Computer Concepts Eagle M2 User manual

USER GUIDE

© Computer Concepts and Wild Vision 1994
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means without the prior written permission of Computer Concepts or Wild
Vision. Such written permission must also be obtained before any part of this
publication is stored in any form in a retrieval system of any nature.
Manual issue 1.4
January 1994
Computer Concepts and Wild Vision have no direct control over the use to which
this product is put and therefore offer no warranty, implied or otherwise, relating
to its use for any purpose other than that for which it is intended.
The product described in this manual is the subject of continuous development
and, whilst all efforts are taken to ensure that the information given is correct,
neither Computer Concepts nor Wild Vision can accept any liability for any loss or
damage caused by the use of these programs or the information in this manual.
Please send any comments you have about this manual to:
Publications Dept., Computer Concepts Ltd.
Trademarks:
Eagle and ColourCard are trademarks of Wild Vision Ltd.
!TakeTwo, Audio Works, ScanLight Plus, and Impression are trademarks of
Computer Concepts Ltd.
Acorn, Replay, and !ARMovie are trademarks of Acorn Computers Ltd.
All other trademarks are acknowledged.
Eagle is a joint development between :-
Wild Vision Ltd. and Computer Concepts Ltd.
15 Witney Way Gaddesden Place
Boldon Business Park Hemel Hempstead
Boldon Colliery Hens
Tyne and Wear HP2 6EX
NE35 9PE
Tel [phone] Tel [phone]
Fax [phone] Fax [phone]
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the assistance of Acorn Computers Ltd. in the
implementation of the Acorn Replay movie capture application and M1DI module,
and in granting a licence to distribute the Replay applications and M1DI module.

Contents
About this manual
Typographic conventions
Mouse buttons
1. Introduction 1
About MultiMedia 1
The Eagle package 1
What Eagle can do... 2
Abbreviations 3
System requirements 3
Movie-making 3
Possible extras 4
The internal speaker 4
15-bit and 24-bit display 5
The applications suite 5
2. Installation 7
What you should have received 7
Installing the Eagle expansion card 7
Remove the computer's cover
Archimedes only 8
A5000 only 9
Expansion card positioning – Archimedes & A5000 9
Connecting the ribbon cable... 10
Fitting the expansion card
Archimedes & A5000 12
A3000 13
Initial testing (Archimedes, A3000 & A5000) 13
Copying the software 14
Updating !System 15
3. Getting started 17
Connecting a video input 17
Connecting an audio input 18
Connecting the audio output 18
Playback using the computer's internal speaker 19
Playback using external speakers 19
Connection to MIDI 20

4. Viewing and grabbing images 21
Viewing a live video image 21
Grabbing a still image 21
Grabbing a movie 22
Grabbing a movie soundtrack 24
Viewing movies 24
Playing only the soundtrack 24
5. TakeTwo 25
Live display window 26
Picture controls dialogue box 27
Grab choices dialogue box 30
6. Audio options 35
7. Acorn movie compression routines and RCompress 39
Acorn movie compression routines 39
!RCompress 40
8. If problems occur... 45
"System Resources cannot be found" 45
Please refer to 'Updating ABI' in the manual." 45
Podule not recognised 45
Live display is black 45
Live display is greyscale only 46
Cannot view 15bpp or 24bpp sprites 46
Cannot record sound 46
Sound output does not work 48
Sound playback and/or recording are punctuated by
bursts of noise 49
Sound recording / playback is of poor quality 50
Movie recording fails 50
9. Technical information 53
1. Eagle link positions 53
2. Stereo line-level socket: pin-out. 54
3. S-Video connector: pin-out. 54
4. Exploded movie format 55
ii

