setting Summary ...................................... 31
4.22
Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Apply & Finish ....................................................... 32
4.23
Quick Start: Configure Survey Data ............................................................................ 33
4.24
Quick Start: Recording Video ...................................................................................... 33
4.25
Quick Start: Keyboard Shortcuts for JPEG Images and Video Clips ........................ 33
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4.26
Quick Start: Playing Video ........................................................................................... 33
4.27
Quick Start: Copying Video.......................................................................................... 34
4.28
Quick Start: Using a Mouse & Keyboard ..................................................................... 34
Configuring the VisualDVR menus ..................................................... 35
VisualDVR Hardware ............................................................................ 37

6.1
Rear View, with Overlay Card & Videum 1000+ .......................................................... 37
6.2
Rear View, with Videum Duo Card ............................................................................... 38
6.3
Front Panel .................................................................................................................... 40
VisualDVR Screen Display .................................................................. 41

7.1
VisualDVR Single Channel Display ............................................................................. 41
7.2
VisualDVR Dual Channel Display ................................................................................ 42
7.3
VisualDVR Quad Channel Display ............................................................................... 43
7.4
VisualDVR Display Options.......................................................................................... 43
7.5
Status Bar Information ................................................................................................. 45
Starting VisualDVR and Using the Menus .......................................... 48
Multiple Channels & Multiple VisualDVR UNITS ................................ 49

9.1
Selecting Channels for Synchronisation .................................................................... 49
9.2
Synchronisation Explained .......................................................................................... 49
10
10.1
11
Video Quality Profiles ....................................................................... 51

Customized Video Quality Profiles .............................................................................. 51
Video Storage Settings ..................................................................... 54
11.1
Video File Naming Convention .................................................................................... 54
11.2
Assigning Project Task or Component Names to Video Files ................................... 54
12
12.1
Recording Video ................................................................................ 55

Stop Recording ............................................................................................................. 55
13
Black Box Recording Mode .............................................................. 55
14
Recording Using Project Tasks........................................................ 56
14.1
Importing Project Tasks ............................................................................................... 57
15
Dive Log and Event Entry While Recording Video.......................... 58
16
Copy The Current Video File ............................................................ 59
17
Create a Still Image or Clip During Recording ................................ 60
17.1
Creating a JPEG Image ................................................................................................ 60
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17.2
Creating a Video Clip .................................................................................................... 60
17.3
Using Keyboard Shortcuts for JPEG Images and Video Clips .................................. 61
18
Playing Video ..................................................................................... 62
18.1
Select a disk drive ........................................................................................................ 62
18.2
Select a Video File ........................................................................................................ 62
18.3
Play the Selected Video ................................................................................................ 63
18.4
Playback Speed ............................................................................................................ 64
18.5
Pause Playback ............................................................................................................. 64
18.6
Stop Playback ............................................................................................................... 64
20
20.1
22
Synchronising Video with Other Data .............................................. 65

Interfacing to Other Inspection Applications .............................................................. 65
Methods of Copying and Backing-Up .............................................. 68
22.1
Pushing data to another hard disk from VisualDVR ............................................... 68
22.2
Pushing data to a DVD from VisualDVR .................................................................. 68
22.3
Pulling data to another disk using VisualArchive ................................................... 68
22.4
Creating backup tapes using VisualArchive ............................................................... 68
22.5
Creating extra disk copies using VisualArchive ......................................................... 68
23
Selecting the Correct Backup Methods ........................................... 69
24
Copying Video to DVD or External Disk .......................................... 70
24.1
Automated Copying ...................................................................................................... 70
24.2
Manual Copying ............................................................................................................ 70
24.3
Creating a Second Copy of a DVD or Disk Drive ........................................................ 70
25
Using VisualArchive for Data Management ..................................... 71
25.1
Single Channel VisualDVR Units ................................................................................. 72
25.2
Multi-Channel VisualDVR Units ................................................................................... 73
25.3
Master & Slave Configuration ...................................................................................... 75
26
Copying Video to Archive Tape ........................................................ 79
27
Main Menu.......................................................................................... 80
28
Select Current Channel Menu........................................................... 81
29
Adjust Picture Menu .......................................................................... 82
30
Search, Play, & Copy Video Menus .................................................. 83
30.1
Selected Drive Options List ...................................................................................... 83
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31
Video Playback Menu ........................................................................ 85
32
System Setup & Admin Menu ........................................................... 88
33
Setup Logging and Copying Menu................................................... 93
34
Display Options Menu ....................................................................... 96
35
Advanced Setup Menu ...................................................................... 97
36
Quit Options Menu ............................................................................ 99
37
Multicasting Video ........................................................................... 100
37.1
Enabling Multicasting of MPEG-2 Video ................................................................... 100
37.2
Viewing Multicast MPEG-2 Video............................................................................... 100
38
38.1
39
License Control ............................................................................... 101

License Transfer ......................................................................................................... 101
VisualWorks Network Options ....................................................... 102
APPENDICES ........................................................................................... 103

A Video & Audio Connections .............................................................. 104
A.1
Winnov Videum Duo Breakout-Box Connections for S-Video ................................. 105
A.2
Winnov Videum Duo Breakout-Box with Composite Video ..................................... 107
A.3
Winnov Videum Quatro Connections ........................................................................ 108
A.4
Winnov Videum Duo/Quatro Breakout-Cable Connections ..................................... 109
A.6
Winnov Videum 1000+ Cable Connections ............................................................... 110
A.7
Optibase MovieMaker 230 Connections .................................................................... 112
A.8
Osprey 700e HD Connections .................................................................................... 113
A.9
Vitec VM-OSD Overlay Card Breakout Cable ............................................................ 114
B Configuring Video & Audio Cards .................................................... 115

B.1
Winnov Videum 1000+ Configuration ........................................................................ 115
B.2
Winnov Videum Duo Configuration ........................................................................... 116
B.3
Winnov Videum Quatro Configuration ...................................................................... 116
B.4
Optibase MovieMaker 230 Configuration .................................................................. 117
B.5
Osprey 700e HD Configuration .................................................................................. 118
B.6
Hardware for HD Recording ....................................................................................... 120
B.7
Hardware for HD Playback ......................................................................................... 121
C Networking Multiple VisualDVR Units .............................................. 122

C.1
Minimum Required Network Specification ................................................................ 122
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C.2
Microsoft Loopback Adapter ..................................................................................... 122
D Re-Configuring the Control Wheel .................................................... 123

E Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 127
F Support ............................................................................................... 130
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1 INTRODUCTION TO VisualDVR VERSION 8

In VisualDVR version 8 we have introduced some new features which we hope will make
VisualDVR easier to setup and use.
1.1 High Definition Video

VisualDVR version 8 allows recording of high definition (HD) video using either an Osprey
700 HD card or an Optibase Moviemaker HD card.
To enable HD recording please contact VisualSoft to purchase a High Definition Video
upgrade license.
1.2 WMV or MPEG-2 from the Same Hardware

VisualDVR version 8 can record either WMV or MPEG-2 formats from cards which
previously only supported WMV recording. This provides an affordable multi-channel
MPEG-2 solution using the Winnov Duo or Quatro cards.
To enable the MPEG-2 software encoding option please contact VisualSoft to purchase an
Software MPEG Encoder upgrade license.
1.3 Configuration Wizard

The Configuration Wizard will guide you through all of the setup and configuration of the
system. This also allows you to save a configuration for use elsewhere so that you can
clone the settings of one machine for use on another, or so that you can build a
configuration in an office and send it to a user offshore.
See sections 4.3 to 4.22 for a Quick Start guide to using the configuration wizard.
1.4 Menu Editor

Since the first version of VisualDVR was released in May 2006 many new features have
been added. Not all of these features are relevant to all users. To make it easier for
different users to access the tools that they need, VisualDVR v 8 allows you to edit the
menu system so that unwanted items may be removed. It is easy to restore the full menu
system if you need to, and we have also included a couple of pre-defined menu
configurations to cover some typical scenarios.
See section 5 for full details of how best to use the menu configuration tool.
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2 VisualDVR OPTIONS
VisualDVR is available in six options with the functionality shown below. The system may
be Black Box or Standard, and each of those may be Single, Dual or Quad Channel.
To upgrade from the Black Box option to the Standard option simply requires the purchase
of an upgraded license code; no software or hardware reinstallation is required. To upgrade
the number of video channels requires an upgraded software license, and also a
replacement video encoder card.
High Definition Video recording is available as an add-on upgrade (UG) license. HD is
currently only available for single channel units, but multiple units can by synchronised.
Continuous recording to SD MPEG-2
Continuous recording to HD MPEG-2
UG
Manual copying to DVD

Manual copying to external drive(s)
Video playback
Built-in Internal Video overlay
Serial Data String Input for Overlay
Built-in Dive Log / Eventing Input
Automatic copying to DVD
Automatic copying to external drive/s
Logging to Project Tasks
Single Channel Recording
Dual Channel Recording
Quad Channel Recording
UG
UG
Standard : Quad Channel
UG
Standard : Dual Channel
Continuous recording to HD WMV
Standard : Single Channel
Black Box : Quad Channel
Continuous recording to SD WMV
Black Box : Dual Channel
Feature
Black Box : Single Channel
Software MPEG Encoding allows you to record in MPEG format using the same hardware
as is used for WMV encoding. This option is available as an add-on upgrade (UG) license.
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3 KEY FEATURES OF VisualDVR
Continuous Black Box or Manual recording modes
Automated labelling of disks and creation of extra disk copies
Record and distribute video on:

o
o
o
o
Select from the following video inputs:

o
o
o
DVD
USB storage devices
SCSI storage devices, including tape drives for video archiving
Network Attached Storage devices
PAL
NTSC
Digital inputs are supported for some video capture cards
Supported video formats

These depend on the installed video capture board and include:
o
o
User Configuration:
o
o
o
o
MPEG 1, 2 and 4.
WMV 7, 8 and 9.
SD Frame rates up to 25 fps for PAL or 30 fps for NTSC

SD Resolutions up to 768 x 576
SD Bit Rates up to 6 Mbps
HD Resolutions 720p or 1080i
Native or 3rd Party Control

Select from:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Internal VisualDVR controls

Full VisualWorks integration with VisualDVR in place of VisualEncoder
COABIS from Aker, Aberdeen, UK
Inspection Manager from Wood Group (originally Netlink, Australia)
SCOPE from Pisys, Aberdeen, UK
SIMS from Surespek, Perth, Australia
If your preferred product is not listed here, please contact VisualSoft to discuss
Optional Video Overlay:

o
Fully compatible with VisualOverlay. Details are available in a separate

VisualOverlay User Manual available from the support address below.
Note, VisualSoft welcomes all feedback to help improve the development of VisualDVR and other
products. Please email support@visualsoft.ltd.uk or telephone +44 1224 363999.
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4 VisualDVR QUICK START GUIDE

This section provides a quick summary of the basic steps required for setup and operation
of the VisualDVR. For full system operation, and access to all features of the VisualDVR
please read the VisualDVR User Guide in full.
4.1 Quick Start: VisualDVR Hardware Setup

The VisualDVR unit should be securely mounted in a 19 rack.
See section 6.1 below for a picture of the rear of the VisualDVR unit.
As a minimum you must attach the following:
Power cable.
Connect the unit to a video monitor (TV) or to a PC monitor.
Attach the Control Wheel (if required) to a USB port on the back.
Attach a Mouse and Keyboard (if required).
Connect one or more Video Input cables, either S-Video, Composite or SDI
depending on the card type. See the diagrams in Appendix A for detailed
connection instructions for the type of video/audio capture card installed in your
VisualDVR unit.
If audio recording is required (recommended), connect an audio input and speaker

connection as shown in the diagrams in Appendix A for the type of video/audio
capture card installed in your VisualDVR unit.
If multiple VisualDVR units are required to operate as a synchronised system you

must connect all units to a suitable network. See Appendix B for details.
4.2 Quick Start: Basic VisualDVR Operation

1.
2.
3.
Press the VisualDVR power switch.

