Appendix C: Troubleshooting

Poor video quality at large frame sizes

Large frame sizes with the deep pixel depth (24- or 32-bit), or complex format (YVU9 or YUV12 planar), impose heavy demands on the PCI bus’ data transfer capacity. Our experience is that some systems cannot handle these formats at full frame sizes.

Systems vary in their data transfer limits. The characteristics of the PCI bridge are often more important than processor speed.

If you are having problems, we recommend that you:

Use a smaller frame size (480 x 320 or less).

Use a shallower color format (RGB15 or RGB24 instead of RGB32).

Try a YUV format instead of an RGB format, and a packed format instead of a planar format.

If you have a choice of PCs for video capture, try using another system with a different system board chipset.

Multiple horizontal lines across video image

If there are multiple, regularly spaced, horizontal lines across your video image and your source material is copyrighted and copy-protected, you are seeing Macrovision™ copy protection.

The lines can vary in color from yellow to blue to green. These lines are not present in every frame of video. There may also be a black band at the top of the frame.

There are other brands of copy-protection besides Macrovision. Some of these employ similar methods (resulting in the above) and others do not. This is a good example of Macrovision effects but you should find a good way if possible to briefly note that there are other forms of copy protection and that they may have different effects on the picture.

Cannot play back recorded audio

If you have a sound card installed, you should be able to hear audio when you play back recorded audio.

Verify that the volume control for your playback device is not muted.

Verify that the selected playback device is your sound card. Some Windows applications cannot use a recording device unless a playback device is also installed. The Placeholder device cannot play back recorded audio. You can use the same method to select playback device that you use when selecting the audio source.

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ViewCast

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ViewCast Osprey-450e, Osprey-240e Poor video quality at large frame sizes, Multiple horizontal lines across video image

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.