Epiphan ESP0657 User manual
SDI2USB 3.0™
User Guide
www.epiphan.com
Epiphan Technical
Documentation
©2014
Epiphan Systems Inc.
All Rights Reserved
August 2014
Thank you for choosing Epiphan!
At Epiphan Systems Inc. (“Epiphan”), product function and quality are our top
priority. We make every effort to exceed our customers’ expectations.
Product Feedback
We regularly contact our customers to ensure product performance and
reliability. We strive to continually enhance our products to meet your needs; we
welcome your feedback and suggestions for product improvements. Email your
comments to
info@epiphan.com.
Specifications
Go to Frame Grabbers on the Epiphan website for more information about
SDI2USB 3.0.
Warranty
All Epiphan Systems products have a 100% return to depot warranty for one year
from the date of purchase.
Technical Support
Epiphan is staffed by a professional support team. If, after checking the FAQs
for your product on the Epiphan website and re-installing the Epiphan driver
software (where applicable), you continue to have outstanding issues, email a
problem report to support@epiphan.com. To help us solve the problem
efficiently, include the following info:
• Your SDI2USB 3.0 serial number.
• Technical description of the signal source including resolution, refresh
rate, synchronization, type of hardware.
• Complete description of the problem you are experiencing.
Copyright © 2014 Epiphan Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SDI2USB 3.0 Overview
Terms and Conditions
This document, the Epiphan web site, and the information contained therein,
including but not limited to the text and images as well as Epiphan Systems Inc.
trademarks, trade names and logos are the property of Epiphan and its
affiliates and licensors, and are protected from unauthorized copying and
dissemination by Canadian copyright law, United States copyright law,
trademark law, international conventions and other intellectual property laws.
Epiphan, Epiphan Systems, Epiphan Systems Inc., and Epiphan logos are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Epiphan Systems Inc., in certain
countries. All Epiphan product names and logos are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Epiphan. All other company and product names and logos may
be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners in certain
countries.
Copyright © 2014 Epiphan Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AND LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE
ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT ARE SET FORTH IN THE INFORMATION
PACKET OR PRODUCT INSTALLATION SOFTWARE PACKAGE THAT
SHIPPED WITH THE PRODUCT OR THE PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION AND
ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO
LOCATE THE SOFTWARE LICENSE OR LIMITED WARRANTY, CONTACT
YOUR EPIPHAN REPRESENTATIVE FOR A COPY.
IMPORTANT: BEFORE DOWNLOADING, INSTALLING, OR USING THE
SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION, PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE
AGREEMENT WHICH CONTAINS THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNDER
WHICH YOU ARE ACQUIRING A LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE AND
DOCUMENTATION. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT PLEASE DO NOT DOWNLOAD,
INSTALL, OR USE THE SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION AND
PROMPTLY RETURN OR DESTROY THE SOFTWARE AND
DOCUMENTATION. IF YOU DOWNLOAD, INSTALL, OR USE THE
SOFTWARE AND/OR DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL HAVE ACCEPTED AND
AGREED TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THE SOFTWARE AND
ii SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
SDI2USB 3.0 Overview
DOCUMENTATION ARE ALSO PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAWS AND
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT TREATIES, AS WELL AS OTHER
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS. IF YOU ARE AN AGENT OR EMPLOYEE
OF AN ENTITY, YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT (I) THE
INDIVIDUAL ACCEPTING THIS AGREEMENT IS DULY AUTHORIZED TO
ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT ON SUCH ENTITY’S BEHALF AND TO BIND
SUCH ENTITY, AND (II) SUCH ENTITY HAS FULL POWER, CORPORATE OR
OTHERWISE, TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND PERFORM ITS
OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS REGARDING THE
PRODUCTS IN THIS MANUAL ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT
NOTICE. EPIPHAN PERIODICALLY ADDS OR UPDATES THE INFORMATION
AND DOCUMENTS ON ITS WEB SITE WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL
STATEMENTS, INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BELIEVED
TO BE ACCURATE AT TIME OF WRITING BUT ARE PRESENTED WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. USERS MUST TAKE
FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR APPLICATION OF ANY PRODUCTS.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL EPIPHAN BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR OTHER
INDIRECT DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM THE USE OF, OR THE INABILITY
TO USE, THIS PRODUCT OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS
DOCUMENT OR PROVIDED ON EPIPHAN’S WEB SITE, EVEN IF EPIPHAN
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO
EVENT SHALL EPIPHAN'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES,
LOSSES, AND CAUSES OF ACTION RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THIS
PRODUCT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE AMOUNTS YOU
PAID TO EPIPHAN DURING THE MOST RECENT THREE-MONTH PERIOD IN
iii SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
SDI2USB 3.0 Overview
CONNECTION WITH AMOUNTS WHICH YOU PAID FOR USING THIS
PRODUCT.
INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS, PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT OR THE EPIPHAN WEB
SITE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS." SPECIFICALLY, BUT WITHOUT LIMITATION,
EPIPHAN DOES NOT WARRANT THAT: (i) THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT,
ACCURATE, RELIABLE OR COMPLETE; (ii) THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED
ON THE EPIPHAN WEB SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE;
(iii) DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR (iv) THIS WEB SITE OR THE
SERVER(S) THAT MAKES IT AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR
OTHER HARMFUL COMPNENTS. EPIPHAN SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EITHER EXPRESS,
IMPLIED, STATUTORY, BY USAGE OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
NON-INFRINGEMENT, TITLE, SATISFACTORY QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
For additional terms and conditions, please refer to additional sections in this
document.
iv SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Table of Contents
1. SDI2USB 3.0 Overview ..................................................................................... 4
1.1 Package Contents ......................................................................................... 5
2 Physical Attributes .......................................................................................... 5
2.1 System Hardware Features .......................................................................... 5
2.2 USB 2.0 Backwards Compatibility ................................................................ 8
2.3 Cables and Connectors ................................................................................. 8
2.3.1 USB AM-BM Cable ................................................................................ 9
2.3.2 SDI to SDI Cable .................................................................................... 9
3 System Requirements .................................................................................... 10
3.1 USB 3.0 controllers ..................................................................................... 11
4 Getting Started .............................................................................................. 11
5 Installing SDI2USB 3.0 on a video capture workstation running Windows ..... 12
5.1 To install the Windows drivers and capture software................................ 12
5.2 To upgrade to the latest Windows software version ................................. 13
5.3 Finding Software Updates .......................................................................... 13
5.4 Troubleshooting a Windows Installation ................................................... 14
6 Mac OS X Video Capture Workstation Installation ......................................... 14
6.1 To Install the Mac Drivers and Application ................................................ 14
6.2 To Start the Mac OS Capture Application .................................................. 15
6.3 Upgrading to the Latest Mac OS X Software Version ................................. 15
6.4 Finding Software Updates .......................................................................... 16
7 Linux Video Capture Workstation Software ................................................... 16
7.1 The Epiphan USB Device Driver .................................................................. 17
7.2 Video4Linux ................................................................................................ 17
7.3 The Epiphan Capture API ............................................................................ 18
7.4 V4L Custom Video Capture Applications .................................................... 18
8 Connecting SDI2USB 3.0 ................................................................................ 18
9 Windows Capture Application ....................................................................... 19
9.1 Start the Windows Capture Application ..................................................... 19
SDI2USB 3.0 Overview
9.2 Record captured images as image files ...................................................... 20
9.2.1 To start a recording ............................................................................ 20
9.2.2 To pause a recording .......................................................................... 21
9.2.3 To stop a recording ............................................................................ 21
9.3 Record captured images as video .............................................................. 21
9.3.1 To capture video and audio from an SDI source ................................ 21
9.3.2 To start a recording ............................................................................ 22
9.3.3 To pause a recording .......................................................................... 23
9.3.4 To stop a recording ............................................................................ 23
9.4 Pausing, Copying, Saving, and Printing Images ......................................... 23
9.4.1 To pause and resume the image capture .......................................... 23
9.4.2 To copy a snapshot of the current image .......................................... 24
9.4.3 To save a snapshot of the current image as an image file ................. 24
9.4.4 To print a snapshot of the current image .......................................... 24
9.5 Menus ........................................................................................................ 25
9.5.1 File Menu ........................................................................................... 25
9.5.2 Edit Menu ........................................................................................... 26