The unit will boot up into Windows and start the VisualDVR software.
You will be prompted to run the VisualDVR Wizard to configure the system. This is
recommended for most users.
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4.3 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard

When you start VisualDVR you will be asked whether or not to run the VisualDVR Wizard.
The VisualDVR Wizard is designed to guide you through a series of questions, helping you
to configure the system to meet your requirements. Each page of the Wizard explains the
options available and provides you with information to help you make the correct decisions.
If you select Yes, the Wizard opens and you are shown a page which explains the use of
the Wizard. If you select No, VisualDVR will start with default of previously saved settings.
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4.4 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard DVR Selection

The first decision to be made is whether you want to use the Wizard to configure the PC
that you are currently using, or use it to build a configuration that you can use later on a
different VisualDVR PC.
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4.5 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Load and Save Configuration

You are then shown a page that allows you to load and save other configurations. The
currents settings of the VisualDVR where the Wizard is being run are loaded automatically,
but you may wish to load a previously saved configuration template, or to browse for a
folder of individual INI files.
Loading a previously saved configuration allows you to load a configuration that has been
sent to you from another VisualDVR, and can therefore be used to duplicate the settings
that are being used elsewhere. After you load a configuration template you will be able to
make a copy of it using the Save-As button so that you do not risk changing the supplied
settings.
Browsing to load INI files will allow you to read the settings from another PC even if you do
not have them saved in single configuration template file. This is more likely to be of benefit
during troubleshooting onshore than for offshore use.
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4.6 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard System Information

The display of the System Information page depends on the choice you made earlier about
whether you are configuring this PC, or building a template to configure a different PC (see
section 4.4 above.)
If you chose to Build a configuration template for this VisualDVR then you will see the
page on the left which shows the existing hardware and license of the PC.
If you selected the option to Build a Configuration Template for a different VisualDVR
then this page allows you to specify the intended license and hardware configuration of that
destination VisualDVR (see the image on the right). Select the type of license that you own
or plan to purchase for the destination system, and then select which type of video capture
card you plan to use.
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4.7 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Network Options

Next you should select the desired network communication method. All VisualWorks
programs communicate via the network. There are two main ways of doing this: Broadcast
or Multicast. In the case of Broadcast, the messages are limited to the current subnet and
are sent only to PCs in the same range of network addresses. Multicast messages are not
limited to the same subnet and may be sent more widely.
In rare cases you may wish to use Point-to-Point and limit the sending of information such
that it goes only to a single address. This is more common for PCs sending information to a
VisualDVR, and is unlikely to be required for VisualDVR itself.
4.7.1
VisualDVR Menu Access

Find the equivalent settings in the VisualDVR menus using:
System Setup & Admin
Advanced
Network Options
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4.8 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Channel Selection

You can configure your VisualDVR to record one or more video channels. The number of
available channels is determined by the installed hardware, and also by the available
software license. Even if you have a license and the right hardware for multiple channels,
you may not always want to record all of them. You can make that selection on this page of
the wizard.
4.8.1

The selection of how many channels to record is not possible using the VisualDVR menus.
Instead the program must be closed and re-started.
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4.9 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard - Video Source

Connect either a composite or S-Video cable to the breakout box or breakout cable.
(Details for each type of video capture card are shown in Appendix A). Having connected
the video cables you can use the wizard to tell the software how these cables have been
connected and what type of video signal they are carrying.
For each video channel select either PAL or NTSC video format. Then specify whether you
have connected an S-Video cable (2x BNC connectors) or a composite cable (1 BNC
connector). Finally, you should specify which of the available connections has been used.
For example a Winnov Videum breakout box has four composite video connections, and
you need to specify which cameras are connected to which of those four BNC connectors.
4.9.1

Configure video source
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4.10 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard - Audio Source

Connect an audio cable or microphone. For the Optibase MPEG-2 card you must connect a
line level signal. If using a microphone the signal must pass through a pre-amplifier before
connection to the Optibase breakout cable. If using Videum Duo or Quatro cards for WMV
recording, you can connect either a microphone direct, or a pre-amplified line level signal.
See Appendix A for details.
For the Videum Quatro cards the most common setup is to use the Mono Mix option so
that the single microphone input is recorded on both the left and right audio channels. See
Appendix B.1.3 for details of configuring the Mono Mix options within the Videum Audio
Control Panel.
4.10.1 VisualDVR Menu Access

Configure audio source
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4.11 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Recording Quality

Select the desired Quality Profile to specify the video type, size, frame rate and bit rate of
the recording. The wizard itself explains what each of these settings is for. See image
below.

Select Quality Profile
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4.12 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Channel Synchronisation

Channel Synchronisation ensures that each video channel starts and stops recording at the
same time. It also allows various other settings to be applied to multiple video channels
when using the standard VisualDVR menus.
Use the wizard to select which channels are to be synchronised. Typically if the cameras
are all looking at the same thing, such as three ROV mounted cameras looking at a
pipeline, then they should be synchronised. If they are looking at different things, such as
two cameras carried by two different divers, then they should not be synchronised.

Synchronise with other Channels or Units
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4.13 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Black Box Mode

Black Box mode allows continuous background recording of one or more cameras. If the
VisualDVR unit has a full license then it is possible to enable Black Box mode so that video
is recorded non-stop, and then use the menus to Start and Stop normal recording mode so
that the video recorded normally is copied to external locations, but the video recorded only
in Black Box mode remains only on the VisualDVR unit
Use the wizard to select which of the available channels you want o run in Black Box mode.

Black Box (Continuous Recording) Mode
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4.14 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Logging File Limits

When recording for long periods of time VisualDVR can break the video files into
manageable sections. Two limits are applied: time and file size. If you want files of equal
duration you should set the size limit to be so high that the time limit will always be reached
first. If you want files of equal size then you should set the time limit high enough that it will
not be reached before the size limit is reached. The default settings are for 30 minute files,
giving files of approximately 860MB so the default size limit of 4GB should not apply.

Setup logging and copying
Set logging file limits
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4.15 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Logging Drive Selection

VisualDVR should always be configured to record the video files to the internal disk drives.
This ensures that you will not suffer down-time or loss of video if the network fails. It also
ensures that VisualDVR runs as fast and efficiently as it can.
It is strongly recommended that each video channel is recorded to a different disk drive;
one camera per disk, and that you do not record video to the C drive. Note that you are only
able to select which drive letters are used for logging. On the selected drives the software
will automatically create a VisualWorks" folder, and inside it afolder named
Encoder@PCNAME_ChX where PCNAME is the name of the PC as defined in the
Properties of My Computer, and X is the channel number of a multi-channel recorder unit.
Other settings allow you to limit how much of each disk will be used for video recording and
storage. The system will operate more efficiently if the disk drives are not totally full.

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Setup internal logging drives
4.16 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard File Copying Methods

After video files have been recorded to the internal disk drives, and after the end of each
recording it is possible to copy the recording to one or more other locations. This can be
done by VisualDVR itself, or by the VisualArchive data management program, or even in
some cases by both of these at the same time. If you chose to allow both programs to copy
the video recordings then you must be careful to ensure that they are not both copying to
the same location.
See section 23 for advice on choosing the correct backup method for your video
recordings.
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The VisualDVR menus do not have a direct equivalent of this choice. The selection made
on this page of the wizard is used only to determine which other pages of the wizard are
needed.
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4.17 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Auto-Copy Destinations

If you chose to use VisualDVRs copying you will see this page. If you chose only
VisualArchives copying or you chose to not copy video files then this page will be
skipped.
VisualDVR can be set up to copy its own video files to a DVD or to an external disk drive
automatically after the end of each recording is made. You can chose one or more
destination drives using this page of the Wizard.

Select destination drives for file copying
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4.18 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Shared Folder Setup

If you want to use VisualArchive to copy video files after they are recorded you should
follow the instructions in the Wizard (see below) to set up sharing of each of the
VisualWorks logging folders one for each disk drive selected as a logging drive as
described in section 4.15.
NOTE: You must also configure VisualArchive to monitor those shared folders using the
Options, Encoders menu of VisualArchive.

The VisualDVR menus do not have an equivalent of this page which is provided to give
information about configuration changes that are external to VisualDVR.
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4.19 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Project Tasks

When searching for video it is more convenient to search by a specific pipeline or
component name than by time. VisualDVR allows data to be placed in Project Task
folders corresponding to these names.

Enable use of Project Tasks
then
Select Project Task for video logging
and / or
Import Project Tasks
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4.20 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Display Options

This page of the wizard gives you control over how the VisualDVR screen layout will look.
The Alarm Window is ON by default, and it is recommended that you do not switch it off.
More information about these settings is available in section 7.4.

Display
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4.21 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Wizard Setting Summary

This page of VisualDVR allows you to review the choices that you have made. If you want
to make any changes you can use the Back button, otherwise click on Next.
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4.22 Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Apply & Finish

The final page of the VisualDVR Wizard allows you to apply the settings to the PC on
which you are running the wizard, or to save a single configuration file which combines all
of the wizards settings. This file can then be opened by running the VisualDVR wizard on
another PC.
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4.23 Quick Start: Configure Survey Data

Connect a serial cable from your navigation PC to the VisualDVR PC, or configure the
navigation software to output on a network port.
Enable the display of the survey data as follows: Open the System Setup & Admin menu,
then select Display . Enable the option for a Survey Data Window, then click on Confirm .
Close the menu and you will now see the Survey Data Display positioned immediately
above the main video display.
Configure the connected serial or network source in one of two ways. Either right-click in
the Survey data Window and select Serial Input, then Survey Data, or use the menus to
select System Setup & Admin, then Advanced, and then Configure Serial Data Input .
This opens a configuration page where you should select the Field and Record Delimiters
that match your incoming data string, and specify the Field names that describe your data.
Now whenever you start recording you will be prompted to select a Project. This is
described in section 14.
4.24 Quick Start: Recording Video

To start video recording, click the Control Wheel or click the left mouse button on the Main
Display window to open the Main menu. The default option is Start Recording , so you can
simply click a second time to start the recording.
To stop video recording, click the Control Wheel or click the left mouse button on the Main
Display window to open the Main menu. The default option is Stop Recording , so you can
click a second time to stop the recording. You will get an extra prompt asking you to confirm
this, so that you do not stop recording accidentally.
4.25 Quick Start: Keyboard Shortcuts for JPEG Images and Video Clips
Instead of using the menu system it is possible to create JPEG image grabs or video clips
using simple keyboard shortcuts.
Press F2 to grab a JPEG image of the current video frame.
Press F3 to mark the start of a video clip at the current video frame.
Press F4 to mark the end of a video clip at the current video frame.
Press F5 to open Windows Explorer at the Clips folder.
NOTE: Before using the keyboard shortcuts for the first time, you should use the menus to
select the destination drive to be used for JPEG images and video clips.
4.26 Quick Start: Playing Video

See section 18 for details of how to play video files using VisualDVR.
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4.27 Quick Start: Copying Video

See section 21 for details of how to copy one or more video files using VisualDVR.
4.28 Quick Start: Using a Mouse & Keyboard

If the optional mouse and keyboard are attached then the VisualDVR menu system can be
opened and navigated by either mouse or keyboard or both.
To use the keyboard alone, press the enter key to open the menu, and then use the arrow
keys to alter the menu selection. When the required menu item is highlighted, press the
enter key to select it.
To use the mouse alone, left click in the video window to open the menu, and the left click
on the required menu item.
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5 CONFIGURING THE VisualDVR MENUS

The full VisualDVR menu system includes a wide range of options and tools. This makes
VisualDVR highly versatile, but if you do not need all of these tools you may prefer to have
a more simple and streamlined menu focusing only on the tools that you need. This is
possible by using the Mange DVR Menus configuration.
To open the menu configuration tool, open the System Setup & Admin menu, then select the
option to Manage DVR Menus . This will open the window shown below.
Any of the three pre-configured DVR menu layouts can be activated by highlighting and
clicking Apply. These are read only and cannot be edited, providing access to the Manage
DVR Menus option at all times.
Alternatively customisable menu layouts can be created using Add New, opening the
window shown over. Settings for new menu layouts are saved in VisualDVRMenus.ini.
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The new menu layout should be configured by giving a name and deselecting menu items
not required.
In the menu item tree, any item in blue cannot be removed if in the root of the tree or if any
other item in the same level is active. This means that the Quit VisualDVR and Close Menu
options in the root are always available, whilst the Previous Menu and Close Menu in sublevels are only active if required.
Items in red will only appear whilst DVR is recording.
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6 VisualDVR HARDWARE
The basic VisualDVR unit is a single rack mountable PC, available in 2U, 3U or 4U height
options. The unit encloses a video encoder card, a graphics output card, an optional video
overlay card and multiple interfaces to external devices.
Note: Equipment configurations may vary from that shown in the pictures below.
For High Definition recording, see appendix B.6 Hardware for HD Recording.
6.1 Rear View, with Overlay Card & Videum 1000+

This image shows a 2U unit with a single power supply, an overlay card and a Winnov
Videum 1000+ video capture card.
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6.2 Rear View, with Videum Duo Card

This image shows a 3U unit with a single power supply, and a Winnov Duo video capture
card. Details of the Breakout Box or Breakout Cable connections are included in
Appendices A.1 to A.4.
6.2.1
Power
One or more 240V power connections are required. An external UPS (Uninterruptible
Power Supply) unit is recommended to prevent loss of power.
6.2.2
Display
The units display can either output to a video monitor or to a PC monitor.
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6.2.3
Control Wheel
The Control Wheel is simple and intuitive to use and provides a highly efficient alternative
to using a keyboard and mouse. The Control Wheel should be plugged into one of the USB
ports on the back.
6.2.4
Keyboard & Mouse

A keyboard and mouse may be attached if desired however this is not required for basic
operation of the system if the Control Wheel is used.
Note that if the video overlay is used or if video event data entry is required then a
keyboard and mouse will be needed. The unit has PS2 ports for both keyboard and
mouse and also has sufficient USB ports to allow a USB keyboard and/or USB mouse to be
used.
6.2.5
SCSI Port
The SCSI port can be used to attach a tape drive or disk storage unit. Please be careful
when attaching SCSI cables as the pins are easily bent. The cable connector should be
fully secured with at both sides.
6.2.6
RS232 serial Ports

There are two RS232 serial ports that are used to supply serial data inputs. These may be
used for survey data inputs, ROV sensor inputs, or for external video overlay control.
6.2.7
USB Ports
There are six USB ports on the rear of the unit. They can be used to attach external USB
hard disk drives. They can also be used to attach RS232 expansion units.
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6.3 Front Panel