About this manual
This manual describes the key aspects of the Eagle MultiMedia
package: the expansion card itself, hardware connections and
peripherals, and its associated software. It describes in depth the use
of software applications which are provided exclusively with this
product. However, only the briefest details are given for `stand
alone' programs for which separate manuals exist. Information about
using these applications can be found in the relevant user guides as
listed in the section What you should have received.
It is assumed that you have a basic knowledge of the RISC OS
conventions and are familiar with standard applications. If this is
not the case, it is advised that you first familiarise with the use of
the computer by consulting the Welcome Guide supplied with it.
Typographic conventions
This manual uses these conventions:
Menu options are shown like this: Save image.
Dialogue box switches are shown like this: Monochrome.
Where you use the keyboard for control, the name of the key is
shown in italics. (For example, Return.)
Mouse buttons
We use the Acorn convention for the three mouse buttons:
the left-hand button is called Select,
the middle button is called Menu,
the right-hand button is called Adjust.
Where we say click on something but do not specify a mouse
button, use Select.
iii

i
v

1. Introduction
About MultiMedia
Taken literally, the term 'MultiMedia' implies the use of many
different kinds of communication media to convey a single message.
However in recent years the word has earned a more specific
meaning, namely the combination of a computer with video, audio
and the printed page, united for the purpose of adding colour and
depth to the information presentation process, with the help of a
computer.
MultiMedia is the communication style of the nineties. In education
and training, traditional learning material is brought to life, with
video and audio technology adding a new dimension. As a
promotional tool, the MultiMedia-based information system is a
powerful method of retaining the browser's interest; small wonder
that big-time retailers such as Rover cars are using this technology in
consumer marketing programmes. Or that large institutions such as
museums use MultiMedia stations to guide their visitors around
buildings. The beauty of MultiMedia is that while digitally controlled
(and therefore self-contained), it can be interactive, letting you
explore a subject freely, accessing supporting material, images, film
and sounds in your own time, and according to your own
preferences.
The Acorn RISC computer, with its multi-tasking desktop and
highly graphical user interface, is the ideal platform for MultiMedia
work. This is emphasised by the advent of CD-ROM to the Acorn
platform, and by the sheer quality of material which can be shown on
the Acorn desktop. Even the traditional 'barrier' of a fixed 256-colour
desktop palette was lifted with the appearance of the ColourCard
graphics accelerator card.
The Eagle package
Eagle provides multi-media capabilities for both audio and video (
still and moving images). You can use Eagle either as a standalone
package or in conjunction with other movie editing applications.
1

1. Introduction
What Eagle can do...
It can receive video signals from a wide variety of sources (from,
for example, a camcorder or VCR) and then:
• Display the moving image in a window on-screen. (You
can watch TV on your computer monitor.)
• Grab a single frame of the video.
• Record the moving image to disc for later replay to create a `
movie'. (You can save the image in raw, uncompressed
format or, if you have the Eidos extension software, in a
compressed format.)
When saving the movie, you can also save:
• the audio input associated with the video source,
• audio signals from an external source (such as a hi-fi
amplifier).
Eagle calls this the 'soundtrack'. (You can also save movies
without a soundtrack.)
You can play movies from disc, pausing and frame advancing as
required. Eagle is fully compatible with the Acorn Replay movie
format. (Eagle includes the Replay applications, licensed from
Acorn Computers Ltd.)
Using a different application, you can record sound samples from an
external source and manipulate them in a wide variety of ways. You
can save the samples to disc in any of several different
formats, some suitable for use on other types of computer.
Eagle provides a high-quality stereo sound output. Using this, you
can output sound samples to, for example, a hi-fi system.
Eagle also includes a MIDI interface. This lets you interface third
party software on the computer to MIDI-compatible peripherals
such as keyboards.
As with all new software, the best way to gain an appreciation of
the capabilities of these programs is to experiment. If you have any
problems, refer first to the troubleshooting sections of your
manuals. Remember that there are also separate ScanLight, Audio
Works and MIDI manuals.
2

