ENGLISH Rainbow Runner G-Series • User Guide • 10619-301-0110 1998.09.
Contents Using this guide 4 More information................................................................................................................ 4 Overview 5 Hardware supplied .............................................................................................................. 5 Software supplied ............................................................................................................... 5 System requirements.......................................................
Matrox VidCap driver 27 Video source settings........................................................................................................ 27 Video format settings........................................................................................................ 28 Ulead MediaStudio software 29 Step 1 – Getting files for clips.......................................................................................... 29 Step 2 – Adding clips ...............................................
Using this guide This guide assumes you’re familiar with basic functions like click, right-click and double-click, and that you’re familiar with the basics of the operating system you’re using. Also, we use the following conventions: Bold for text that appears on-screen, subheadings and labels. Italics for file names, paths, publication titles, and new terms. Bold Italics for emphasis. Keyboard keys in square brackets, with a plus sign separating keys that you press simultaneously.
Overview Thank you for purchasing Matrox Rainbow Runner G-Series. With Rainbow Runner G-Series, you can view, record and edit video on your computer. That video can come from a video camera, VCR, videodisc player, antenna or cable TV. With a video camera and a connection to the Internet, you can video conference. With a direct connection to an antenna or cable TV, you can change channels on your computer or preview up to 30 channels simultaneously.
System requirements Requirement Minimum Recommended 166 MHz P2, 233 MHz or faster 32 MB 32 MB or more 4× with 256 KB cache, or better 14.4 Kbps 28.
Hardware installation WARNING: Static electricity can severely damage electronic parts. Before touching any electronic parts, drain the static electricity from your body. You can do this by touching the metal frame of your computer. When handling a card, hold it by its edges, and avoid touching its circuitry. This section describes how to install your Matrox Rainbow Runner G-Series card. To install, you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver (star-shaped head).
2 If a DVD add-on card is attached to your Matrox graphics card: DVD add-on card Move the DVD add-on to your Rainbow Runner G-Series card a Support pin Carefully remove the DVD add-on from your Matrox graphics card. WARNING: If the cards are not separated carefully, they could be damaged. Matrox graphics card b Position the DVD add-on card over the Rainbow Runner G-Series card so the connectors and the support pin line up.
3 Attach the first ribbon cable Use one of the two ribbon cables included with Rainbow Runner G-Series – the one with connector pins on one end. a Attach the end with the pins to the connector near the top edge of your Matrox graphics card – the connector closer to the bracket. b Attach the other end to the corresponding connector near the top edge of your Rainbow Runner G-Series card.
5 Choose a PCI slot for your Rainbow Runner G-Series card a b (Back of computer) Most computers have different types of expansion slots. Choose a PCI expansion slot for your Rainbow Runner G-Series card. Your system manual should identify the location of each type of expansion slot in your computer. AGP slot PCI slot ISA slot Remove the cover for the slot you intend to use. Save the screw for the mounting bracket.
Connection setup After the Rainbow Runner G-Series card is installed, you need to connect your external video devices (TVs, VCRs, and so on), then install the Matrox video software. This section describes how to connect video devices to your computer. Quick connection setup 1 Reconnect devices Reconnect any device previously connected to your computer – for example, your computer monitor. For more information, see the documentation for each device.
Connect video input 2 Use the composite video (RCA) cable supplied with Rainbow Runner G-Series. a Plug one end into VIDEO IN on your Rainbow Runner G-Series card. b Plug the other end into the VIDEO OUT connector (usually yellow) on your video camera or video player.* Composite video camera or composite video player For more information on video input devices, see “Rainbow Runner G-Series input”, page 17.
3 Connect audio input Use the long audio cable included with Rainbow Runner G-Series. a Plug the stereo-jack end into AUDIO IN on your Rainbow Runner G-Series card. b Plug the other end into left (L) and right (R) AUDIO OUT on the video device you connected to in step 2. (On the audio cable, white is for “left” and red is for “right”. If your video device has only one audio connector, use the left audio connector on the cable.
5 Connect your TV antenna or cable TV Connect a TV antenna or cable TV to ANT/CABLE on your Rainbow Runner G-Series card. If the cable from your antenna is flat and ends with twin leads, you need a 300-to-75-ohm adapter to connect to the Rainbow Runner G-Series card (see below). You can find this type of adapter at most electronics stores.