9.5.3 View Menu ......................................................................................... 26
9.5.4 Capture Menu .................................................................................... 27
9.5.5 Configure Device ................................................................................ 29
9.5.6 Tools Menu ........................................................................................ 34
9.5.7 Help Menu ......................................................................................... 35
9.6 Toolbar ....................................................................................................... 36
9.7 Status Bar ................................................................................................... 37
9.8 Capture, Record, and Display Options........................................................ 38
9.8.1 Configuring Recording Options .......................................................... 38
9.8.2 Configuring Display Options ............................................................... 43
9.8.3 Configuring Capture Options ............................................................. 46
9.8.4 Setting On-Screen Text Parameters ................................................... 48
9.8.5 Configure Startup ............................................................................... 49
9.8.6 Sharing ............................................................................................... 51
10 Configuring SDI2USB 3.0 from the Control Panel ....................................... 52
11 Mac OS X SDI2USB 3.0 Video Capture Application ..................................... 54
11.1 Starting the Mac OS X Video Capture Application ..................................... 54
11.2 Menus ........................................................................................................ 56
11.2.1 File Menu ........................................................................................... 56
2 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
SDI2USB 3.0 Overview
11.2.2 Edit Menu ........................................................................................... 57
11.2.3 View Menu ......................................................................................... 57
11.2.4 Tools Menu ........................................................................................ 57
11.2.5 Window Menu ................................................................................... 58
11.2.6 Help Menu ......................................................................................... 58
11.3 Toolbar ....................................................................................................... 58
11.3.1 Save .................................................................................................... 59
11.3.2 Copy ................................................................................................... 59
11.3.3 Print .................................................................................................... 59
11.3.4 Record ................................................................................................ 59
11.3.5 Adjust ................................................................................................. 59
11.3.6 Info ..................................................................................................... 60
11.3.7 Devices ............................................................................................... 60
12 Setting QuickTime Options for Recording Videos ....................................... 60
12.1 To add or remove a network device ........................................................... 60
13 Web Broadcasting ...................................................................................... 63
13.1 To set the display format for web broadcasting ........................................ 64
13.2 Start a web broadcast session ................................................................... 64
13.3 Viewing a web broadcasting session ......................................................... 65
13.4 Changing web broadcasting compression and performance ..................... 66
13.5 Troubleshooting web broadcasting performance ...................................... 66
14 Advanced Topics ........................................................................................ 67
14.1 Windows command line options ................................................................ 67
14.1.1 Creating a Windows Shortcut that Uses Command Line Options ...... 68
15 Table of Figures ......................................................................................... 70
16 Software and Documentation License ....................................................... 71
3 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
SDI2USB 3.0 Overview
1. SDI2USB 3.0 Overview
SDI2USB 3.0™ Epiphan's newest external frame grabber uses an SDI input
connection to transmit data to a video capture workstation through a USB 3.0 port or a
USB 2.0 port. The video capture workstation can capture, record and broadcast
uncompressed production-quality images and videos directly from 3G-SDI, HD-SDI
and SD-SDI sources. Both audio and video capture is supported and no peripheral
component interface (PCI) is required.
SDI2USB 3.0 captures video from an SDI video source. Meeting greater demands for
transferring larger files at faster speeds, this external frame grabber supports USB 3.0
technology, capable of transferring uncompressed data with speeds of up to 5.0
(Gbits/s) - about ten times faster than USB 2.0.
Note: In practice, transfer speeds are dependent on factors such as the task and
hardware configuration.