The front panel has two doors, each of which has a removable air filter. The doors can be
removed although this is not recommended because it removes the air filter. To open the
doors, turn the lockable knob clockwise before swinging the doors outwards from the centre
(as shown by the yellow arrow in the picture below).
Note: Equipment configuration may vary slightly from that shown in the picture below. The
model shown here is the 4U high option.
6.3.1
Power Switch
The power switch is located inside the right-hand door. Press this switch to start the unit.
The power switch should also be used to shutdown the unit if no keyboard and mouse are
attached. Press the switch briefly and release. Windows will shut down and the unit will
power down.
6.3.2
Reset Button
The red reset button should only be used if the system does not respond to the shutdown
request.
6.3.3
USB Ports
There are two additional USB ports conveniently located on the front. These can be used
for any USB device such as external hard disks.
6.3.4
DVD Drive
The DVD drive is located on the right-hand side. The bay can be opened or closed by
pressing the eject button.
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7 VisualDVR SCREEN DISPLAY

The VisualDVR has a large video window with a status bar at the bottom. The status bar
clearly shows the current operation, video format, audio level and time information. Any
menus and prompts are placed temporarily over the video display.
The layout of the video image or images varies according to the number of video channels
supported by the installed version of VisualDVR.
7.1 VisualDVR Single Channel Display
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7.2 VisualDVR Dual Channel Display
The display above shows two video channels. Channel 2 has been selected as the main
display. This is done simply by clicking in the small video window on the left to select it for
the main display. The >>>> symbol below the Channel 2 box indicates that this picture is
shown on the main display.
The other camera is shown as a small video window with a minimal status bar display
below it. In the image above Channel 1 is shown to be recording in Black Box mode. The
image below shows how the small video window and status bar will appear if Channel 1 is
in Stopped mode.
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7.3 VisualDVR Quad Channel Display

The Quad Channel unit operates in the same way as the Dual Channel unit, with an extra
two small video displays on the left. The image below shows the Quad Channel screen
layout, with all four channels in Recording mode, and Channel 2 selected for the main
display.
7.4 VisualDVR Display Options

In addition to that standard display areas such as the video windows and status display
which are described above, you can adjust other optional display settings.
These settings are adjusted using the menus under the System Setup & Admin menu, then
Display .
7.4.1
VisualDVR Display Options: Title Bar

The Title Bar allows the VisualDVR display to be minimised or resized like any other
Windows program. It also allows the program to be closed using the standard red cross
button in the top right corner? The Title Bar also displays information about the name of the
VisualDVR PC (the host), the software version in use, and also the current Quality Profile
that you are using.
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7.4.2
VisualDVR Display Options: Alarm Window

The Alarm Display shows all warnings and alarms received from this and other VisualDVR
units, and also from other VisualWorks applications running on the same network. The
coloured strips at the top indicate the status of an individual VisualDVR channel or
VisualWorks application. A green bar is used to indicate an error free status. A flashing
green bar, indicates error free status of a video recorder that is not currently recording. An
amber bar indicates that a warning message has been issued by that application or
channel, and a red bar indicates that an alarm message has been issued.
Below the coloured bars is a scrolling list of status, warning and alarm messages, each
displayed with the time at which they were issued, and the application or channel that
issued the message.
When it is enabled the Alarm Display is positioned across the very top of the screen above
the main video display.
The Alarm Display is on by default, and it is recommended that you do not turn it off.
7.4.3
VisualDVR Display Options: Survey Data

The Survey Data Display shows the data being received via Serial or Network port as
configured using the option to Configure Serial Data Input which is accessed via the Advanced
setup menu. When it is enabled the Survey Data Display is positioned immediately above
the main video display.
7.4.4
VisualDVR Display Options: Tiled Video Layout

If the Tiled Video Layout is turned on for multi-channel units, the usual thumbnail displays
on the left of the screen are removed. Instead all of the video channels are displayed in
equal sized windows. For a two channel display the two windows will be shown side by
side, for a three channel system channels one and two will be shown at the top of the
screen with channel three centred underneath them. A four channel display will have two
rows of two channels.
1
1
2
3
Two Channels
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7.5 Status Bar Information
7.5.1
Recording / Playback Status

STOPPED STOPPED Black/yellow flashing indicates system is in standby mode.
System is recording video in normal mode.
REC
System is recording video in continuous Black Box mode.
BlkBox
PLAY
A video file is being played.
STOP
Video file playback is paused.
EXITING
EXITING
Black/yellow flashing indicates system is shutting down.
7.5.2
Audio levels
This displays the volume level of the audio channel(s), using a bar that changes colour from
green to yellow as the volume rises, and then to red if the level becomes so high that it may
result in distortion.
7.5.3
Destination Project
This indicates the selected Project Task or structure component folder in which the
recorded data will be saved.
7.5.4
Video CODEC
This shows the user which encoding and compression method has been selected. Typical
options are:
WMV 9
Windows Media version 9
MPEG 2
Motion Picture Experts Group version 2
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7.5.5
Video resolution
This shows the chosen video resolution in pixels, in the format width x height.
Typical values are:
768 x 576
Suitable for PC monitors
720 x 576
PAL D1 resolution
704 x 576
PAL D1 cropped resolution suitable for playback on normal TV monitors.
7.5.6
Video frame rate

This indicates the selected number of frames per second to be encoded. Typical values are
25 fps for PAL or 30 fps for NTSC. Note that the background of this display will become
yellow if the frame rate falls significantly below the expected value.
7.5.7
Video bit rate

This indicates the target bit rate for video encoding. Higher bit rates generally indicate
higher quality, but also result in larger file sizes. In most cases, increasing the bit rate
beyond a certain level will not increase the quality. Typical bit rates are 3 or 4 megabits per
second (Mbps), and these provide a generally acceptable quality. For highly specialised
surveys this may rise to 6 Mbps. Note that the background of this display will become
yellow if the bit rate falls significantly below the expected value.
7.5.8
Elapsed recording time and file size

This shows how long the current recording has been running, and the current size of the file
that has been created. The blue progress bar in the background gives an indication of the
elapsed time/size as a percentage of the configured file time/size limits.
7.5.9
Copy Queue
This indicates the number of files that are queued, waiting to be copied to DVD or an
external drive.
7.5.10 Logging Drive Status

This shows the percentage disk usage of the internal logging drive. The blue progress bar
in the background gives an indication of used disk space as a percentage of the total
available disk space.
7.5.11 Copy Drive Status

This shows the disk usage or other status information for the DVD or external copy
destination drive. The blue progress bar in the background gives an indication of used disk
space as a percentage of the total available disk space. If the DVD drive has no recordable
disk in it, the status will show No Access.
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7.5.12 Video Time

In recording mode and standby mode this shows the current time on the VisualDVR unit. In
playback mode it displays the time associated with the currently displayed video, i.e. the
time at which it was recorded.
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8 STARTING VisualDVR AND USING THE MENUS

The VisualDVR software will start automatically when the PC is powered on. This will
display the live video feed if connected. To open the VisualDVR menu system, click the
Control Wheel to display the Main Menu:
NOTE: The Change Channel option is only available on Dual or Quad Channel units.
Rotate the Control Wheel to highlight the required menu item, and then click the Control
Wheel to select the chosen item.
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9 MULTIPLE CHANNELS & MULTIPLE VisualDVR UNITS

The VisualDVR software in each unit can be configured and licensed to record up to four
video and audio channels. Each channel may be set to be synchronised with other
channels and other VisualDVR units on the network, or may be left unsynchronised so that
it will operate independently. In a Quad Channel unit it is possible to synchronise any
combination of channels, for example you can set Channels 1, 2 and 3 to be synchronised,
and leave Channel 4 independent so that it can be set to a lower resolution in the Quality
Profile and may be used as a Black Box recorder.
When used in conjunction with VisualArchive, extra options are available such as Master
and Slave pairing of VisualDVR units, changing video file camera names, plus all of the
extra functions for backup and archiving provided by VisualArchive. See section 21 below
for full details of how to use VisualDVR together with VisualArchive.
9.1 Selecting Channels for Synchronisation

To select Channels for synchronisation, open the System Setup & Admin menu and select
the option to Synchronise with other Channels or Units . This opens a menu showing each
available Channel.
Click to select each of the Channels that you want to operate in synchronised mode so that
they display a green tick (or check), and then click on Confirm .
9.2 Synchronisation Explained

Any Channel that is set to be synchronised, will issue and respond to start and stop
commands. Start and Stop commands may come from other Channels on the same
VisualDVR unit, Channels on a networked VisualDVR unit, or from other VisualWorks
applications such as VisualData. Start and Stop commands may occur because of user
action or because a logging file reaches a defined size or duration limit.
Commands affected by synchronisation are:
Start Recording
Stop Recording
Change Quality Profile
Pause Recording
Resume Recording
Change File Limits
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For example if two Dual Channel VisualDVR units are connected on a network, and the
first unit has synchronisation enabled for both channels while the second unit has
synchronisation enabled only for Channel 1, the following behaviour will be seen:
DVR Unit 1, DVR Unit 1, DVR Unit 2, DVR Unit 2,
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 1
Channel 2
Synchronised?
No
User starts recording on

Unit 1 Channel 1
Start
recording
Start
recording
Start
recording
No change
User stops recording on

Unit 1 Channel 1
Stop
recording
Stop
recording
Stop
recording
No change
User starts recording on

Unit 2 Channel 2
No change
No change
No change
Start
recording
User stops recording on

Unit 2 Channel 2
No change
No change
No change
Stop
recording
Automatic file duration limit

reached on Unit 2 Channel 1
Stop & start

recording
Stop & start

recording
Stop & start

recording
No change
Automatic file size limit

No change
No change
No change
Stop & start

recording
Automatic file duration limit

Stop & start

recording
Stop & start

recording
Stop & start

recording
No change
Quality Profile changed on

Unit 1 Channel 2
Profile
changes
Profile
changes
Profile
changes
No change
Quality Profile changed on

Unit 2 Channel 2
No change
No change
No change
Profile
changes
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10 VIDEO QUALITY PROFILES

Pressing the Control Wheel or clicking the left mouse button will open the Main menu,
which includes an option for System Setup & Admin option that will open a sub menu. From
the sub-menu select the option to Select Quality Profile . For ease of use, you will be
presented with a list of predefined video Quality Profiles, as shown in the menu below.
Rotate the Control Wheel to highlight the required Quality Profile and then click the wheel.
For users needing a configuration that is not included in the list of pre-configured options,
there is also a CUSTOMIZED option.
If you wish to add a new configuration to the default list, rather than using the Customized
option, you will need to attach a keyboard and mouse: Shutdown the VisualDVR, attach
the mouse and keyboard and then reboot the unit. When VisualDVR runs you will need to
close it. Quit VisualDVR by clicking the Control Wheel to open the Main menu, and then
selecting the Quit VisualDVR option. Locate the VisualWorks help file, which is accessible
from the Windows programs menu. VisualDVR is based on the VisualEncoder
application and both share the same video format configurations files. For further
information, look in the help for VisualEncoder under the Application help section.
10.1 Customized Video Quality Profiles

To define a customized video format configuration click on CUSTOMIZED . This will open the
customization menu, showing the current configuration details:
To change a profile item, rotate the Control Wheel to highlight it, and then click the Control
Wheel to see a list of options.
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10.1.1 Customized Quality Profiles: Video Codec

This will present a list of available Video Codecs similar to the one shown here. Rotate the
Control Wheel to highlight the required Codec, and then click the Control Wheel to accept
the choice and return to the customization menu.
NOTE: The list will vary according to what software is installed on your VisualDVR PC.
10.1.2 Customized Quality Profiles: Audio Codec
This will present a list of available Audio Codecs similar to the one shown here. Rotate the
Control Wheel to highlight the required Codec, and then click the Control Wheel to accept
the choice and return to the customization menu.
NOTE: The list will vary according to what software is installed on your VisualDVR PC.
10.1.3 Customized Quality Profiles: Frame Rate
Rotate the Control Wheel to change the displayed Frame Rate, and then click the Control
Wheel to accept the value and return to the customization menu.
10.1.4 Customized Quality Profiles: Video Bit Rate

Rotate the Control Wheel to change the displayed Video Bit Rate, and then click the
Control Wheel to accept the value and return to the customization menu.
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10.1.5 Customized Quality Profiles: Resolution

Rotate the Control Wheel to highlight the required Resolution, and then click the Control
Wheel to accept the choice and return to the customization menu.
10.1.6 Customized Quality Profiles: Audio Format

Rotate the Control Wheel to highlight the required Audio Format, and then click the Control
Wheel to accept the choice and return to the customization menu.
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11 VIDEO STORAGE SETTINGS

The video is recorded to files on a hard disk. Usually, this will be the internal hard disk.
From there the video files may be copied to DVD and/or external drives. Each video file is
limited to a user-defined size or duration. The default is 30 minutes. This can be changed
from the System Setup & Admin menu which is accessed via the Main menu.
11.1 Video File Naming Convention

The naming convention for video files is automatic. The format is based on a timestamp
that defines the start time of the video file. Without this timestamp the video files would not
have any time reference that is essential for exploiting the random access capability of
digital video.
11.2 Assigning Project Task or Component Names to Video Files

When searching for video related to a specific pipeline or structure component it is more
convenient to search by the component name than by time. VisualDVR therefore allows
data to be placed in a user-defined hierarchy of folders corresponding to the pipeline or
structure and its components. Together the folders of this hierarchy make up a Project.
Once the Project Task definition is imported into VisualDVR you can use it when recording
video to directly assign recorded files to structural components. This will determine where
the video files will be located on disk. Each time you start recording, VisualDVR will prompt
you to select a component from the project tree. Press the Control Wheel to open or close
tree branches and rotate it to move up and down the tree. Once you have highlighted the
correct location for the video then press the Control Wheel to select it and start recording.
Project Tasks are more fully explained in section 14 below.
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12 RECORDING VIDEO
To start video recording, click the Control Wheel to open the Main menu. The default
option is Start Recording , so you can simply click a second time to start the recording. If you
have selected the option to Enable use of Project Tasks (see section 14 below) then you will be
prompted to select which part of the folder hierarchy you want the recorded video to be
copied to. Rotate the wheel to highlight the required component and click to select it. If you
need to expand a branch of the tree, click on the + sign and it will be expanded to allow you
to select a lower branch level.
12.1 Stop Recording

