Intellex 3.2 User manual

All You Wanted
To Know About…
Intellex®v3.2
Digital Video Management System
But didn’t know what to ask.
Date: 11-9-04

Contents
General............................................................................................................................... 3
What’s New in Intellex v3.2?........................................................................................... 4
Live Video.......................................................................................................................... 6
Playback Video.................................................................................................................. 8
Instant Replay................................................................................................................. 10
Smart Search................................................................................................................... 11
IntelleCord®..................................................................................................................... 13
Motion Detection............................................................................................................. 15
Motion Exception............................................................................................................ 17
Alarm Options................................................................................................................. 19
Record/Archive Options................................................................................................. 21
Getting Video In and Out of Intellex ............................................................................ 23
Enhancement Tools......................................................................................................... 26
JPEG ................................................................................................................................27
Extended Storage............................................................................................................ 29
Applications..................................................................................................................... 30
Text................................................................................................................................... 33
Audio................................................................................................................................34
Network Client Remote Viewing and Control Software............................................. 35
How Long Will Intellex Record?................................................................................... 37
Intellex Evolution............................................................................................................ 39
What Options Are Available?........................................................................................ 41
Intellex Strengths............................................................................................................ 42
2

General
Intellex® v3.2 is the newest release of American Dynamics’ flagship DVR product. The operation and
usability of Intellex®v3.2 is an improvement over its v3.1 predecessor. New features include enhancements
to dome control and text handling. Intellex Archive Manager and Intellex Policy Manager will be of value
in larger installations for data backup and Intellex security. Intellex IP is a first step in a growing demand to
use IP cameras and domes.
With these improved capabilities, Intellex remains the leader in digital storage among DVRs that record up
to 16 cameras in a single box. When used in conjunction with Network Client, Intellex gives you the ability
to change setup parameters, control domes and review both live and recorded video, text and audio
remotely.
Our general design philosophy is to keep products as simple as possible to operate. By nature, Intellex is a
complex device. The complexity increases with the array of options. The mouse-driven graphical user
interface (GUI) and intuitive pulldown menus follow Windows®convention and have been made as simple
as possible while maintaining a wide range of functionality. Computer people love it. Non-computer
people love the ability to use the product without a keyboard.
How to use this book:
This document is the latest in a series of practical product guides designed to provide real world insight into
product value. It is an updated version of the v3.1 document. Changes are limited to explanations of the
updated features and functions of version 3.2. The rest of the text remains essentially the same as the
previous version. This manual is separated into categories. It is not intended to be read from front to back
cover, although you are encouraged to do so for a general overview of the product. This is a basic reference
manual for Intellex version 3.2. Although sprinkled with technical information, it is a practical overview of
features that could be valuable to know during the sales and application process. Each category starts with a
definition of the category. The content provides practical information on each facet of Intellex v3.2.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are included. The intent is to explore each category in a direct manner,
in as few words as possible. It indicates the good, the bad and the ugly. After reading this document, you
will likely agree that there is much good, little bad, and only a rare ugly. Although “bad” and “ugly” are not
historically good things to discuss with sales prospects, this information is important to know and may keep
you from selling the product into the wrong application. The “good” information may help provide
alternate solutions to the customer’s application.
Read the document in its entirety, if you can. Keep it as a reference for Intellex v3.2. When you know that a
customer has a particular interest in a certain feature of Intellex, make sure you review that item before
talking with the prospect.
3