S-video and composite video The Rainbow Runner G-Series has a composite video input connector and an S-video input connector. Most video equipment uses composite video, but some devices (for example, S-VHS VCRs) use S-video, which is a higher-quality video signal. If you have a video device with S-video connectors, you should use the S-VIDEO IN connector on your Rainbow Runner G-Series card. If your S-video device didn’t come with S-video cables, this type of cable is available at most electronics stores.
SCART connector information Some video devices in Europe only have SCART connectors. This type of connector includes video and audio, whereas composite or S-video connectors include only video. If your TV or VCR only has a SCART connector, you need a SCART cable adapter to connect to Rainbow Runner G-Series. If you don’t already have a SCART adapter, you should be able to purchase one from your local electronics store.
Rainbow Runner G-Series input Copyright information: Unauthorized recording or use of broadcast television programming, video tape or other copyrighted material may violate copyright laws. Matrox assumes no responsibility for the illegal duplication, use or other acts which infringe on the rights of copyright owners. Your Matrox product may not let you record from a copy-protected video source.
Software installation After installing the Rainbow Runner G-Series hardware and connecting it to your external video devices (TV, VCR, and so on), you need to install software. This section describes how to install the software that comes with your Rainbow Runner G-Series card. Rainbow Runner G-Series Installation CD-ROM 1 After your computer has restarted, insert the “Rainbow Runner G-Series Installation” CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive – the setup program automatically starts.
For more information on software installed from the “Rainbow Runner G-Series Installation” CD-ROM, see the following sections: “Matrox PC-VCR Remote program”, page 20 “Matrox VidCap driver”, page 27 “VDOnet Internet VDOPhone program”, page 38 MediaStudio CD-ROM To install Ulead MediaStudio, insert the MediaStudio CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive – its main setup program automatically starts. To install the software, follow the on-screen instructions.
Matrox PC-VCR Remote program With the Matrox PC-VCR Remote program, you can use your computer like you would a TV or VCR. To start, double-click the PC-VCR Remote icon ( ) on the Windows desktop background. The first time you start PC-VCR Remote, you see the PC-VCR Remote and its video window. Use the PC-VCR Remote to control what you see in the video window and what you record to file.
PC-VCR Remote menu window (with video file playback) Shuffle playlist Video file loop Mode indicators (click to toggle) Timer event Sleep mode Volume gauge Elapsed time Name of current video file Playback status bar (click to ‘seek’) Open PC-VCR Remote Properties dialog box Change menu window Increase setting value Decrease setting value Input setting After you’ve made sure your external video devices are properly connected, click an INPUT button on the PC-VCR Remote to select a video source for the
TV tuner input You can view, record and edit TV programs on your computer, like you would with a VCR. However, instead of using the controls on your VCR, you can use the PC-VCR Remote software controls. TV tuner software setup To make sure PC-VCR Remote is set up to use your Matrox TV tuner: 1 Click the TV input button on the PC-VCR Remote. 2 Click Properties ( 3 Click a TV input button to indicate what your Matrox TV tuner is connected to: ) TV Setup. Air – for an antenna.
Before you record to a video file Make sure the VCR or video camera is properly connected to your Matrox line input. For more information on how to connect video devices, see “Connection setup”, page 11. Make sure your Windows sound card settings are correct. For more information, see “Sound”, page 47. Make sure your PC-VCR Remote property settings are correct.
Capture options On the Recording property sheet, click the Capture Options button to select your video capture type: MJPEG – Click this button to use hardware-based Matrox MJPEG (Motion-JPEG) video compression. Video files you create with this button selected are smaller, and as a result, your disk can store longer videos and handle more video at a time. When your disk can handle more video at a time, you get higher-quality video file recording and playback.
More features To access more features, click the Properties button ( ) on the PC-VCR Remote. You can also right-click PC-VCR Remote or its video window to quickly access some features. Here’s a partial list of what else you can do with PC-VCR Remote: Full-screen video window Double-click the PC-VCR Remote video window to make its video image fill your entire computer display.* Double-click again to restore the video window to its original size.
Video snapshots Click the Video Snapshot button ( ) on the PC-VCR Remote to save a digital still image (“frame capture”) of the current PC-VCR Remote video window. Video snapshots can be saved as bitmap (*.bmp) or JPEG (*.jpg) files. You can adjust the quality, and as a result the file size of JPEG video snapshots. Video window cropping If the PC-VCR Remote LINE or TV button is selected, hold down the [Shift] key, then click the video window display area.
Matrox VidCap driver Video capture programs (other than Matrox PC-VCR) use the Matrox VidCap driver interface. For example, when you use Ulead Photo Express or VDOnet VDOPhone, you see the Matrox VidCap driver interface when you adjust video settings. This section describes VidCap source and format setting controls.