To stop video recording, click the Control Wheel to open the Main menu. The default option
will be Stop Recording , so you can simply click a second time to select this option. You will
then be given a Yes / No choice to confirm that you really do want to end the recording.
Rotate the wheel to highlight the Yes option, and then click the Control Wheel.
13 BLACK BOX RECORDING MODE

The Black Box recording mode provides a method of continuously recording video. Black
Box video files are kept on the internal system only and are not automatically copied to
DVD or external disk drives. The Black Box video files are automatically deleted after a
certain time to create space for newer recordings.
To start Black Box recording mode, open the Main Menu and select System Setup & Admin .
This will open the System Setup & Admin menu, from which you should select the option
for Black Box (Continuous Recording) Mode . On a single channel system this will prompt you to
confirm that you want to enable continuous recording. Select Yes to start continuous
recording.
On a multi-channel system a menu is opened in which the user may tick the boxes for the
channels that are to be recorded in Black Box mode. Select the required Black Box
channels and then click on the Confirm option to accept the changes before closing the
menu.
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When Black Box recording is active, the Recording/Playback Status display will show
BlkBox, as in the example below.
To end continuous Black Box recording re-select Black Box (Continuous Recording) Mode from
the System Setup & Admin menu. This time you will be prompted Do you want to DISABLE
Continuous Record Mode?. Select Yes to stop continuous recording.
During Black Box recording it is possible to use the normal Start Recording and Stop Recording
commands. In this case the manually created recordings will not be deleted. If automatic
copying is enabled the manually created recordings are copied to DVD or external disk
drives in the normal way.
14 RECORDING USING PROJECT TASKS

Project Tasks allow video files to be associated with particular components of a structure
being inspected, or with other project related sub-categories. In order to use Project Tasks,
this option must first be enabled. From the Main Menu, select System Setup & Admin , and
then Setup logging and copying . In the Logging and Copying menu, click on Enable use of
Project Tasks .
After enabling the use of Project Tasks you must import or create a Project Task folder
hierarchy. The picture below shows an example of a Project Folder hierarchy. Note the
instructions in the title bar for editing the folder names and hierarchy:
Space Bar
Add a new Project Task below the highlighted level
Backspace
Edit the highlighted Project Task name
Tab
Quit editing the Project Task name
Return
Select the highlighted Project Task for logging.
F5
Obtains a list of online Projects from VisualArchive.
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14.1 Importing Project Tasks

As an alternative to creating and editing the Project Task hierarchy within VisualDVR, it is
also possible to import a folder structure from an external disk or networked PC. To do this,
open the Logging and Copying menu and select Import Project Tasks . This will open a list of
all disk drives on which there is an available VisualWorks Project folder. Select the
required drive to import from.
The imported folders will then be displayed as shown above. Select the required logging
folder by scrolling to highlight it and then hit the Return key.
Note that importing Project Task folders does not import any data contained in those
folders, and does not physically create a folder hierarchy on the logging disk. Instead a
configuration file is created in which the hierarchy is saved, and folders are created only on
the copy destination (DVD or external drive) as they are used by the logging process.
Unused folders in the hierarchy will not be created.
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15 DIVE LOG AND EVENT ENTRY WHILE RECORDING VIDEO

VisualDVR allows event data to be logged during video recording to identify and
bookmark features in the video file. These events may be categorised into different types,
and may have text comments added to them. It is also possible to flag any event as being
an Anomaly.
To log an event while the system is in recording mode press the spacebar, click the
Control Wheel or left click with the mouse. This will open the Main Menu.
Select Enter Event to record details of the required event. The first time that you select the
Enter Event option you will be prompted for a keyboard and mouse.
If you have a keyboard and mouse connected, click on Yes . This prompt will not be shown
the next time you want to enter an event unless VisualDVR is restarted.
The Simple Event Entry window has a number of fields and buttons.
The upper box allows you to enter a detailed comment if required. Below that is a dropdown list of available Event Types.
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If you want to add extra Event Types to the drop-down list, simply select the drop-down and
type the required information then click on the Add button. Entries may be removed from
the list by selecting them and clicking on the Remove button. If you tick the Anomaly check
box then this will set an anomaly flag.
To log an event, select the appropriate type, enter a comment or description if needed, set
the anomaly flag if required, and then click on OK.
Events are logged in a text file which is stored with the video file. Each event may be used
as a bookmark for instant access to the correct place in the video using the VisualDVR
playback menu. If data is copied to a Project the Event list may also be viewed using
VisualReview. The format of the event file is a comma separated list:Date, Time, Event Type, Anomaly Flag, Text Comment
e.g.
22/06/2007, 12:23:29, Video Log, N, Start of Dive
22/06/2007, 12:25:29, Debris, Y, Scaffold Poles
16 COPY THE CURRENT VIDEO FILE

It is possible to setup video file copying without stopping the current recording. Select the
menu option Copy This Video File and then specify one or more drives from the displayed
list.
Click confirm to accept the disk selection.

When the current recording finishes the file will be copied to the selected drive(s).
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17 CREATE A STILL IMAGE OR CLIP DURING RECORDING

It is possible to create a still image or a video clip without stopping the current recording.
Both video clips and still image JPEG files are saved on a selected disk drive in a folder
named VisualWorks\Clips\PCNAME, where PCNAME is the Windows PC name of the
VisualDVR unit.
17.1 Creating a JPEG Image

To create a still image, open the Main Menu and click on Create Image/Video Clip to open
the menu on the left below, and then select Create Image to open the menu on the right.
First click on Select Destination Drives for Image Clips to open a drive list similar to this one:
Select a destination drive for the resulting image and click on Confirm .
When the display shows the required image, click on Grab This Image or press the
The image will be written to the selected drive as a JPEG image file.
F2 key.
It is possible to open the Clips folder in Windows Explorer to view or copy the logged
images. This can be done either via the menu or by pressing the F5 key.
17.2 Creating a Video Clip

To create a video clip, open the Main Menu and click on Create Image/Video Clip to open the
menu on the left below, and then select Create Video Clip to open the menu on the right.
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First click on Select Destination Drives for Video Clips to open the drive list. Select a drive, and
click on confirm (as for JPEG images in section 17.1 above). Once the destination drive has
been chosen, select the option to Mark Here as Video Clip Start (F3) . When the display is at the
end of the required clip, re-select the Create Image/Video Clip option and click on Mark Here as
Video Clip End (F4) .
The clip will be immediately written to the selected destination.
17.3 Using Keyboard Shortcuts for JPEG Images and Video Clips
Instead of using the menu system it is possible to create JPEG image grabs or video clips
using simple keyboard shortcuts.
Press F2 to grab a JPEG image of the current video frame.
Press F3 to mark the start of a video clip at the current video frame.
Press F4 to mark the end of a video clip at the current video frame.
Press F5 to open Windows Explorer at the Clips folder.
NOTE: Before using the keyboard shortcuts for the first time, you should use the menus to
select the destination drive to be used for JPEG images and video clips.
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18 PLAYING VIDEO
To playback a video file, you must first locate the file to be played. Click the Control Wheel
to open the Main menu, and rotate it to highlight Play & Copy Video . Click this to enter the
search menus as described below. (The search process is summarised here, but is
described more fully in section 28 below.)
Select a video file, by choosing a disk drive and then a search method as described here.
Note, that each video file is represented in the menu using its start time.
18.1 Select a disk drive
18.2 Select a Video File

Having selected a drive you will see a list similar to the one shown here.
Use the displayed options to find and select a video file for playback.
18.2.1 Find Video Using Date & Time
The Search by start time option can be used to locate a video file recorded at a specified
time. Enter the time and date, and then click the OK button to the right.
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18.2.2 Find Video Using Structure Component, Pipeline or Project Name

Select from Project Task Folder can be used to locate video that has been linked to a predefined project tree.
Expand a branch of the tree to see the video files associated with it. Highlight the required
file and click to select it for playback.
18.2.3 Select an Unassigned Video

The video search tool shows the options listed above, and also includes any video files that
were not assigned to Project Tasks when they were recorded. To select one of these,
highlight it, and click to select.
18.3 Play the Selected Video

Having located and selected the required video file, you will see the following list of options.
Select the Play Video option to start playback of the chosen file.
If Events were logged during video recording, you can jump straight to them and display the
relevant video using Goto Event .
Goto Start of Video will jump back to the first frame of the selected video, and Goto End of Video
will jump to a point two seconds before the final frame of video so that you may then play
the end of the file for QC or other purposes.
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Goto Video Time will open a slider control showing the start and end times of the video file at
either side, and the currently selected time at the bottom. This allows you to browse
through the video using the timestamp. As the slider is moved, the video will jump to the
selected time.
18.4 Playback Speed

While a video file is being played, you can control the playback speed by rotating the
Control Wheel to speed up and slow down. The speed can vary from 0 to 10 times normal
speed. If the play is stopped and you rotate the Control Wheel anti-clockwise then the video
will step backwards. This makes the Control Wheel a very efficient tool to use when
reviewing video. The same effect can be achieved using the wheel of a mouse if you have
one attached to the VisualDVR unit.
18.5 Pause Playback

You can pause video playback by pressing the Control Wheel (or clicking the mouse).
While the playback is paused, pressing the Control Wheel opens the Video Playback Menu
(shown in section 18.3 above). To resume playback simply select the Play Video option.
The Video Playback Menu also includes an option to Goto Video Time as described above.
This is used to quickly search the selected video file. By using the wheel to change the
current location in the video file, the video picture quickly seeks to the specified time. Play
continues when the Control Wheel is pressed to accept the selected position.
18.6 Stop Playback

Video playback is stopped by pressing the Control Wheel or clicking the mouse in the same
way as pausing the video playback. To end playback and remove the video from the
display, open the Video Playback Menu and select the Main Menu option.
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20 SYNCHRONISING VIDEO WITH OTHER DATA

If the video is to be cross-referenced with other data then a method of setting the time on
the VisualDVR may be required. For example, with COABIS the preferred method is to
enable the COABIS PC to provide the time source. Click on the VisualWorks network icon
in the system tray of the COABIS PC and then tick the option to set that PC as the time
sync source.
20.1 Interfacing to Other Inspection Applications

The inspection applications COABIS, SCOPE, Inspection Manager, and SIMS each have
interfaces provided for the control of VisualWorks including the VisualDVR unit. These
interfaces all operate across a network connection. Please refer to the user manuals of the
relevant inspection application for further information on configuration.
The table below provides a quick check list for testing the control of VisualWorks from
COABIS and SCOPE.
Test
Description
Pass?
Check that time synchronisation is being received by the VisualDVR.

The live time is displayed on the status bar and this should match the
time of the PC clock on the COABIS/SCOPE computer.
If it does not then click on the VisualWorks Network Options icon
in the system tray of the COABIS/SCOPE computer and ensure
that the option to enable that PC as the time sync source is ticked.
Check that you can start and stop the video recording from
COABIS/SCOPE. The recording status is displayed in the
VisualDVR status bar and should change when instructed to start or
stop from the remote computer.
If this fails then check the network communication setup between the
two PCs.
In particular, click on the VisualWorks Network Options icon
and
setup the network to be Point-To-Point and enter the name of the
VisualDVR PC.
Note, that the VisualDVR should be set to either broadcast or
multicast and not Point-To-Point.
Check that you can access the routine video files from COABIS or
SCOPE.
If you cannot then check that the files exist in the destination project
tree managed by VisualArchive. VisualArchive must be running on
either the VisualDVR unit or on a network attached PC. The project
tree must be shared and accessible from the COABIS or SCOPE
PC.
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Test
Description
Check that you can capture a separate anomaly video clip while
recording. The anomaly video clip should be automatically placed in
the directory specified by COABIS/SCOPE after the current video file
is closed or recording is stopped.
If this fails check the directory name. If it is a remote folder on the
network then the name must start with the name of the computer e.g.
\\COABIS\SharedFolder\
If the directory name starts with a drive letter then that drive letter
must exist on the VisualDVR either as a local drive, an external drive
or a mapped drive.
Check that you can capture a separate anomaly still image while
recording. The image should be automatically placed in the directory
specified by COABIS/SCOPE almost immediately.
If this does not happen then check the directory name as in test 3
above.
If the image is black then you must alter the settings of the graphics
card on the VisualDVR. Switch off, then attach a keyboard & mouse
and reboot. Access the desktop. Right-click and select Properties.
Go to settings page and select Advanced. Next, select the
Troubleshooting page and adjust the graphics acceleration slider
control so that DirectDraw is disabled. Then apply the change and
close the dialog windows.
When using more than one VisualDVR to record independently then

you should ensure that the VisualDVR units do not all start and stop
recording simultaneously if only one is instructed to do so from
COABIS or SCOPE.
Open the VisualWorks Network Options setup by clicking on the
icon in the system tray. This contains an option to Restrict Comms to
Named Work Area. If this is enabled then the system will only
communicate with other VisualWorks systems on the same local
network, with the same identifier entered in the Named Work Area
box. Therefore, to ensure that the COABIS/SCOPE PC only controls
the one VisualDVR, you should set this option on both computers.
Any name can be entered for the Named Work Area. For example,
you could simply use the VisualDVR units computer name.
If you have one VisualArchive but multiple independent VisualDVR
units then you can leave this option disabled on the VisualArchive
PC so that it can monitor all messages from all systems. If you run
VisualArchive on one of the VisualDVR units then you should not
disable this option. In this case VisualArchive will still manage the
video files but it will not be able to receive status messages from the
other VisualDVR units.
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Test
Description
Pass?
Check that the audio input to the VisualDVR is being recorded, and
that the audio quality is acceptable by playing back a sample test
video file. The audio input to the VisualDVR is displayed in the
status bar, but regardless of this display you should always check the
audio quality by playing back a sample.
If audio is not being recorded then check that the audio cable has
been connected to the correct port on the capture board (see 6.1
above). Also check that Windows is configured to record from the
input of the video capture board and not from the audio input of the
motherboard.
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22 METHODS OF COPYING AND BACKING-UP