SDI2USB 3.0 is versatile and can be used with multiple workstation configurations. It
is backward compatible with USB 2.0 connections, however it transfers compressed
video with a lower quality when using USB 2.0.
SDI2USB 3.0 supports full HD capture rate of 60 frames per second. All captured data
is converted to RGB 24-bit color format. When SDI2USB 3.0 is configured to capture
and transfer video to third-party software, such as Window Media Encoder configured
for YUV color format, SDI2USB 3.0 converts RGB 24-bit color format to YUV color
format. When YUV 4:2:0 chroma subsampling is applied, video can be captured and
recorded up to 60 frames per second.
In addition to an input port, the SDI2USB 3.0 offers an SDI output port that can be
used for confidence monitoring. In the example below, a monitor connected to the
output port allows you to monitor the input signal and make quick adjustments if
required.
4 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Figure 1
The SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber is fully compatible with DirectShow on Windows,
Video4Linux on Linux, and QuickTime on Mac OS X.
SDI2USB 3.0 is part of Epiphan’s complete line of video and audio signal capture
products. For more information about all Epiphan’s video signal capture products,
refer to Frame Grabbers Overview
SDI2USB 3.0 sample configuration including confidence monitoring
on Epiphan’s website.
1.1 Package Contents
Epiphan SDI2USB 3.0 device package includes the following:
1. SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber
2. One SDI cable (3G compliant)
3. USB 3.0 cable
2 Physical Attributes
2.1 System Hardware Features
The SDI2USB 3.0 device measures 90mm x 60mm x 23mm (3.54” x 2.36” x 0.91”),
and features a single input and a single output BNC type connector, a USB 3.0
5 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Physical Attributes
connector and an LED indicator. The SDI2USB 3.0 can be connected to the USB 3.0
or USB 2.0 port on the video capture workstation.
Front panel of the SDI2USB 3.0
Figure 2
Figure 3 Rear view of the SDI2USB 3.0
6 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
1
Flashing blue
Flashing green -
Flashing green -
Solid green
Solid red -
Flashing red -
Solid yellow
2
Connectors and indicators
Number Interface Status Description
LED The following describes the LED indicators when the
SDI2USB 3.0 device is connected to a USB 3.0 port:
is idle.
The following describes the LED indicators when the
SDI2USB 3.0 device is connected to a USB 2.0 port:
device is idle.
The following LED indicators apply regardless of the
USB port type:
Physical Attributes
: firmware has successfully loaded, device
video mode detection is in progress.
firmware has successfully loaded,
: video mode detection is in progress.
the frame grabber is powered on, however it
USB 3.0 Output Connects the SDI2USB 3.0 device to the video capture
is not functional. The driver is either not installed or
failed to load.
the frame grabber signature validation
has failed. Possible reasons:
• On-board EEPROM failure; or
• Incorrect initialization at the factory.
In either case the device should be replaced.
- image capture or data transfer is in
progress.
workstation to enable data transfer from the video
source to the video capture workstation.
7 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Physical Attributes
3
4
Configuration Tips
SDI Output Connect an SDI output source, such as a monitor, to the
SDI2USB 3.0 device.
Note: the SDI output port is active when the SDI2USB
3.0 is connected to a powered up video capture
workstation running the SDI2USB 3.0 driver.
SDI Input Connect an input source with an SD-SDI, HD-SDI or a
3G-SDI signal.
2.2 USB 2.0 Backwards Compatibility
SDI2USB 3.0 is USB 2.0 backwards-compatible; you can connect it to the USB 2.0
port in situations when a laptop or workstation has a USB 2.0 port only. It will not
prevent you from using the frame grabber in these circumstances. SDI2USB 3.0 uses
green and blue LEDs to indicate whether it is connected to a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.
Refer to section System Hardware Features
• The SDI2USB 3.0 cannot transfer uncompressed video when connected to
the workstation’s USB 2.0 port. This standard provides lower transfer speed
than the USB 3.0 standard therefore the frame grabber will compress the
captured data before transferring. To choose compression options refer to
Configuring Recording Options
• The SDI2USB 3.0 must be connected to the USB 3.0 port on the video
capture workstation when capturing video and audio from an SDI source,
otherwise only video is captured. For information about configuring a video
capture workstation to capture video and audio from an SDI source, refer to
section Windows Capture Application
:
for information on LED indicators.