What’s New in Intellex v3.2?
For those of you who are already familiar with Intellex, this new feature summary may be all you need to
know to get up to speed. Some of the changes are minor. Some are significant improvements in the
product. Let’s walk through what you will run into as you work your way through the menus.
Enhanced Text Capability: Improvements have been made to text handling. Text exceptions and receipt
definitions are on different menu pages. Text exceptions can be applied as a group, requiring all conditions
to be met.
Enhanced Security: Intellex and Network Client support advanced security made available with Intellex
Policy Manager. Intellex Policy Manager software, which is purchased separately, extends Windows-level
security to Intellex. This is especially appropriate for networked systems where the IT professionals want to
control the security of all network devices including Intellex. The standard Intellex security method is
retained as the default. It is referred to as “classic security.” Intellex Policy Manager had a limited release
with Intellex v3.1. The updated version will see expanded use with v3.2.
Intellex Archive Manager: Network storage will be available with the introduction of Intellex Archive
Manager. Intellex Archive Manager software is purchased separately and allows Intellex units to archive
video to a network attached storage (NAS) device on a separate network server. Network Client provides
access to the stored data.
Intellex Archive Manager and Intellex Policy Manager are highly valuable to the large networked
installations. Both options require additional equipment that would not be practical for small installations.
Each requires its own network server. Either program may be used alone or together in the same
installation.
DVD Option: Want to export larger video files? You can opt for a DVD instead of a CD-RW. Intellex will
export DVD-sized data (up to 4.7 gigabytes or GB) in a single session. The same DVD will also write to
CD media for smaller clips.
New Hardware Configurations: 250 GB drives are used in v3.2 providing internal options of 250, 500 or
750 GB capacity. The 750 GB capacity is only available in the Intellex rack mount configuration. The
standard software package has been discontinued. Deluxe and premier software packages are the remaining
options.
Direct Dome Control Enhancements: Improvements have been made in direct dome control from
Intellex. The Camera Control GUI has been updated to incorporate additional features. You can set presets
and patterns as well as call them from Intellex. You can enter the Dome Control menu to set up dome
features.
USB-to-SensorNet Direct Dome Control: Direct dome control has been improved to include SensorNet
control of domes using a new USB-to-CCTV converter box, which is purchased separately. This device
has both SensorNet and RS-422 outputs, however only SensorNet is used in this release. Combining this
control method with the additional direct dome control enhancements mentioned above provides a powerful
method for controlling all dome features.
VM96 Switcher Control: You will be able to control domes connected to VM96 switchers. Intellex
control of the VM96 is similar to setup and control of AD switchers (MegaPower™1024, MegaPower 168
and 48 Plus). Select the control handler in the Intellex Camera Control menu. Connect a serial port to the
switcher. See the manual or the “All You Wanted to Know about DVR Dome Control” document for
installation details.
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Network Client Enhancements: Network Client has been enhanced to accommodate the changes in
Intellex. The Network Client database has been improved with Site Trees that make it easier to identify
data from selected Intellex units in larger installations. Alarm notification has been improved to include
notification when an Intellex hard drive is no longer functioning properly. The maximum “raw” video file
size download from Intellex or NAS is no longer limited to 1 GB. Requests for video content that exceed 1
GB can be met by chaining 1 GB file packets together. Each chained packet will create a separate file. The
raw file size has a maximum size of 1 GB but can be selected to a smaller size for ease of transportation by
putting it on a CD or ThumbDrive. This new functionality allows the end user to download any size of
video content in a single operation.
Intellex IP: Last on this list but soon to be first in many hearts is Intellex IP. This is a new hardware
configuration using the same Intellex v3.2 software as the standard Intellex. Although Intellex and Network
Client operation are essentially the same, the video delivery method is more advanced. IP (Internet
Protocol) cameras are used to provide a video signal delivered via TCP/IP (Ethernet) to the new hardware
(“1U” server). There is no coax cable in sight! At least that’s the theory and will be true eventually as this
technology overtakes standard cameras. Meanwhile, existing applications will be upgrading to IP with a
combination of IP cameras and IP encoders that allow customers to connect their standard analog cameras
through Ethernet.
5