1. Introduction
Please return your product registration card to ensure swift
technical support and eligibility for any future software upgrades.
Abbreviations
These abbreviations are used in this manual:
bpp bits-per-pixel – measures colour depth.
fps frames-per-second – measures the video frame rate.
System requirements
Eagle can be used with Acorn computers having standard, half-
width expansion slots. (These include the A300/A400 series
Archimedes, A540 and A5000 computers. The A3000 is also suitable
with certain limitations.) Eagle is not suitable for A3010, A3020,
A4000 or A4 portable computers.
If your computer meets these system requirements:
• RISC OS 3.1 or greater,
• at least 2 Megabytes of RAM (memory),
then you can use Eagle for:
• video image live display,
• capture of still video images in colour or monochrome,
• audio sample capture and playback through the stereo
connector on the Eagle,
• MID1 connection.
Outputting sound samples through Eagle requires an ARM3
processor. (ARM3 is standard on the A540 and A5000 computers
and available as an upgrade to other computers.) With a slower
ARM 2 processor, sound output is only available through the
computer's internal speaker. This gives lower-quality results.
Movie-making
The nature of digital video movies is such that their storage,
processing and playing back requires large amounts of memory,
both in terms of hard disc space and available RAM.
3

1. Introduction
If you wish to use your Eagle card for movie-making you will
require a computer with:
• at least 4 Megabytes RAM,
• a high-data-rate hard disc (IDE or SCSI),
• an ARM3 processor.
The only Acorn computers that meet these requirements as
standard are the A5000 (4 MB+ versions) and A540. Other,
upgraded computers may also be suitable.
Possible extras:
Depending on which features of the Eagle package you wish to
use, you may also need some or all of the following:
• S-Video or composite video source such as a camcorder or
VCR (video cassette recorder) or video disc player.
• Video cable for connection to BNC (for composite) or 4-pin
mini-D1N (for S-Video) inputs.
• Audio equipment with line-level input/output, such as hi-fi
equipment, CD player, or amplifier.
• Microphone (with built-in amp or connected via other
suitable equipment).
• MIDI equipment.
• 'Active' or 'MultiMedia' speakers (with line-level inputs —
those with headphone level inputs are not suitable).
The internal speaker
Eagle can play audio samples (in mono only) through the Archi-
medes' internal speaker on Archimedes, A540 and A5000
computers. This is not possible on the A3000 — audio playback
using Eagle is only possible through external speakers via the
stereo connector on the hack panel of the card.
On all computers you can play samples through the internal
speaker using the internal sound system (not the Eagle hardware).
4

1. Introduction
15-bit and 24-bit display
A multisync monitor greatly enhances the functionality of the Eagle.
It is recommended that a monitor such as the AKF18, normally
supplied with the A5000, is the minimum specification monitor
that should be considered.
To appreciate fully the quality of the live image display facility of the
Eagle it is best to use 15-bit display modes. This option is currently
open only to users of graphics accelerator cards such as the
ColourCard.
Image and movie capture in 15bpp and 24bpp is possible without
such a card. However, to fully appreciate the results of video or
graphics work using the Eagle, you should consider purchasing a
ColourCard. The enhancements it provides are well worthwhile.
The applications suite
On the Eagle disc:
!TakeTwo– use this to:
• view an incoming video picture,
• grab a still image,
• grab a movie image, or
• view a movie image stored on disc.
For more information refer to 4. Viewing and grabbing images
and 5. TakeTwo later in this manual.
!SysMerge– this updates the !System directory on your computer.
This is detailed later.
!RInstall– this installs software associated with the Acorn movie
compression. This is described later.
On the Scan Light disc
!Scanner– the ScanLight Plus application. Use this to grab grey-
scale still images. For more information, refer to the ScanLight Plus
manual.
!SysMerge– do not use this version. It is provided for when
ScanLight is sold as a separate package.
5