.
.
2.3 Cables and Connectors
8 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Physical Attributes
High speed data transfer (up to 5 GB/s) is supported by USB 3.0 when you connect
your SDI2USB 3.0 to the USB 3.0 port on the video capture workstation.
This section describes compatible connectors and cables.
2.3.1 USB AM-BM Cable
The USB AM-BM cable connects the SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber to the USB 3.0 or
2.0 port on the video capture workstation.
Figure 4 USB AM-BM cable
2.3.2 SDI to SDI Cable
Connects an SDI source to the SDI2USB 3.0 SDI in port. This cable is included with
the SDI2USB 3.0.
9 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
System Requirements
Figure 5 SDI to SDI cable
3 System Requirements
Epiphan’s SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber requires the following hardware and software:
Video source any SDI video source
Video capture workstation compatible USB 3.0 host controller for
SuperSpeed operation;
USB 2.0 controller for High Speed
operation.
Processor frequency 2 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit
(x64) processor
RAM memory 2 GB RAM (32-bit and 64-bit)
Available hard disk space 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit)
or 20 GB (64-bit)
Video capture workstation operating
system
Windows XP SP2 or later version;
Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or later
version;
A list of precompiled Linux drivers is
10 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Getting Started
Package Contents
System Requirements
available from the Software Download
page.
3.1 USB 3.0 controllers
To take advantage of the high transfer rate of USB 3.0, ensure your video capture
workstation is equipped with an adequate USB 3.0 controller capable of supporting the
transfer rate. This is especially important when capturing high-definition video and
large audio files, and capturing 60 fps. Epiphan recommends the following USB 3.0
controller.
Linux requirements: kernel version 3.5 or later (Ubuntu 12.10+)
Recommended high performance controller:
• Intel ® USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
4 Getting Started
This chapter describes basic steps for installing drivers and the Epiphan capture
software, and connecting a SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber to the video source and the
video capture workstation. The video capture workstation is a computer that runs the
drivers and Epiphan capture software and is used to display and record images and
audio captured by the SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber.
Basic steps:
1. Review the
2. Review the
workstation will work normally with the frame grabber. The video capture
workstation can be running Windows, Mac OS, or Linux.
11 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
section; verify you received all items.
section; verify that your video capture
Installing SDI2USB 3.0 on a video capture workstation running Windows
before
3. Install the Epiphan drivers and capture software for the SDI2USB 3.0 on the
video capture workstation. These procedures are specific to the workstation
OS and are explained in the following chapters.
4. Connect the SDI2USB 3.0 to the video source. Refer to
SDI2USB 3.0.
5. Connect the SDI2USB 3.0 to the video capture workstation. Refer to
Connecting SDI2USB 3.0
6. Launch the capture software by clicking on the desktop icon.
7. Start capturing images.
.
Connecting
5 Installing SDI2USB 3.0 on a video capture
workstation running Windows
Follow the step-by step procedures in this section if you are using a Windows PC as
the video capture workstation to view and record video and audio captured by a
SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber.
Note: Install the drivers and capture software on the Windows video capture
workstation
connecting the frame grabber to the workstation USB port.
5.1 To install the Windows drivers and capture
software
1. Find the latest Windows drivers and Epiphan Capture software. Browse to
http://www.epiphan.com/products/dvi-frame-grabbers/sdi2usb-3-
0/downloads.
2. Click on the Download tab. The Download page opens.
3. Scroll down the page to the Windows section.
4. Select the applicable version of the drivers and capture software that will run
on the video capture workstation. Note the download destination folder.
12 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Installing SDI2USB 3.0 on a video capture workstation running Windows
Extract All
Note:
Products >
Frame Grabbers > SDI2USB 3.0
5. Unzip the downloaded file. Right-click on the .zip file and choose
6. Run the Setup Utility (setup.exe) and follow the prompts to install the
software.