22.1 Pushing data to another hard disk from VisualDVR
VisualDVR is able to make its own backups of the video files that it records. These
backups are made by copying the video files to one or more other disk drives (and/or to
DVDs). The copying process can be fully automated so that a copies are made as soon as
each video file finishes recording. This backup can be thought of as VisualDVR pushing
the video files onto another disk. When VisualDVR copies video files it will automatically
create the required Project folder and Dataset folder to store them in. See section 24 below
for details.
NOTE: If you use VisualArchive to pull data and also use VisualDVR to push data you
must make sure that they are not both sending the data to the same disk drive.
22.2 Pushing data to a DVD from VisualDVR

VisualDVR is able to make its own DVD backups of the video files that it records. (These
backups can be made at the same time as backups to disk as described in section 22.1).
The copying process can be fully automated so that a copies are made as soon as each
video file finishes recording. When VisualDVR copies video files it will automatically create
the required Project folder and Dataset folder to store them in. See section 24 below for
details.
22.3 Pulling data to another disk using VisualArchive

It is also possible to use a separate program, VisualArchive, running on a different PC to
pull the video files onto another disk drive. VisualArchive will copy the video files from
the VisualDVR to the current storage location chosen in VisualArchive. When
VisualArchive copies video files it will automatically create the required Project folder and
Dataset folder to store them in.
NOTE: If you use VisualArchive to pull data and also use VisualDVR to push data you
must make sure that they are not both sending the data to the same disk drive.
22.4 Creating backup tapes using VisualArchive

VisualArchive can also copy the video files onto archive tapes such as DLT or LTO. This
setting can be enabled and configured using the Project property settings in
VisualArchive. After the video has been copied into the dataset folder on the
VisualArchive storage disk, it will then be copied to one or more tape backups.
22.5 Creating extra disk copies using VisualArchive

In addition to copying data to the main storage drive in VisualArchive, you can also select
one or more extra disk copies using the Volume Copy function in VisualArchive.
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23 SELECTING THE CORRECT BACKUP METHODS

When recording using VisualDVR you can create backups using VisualDVR itself, using
VisualArchive or by using both together. The questions and answers below will help you
to decide which method of backing up is appropriate for your needs.
Q:
Do you want to make a backup to DVD?
A:
To make DVD backups you should use VisualDVRs internal Destination Copy.
Q:
Do you want to use two VisualDVRs as a linked Master and Slave pair?
A:
This is only possible if you use the file transfer functions of VisualArchive. See
section 25.3.
Q:
Do you want to make backups on Tapes (DLT, SDLT, or LTO)
A:
This is only possible if you use the archiving functions of VisualArchive. See the
VisualWorks Help file under Start, All Programs, VisualWorks, Help.
Q:
Do you want to make backups on Virtual Tapes (a file which mimics the behaviour of
a backup tape.)
A:
This is only possible if you use the archiving functions of VisualArchive. See the
VisualWorks Help file under Start, All Programs, VisualWorks, Help
Q:
Do you want to make a copy of the data on an external hard disk?
A:
You can do this using either the internal Destination Copy built into VisualDVR or
using the Volume Copy function in VisualArchive.
Q:
Are you logging a simple survey data string connected to VisualDVR?
A:
This data will be automatically copied with the video files by VisualDVR and/or
VisualArchive.
Q:
Are you logging event data such as inspection events or dive log events?
A:
This data will be automatically copied with the video files by VisualDVR and/or
VisualArchive.
Q:
Are you using either VisualData or VisualProfiler to log other survey sensors such
as bathy, profilers, MBE or motion data?
A:
This data cannot be copied by VisualDVR. You must use VisualArchive to copy
both the video from VisualDVR and the sensors from VisualData / VisualProfiler.
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24 COPYING VIDEO TO DVD OR EXTERNAL DISK

The procedure for copying files to either a DVD or to an external disk is the same for both.
The system can be configured to copy files automatically when they are created, or the
user can choose to copy files manually. If a project tree has been used then the relevant
portions of that tree will be created on the destination storage drive as they are used and
the video files will be saved to the correct component folder.
24.1 Automated Copying

Open the Main menu, and highlight System Setup & Admin . Click this to enter the Setup
menu then click on Setup logging and copying . The first stage is to specify where the video
files should be copied to: In the Logging and Copying menu select the option to Select
destination drives for file copying . This will open a menu list of destination drives from which
you can select one or more drives.
Clicking the mouse or pressing the Control Wheel toggles the selection of the highlighted
drive. Select one or more drives and then click on Confirm to finalise the selection.
By default, the automatic copying process will copy all video files that have not already
been copied to the selected destination drive(s). If this is not what you want then you can
enter specific time limits for the files that should be copied. From the Logging and Copying
menu select the option to Copy video files within a time range and enter a start time and an
end time to determine which files must be copied. All files recorded after the chosen start
time, and before the end time will be copied.
24.2 Manual Copying

When you locate a video file using the search tool (described in section 18 above) there is
an option to copy the file to a selected destination drive. This marks the video file as ready
for copying and adds it to the queue of pending file operations. The actual copying process
will happen in the background while recording or playback continues. The status of the file
copying is displayed on the status line at the bottom of the VisualDVR screen (see section
7.5 above).
24.3 Creating a Second Copy of a DVD or Disk Drive

VisualDVR allows the operator to make an extra copy of a disk that has already had video
files automatically copied to it. From the Logging and Copying menu select the option to
Recreate another copy of Hard Disk or DVD . This will open a list of available drives, each with a
Media Number assigned by VisualDVR.
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Select which of the drives you want to re-copy and click on Yes in the confirmation prompt:
This will copy all files originally copied to the selected drive letter, to the drive that currently
has that drive letter. In this way a second copy of a DVD or a removable hard drive can be
made.
Note that this function to create a second copy will only work if the original video
files are still available on the logging drive.
25 USING VisualArchive FOR DATA MANAGEMENT

VisualArchive is a program designed to manage the storage and archiving of digital video
and associated survey data. When using VisualArchive it is still possible, but not essential
to configure VisualDVR to copy video files itself. In that case it is essential that the
VisualDVR copy location is not the same as the location used for data storage by
VisualArchive.
VisualArchive can perform the following roles in conjunction with VisualDVR:
Copy video data from VisualDVR to a remote storage disk.

Copy and synchronise other survey data.
Copy video and survey data to tape or virtual tape.
Rename video files to set specific camera names (See section 25.2.3 below).
Configure pairs of VisualDVR PCs as Master and Slave (See section 25.3 below).
To use VisualDVR with VisualArchive and enable these extra functions you must make
configuration changes within both programs.
For full details of VisualArchive and its operation please see the VisualWorks help file
which can be opened from the Start / Programs / VisualWorks menu of any PC with
VisualWorks software installed. Alternatively, the help file can be downloaded from our
website at www.visualsoft.ltd.uk.
VisualDVR records video files into a folder named Encoder@PCname_ChN where
PCname is the name of the PC, and ChN is the channel number (i.e. Ch1, Ch2, Ch3 or
Ch4). A single channel VisualDVR unit omits the channel number from the folder name,
using only Encoder@PCname. These Encoder folder are created inside a folder named
VisualWorks which must itself be at the root level of a disk drive, e.g. E:\VisualWorks or
F:\VisualWorks.
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For VisualArchive to access the video data on a VisualDVR unit, the location of the
logged video files must be accessible via a network connection and the following basic
rules should be followed:
Each VisualDVR unit should have a logical, easily understood name

Each PC (VisualDVR and VisualArchive) must be connected to the same network,
and have IP addresses that form part of the same subnet.
The disk or folder containing each video logging folder (Encoder@*) must be shared
with full access permissions.
25.1 Single Channel VisualDVR Units

25.1.1 VisualDVR Setup for Single Channel Use
The normal configuration of a single channel VisualDVR is to have a single VisualWorks
folder on an internal disk drives other than the C drive. Inside that VisualWorks folder
VisualDVR will automatically create a video logging folder named Encoder@PCname.
The PC is normally configured using Windows Explorer to share the VisualWorks folder
with a share name of VisualWorks. The shared folder is indicated by the hand symbol in
Windows Explorer
25.1.2 VisualArchive Setup for Single Channel Use

In VisualArchive, this logging folder is configured by selecting Encoders from the Options
menu. Clicking the Auto Detect button will make VisualArchive search the network for any
PC running VisualDVR (or VisualEncoder) and will fill in the default location of the shared
logging folder.
NOTE: If the VisualDVR PC has been configured without the VisualWorks folder shared
using the share name VisualWorks, the Auto Detect function will not find the correct
location. In this case you must select the entry in the list and click the Edit button. You can
then use the Browse button to locate the correct logging folder.
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Finally, use the Test Access button to ensure that VisualArchive is able to access the
specified Online Location.
The result of the test should similar to the picture on the right above.
25.2 Multi-Channel VisualDVR Units

25.2.1 VisualDVR Setup for Multi Channel Use
A multi-channel VisualDVR can be configured to store all channels on a single drive in
which case multiple Encoder folders will be created within a single shared VisualWorks
folder, or it can be configured with one VisualWorks folder per disk drive, each containing
the Encoder folder of a single channel.
For multi-channel operation using multiple disks the VisualDVR PC is normally configured
using Windows Explorer to share the root level of each drive containing a VisualWorks
folder. Each drive should be given a unique and easily understood share name. The shared
drive is indicated by the hand symbol in Windows Explorer
.
The resulting disk and share configuration will look similar to that shown below which has a
VisualDVR PC named DVR-MAS logging three video channels, one to each of three disk
drives.
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25.2.2 VisualArchive Setup for Multi Channel Use

In VisualArchive, the logging folders are configured by selecting Encoders from the
Options menu. Clicking the Auto Detect button will make VisualArchive search the network
for any PC running VisualDVR (or VisualEncoder) and will fill in the default locations of
the shared logging folders.
For a multi channel system you will need to make manual changes to the default locations
found by the Auto Detect function. The default locations for a PC named DVR are as
shown in the image below:
To change the location, select one channel at a time and click on the Edit button. The
image on the left below shows the default location. The image on the right shows how this
has been changed to include the name of the shared disk drive on which the channel 1
video files are being logged. This can be done either by using the browse button or by
typing the correct location path.
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25.2.3 Automatic Renaming of Video Files

It is also possible to set the name of a camera as shown in the example above where the
Channel 1 video files are being renamed to Port. To do this, simply enable the Rename
option by ticking the box, and enter the desired camera name. All video associated with the
selected channel will be renamed to camera name that you enter here.
25.2.4 Test Access to VisualDVR data storage locations
Click the Test Access button to check that VisualArchive can access the specified Online
Locations. The result of the test should similar to the picture below.
25.3 Master & Slave Configuration

When using VisualDVR in conjunction with VisualArchive it is possible to configure a pair
of VisualDVR units to operate in a Master & Slave mode such that failure of part or all of
one unit will not cause loss of data. VisualArchive can be configured to automatically use
the data from the Slave unit if it detects a problem with the data from the Master unit.
Operating in Master & Slave mode requires a matched pair of VisualDVR units, with each
video feed being sent to each VisualDVR. Logically Channel 1 on the Slave should display
and record the same picture as Channel 1 on the Master, but this is not essential because
the Channels will be manually paired when configuring VisualArchive. Each Channel on
the Master unit can be associated with a Channel on the Slave unit. The Slave Channel will
be used automatically if a problem is detected with the Master Channel. The VisualDVR
PCs should be named so as to clearly identify which unit is the Master and which is the
Slave. The following steps should be followed in VisualArchive.
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25.3.1 Open the Encoders menu option
25.3.2 Click on Auto Detect

This will fill in the default values shown below. In this example the Master VisualDVR PC is
named DVR-MAS, and the Slave unit is named DVR-SLA.
25.3.3 Highlight the first Slave Channel
Click on Edit to change the Online Location.
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25.3.4 Edit Online Location of Slave Channel 1
Change the default location as shown on the left, to the correct shared folder location. Note
that the actual share name may differ from the example, Ch1 (E), that is as shown in the
picture on the right.
25.3.5 Edit Online Location of other Slave Channels
Repeat steps 25.3.3 and 25.3.4 for the other Slave Channels as required.
25.3.6 Highlight the first Master Channel
25.3.7 Edit Online Location of Master Channel 1