1. Introduction
On AudioWorks disc 1:
!AudioCtrl– this has two uses:
• to play audio samples, and
• to set-up audio parameters.
!AudioWrks– use this to record and play back audio samples.
For more information on these applications, refer to the Audio-
Works manual. For information on using !AudioCtrl to set-up
Eagle audio parameters refer to 7. Audio options.
!SysMerge– do not use this version. It is provided for when
AudioWorks is sold as a separate package.
On AudioWorks disc 2:
This disc contains a selection of audio samples.
On the Replay disc:
!ARMovie, !ARPlayer and !MultSound — these are the standard
Replay applications and are licensed from Acorn Computers.
!ARMovie provides the software needed to replay movies. You do
not need to run !ARMovie. Other applications automatically load it
when required.
!ARPlayerlets you play a movie and provides controls such as
pause and frame advance. These functions are also provided by !
TakeTwo.
!MultSound lets you replay just the soundtrack of a movie. This
function is also provided by !AudioWrks.
!CfsReader– !ARMovie, !ARPlayer and !MultSound are supplied in
compressed format. !CfsReader lets you uncompress these files. (
This operation is detailed later.)
6

2. Installation
Caution!
Static electricity can damage the Eagle expansion card. Store
the card hi its protective bag until you install it, and do not
allow the board to come into contact with static-productive
materials such as man-made fibres, wool, polystyrene or plastic
bags not designated anti-static. If possible, handle the board by
the back panel only and first discharge any static build up from
your hands by touching one of the metal screws on the
computer case.
What you should have received
Check that you have received the following:
• Eagle expansion card in anti-static packaging,
• this manual,
• ScanLight Plus manual,
• AudioWorks manual,
• MID] manual,
• five floppy discs,
• ribbon cable,
• MID1 cable,
• half-width blanking panel,
• registration card.
Installing the Eagle expansion card
Caution!
No special skills are required to fit the Eagle. However, the
suppliers cannot accept responsibility for any damage that may
result from incorrect installation. If in any doubt, consult
your local supplier.
The Eagle is suitable for installation in any Archimedes or A5000
with backplane fitted. It may also be used with the A3000 using the
external expansion slot. In all cases your attention is drawn to
System requirements.
The card is not suitable for installation in the A3010, A3020, A4
portable or A4000, for which there is no standard expansion card
provision.
7

2. Installation
Tools
The only tool required is a No. 2 (medium) cross-head screwdriver.
Disconnect power
Before installing the Eagle, switch off the power to the computer.
However, leave the power lead connected. Disconnect all other
leads to the computer. Remove anything (such as a monitor) that
may be on top of the case.
Remove the computer's cover — Archimedes on|y
1 Remove the five screws that secure the cover:
2 Slide the cover hack off the computer.
3 If you have an A305 or A310 computer — Ensure a backplane
is fitted. This is a vertically mounted circuit hoard, positioned
approximately half-way across the main circuit board. It
provides two or four sockets into which expansion cards can be
fitted.
Other types of computer — the backplane is already fitted.
8

2. Installation
Remove the computer's cover — A5000 only
The cover is secured by six screws (three each side) located
underneath the case. Take care tilting or lifting the A5000 as the
screw-heads can scratch a wooden or polished surface.
Remove all six screws. The cover should then slide back off the
computer.
Expansion card positioning — Archimedes & A5000
With no expansion cards fitted, the rear panel of the main unit
consists of three metal blanking plates, each secured to the case by
screws at both ends.
The lowest plate (containing various sockets) is secured to the main
circuit board and should not be removed during expansion card
installation. The upper two plates are temporary fitments that are
removed when expansion cards, such as the Eagle card, are
installed.
One standard width expansion card occupies half the width of the
back panel. The numbers 0...3 on the diagram above indicate the
positions in which expansion cards may be fitted. With a two-socket
backplane only positions 0 and 2 are available.
9