7. The Windows drivers and Epiphan Capture Tool is now installed.
.
5.2 To upgrade to the latest Windows software
version
From time to time Epiphan releases new versions of Epiphan capture software
available from the Epiphan web site. To confirm you have the latest capture software,
select Check for Updates from the Help menu.
Check for Updates will only recommend an update if Epiphan recommends that
you install a new version. This will happen if the latest version contains significant bug
fixes or enhancements. If a new Epiphan Capture Tool version contains only minor
changes, Check for Updates may not recommend that you install a new version.
You can upgrade the Epiphan software on your Windows video capture workstation by
uninstalling the previous version. If you have problems upgrading the Windows
version of the software, see the detailed driver update instructions and install/uninstall
instructions available at
http://www.epiphan.com/downloads
.
5.3 Finding Software Updates
To find the latest versions of all Epiphan software for Windows go to
http://www.epiphan.com/downloads
your SDI2USB 3.0 product - browse to http://www.epiphan.com and select
versions of:
• Epiphan SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide.
• Epiphan USB device driver and Epiphan Capture Tool for Windows.
13 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
. You can also browse to the download page for
. On these pages you will find the most recent
Mac OS X Video Capture Workstation Installation
5.4 Troubleshooting a Windows Installation
If you experience any difficulty viewing captured images with the Windows capture
application, review the following items prior to contacting technical support.
If the capture application cannot find the frame grabber:
• Confirm that the frame grabber is connected to a video capture workstation
USB port and has power connected and the device LEDs are lit.
• Disconnect and re-connect the frame grabber. This prompts Windows to
install the device drivers for the frame grabber if they haven’t already been
installed.
• Observe the behaviour of the frame grabber LED indicators.
• Check the Windows Device Manager to verify that the frame grabber has
installed successfully and that the PC supports USB 3.0.
If, after following the installation steps, you are still experiencing problems, close all
applications and restart the video capture workstation. When the video capture
workstation has started up, open the Windows Device Manager to confirm that the
frame grabber is detected.
6 Mac OS X Video Capture Workstation
Installation
Follow the step-by step procedures in this section if you are going to use a Mac as a
video capture workstation to view and record images captured by the frame grabber.
6.1 To Install the Mac Drivers and Application
A single download from the Epiphan web site includes the capture application
command line capture application (v2u), the SDI2USB 3.0 system preferences and the
QuickTime digitizer (vdig).
14 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Mac OS X Video Capture Workstation Installation
Note:
Connecting SDI2USB 3.0
SDI2USB.app
No signal
detected
1. Find the latest Mac drivers and application software. Browse to
http://www.epiphan.com/products/dvi-frame-grabbers/sdi2usb-3-
0/downloads/ and scroll down to the Mac section of the download page.
2. Download the latest version of the drivers and application that will run on the
video capture workstation. Make sure you note the download destination
folder.
3. Double-click on the .dmg file to unpack it if it does not unpack automatically.
4. Double-click on the .pkg file and follow the prompts.
The final step of the installation requires restarting the video capture
workstation.
To install the SDI2USB 3.0 in the video capture workstation, refer to the section
.
6.2 To Start the Mac OS Capture Application
On the video capture workstation, run the capture application, from the Applications
folder, select
frame grabber is connected and powered on, the capture application should
automatically find the frame grabber and begin displaying captured images. If the
frame grabber is operating but not capturing images the device name and serial
number should appear in the title bar and the capture application displays
.
. The capture application starts up. If the SDI2USB 3.0
6.3 Upgrading to the Latest Mac OS X Software
Version
From time to time Epiphan releases new versions of all Epiphan frame grabber
software available from the Epiphan web site. In most cases you can upgrade the
Epiphan software on your Mac OS X video capture workstation by using normal
procedures to download the latest version and install it without uninstalling the
previous version.