Click the Edit button and set the correct Online Location for Master Channel 1.
At the same time you can set a more recognisable camera name for this channel by
enabling the Rename option, and typing in a new Camera Name.
To enable the Master & Slave operation on this Channel, tick the box labelled Use
alternative encoder in case of failure, and use the drop-down list to select which of the
Slave channels has the same picture as this Master channel.
The picture on the left shows the default configuration. The picture on the right shows an
example with the Online Video File Location corrected to use the share name CH1 (E),
with video files being renamed as Port camera, and with the Slave Channel 1 set as the
alternative to be used if Master Channel 1 fails.
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25.3.8 Edit settings of other Master Channels

Repeat steps 25.3.6 and 25.3.7 for the other Master Channels as required.
The final configuration should look similar to the example below. Each Channel has the
correct Online Locations, each Master Channel has a camera name specified, and each
Master Channel has been paired with the corresponding Slave Channel.
25.3.9 Test Access to VisualDVR data storage locations

Click on the Test Access button to check that VisualArchive is able to access the specified
Online Locations.
The result of the test should similar to the picture below.
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26 COPYING VIDEO TO ARCHIVE TAPE

VisualArchive may be run either on the same PC as VisualDVR or on another PC
connected via a network. If you are running VisualArchive on the same PC as VisualDVR,
you will be able to attach a tape drive to the SCSI port on the back of the unit (see section
6.1 above).
For further information on the use of VisualArchive, please see the VisualWorks help file
located in the Windows Programs menu.
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27 MAIN MENU
To open the VisualDVR menu system, press down on the Control Wheel, or click the left
mouse button if using a traditional mouse. This will display the Main Menu. This menu
differs slightly depending on whether the VisualDVR is in standby mode (STOPPED) or
record mode (REC).
Standby mode
Recording mode
Main Menu
Start Recording
Begin recording video.
Stop Recording
Stop recording video.
Change Channel
Open the Select Current Channel Menu. This allows the user
to select which channel is being controlled by the Start and
Stop recording, Adjust Picture and other menu commands.
NOTE: This menu item is only available with the VisualDVR
Dual and Quad channel options.
Pause/Resume Recording
This command pauses and resumes video recording without

creating a new video file. The creates a break in the timing
information contained in the video file. Note that this option
should only be used if no other data such as survey
positioning data of event data is being logged. If other
data is being logged it can only be integrated with the
video for display in VisualEdit or VisualReview if each
video file has a continuous, unbroken timeline.
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Main Menu
Enter Event
Opens a text entry box in which you can record details of the
required event. Type the required text, and click on OK.
See section 15 above for further details.

Copy This Video File
Opens the drive selection list. Select a drive, and click confirm
to add the current video file to the copy queue. As soon as
recording of the current file stops, the file will be copied to the
selected destination drive.
Create Image/Video Clip
Allows a destination drive to be specified, and allows the user

to mark the clip start point. Re-select this menu item to mark
the end point. The clip will be written to the selected drive.
Adjust Picture
Open the Adjust Picture Menu and configure settings for

brightness, contrast and saturation. (See section 28 below.)
Play & Copy Video
Search for files for playback or copying. (See section 18.)
Open the Setup & Admin menu. This allows you to configure
the encoding parameters of the VisualDVR system, and to
configure file copying options. (See section 32 below.)
Quit VisualDVR
Open the Quit Options menu. (See section 36 below.)
Close Menu
Remove the menu from the video display screen.
28 SELECT CURRENT CHANNEL MENU
This simple menu shows a list of the available Video channels, and allows the user to
highlight one of them as the Current channel. This channel will then be the one affected
by menu commands such as Start or Stop Recording, and Adjust Picture. Note that if the
current channel and other channels are synchronised, then these commands will also affect
the other synchronised channels. See section 9 for details of channel synchronisation.
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29 ADJUST PICTURE MENU
Adjust Picture Menu

Brightness
Opens a slider bar that allows the brightness level to be set to

any value between 0 (fully dark) and 100 (fully bright). Turn
the Control Wheel to adjust the level, and then click the
Control Wheel to apply the change and return to the Adjust
Picture menu.
If using a normal mouse, left click on the slider bar and hold
down the button while dragging it to the required value. To
apply the change and return to the previous menu level, click
on the horizontal line to the side of the slider control bar.
Contrast
Opens a slider bar that allows the contrast level to be set to

any value between 0 (no contrast) and 100 (maximum
contrast). The level is adjusted in the same way as the
brightness.
Saturation
Opens a slider bar that allows the colour saturation level to be

set to any value between 0 (minimum colour saturation i.e.
black and white) and 100 (maximum colour saturation). The
level is adjusted in the same way as the brightness.
Previous Menu
Return to the Main Menu.
Close Menu
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30 SEARCH, PLAY, & COPY VIDEO MENUS

The Search Drives menu shows a list of all drives with available VisualWorks Projects. For
each disk the menu shows both the free space on the drive and the total size of the drive.
Rotate the Control Wheel until the required drive is highlighted in blue, and then click the
control to open the list of available data and options for that drive.
30.1 Selected Drive Options List

Having selected a drive to search you will be presented with a list similar to this:
At the top of the menu for the selected drive you will see a number of alternative search
options, and below that a list of files in the selected drive. The files shown here are those
that have not been logged as part of a Project Task. These are known as Unassigned
video files and are described in section 30.1.1 below.
The first option in the menu is to Only show files that are not copied . This provides a quick and
simple QC tool, allowing you to rapidly select and copy only those video files that have not
yet been copied to DVD or external disk.
Other options allow you to search by the start time of a video file, or to search using the
tree of Project Tasks.
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30.1.1 Unassigned Files

Unassigned video files are shown with their start date and time, and the name of the
encoder PC (VisualEncoder or VisualDVR). Select a file by rotating the Control Wheel to
highlight the required file, and then click the Control Wheel to open the list of file handling
options in the Video Playback Menu.
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31 VIDEO PLAYBACK MENU
Video Playback Menu

Play Video
Play the video file from the current position.
Goto Event
Open a list of logged events associated with the current video

file. Select an event to jump to that point in the video file.
Goto Start of Video
Jump to the start of the selected video file.
Goto End of Video
Jump to 2 seconds before the end of the selected video file so

that you may then play the end of the file for QC or other
purposes.
Goto Video Time
Opens a slider control showing the start and end times of

video file at either side, and the currently selected time at
bottom. This allows you to browse through the video using
timestamp. As the slider is moved, the video will jump to
selected time.
the
the
the
the
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Video Playback Menu

Create Image
Opens a menu in which you must first select a destination

drive for the image, and then select the Grab This Image (F2)
option.
Create Video Clip
Opens a menu in which you must first select a destination

drive for the clip, and then select the menu option to Mark Here
as Video Clip Start (F3).
After specifying the start point, re-open the clips menu to mark
the end point, cancel the clip or to specify a duration.
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Video Playback Menu

Copy Video File
Opens a drives list menu, allowing the user to select one or

more drives to copy the selected file to. Select the required
drive(s) and click on Confirm.
Alternatively, select Save As to specify a single file name and
destination for the copied file.
Delete Video File
Opens a prompt to confirm or cancel the deletion of the

selected video file.
Previous Menu
Return to the previous level of the search menu.
Main Menu
Close Menu
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32 SYSTEM SETUP & ADMIN MENU

This menu differs slightly depending on whether the VisualDVR is in standby mode
(STOPPED) or record mode (REC).
Standby mode
Recording mode
System Setup & Admin Menu

Select Quality Profile
Opens the Quality Profiles Menu.

(See section 10 above.)
Setup Logging and copying
Opens the Logging and Copying menu.

(See section 33.)
Configure video source
Opens a menu displaying the current video source and

format The format may be switched between PAL and
NTSC.
Click on the displayed Input Source to open a menu

from which it may be changed. If you are unsure which
connecter has been used to connect the video to the
card at the back of the PC, use the AUTO-DETECT
option.
The menus shown below give the various options for
the currently supported video input cards. (See
Appendix A for connection details.)
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Optibase MovieMaker 230 (MPEG-2)
This card has no user configurable input options.
Winnov Videum 1000+ (Windows Media Video)
Winnov Videum Duo (Windows Media Video)

Options 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the composite video inputs.
Options Y/C 1 and Y/C 2 are the S-Video inputs.
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Winnov Videum Quatro (Windows Media Video)
Options A-Vid1 to A-Vid4 are the composite video
inputs of the first breakout cable/box. B-Vid1 to B-Vid4
are the composite inputs of the second cable/ box.
Options A-Y/C 1 and A-Y/C 2 are the S-Video inputs of
the first cable or box. B-Y/C 1 and B-Y/C 2 are the SVideo inputs of the second cable or box.
Configure audio source
Opens a menu displaying the current audio source,

and volume setting.
Click on the displayed Input Source to open a menu

from which it may be changed. Click on the displayed
volume to open a slider control to adjust the volume.
Winnov Videum 1000+ (Windows Media Video)
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Winnov Videum Duo (Windows Media Video)
The Videum Duo card is usually configured to use the
Mono Mix audio option.
Winnov Videum Quatro (Windows Media Video)

The Videum Quatro card is usually configured to use
the Mono Mix audio option.
Optibase MovieMaker 230 (MPEG-2)

This card has no user configurable input options.
Configure audio output monitor
Opens a menu to configure the PC speakers for audio

output monitoring.
Black Box
Mode
Allows the user to Enable or Disable Continuous

Black Box recording mode for each Channel. (See
section 13 above.)
(Continuous
Recording)
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Synchronise with Other Channels or
Units
Allows the user to enable or disable synchronisation of

each Channel. See section 9 for details of
synchronisation.
Eject DVD
Ejects the DVD from the drive. If the system is busy,

this request will be queued until the current task (such
as copying video files) is completed.
Display
Opens the Display Options menu.

(See section 34 below.)
Advanced
Opens the Advanced Setup menu.

(See section 35 below.)
Manage DVR Menus
This option allows you to disable or re-enable items in

the various VisualDVR menus.
(See section xxx for details of how to use this tool.)
Previous Menu
Close Menu
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33 SETUP LOGGING AND COPYING MENU

If the use of Project Tasks is currently disabled the menu will be displayed as shown on the
left. If Project Tasks are already enabled, the menu on the right will be displayed.
Project Tasks Disabled
Project Tasks Enabled
Setup Logging and Copying Menu

Enable use of Project Tasks
Enables the use of the Project Task folders for logging and
copying video. (See section 14 above.)
Disable use of Project Tasks
Disables the use of the Project Task folders for logging and
copying video. (See section 14 above.)
Select Project Task for video

logging
Allows the user to select a Project Task with which logged

video data will be associated.
Import Project Tasks
Allows the import of a pre-configured folder hierarchy of

Project Tasks.
Remove Project Tasks
Deletes the current Project Task hierarchy from the logging

system.
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Setup Logging File Limits
Opens a menu from which the user can specify a maximum

size, and maximum duration for recorded video files.
Setup internal logging

drives
Allows the user to select from a list of available disk drives.

The selected drive will be used for logging data internally
before it is copied elsewhere.
Note that you are only able to select which drive letters are
used for logging. On the selected drives the software will
automatically create a VisualWorks" folder, and inside it
afolder named Encoder@PCNAME_ChX where PCNAME is
the name of the PC as defined in the Properties of My
Computer, and X is the channel number of a multi-channel
recorder unit.
Select destination drives for

file copying
Allows the user to select from a list of available disk drives.

The selected drive will be used as the destination for copying
all recorded (or selected) video files. (See section 24.1 above.)
Set reserved free space on

destination drives
Allows the user to specify a percentage of the selected

destination disk to be left free so that copied video files do not
totally fill the drive.
Copy video files within time

range
Allows the user to enter selected start and end times to restrict
which video files will be copied to the selected destination
drive.
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Recreate another copy of
Hard Disk or DVD
Creates an extra copy of all files that have been previously

copied to a selected drive letter. This allows a second copy of
a DVD or external USB disk to be made. (See section 24.3
above.)
Cancel video files assigned

for copying
Allows the user to remove video files from the copying queue.
Previous Menu
Return to the System Setup & Admin Menu.
Close Menu
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34 DISPLAY OPTIONS MENU
Advanced Setup Menu

Title Bar
Display and enable the standard Windows title bar with

program name, version and other details, plus buttons for
minimise, maximise and close.
Alarm Window
Select this option to open a display above the video

window, listing all alarm and warning messages from all
VisualWorks applications found on the network.
Survey Data Window
Select this option to open a display above the video

window, showing the incoming survey data. See
Configure Serial Data Input in the Advanced Setup
menu, section 35.
Tiled Video Layout
Arranges the video windows side-by-side rather than

having one main window with a series of small thumbnail
views.
Confirm
Confirms the selected options.
Previous Menu
Close Menu
Remove the menu from the screen display.
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35 ADVANCED SETUP MENU
Advanced Setup Menu

Configure Serial Data Input
Opens the Position Data Serial Input Setup tool. Select

either Serial Port Settings or Network Settings, then
specify the appropriate parameters. If you change the
network Port number, you must click the Apply button.
Select the Field and Record Delimiters that match your
incoming data string, and specify the Field names that
describe your data. These Field Names will be available
for selection in the VisualOverlay setup (instructions for
which are in a separate User Manual).
Configure Video Overlay (F6)
Opens the VisualOverlay configuration tool. Instructions

for VisualOverlay are available in a separate User
Manual. VisualOverlay can also be opened directly by
pressing the F6 function key.
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Advanced Setup Menu