Video format settings RGB – Click an RGB button to select an uncompressed video file format. Use an RGB format to video conference with VDOPhone and to capture still images with Photo Express. The bit values represent how many bits of information are used for color palette information; the larger the bit value, the more colors can be used, but the larger the file size. 8-bit – 256 shades of gray 16-bit – 65,536 colors 24-bit – 16,777,216 colors MJPEG – For more information, see “Capture options”, page 24.
Ulead MediaStudio software Ulead MediaStudio software, together with Rainbow Runner, turns your computer into a digital video editing studio. With it, you can create and edit video projects including text, images, sound, animation and video that you create yourself or record (capture) from a variety of sources. MediaStudio is a collection of programs you can use to work with video projects. To access MediaStudio, click Programs Ulead MediaStudio.
Tips for capturing video Before capturing video, prepare your video source so that you don’t capture more information than necessary. For example, if you’re capturing from a video cassette, pause your VCR at a point just before where you want to start the capture. A few seconds before beginning a video capture on your computer, release the pause button on your VCR. Use the same capture settings for all video files you’re going to use in the same project.
The main areas of the Video Editor window are the tracks. Tracks are where you place clips. Separate tracks make it easier to organize and manipulate clips. Track lengths, as measured by the ruler, represent time and all tracks use the same timeline. Clips can be video, audio or images. Adding a video, audio or image clip 1 Click the type of file you want to insert: Insert Video File – to put AVI, MOV, FLC, FLI and FLX video files in your video project.
Step 3 – Editing clips First, click the Clip Selection ( ) button on the toolbar. Note that editing clips in Video Editor does not affect the original source files, only the current video project. Here are some ways you can work with clips: To move a clip within a track or to a different track, drag it. Arrange your clips so that the end time of one clip overlaps or immediately follows the start time of another – otherwise, there are blank areas in your video production.
Preview settings – Using the cutlist feature Before you can view your video project, Video Editor has to process it. The cutlist feature reduces the need for Video Editor to recreate a complete video file after every edit. Video clips and effects are processed once and only changes are processed thereafter. Using cutlist saves disk space and time. Preview and video file settings determine whether the cutlist feature is in effect.
Step 4 – Adding effects Video Editor special effects fall into these categories: Transition effects – Applied between video clips; for example, fades or wipes. Video filters – Applied on video clips; for example, blur or whirlpool effects. Audio filters – Applied on sound clips; for example, echoes or amplification. Overlays – To make clips appear “on top of” other clips. The underlying clip shows through the transparent parts of the overlay clip.
Adding moving paths 1 Click Moving Path ( ). 2 From the Production Library Moving Path window, drag the effect you want over the tracks, then click a video clip. 3 Adjust the settings in the resulting dialog box, then click OK. For more information, click Help in the dialog box. Step 5 – Saving your video After you complete your video project, you can create a video file from it, which you can play back or distribute. You can also transfer that video file to video tape.
Depending on the options selected, the size of your video project, and the speed of your computer system, creating a video file may take a long time. Also, video files can be very large – make sure you have enough disk space available before creating a video file. Transferring a video file to video tape If your Matrox graphics card supports TV output, you can transfer video files to video tape. To do so: 1 Connect the output from your graphics card to the input of your VCR.
Ulead Photo Express program With Photo Express, you can easily turn your digital photos into cards, calendars, posters, screen savers, slide shows and more. You can use photos from any source, including scanner, digital or video camera, VCR, file copy, or another program. With a sound card, you can even add audio to your photo projects. When you start Photo Express, the first thing you see is its distinctive, easy-to-use interface.
VDOnet Internet VDOPhone program With VDOPhone and your Matrox video editing card, you can use your computer as a video phone. You can send and receive live video, high-quality sound, and text over the Internet. Requirements To send and receive any information: Internet connection – through a network, or a 14.
Menus Call/Hang-up button Error indicator Message bar Online directory button VDOPhone setup for Rainbow Runner G-Series 1 Click Tools Options Video. 2 Click the Source button to select the video source you want to send out. Typically, you would select Composite video or S-video, and connect a video camera to the appropriate Matrox input line. This setup lets you send out live video of yourself. However, your video source could also be a video player or your Matrox TV tuner.
For two-way video communication, both parties must have properly installed video capture cards and must be sending video. If you don’t get two-way sound with your connection, see “Sound”, page 47. If you have full Internet access, click Go “Who’s online?” to see a list of VDOPhone users currently on the Internet. If other users can’t connect to you using your e-mail address, they should try using your IP address.
