Osprey 240e/450e User Guide

Efficient Video Rendering

The following information is primarily useful to developers, but may also be helpful for those who want to fine-tune existing applications. If you are seeing poor rendering performance, in terms of either excessive CPU utilization or jerky, stuttering video, read this section.

There are at least four basic ways to render video from the capture driver onto the screen. They vary greatly in their efficiency, and applications do not always make the best choice of renderer.

In these descriptions it is assumed that the AVStream driver’s Preview Pin is being used. The results would be the same if the Capture Pin were used instead.

Preview Pin to Video Renderer

Figure 55. Video Renderer

Video Renderer is the oldest and simplest DirectShow renderer. It does not use DirectDraw in the rendering process, which makes it substantially slower than VMR7 described below. It is the default rendering pathway that is chosen when an application says Render without specifying a preferred pathway. For this reason, many applications deliver unnecessarily slow rendering performance.

Video Renderer works best when your output format is RGB rather than YUV, with the RGB format matched to your screen depth. On most modern systems that means RGB32 is the preferred format. If a YUV format is used, an extra filter, AVI Decompressor, will be inserted into the graph to convert the YUV to RGB. The driver can do this conversion faster internally.

Preview Pin to Overlay Mixer to Video Renderer

Figure 56. Overlay Mixer to Video Renderer

Compared to a direct connection of Preview Pin to Video Renderer, the combination of Overlay Mixer plus Video Renderer provides performance that is …different. It is hard to be more specific than that without reference to specific machines; refer to the data tables below.

This is the only pathway that renders closed captioning correctly when a DShow CC or VBI pin is used rather than the driver’s internal rendering. For CC rendering, the output of the Line 21 filter connects to an input of the Overlay Mixer.

The best video format to use with Overlay Mixer is YUY2.

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ViewCast Osprey-240e, Osprey-450e manual Efficient Video Rendering, Preview Pin to Video Renderer
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Osprey-450e, Osprey-240e specifications

The ViewCast Osprey series, particularly the Osprey-240e and Osprey-450e, represents a significant advancement in the field of video capture and encoding technology. These high-performance video capture cards are designed to meet the growing demands of professional broadcast environments, video production, and live streaming applications.

The Osprey-240e offers a compact design while delivering excellent performance. It is equipped with dual channel input capabilities, allowing users to capture multiple streams simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for broadcasters and content creators looking to streamline their workflows. The Osprey-240e supports a variety of input formats including SDI and HDMI, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of video sources. Its robust encoding capabilities allow for real-time video streaming in HD resolution, making it suitable for live events, webinars, and other digital content delivery applications.

On the other hand, the Osprey-450e takes video capture to the next level with enhanced capabilities. It supports up to four channels of video input, making it an ideal solution for multi-camera setups. The Osprey-450e also boasts advanced encoding technologies that facilitate high-quality video compression without sacrificing performance. This model is particularly well-suited for enterprise-level applications where high-definition video quality is paramount. Users can experience lower latency and improved encoding efficiency, resulting in smoother viewing experiences for end-users.

Both models feature powerful drivers and software support that integrate seamlessly with a variety of video production and streaming applications. The Osprey series is designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. The cards are also compatible with many of the industry-standard software solutions, enabling users to harness the full potential of their video content.

These capture cards also prioritize reliability and durability, ensuring long operational life even under demanding conditions. Their efficient thermal management systems keep components cool during extended use, thereby enhancing performance consistency.

In summary, the ViewCast Osprey-240e and Osprey-450e deliver impressive features tailored for a range of video applications. Their support for multiple input channels, advanced encoding technologies, and strong software compatibility make them invaluable tools in the modern digital media landscape, solidifying their reputation among content creators and broadcasters alike.
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