Delete All Video Files From Internal
Drive
Cleans up the internal logging drive, by removing all

previous files. This will open a prompt as shown here.
Click Yes to remove all files.
Reset Media Numbering
This option will reset the numbering of storage devices

such as DVDs or external disk drives so as to restart at
001.
Multicast Video (MPEG-2 Only)
This option applies only when using MPEG-2 video

encoding, and opens a prompt asking whether you wish
to enable multicasting of video over the network. See
section 37 for details.
License Details
Opens the Licensing window. See section 38 for details.
Configure Network
Opens the VisualWorks Network Options window. See

section 39 for details.
Previous Menu
Close Menu
Remove the menu from the screen display.
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36 QUIT OPTIONS MENU
Quit Options Menu

Quit VisualDVR and
shutdown
Closes the VisualDVR program, and then the unit will power
down.
Restart VisualDVR
Closes the VisualDVR program, and then restarts the

hardware unit. VisualDVR is set to run automatically when the
unit restarts.
Exit to Windows
This will prompt for a keyboard and mouse. If the user selects
the Yes option, the VisualDVR program will close and the
unit will remain powered on with Windows running.
Cancel
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37 MULTICASTING VIDEO
37.1 Enabling Multicasting of MPEG-2 Video
When encoding video in MPEG-2 format VisualDVR is able to send the video across a
network for display in VisualEdit or VisualReview. To enable multicasting of the current
video channel, open the Advanced Setup Menu, and select the option to Multicast Video
(MPEG-2 Only). This will open a prompt asking you to confirm whether or not to enable
multicasting.
NOTE: If you want to enable multicasting of more than one video channel, you must do so
one channel at a time by changing the Current Channel as described in section 28.
37.2 Viewing Multicast MPEG-2 Video

To view video that is being multicast on the network, run either VisualEdit or
VisualReview and open the Mode menu. Select the Online option, and follow the prompts
to specify which VisualDVR units and channels you wish to view.
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38 LICENSE CONTROL
To open the License Validation window, select the Advanced option from the System Setup
& Admin Menu, and then select License Details .
At the top of the window is the Installation Reference No.. This uniquely identifies the PC,
and is used by VisualSoft to assign the required licenses for each program. To obtain a
license, email support@visualsoft.ltd.uk with the details of the required program version
and the eight character Installation Reference No. Provided that you have already
purchased the required license you will then be sent a twenty character License No., which
should be entered into the appropriate box in the window. When the License No. has been
correctly entered, click on the button labelled Validate License No.. You will then see the
licenses for selected program versions in the list of Licensed Products & Features.
The Reset button will disable all licensed products and create a new eight character
Installation Reference No. This can be used when terminating a license rental, but you
must be sure to inform VisualSoft (or other rental company), who will then explain the
required confirmation procedure.
38.1 License Transfer

The transfer button allows a license to be moved from one PC to another without the need
to contact VisualSoft. First install the software on the new PC then open its License
Validation window to make a note of the eight character Installation Reference No. Next
open the License Validation window on the old PC, and click the Transfer button.
Enter the Installation Reference No. for the new PC, and click on the large button to
generate a twenty character License No. for the new PC at the same time as disabling the
license on the old PC. On the new PC enter and validate the License No. as described
above.
When you have finished, click on the OK button to close the License Validation window.
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39 VisualWorks NETWORK OPTIONS

To open the VisualWorks Network Options window, select the Advanced option from the
System Setup & Admin Menu, and then select Configure Network .This will open the window
shown below.
The usual method of network communication
for VisualWorks applications is Broadcast,
which will be restricted to a specific subnet.
Use Multicast only if you are unable to use
broadcast, and only if you are certain that
your network hardware and software
supports it.
The Point To Point option may be used to
allow an individual PC to send (but not
receive)
communications
to
another
individual PC. This is useful if you are
running 3rd party software for eventing (or
similar tasks) and need to communicate
through a firewall to start and stop an
encoder or to log event data.
More detail on these options is available in
the VisualWorks help file.
All PCs running VisualWorks applications
must be set to use the same communication
method.
If you need to separate different groups of PCs, perhaps because you have more than one
ROV on a vessel, this can be done with the option to Restrict Comms to Named Work
Area. This is best shown by example:
A ship has two ROVs, a work-class ROV with three cameras, and an observation ROV with
a single camera. All data is to be archived by a single PC running VisualArchive, but the
VisualDVR software of one ROV must not start or stop the VisualDVR on the other ROV.
To do this set the VisualDVR unit of the work-class ROV to have restricted comms, and
enter a Work Area Name of WorkClass. Set the VisualDVR unit on the observation ROV
to also have restricted comms, and enter a Work Area Name of ObsROV. On the
VisualArchive PC do not restrict the comms, thereby ensuring that VisualArchive listens
to all channels on all VisualDVR units and archives the recorded video data.
When video recording is started on the VisualDVR in the WorkClass area, the VisualDVR
in the ObsROV area will NOT also start. Similarly if the ObsROV VisualDVR is started or
stopped, it will not affect the VisualDVR in the WorkClass area.
The option to Enable this PC clock as Time Sync Source will synchronise all
VisualWorks PCs to the local PC clock of this PC. This method of time synchronisation
should only be used if no other time source is available. It is preferable to use either a
network time server or a time from a serial data input using time derived from a GPS clock.
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APPENDICES
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A VIDEO & AUDIO CONNECTIONS

This section shows the various wiring and cable connection options available with different
video capture cards in VisualDVR.
Currently supported cards are:
Card
Winnov Videum Duo

Winnov Videum Quatro
Winnov Videum 1000+
Optibase MovieMaker 230
Series (Publisher,
Networker, Basic, or
Xpress).
(Allows more than one card
in a single VisualDVR unit if
using Publisher, Networker,
or Basic.)
Osprey 700e HD
Optibase MovieMaker HD
Standard or
High
Definition
Format
Max
connected
channels
Max
recorded
channels
SD
WMV or
MPEG-2*
SD
WMV or
MPEG-2*
SD
WMV or
MPEG-2*
MPEG-2
1 per card
1 per card
SD or HD**
WMV or
MPEG-2
SD or HD**
MPEG-2
SD
* MPEG-2 recording is available from these cards with an add-on license and drivers.
** HD recording is available from these cards with an add-on license.
We also still support the following older cards, but connection details are not included in this
manual. If you own and would like to use one of these legacy cards, please contact us for
advice.
Legacy Card
Format
Max connected
video channels
Max recorded
video channels
Osprey 200 Series
WMV
Optibase MovieMaker 200
MPEG-2
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A.1 Winnov Videum Duo Breakout-Box Connections for S-Video

NOTE: Composite video connections on the Videum breakout-box use a single BNC
connection each. S-Video connections on the Videum breakout-box use a splitter cable
(supplied) and two BNC connections per camera.
A.1.1 S-Video & Audio Connections for Single Camera with Vitec overlay card
A.1.2 S-Video & Audio Connections for Single Camera with in-built overlay
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A.1.3 S-Video Connection for a Second Camera
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A.2 Winnov Videum Duo Breakout-Box with Composite Video

A.2.1 Composite Video Connection for Two Cameras
A.2.2
Composite Video Connection for Cameras Three and Four

NOTE: The Videum Duo can support up to four composite video connections but only two
may be recorded at any time.
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A.3 Winnov Videum Quatro Connections

The Winnov Videum Quatro card has two DVI connections on the PCI card in the back of
the VisualDVR unit. Each of these should be connected to a single breakout-box, or
breakout-cable. Connections to each breakout-box or breakout-cable are as for the Videum
Duo card (see sections A.1 to A.3.)
NOTE: Composite video connections on the Videum breakout-box or breakout-cable use a
single BNC connection each. S-Video connections on the Videum breakout-box or
breakout-cable use a splitter cable (supplied) and two BNC connections per camera.
The Videum Quatro can support up to eight composite video connections (four per
breakout-box) but only four may be recorded at any time.
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A.4 Winnov Videum Duo/Quatro Breakout-Cable Connections

Instead of the breakout-box connections described in the preceding section, the Videum
Duo and Quatro cards can also use a breakout-cable. The connections on the breakoutcable are shown below.
NOTE: Composite video connections on the Videum breakout-cable use a single BNC
connection each. S-Video connections on the Videum breakout- cable use a splitter cable
(supplied) and two BNC connections per camera.
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A.6 Winnov Videum 1000+ Cable Connections
Connect a Video Input, either S-Video (recommended) or Composite. See the

diagrams below for wiring options either with or without a VisualOverlay card
installed.
If audio recording is required, connect an audio input and speaker connection as

shown in the diagrams below.
A.6.1 Cable Connections for Single Camera with VisualOverlay
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A.6.2 Cable Connections for Single Camera without VisualOverlay
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A.7 Optibase MovieMaker 230 Connections

Connect the supplied S-Video to 2x BNC splitter cable to the Comp/Y and C/Pb connectors
of the breakout-cable. Be sure to connect Y to Y, and C to C.
If you require audio (in or out) or video preview monitoring, please refer to the diagram
below for the relevant connections.
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A.8 Osprey 700e HD Connections

The Osprey 700e HD card has two BNC connectors for SDI video input and output as
shown below.
SDI Video Out

(Pass Through)
SDI Video In
(1) Connect video

from ROV camera to
SDI Video In
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A.9 Vitec VM-OSD Overlay Card Breakout Cable

The Vitec overlay card can be connected using standard 5-pin S-Video connectors for both
input and output, or it can be connected using a breakout cable connected to the 15-pin
connection. The standard breakout cable shipped by VisualSoft has five BNC connectors
which are colour coded as follows:
Cable
Function
Red
Composite Video Out
Green
Not used
Blue
Composite Video In
Grey
S-Video Input No. 3 Luminance (Y)
Black
S-Video Input No. 3 Chrominance (C)
If you need to make your own breakout cable, the connections are:
Pin No.
Pin Name
Pin Description
COMP_OUT
Composite video output
AGND
Analogue ground
COMP_IN
Composite video input
AGND
Analogue ground
CHROMA4_IN
Chrominance of the fourth S-video input
AGND
Analogue ground
AGND
Analogue ground
AGND
Analogue ground
AGND
Analogue ground
10
AGND
Analogue ground
11
LUMA2_IN
Luminance of the second S-video input
12
CHROMA2_IN
Chrominance of the second S-video input
13
LUMA3_IN
Luminance of the third S-video input
14
CHROMA3_IN
Chrominance of the third S-video input
15
LUMA4_IN
Luminance of the fourth S-video input
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B CONFIGURING VIDEO & AUDIO CARDS

B.1 Winnov Videum 1000+ Configuration
B.1.1 Video Input Setup
Open the Videum Configuration and Test window (using Start, All Programs, XXXXXXX0.
Select Composite, S-Video or MXC to match whichever connector you have used when
plugging the video signal into the Videum 1000+ card. Alternatively you can use the Auto
Select Source button, but before doing so you must set all three options to either PAL or
NTSC as appropriate.
If you have manually selected an input option, be sure to also select PAL or NTSC to match
your video input. When the correct Video Standard is selected you should see a video
preview display.
Select an Audio input to be associated with your chosen video input.
B.1.2 Advanced Video Input Setup
Click on the Advanced Options button on the Video Inputs page. Enable each of the
options as shown below.
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B.1.3 Audio Input Setup

Select the Audi Inputs tab, and select whichever input your audio input cable is connected
to. Adjust the volume level so that the meter does not enter the red region.
B.2 Winnov Videum Duo Configuration

The Videum Duo card is configured in much the same way as the Videum Quatro card
(described in section B.3 below). The only difference is that the Duo version the control
panel only displays two Channels instead of four.
B.3 Winnov Videum Quatro Configuration

B.3.1 Video Input Setup
Open the Video Control Panel (using Start, All Programs, Videum, Video Control Panel).
The available Channels are represented by tabs across the top of the Control Panel
window. For each Channel, select the source according to which cables are connected to
the breakout box or breakout cable. The two breakouts are defined as A and B.
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For example:
A-Vid1 is the composite video connection labelled Vid1 on breakout number 1.