Troubleshooting Video editing The following troubleshooting items address problems related to video editing. For a list of notes, problems and limitations, click Programs Matrox Video Tools Read Me. Problem Cause Can’t use Rainbow Runner G-Series Your computer may have not given an interrupt request (IRQ) to your Matrox graphics card or may have given one used by another device in your computer. This may be because your computer’s “Plug-and-Play” feature is turned off.
Solution Cause Solution Problem PCI graphics cards only: You may have to manually assign an IRQ to your Matrox card with the irqset program in the C:\Program Files\Matrox MGA PowerDesk folder. For instructions on how to use irqset, click Programs Matrox PowerDesk Readme. Matrox hardware may not be properly installed. Make sure the Matrox hardware is properly installed. Specifically, make sure your Matrox graphics and Rainbow Runner G-Series cards are firmly in place.
Problem Cause No picture in PC-VCR Remote video window One or more of your cable connections may be loose or incorrect. Solution Make sure all your computer connections are firmly plugged in. Solution Make sure connections are correct (see “Connection setup”, page 11). To test your connection setup, click Programs Matrox Video Tools Matrox Quick Connect. Solution Make sure the PC-VCR Remote input settings are correct (see “Matrox PC-VCR Remote program”, page 20).
Solution 5 Enable the Disk Defragmenter check box. 6 Click OK OK. (You may be prompted to insert the Windows 95/98 CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive.) If your hard disk supports DMA transfers, enable this feature, then try recapturing and playing back video files. To enable DMA for a hard disk: 1 Right-click the My Computer icon on your Windows desktop background, then click Properties Device Manager.
Cause Solution Too many programs may be running (using up computer resources). Close other programs, including memory resident programs like System Agent. Cause The video file you’re playing may not be encoded with Matrox MJPEG. Playback of video files not encoded with Matrox MJPEG isn’t accelerated by Matrox video editing hardware. Solution Capture your video files with Matrox MJPEG. For more information, see “Capture options”, page 24.
Problem Cause The settings a video file was created with may not be optimal. Solution If possible, recreate the video file with more optimal settings. If you’re using PC-VCR Remote, see “Before you record to a video file”, page 23. If you’re using Ulead Video Editor, see “Creating a video file”, page 35. Cause There may be too many video devices between your video source and destination, or one or more of the video devices may be degrading the quality of the video signal.
Solution Cause Solution If you’re using cable TV, contact your cable company. Software settings may be incorrect. See “TV tuner software setup”, page 22. Sound The following troubleshooting items address problems related to sound cards. Problem Cause Solution Cause Sound doesn’t record, video files play back with no sound, or sound output is distorted or too loud If the sound problem is with a particular device (for example, TV or speaker), the volume control on the device itself may need adjusting.
4 For the Line-In and/or Microphone controls, make sure the Volume slider levels are okay (if you’re not sure, try half level), and the Select check boxes are enabled. Note: To access the recording settings of your sound card with ) Recording Matrox PC-VCR Remote, click Properties ( Audio Levels. Cause Solution 48 5 Click Options Properties. 6 Click the Playback button, enable all check boxes in the list box, then click OK.
Display information General display information For information on Matrox MJPEG, see “Capture options”, page 24. “PAL” is the TV standard for the UK and other parts of Europe. PAL resolutions are the same as SECAM (standard for France). “NTSC” is the TV standard for North America. Maximum video window resolutions for Matrox MJPEG There are maximum video window sizes (resolutions) for viewing Matrox MJPEG video files and live video (TV or LINE input).
Disk space for captured video The disk space required to store digital video files depends on the frame size (resolution), frame rate, and compression ratio they’re captured with. The following table shows the estimated disk space (MB / min) required with different capture settings (with no audio): Resolution Frame rate Compression ratio MB / min 1/16 1/2 3.4:1 11 1/16 Full 3.4:1 21 1/4 Full 6.9:1 42 1/2 Full 6.9:1 84 Full Full 13.4:1 86 Full Full 8.
Customer support Matrox Web and FTP sites Matrox is on the Internet with a World Wide Web (WWW) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site. Our Web site has product literature, press releases, technical material, a sales office list, trade show information, and other relevant material. Our FTP site contains current drivers for Matrox products. You can download drivers using the Internet FTP site, in addition to our BBS. You can access our FTP server independently, or from the Matrox Web site.