2. Installation
Connecting the ribbon cable...
The ribbon cable supplied is for connecting the Eagle to the
computer's internal sound system. This option is not possible for
users of the A3000 (see System requirements).
Caution!
Incorrectly connecting the ribbon cable can damage your computer.
Carefully follow the instructions in this manual and pay particular
attention to the orientation of the cable. The suppliers of Eagle cannot
be held liable for any damage that results from incorrect installation. If in
any doubt contact your local supplier.
Because of hardware differences you need to know exactly which
type of computer you have. The front panel of the computer shows
the model number. The options are:
• Archimedes 300 & 400 series,
• Archimedes 400/1 series,
• Archimedes 540,
• A5000.
The ribbon cable may seem longer than necessary but this lets it
reach any expansion card slot. Carefully fold any surplus cable
under the expansion card to make sure it doesn't snag with the
computer's cover.
If an existing expansion card is already fitted in the lower slot, the
connector on the computer may be slightly obscured.
The dark band in the following diagrams denotes the red stripe on
one edge of the cable.
10

2. Installation
...on an Archimedes 300 & 400 series
The cable plugs into connector PL2 on the far
right of the Archimedes circuit board, partly
under the right-hand expansion card (looking
from the front of the machine). Note that the
cable turns through 180° (a half-turn) so the
rearmost pin on the Eagle card connects to
the frontmost pin on the Archimedes
circuit board.
There may be two plastic-covered links on
PL2. Remove them but keep them in a safe
place. You may need them in the future if
you change your monitor. The Archimedes
User Guide gives more details. (Look under
Connecting the monitor.)
...on an Archimedes 400/1 series
This is similar to the 300 series except that PL2
is towards the centre of the circuit board,
partly under the left-hand expansion card.
...on an Archimedes 540
The cable plugs into connector LK9, which
is towards the rear of the Archimedes circuit
board (looking from the front of the machine)
. Note the orientation of the cable as shown
in the diagram.
11

2. Installation
...on an A5000
The cable plugs into connector LK3, which
is towards the centre of the A5000 circuit
hoard. Make sure the cable is not twisted; the
rearmost pin on the Eagle card connects to the
rearmost pin on the A5000 circuit hoard.
Fitting the expansion card — Archimedes & A5000
Unscrew and remove the chosen blanking plate from the rear of
the case. The Eagle card can be fitted into any position.
The Eagle expansion card may now be inserted (usually from the
rear) and, whilst held horizontally, pushed into a corresponding
backplane socket. The backplane is supported by a strong metal
bar; however it is advisable to support it with one hand whilst
pushing the expansion card into place with the other hand.
If the Eagle expansion card is fitted adjacent to another card, bolt
their rear panels together after installation using the T-piece
provided. However, if no adjacent card is present, screw the half-
width blanking plate supplied to the Eagle rear panel.
Replace any screws that you removed from the blanking plate.
Ensure that the Eagle expansion card is screwed to an adjacent
expansion card or to the half-width blanking plate.
The Eagle card is now fitted ready for initial testing. Replace the
cover by sliding it hack onto the computer from the rear. Replace the
securing screws.
12

2. Installation
Fitting the Eagle expansion card — A3000
Before plugging Eagle into an A3000 you must change two
links on the Eagle card. These are:
LK4 and LK5 Change both jumpers from pins 2-3 to 1-2.
(Pin 1 is marked with a dot.)
The position of these links is shown in 9. Technical
information.
Fitting the card
1 Disconnect the mains lead and all peripherals. You do not
need to remove the top cover of the computer.
2 Plug the expansion card into the external socket at the back
of the A3000.
Any expansion card plugged into an A3000 has little protection
against accidental damage. We therefore recommend that you protect
the card with a metal casing. Alternatively, Wild Vision can supply an
A3000 Expansion Box which provides three expansion sockets. Your
A3000 then has a total of four expansion sockets, the same as the
Archimedes and A5000. Contact Wild Vision for further details.
There are no further connections to make, as you cannot connect
the Eagle to the A3000's internal sound system.
Initial testing (Archimedes, A3000 & A5000)
Reconnect any previously connected peripherals, and switch
power on to your computer.
When the computer has finished its initialisation, go to the
command line (press F12) and type
P o dules and press Return.
This lists the expansion cards fitted in the computer. In the list the
following should appear:
Wild Vision/CC Eagle M2 Vx.xx
where x . xx is the version number.
Press Return to return to the normal desktop display.
13