B-Vid2 is the composite video connection labelled Vid1 on breakout number 2.
A-Y/C1 is the first S-video connection breakout number 1.
B-Y/C2 is the second S-video connection breakout number 2.
For each Channel you must also specify whether the input signal is PAL or NTSC, and if
using a Black & White (B/W) signal and/or a signal from a video recorder (VCR) you should
tick the boxes for these options also.
B.3.2 Audio Input Setup
The usual configuration for the audio input is to have mono microphone connected to the
left channel. In this case you should select the Mono Mix option as shown below.
The Videum card is designed for a line level input signal rather than a direct microphone
connection. Therefore, if the microphone is directly connected to the breakout box or cable,
you should increase the volume level of the left channel to 100 within the Mono Mix settings
box.
B.4 Optibase MovieMaker 230 Configuration

Please contact support@visualsoft.ltd.uk
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B.5 Osprey 700e HD Configuration

B.5.1 Install Prerequisites
If using a PC supplied by VisualSoft, the prerequisites can be found in the VisualSoft
Utilities Folder on the C drive. Otherwise please contact VisualSoft for details of how to
download these programs.
Windows Media Encoder
Licensed version of Elecard Direct Show filters supplied by Visualsoft on

purchase.
B.5.2 Install Osprey 700e Drivers

Osprey drivers are located in the Visualsoft Utilities Folder under
C:\Visualsoft Utilities\Drivers\Capture Cards\Osprey
Install Card drivers from O700eHD_XP-2003_Beta2.1.0.29.RC2 folder
Run Osprey_700HDAVStream.msi
Follow the install wizard, using the default settings at each stage.
B.5.3 Configure Windows Media Encoder
Open Windows Media Encoder by clicking on Start, All Programs, Windows Media, and
then Windows Media Encoder.
When the program starts the New Session window will open. Click the Cancel
button.
In the main Windows Media Encoder window select the Properties button, then
select the Sources tab.
Select the Osprey card in the drop-down list of Video sources
Click the Configure button to the right of the Video source
Select the Performance Tab and set the following:

Pin Type
Both
Video Scaling
Linear
Default Video Size
1280x720 or 1920x1080 (depending on source)
Video Buffers
10
B.5.4 Elecard Encoder Installation and Registration

Run Elecard MPEG-2 HD Encoder Pack G4 1.3.1.100202.exe to install the software.
Select all default settings in the installation wizard.
When you have completed the installation, you must activate the Encoder Pack as follows
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All Programs, Elecard , ElecardMPEG-2-HD Encoder Pack G4, Elecard Registration.
Select Elecard MPEG2 G4 Pack, Activate
Enter the serial number and click OK. (The serial number will be supplied by VisualSoft
at time of purchase.)
B.5.5 Configuring VisualDVR for Recording

NOTE: VisualDVR includes both video recording and playback so you should also read the
sections of this document relating to video playback requirements and setup.
When starting VisualDVR for the first time you should select either Osprey MPEG-2 or
Osprey Window Media Video from the list of card types.
Select the relevant Quality Profile as described below.
B.5.6 VisualWorks Quality Profiles
The application will always start up in an SD profile when the software is run for the first
time.
To change this to an HD profile, you will need to navigate to System Setup and Admin >
Select Quality Profile. Please select an HD profile, either 720p or 1080i.
After selecting this, you will notice that the screen size has stayed the same.
You must now restart the DVR software in order for the resize to happen.
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B.6 Hardware for HD Recording

Many HD video capture and encoding cards are available. VisualSoft has tested the
following cards for compatibility with VisualDVR.
B.6.1 Optibase MovieMaker HD
Please contact support@visualsoft.ltd.uk for details.
B.6.2 Osprey 700e HD Drivers
Osprey drivers are located in the Visualsoft Utilities Folder under
C:\Visualsoft Utilities\Drivers\Capture Cards\Osprey
Install Card drivers from O700eHD_XP-2003_Beta2.1.0.29.RC2 folder
Run Osprey_700HDAVStream.msi
Follow the install wizard, using the default settings at each stage.
B.6.3 PC Specification for HD Recording using Osprey 700e HD
Motherboard Type
X8 DAL-i
Processor Type
E5520, Quad Core
Graphics Card
GeForce GT220
RAM
3 x 2GB Sticks (6GB)
PCIe slot
x4 Speed, x16 Size (This slot exists on the X8 DAL-I

Motherboard)
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B.7 Hardware for HD Playback

B.7.1 PC Specification for HD Playback
Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 or 3
Processor
Dual Intel Xeon E5440 (2 x Quad Core)
Memory
1 GB RAM
Network
1 Gbps
Graphics
PCI-E 256 MB (NVIDIA QUADRO FX570)
PCI Slots
2 x 32 bit
PCI-E Slots
1 (x16) & 1 (x4) PCI-Express
OS HD (Boot Drive)
1 x 160 GB
Hard Drive(s)
1 x 160 GB
Sound
On-board Sound
Monitor
19" TFT
DVD-Writer
x DVD+/-RW
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C NETWORKING MULTIPLE VisualDVR UNITS

If multiple VisualDVR units are being used, and are required to be synchronised for
simultaneous recording, timestamping, or for the sharing of survey data from a serial port
then each unit must be connected to a suitable network.
C.1 Minimum Required Network Specification
Network Interface Cards in each VisualDVR unit, supporting 1 Gigabit/second (Gbps).
A Network Switch supporting speeds of 1 Gbps.
Cat 5e or better cabling. (Cat 6 or better is recommended.)
No Loopback adapters enabled, (see below).
All PCs must in the same IP subnet range. i.e. XXX.YYY.ZZZ.NNN where XXX, YYY
and ZZZ are the same on every PC, and the subnet mask is set to 255.255.255.0. The
final part of the IP address (NNN) must be different on each PC connected to the
network.
C.2 Microsoft Loopback Adapter

The Microsoft Loopback Adapter is a software tool supplied with Windows to simulate a
network on a single PC. The Loopback Adapter is often used for testing purposes, but
should be disabled during normal operation of the VisualDVR.
C.2.1 Disabling the Microsoft Loopback Adapter
To check whether the Loopback Adapter is enabled, open the Windows Control Panel and
right-click on Network Connections to select the Open option. This will display a list of all
currently configured network devices. Check the Device Name column for any
connections named Microsoft Loopback Adapter. If such a connection exists, right-click on
it and select Disable.
C.2.2 Uninstalling the Microsoft Loopback Adapter
To completely uninstall the Microsoft Loopback Adapter, open the Windows Device
Manager, and expend the section named Network Adapters. If the Microsoft Loopback
Adapter is listed, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
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D RE-CONFIGURING THE CONTROL WHEEL

The VisualDVR unit should be supplied with the Control Wheel already configured. If for
any reason it is necessary to reconfigure the Control Wheel settings please follow the
instructions below.
Exit the VisualDVR software.

Plug in the Control Wheel to one of the USB ports at the rear of the VisualDVR unit,
using the USB extension cable if necessary.
In the system tray at the bottom right of the screen you will see a PowerMate icon
Click this icon to open the PowerMate properties window.
Click the Add Setting button.
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In the next dialog box, click on the Browse button.
Go to the C:\Program Files\VisualWorks folder and select VisualDVR.exe then click on

the Open button.
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This will return you to the Add Configuration dialog box. Click on OK.
This will return you to the main dialog which will now have VisualDVR showing in the
Setting drop down, and you can configure the behaviour of the Control Wheel
specifically for the VisualDVR application..
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In the Action section select User Action Rotate Right.
Set the corresponding Computer Action to Send Key.
Set the Sensitivity to the fourth tick mark from the left, as shown below.
Click the [Change Key] button and select Down Arrow, by pressing the down arrow on
your keyboard. Then click [OK].
Next select User Action Rotate Left, and set this to Computer Action Send Key. Set
the sensitivity as before, and set the keystroke to be Up Arrow.
Set User Action Click to Send Key, and set the keystroke to be Return.
Set all other User Actions to have Computer Action No Action.
Settings for Pulsing control the blue light at the base of the Control Wheel. This has no
effect on the operation of the Wheel and may be set to the users preferred style.
Set the Long Click Length to about one third of the way from the left. The Control Wheel will
interpret any click shorter than this as a normal Click rather than a Long Click.
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E TROUBLESHOOTING
Q:
I have multiple VisualDVR units but the recordings are not starting and stopping in
sync with each other.
A:
Check that the units are all connected to a suitable network. See Appendix C for
details of required hardware and IP settings.
Q:
The C Drive of my VisualDVR unit has failed and computer gives an error message
when booting.
A:
The hard disk is probably corrupt and is likely to be unusable.
Option 1: Many VisualDVR units built prior to November 2007 include two identical hard
disk drives with all Operating System and Software files. For these older units, if the
C drive has failed you will probably be able to boot from the alternative drive
instead. This is usually the D Drive, but could be E if the DVD drive is D. During the
boot sequence enter the BIOS and change the boot settings so that the computer
will boot from the D drive instead.
Option 2: Newer VisualDVR units do not have the duplicate hard drive, but instead use a
drive image from which the original factory settings may be restored. During the
boot up sequence you will get the option to press the F11 key which will allow you to
restore a hidden image from the boot disk and restore the computer to its original
configuration. Please contact VisualSoft for details of this procedure (See contact
details in section F).
Q:
My VisualDVR unit seems to freeze on boot up.
A:
The hard disk is probably corrupt and is likely to be unusable.
Option 1: Many VisualDVR units built prior to November 2007 include two identical hard
disk drives with all Operating System and Software files. For these older units, if the
C drive has failed you will probably be able to boot from the alternative drive
instead. This is usually the D Drive, but could be E if the DVD drive is D. During the
boot sequence enter the BIOS and change the boot settings so that the computer
will boot from the D drive instead.
Option 2: Newer VisualDVR units do not have the duplicate hard drive, but instead use a
drive image from which the original factory settings may be restored. During the
boot up sequence you will get the option to press the F11 key which will allow you to
restore a hidden image from the boot disk and restore the computer to its original
configuration. Please contact VisualSoft for details of this procedure (See contact
details in section F).
Q:
My VisualDVR unit boots up but the Windows installation or VisualDVR

configuration seems to be corrupt.
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A:
During the boot up sequence you will get the option to press the F11 key which will
allow you to restore a hidden image from the boot disk and restore the computer to
its original configuration. Please contact VisualSoft for details of this procedure (See
contact details in section F).
Q:
When I insert a USB Disk drive, CD or DVD an Autoplay window opens.
A:
The default setting in Windows is to Autoplay all removable disks. This should be
disabled on VisualDVR units as follows:
Click on Start, then Run. This opens the Run command window.
Type gpedit.msc (without the quotation marks) into the command line area, then
click on OK. This opens the Group Policy editor.
Expand the tree on the left to Computer Configuration, then Administrative

Templates, then System.
Left click on System.
In the window on the right, double click the entry labelled Turn off Autoplay. This
opens the window shown below:
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Select Enabled (to enable the ability to turn Autoplay off).

In the drop down list select All drives, and then click on OK and close the Group
Policy editor.
Q:
When I am logging, the files are not being logged to the hard drive that I want them
to be logged to.
A:
You can specify logging drives using the menu option Setup internal logging
drives in the Setup Logging and Copying menu.
Q:
How do I record different video channels to different hard drives?
A:
If you want VisualDVR to log to multiple different drives you can select these using
the menu option Setup internal logging drives in the Setup Logging and
Copying menu.
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F SUPPORT
If you are unable to find the answers to your questions within this User Manual, please
contact VisualSoft for further help and advice.
VisualSoft
By Email:
support@visualsoft.ltd.uk
By Telephone:
Office Hours:-
+44 (0) 1224 766-000
Out of Hours:-
+44 (0) 1224 363-999

This is an automated phone system, operating from 17:00
until 08:30 UK time each night Monday to Thursday, and
from 17:00 Friday until 08:30 Monday at weekends. The
system will route your call to an on-call support operator.
By Fax:
+44 (0) 1224 279-737
Address:
VisualSoft
Concorde House
Endeavour Drive
Arnhall Business Park
Westhill
ABERDEEN
AB32 6UF
U.K.
Website:
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User Manual

Wizard Load & Save updated

Minor wording changes & HD Options

Clarification of Videum Quatro connections

Prerequisites altered for HD playback

Osprey HD connections added

Overlay breakout cable added

Updated for High Definition

First Issue for VisualDVR 8.0

Introduction to VisualDVR Version 8 .................................................... 8

High Definition Video...................................................................................................... 8

WMV or MPEG-2 from the Same Hardware ................................................................... 8

Menu Editor ..................................................................................................................... 8

VisualDVR Options ................................................................................ 9

Key Features of VisualDVR ................................................................. 10

VisualDVR Quick Start Guide .............................................................. 11

Quick Start: VisualDVR Hardware Setup..................................................................... 11

Quick Start: Basic VisualDVR Operation .................................................................... 11

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard .................................................................................... 12

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard DVR Selection ........................................................ 13

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Load and Save Configuration ............................... 14

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard System Information ............................................... 15

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Network Options .................................................... 16

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Channel Selection ................................................. 17

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard - Video Source .......................................................... 18

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard - Audio Source .......................................................... 19

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Recording Quality.................................................. 20

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Channel Synchronisation ..................................... 21

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Black Box Mode ..................................................... 22

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Logging File Limits ................................................ 23

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Logging Drive Selection........................................ 24

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard File Copying Methods ........................................... 25

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Auto-Copy Destinations ........................................ 27

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Shared Folder Setup ............................................. 28

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Project Tasks ......................................................... 29

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Display Options ..................................................... 30

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Wizard Setting Summary ...................................... 31

Quick Start: VisualDVR Wizard Apply & Finish ....................................................... 32

Quick Start: Configure Survey Data ............................................................................ 33

Quick Start: Recording Video ...................................................................................... 33

Quick Start: Playing Video ........................................................................................... 33

Quick Start: Copying Video.......................................................................................... 34

Quick Start: Using a Mouse & Keyboard ..................................................................... 34

Configuring the VisualDVR menus ..................................................... 35

VisualDVR Hardware ............................................................................ 37

Rear View, with Overlay Card & Videum 1000+ .......................................................... 37

Rear View, with Videum Duo Card ............................................................................... 38

Front Panel .................................................................................................................... 40

VisualDVR Screen Display .................................................................. 41

VisualDVR Single Channel Display ............................................................................. 41

VisualDVR Dual Channel Display ................................................................................ 42

VisualDVR Quad Channel Display ............................................................................... 43

VisualDVR Display Options.......................................................................................... 43

Status Bar Information ................................................................................................. 45

Starting VisualDVR and Using the Menus .......................................... 48

Multiple Channels & Multiple VisualDVR UNITS ................................ 49

Selecting Channels for Synchronisation .................................................................... 49

Synchronisation Explained .......................................................................................... 49

Video Quality Profiles ....................................................................... 51

Video Storage Settings ..................................................................... 54

Video File Naming Convention .................................................................................... 54

Assigning Project Task or Component Names to Video Files ................................... 54