15 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Linux Video Capture Workstation Software
Applications
Note: Some versions of the SDI2USB 3.0 user interface do not install a shortcut on the
Mac OS X desktop. You can drag the Epiphan icon from the
your desktop or add it to the Dock after installing a new version of the SDI2USB 3.0
user interface. You may also need to delete older versions of the Epiphan icon.
folder to
6.4 Finding Software Updates
To find the latest versions of all Epiphan software and drivers for Mac OS X, browse to
http://www.epiphan.com/products/dvi-frame-grabbers/sdi2usb-3-0/downloads/
On this download page you will find the most recent release of the Epiphan device
,
QuickTime component and SDI2USB 3.0 application compatible with Mac OS
driver
X.
7
Linux Video Capture Workstation Software
Epiphan provides the Epiphan USB device driver and the Epiphan capture API for
Linux. Epiphan does not provide a video capture application for Linux. However, the
USB device driver is compatible with Video4Linux so you can use Video4Linux
compatible applications to receive and process captured images. You can also use
the Epiphan Linux SDK to write your own custom video capture application that
receives captured images from the Epiphan capture API. The following software
components operate on a video capture workstation running Linux:
• The Epiphan USB device driver
• Video4Linux
• The Epiphan capture API
• V4L custom video capture applications
.
16 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Linux Video Capture Workstation Software
7.1 The Epiphan USB Device Driver
The Linux Epiphan USB device driver receives images from an Epiphan SDI2USB 3.0
and delivers the images to the Epiphan capture API and to Video4Linux. Before
delivering the images the Epiphan USB device driver also performs image adjustment
to improve the quality of the image. Image adjustments include setting the sampling
phase, PLL adjustments, and horizontal shift. The USB device driver can also change
the color depth of the captured image before sending the image to the video API. For
example, if the SDI2USB 3.0 is capturing the frames at a color depth that is different
than that required by the video capture application, the USB device driver converts the
images to the required color depth.
The Epiphan USB device driver may not be available for your version of Linux.
Epiphan does not provide source code for the Epiphan USB device driver. But you can
contact Epiphan if you need an Epiphan USB device driver compiled for a specific
Linux kernel version or kernel setting. Using the Epiphan software development kit
(SDK) you can also create custom USB device drivers that incorporate the functions
you need.
7.2 Video4Linux
Video4Linux (V4L) is a Linux video capture API. The Epiphan USB device driver can
send captured images directly to Video4Linux. This means that any Video4Linux-
compatible application can receive captured images. You can use a Video4Linux-
compatible application to record a series of captured images as a video in the video
format supported by the Video4Linux application. You can also create your own
custom Video4Linux-compatible video capture application to record captured images
from Video4Linux.
17 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Connecting SDI2USB 3.0
7.3 The Epiphan Capture API
The Epiphan capture API also receives captured images from the Epiphan USB
device driver. The Epiphan capture API is optimized for processing Epiphan SDI2USB
3.0 captured images. The Epiphan capture API analyzes individual images,
performs on-device cropping, and handles video mode changes. The Epiphan capture
API is an alternative to using Video4Linux to capture images on Linux video capture
workstations. You can use the Epiphan software development kit (SDK) to create
custom video capture applications to record captured images from the Epiphan
capture API.
7.4 V4L Custom Video Capture Applications
Epiphan does not provide a video capture application for Linux. However, you can use
Video4Linux-compatible applications to perform many video capture operations such
as recording images or video, copying, printing and saving images, or broadcasting
images over the Internet. You can also use the Epiphan Linux SDK to create your own
custom video capture application. The SDK along with some example applications is
available from the products Downloads page (
frame-grabbers/dvi2usb-3-0/downloads/).
http://www.epiphan.com/products/dvi-
8 Connecting SDI2USB 3.0
This section describes how to connect an SDI source and video capture workstation to
the SDI2USB 3.0. Ensure the Epiphan capture software is installed on the video
capture workstation before connecting the SDI2USB 3.0.
1. Connect the SDI2USB 3.0 to the video source.
2. Connect an SDI source directly to the IN port on the SDI2USB 3.0 using the SDI
cable included in the package.