Direct Matrox Technical Assistance – If you still can’t resolve a problem, you can get direct technical assistance four ways: 5 Call Technical Support (Canada) at 514-685-0270. For residents of Quebec only, call 514-822-6330. Send a FAX to 514-822-6363, Att: Graphics Technical Assistance. Send e-mail to graphics.techsupport@matrox.com. Write a letter to Graphics Customer Support at our Corporate Headquarters. The address is: Matrox Graphics Inc., 1055 St. Regis Blvd.
Free CompuServe introductory membership offer As a Matrox customer, you are entitled to a free Introductory Membership to CompuServe including: free access to CompuServe’s Basic Services for one month $15 introductory usage credit to explore the Matrox section on the Graphics B Vendor Forum and CompuServe’s other Extended and Premium service offerings a personal User ID Number and Password a complimentary subscription to CompuServe’s monthly magazine, CompuServe Magazine To receive your free
Warranty A. Limited Warranty Statement 1. Matrox Graphics Inc. (“Matrox”) warrants to the end-user customer, who provides adequate proof of purchase that Matrox hardware products purchased from Matrox authorized dealers will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original end-user purchaser and is non-transferable. Conditions and limitations of Matrox’s warranty are stated below. 2.
C. Limitations of Liability 1. EXCEPT FOR THE OBLIGATIONS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THE LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT, IN NO EVENT SHALL MATROX BE LIABLE FOR: a. any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, foreseeable or unforeseeable, or punitive damages, whether based on contract, tort, delict or any other legal theory and whether advised of the possibility of such damages; and/or b.
Index A M display information 49 document conventions 4 address, Matrox 52 Adobe Acrobat 4, 36 audio adjusting 26 input 13 output 13 problem 47–48 quality 33, 50 AVI MJPEG compression video file 31, 35 MediaStudio 29–36 memory requirements 6 Millennium G200 49 MJPEG capture options 24, 28, 30 compression 6, 33, 35 resolutions 49 video format setting 28 video quality 24 MPEG1 19, 35 Mystique G200 49 E editing clips 32 e-mail, Matrox 52 F 24 FAX, Matrox 51 frame capture 20, 26 FTP, Matrox 51 G B BBS
Q quality audio 33, 50 MJPEG 24 video files 23, 33, 35, 46 Quick Connect 18, 43 R RCA connectors 5, 12, 15, 16 requirements, system 6 resolution MJPEG 49 video 30 RGB 24, 28, 39 S SCART 12, 16 SECAM 6, 23, 27, 49 software installation 18–19 sound quality 33, 50 troubleshooting 47–48 S-video connection setup 15, 46 SCART 16 software setup 23, 27 video input 12, 17, 22, 24 output 11 video camera 12, 17, 22 Video Capture 29 video editing troubleshooting 41–47 Video Editor 30–36 video files capturing 24, 29
Software license agreement Single User Products This Matrox software (the “Software”) is copyrighted by Matrox Graphics Inc. All rights are reserved. The purchaser is granted a license to use the software only, subject to the following restrictions and limitations. 1. The license is for the original purchaser only, and is not transferable without written permission of Matrox. 2. The original purchaser may use the Software on a single computer owned or leased by the original purchaser.
Thank you for choosing Matrox Please register online (www.matrox.com/register) to be eligible for customer support, new product announcements, and information on special offers and upcoming events.
Copyright © 1998 Matrox Graphics Inc. • (English) All rights reserved. • (Français) Tous droits réservés. • (Deutsch) Alle Rechte vorbehalten. • (Italiano) Tutti i diritti riservati. • (Español) Reservados todos los derechos. Trademarks • Marques déposées • Warenzeichen • Marchi registrati • Marcas registradas Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. ....................................Matrox®, Matrox Mystique® Matrox Graphics Inc......................................................
(English) Disclaimer THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME AND WITHOUT NOTICE. Matrox Graphics Inc. reserves the right to make changes in specifications at any time and without notice. The information provided by this document is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Matrox Graphics Inc. for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use.
Matrox Graphics Inc. Deutschland 1055 St-Regis Blvd. Dorval, Quebec Canada H9P 2T4 Matrox Electronic Systems GmbH Inselkammerstaße 8 D-82008 Unterhaching bei München, Deutschland Tel: (514) 822-6320 Tel: 089 614 474-0 Fax: (514) 822-6363 Fax: 089 614 9743 Fax-back service: (514) 685-0174 BBS: 089 614 00 91 BBS: (514) 685-6008 BBS (ISDN): 089 614 474-91 Technical support: (514) 685-0270 In Quebec, call: (514) 822-6330 E-mail: graphics.techsupport@matrox.