3. Optionally, connect an external monitor, for confidence monitoring, to the OUT
port on the SDI2USB 3.0 using a standard SDI cable.
18 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Windows Capture Application
Start > Epiphan Capture
Tool
4. Connect the SDI2USB 3.0 to the video capture workstation by connecting the
USB AM-BM cable from the SDI2USB 3.0 to the workstation’s USB 3.0 or 2.0
port.
If you installed the drivers and Epiphan Capture Tool software, the video capture
workstation should automatically recognize the SDI2USB 3.0 and install drivers for it.
Note: You can use a high-quality SDI splitter to split the SDI signal between an
external monitor and the frame grabber, or you can connect an external monitor
directly to the SDI out port located on the SDI2USB 3.0 device for confidence
monitoring. The SDI out port is a practical way to simultaneously display the video to a
remote monitor while it is captured, recorded and streamed.
9 Windows Capture Application
This chapter describes common functions and features of the Epiphan Capture Tool. It
supports the Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 versions. This chapter assumes that you
have followed the installation and connection instructions described above. Before you
get started make sure you have:
• video signal source
• video capture workstation running Windows; connected to a SDI2USB 3.0.
• SDI2USB 3.0 drivers and Epiphan Capture Tool installed on the video
capture workstation.
9.1 Start the Windows Capture Application
To start the application, from the Windows Start menu select
. The application starts up and looks for the SDI2USB 3.0 frame grabber
connected to your PC.
If the SDI2USB 3.0 is operating, the capture application should find it and the image
captured by the SDI2USB 3.0 should appear on the application display.
19 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Windows Capture Application
No
signal
Capture device not found
Detecting Video Mode
Tuning Capture Parameters
No Signal Detected
Options
Tools
Recording
Record
Images.
Start Recording
Capture
CTRL+R.
If the SDI2USB 3.0 device is not capturing images, the application window displays
.
As the application starts, the following messages may appear:
•
SDI2USB 3.0 device.
•
determines the video mode of the device.
•
capture settings and image adjustments.
•
that is not connected to an active video source.
If the application successfully connects to and synchronizes with the SDI2USB 3.0
device, it begins displaying captured images.
as the application attempts to connect with the
as the application connects to a device and then
as the application synchronizes and tunes
when the application is connected to an SDI2USB 3.0
9.2 Record captured images as image files
Before recording captured images as a series of image files, you must first configure
the recording options.
1. Select
2. Select the
3. Select
save images and other image file settings from this window.
from the
as
menu.
tab.
You can also select the image file format, location to
9.2.1 To start a recording
1. Perform one of the following:
a) Select
b) Select the Record icon from the toolbar; or
c) Use the key combination
Images are captured by the frame grabber and recorded as a series of image files.
The Status bar displays the name and location of the last saved file.
from the
menu;
20 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Windows Capture Application
Capture
.
Capture
Options
Tools
Recording
Record as
Video.
Configure audio input on the video capture workstation
9.2.2 To pause a recording
1. Perform one of the following:
a) Select Pause from the
b) Select the Pause icon from the toolbar; or
c) Use the key combination CTRL+U
menu;
9.2.3 To stop a recording
1. Perform one of the following:
a) Select Stop Recording from the
b) Select the Stop icon from the toolbar.
When you stop recording images, the status bar displays the number of image files
saved.
menu; or
9.3 Record captured images as video
Before recording captured images as a video, you must first configure the recording
options on the Epiphan Capture Tool.
1. Select
2. Select the
3. Select the arrow next to
4. Select
5. Click Apply.
from the
Configure other options as required.
tab.
menu.
field. A dropdown menu appears.
9.3.1 To capture video and audio from an SDI source
SDI2USB 3.0 supports audio recording when SDI2USB 3.0 is connected to the USB
3.0 port.
1. From the Windows toolbar, right-click on the volume icon. A dropdown menu
appears.
21 SDI2USB 3.0 User Guide
Loading...