Live Video
Live video is displayed directly on the monitor from video sources connected to the camera inputs of
Intellex. This can be directly from cameras, looped through other devices in the CCTV system, or from any
standard video source.
Intellex v3.2 accepts video from any standard video source. NTSC and PAL versions are available with
eight channel (DV8000) and sixteen channels (DV16000). Live video is displayed at 800x600-pixel full
screen resolution. The unit performs time base correction, so there is never a roll as images sequence. Live
video may be displayed on the SVGA (computer) monitor and on three composite (TV) monitors. One
composite output provides a full screen display of live video in full screen, 2x2, 3x3 and 4x4 cameos
(without the GUI). This same output may be menu-selected to show the playback video or stay live when
the main SVGA monitor is playing back. The second composite output is a call monitor that provides a
real-time display of individual cameras. The third composite output is a duplicate of the SVGA display
(available on DV16000 only, it is provided by the same video card that provides the main display). All
displays are available at the same time. Combinations of these individual displays are valuable in a variety
of applications.
The multiplexer front-end processes live video and displays it on the monitor at a switch rate of 120 images
per second or ips NTSC (100ips PAL). Under normal conditions, the update of each individual camera is
dependent on the number of cameras being used. For example: 120ips NTSC (100ips PAL) divided by 10
cameras would provide twelve updates of each camera per second (10 PAL). You can describe this as
follows: Live update speed is 120ips NTSC (100ips PAL) divided by the number of cameras used.
Intellex increases the display speed of those cameras that are in alarm mode. The result is a smoother
update of the cameras that are most important at that time. A single alarmed camera is interleaved (updated
as every other image). This provides a near real-time update of a single camera in alarm (normal sequence
is 1, 2, 3, 4…; with #5 in alarm, the sequence is 1, 5, 2, 5, 3, 5 and so on). With more than one camera in
alarm, motion groups are formed (1, 567, 2, 567, 3, 567, etc.). Essentially, during an alarm event more
images are provided from the most important cameras.
We traditionally think of the video input as a security camera, however it can be any composite video
source. For example:
You might have important video on a VCR tape. You could connect a VCR or camcorder as a
video input to Intellex, play back the recorder tape and record the action on Intellex, then select,
enhance and save that perfect image to diskette. From there it’s into your PC, then attached to
email and sent through the Internet to the home office. Or the same tape could be viewed as live
video at the corporate office using Network Client. If you want to select your image from full
motion video, just deselect or disconnect the other cameras temporarily. The remaining single
input will have 30ips NTSC (25ips PAL) available.
Want to evaluate your golf swing? Just videotape yourself hacking away. Install the camcorder or VCR as
described above and you are ready to single step forward and reverse to your heart’s content. Don’t forget
to keep your head down.
Q. Tell me about these four monitor outputs.
A. The SVGA (computer) main monitor allows access to all live, review and GUI functions. If this is the
only monitor you have, you can still see everything.
The composite duplicate of the SVGA display output (composite output of video card, DV16000 only)
is good for driving a large display and will allow a composite output of reviewed video that can be
transferred to videotape. Even though we are in a digital world, VHS tape will be the generic media for the
6

immediate future. This output is rarely used since the introduction of playback capability from the VACD
(live video output).
The live video output (BNC connector on back of unit) displays the video portion without the GUI. You
can view full screen, 2x2, 3x3 and 4x4 displays. The cameos and the full screen images update at the time
divided rate. This display will also show playback video when menu-selected. This is a convenient place to
provide a composite playback image to a VCR or other recording device. Alternately, you can export video
clips along with audio and text to a CD. See the “Getting Video In and Out of Intellex” chapter on page 23
for more information.
The call/spot monitor output (BNC on rear of unit) displays real-time updates of full size images. In the
call mode, it stays on the selected camera. In the spot mode, it switches to an alarmed camera for the alarm
duration and then returns to the originally selected camera. Multiple alarms will sequence.
Q. How does Covert Camera affect recording?
A. Covert cameras are recorded based on the setup parameters. The only difference is that you will not see
the covert camera(s) on the live display or on playback unless you enter an appropriate password, in which
case you will also have access to changing their parameters on the Setup menu.
7

Playback Video
Playback video is the video that is retrieved from the hard drive and displayed on the main SVGA monitor.
The played back video may also be seen on the composite duplicate of the main display and on the VACD
card output when menu-selected to do so. Playback video appears to have a lower resolution than live video
due to the configuration of JPEG. It may be accompanied by a single channel of recorded audio and up to
four channels of recorded text.
Intellex has a distinct advantage over VHS tape. Although a video clip is often shown to identify the
culprit, most tape investigation consists of individual image-by-image review of the tape using the
pause/still button in conjunction with the single step capability of the VCR. Many still images exhibit
“tearing” where the still image is jumping and portions of the image may be distorted. There is no tearing
with Intellex. Each image is a perfect individual picture. The mouse-controlled Intellex jog shuttle (or
selectable VCR control buttons) allow you to run forward and backward through the available images. The
action gets faster or slower with no image distortion. There is no comparison between the quality of
Intellex single step image review and that of a conventional VCR. In fact, if you would like to try an
experiment, check the “Getting Video In and Out of Intellex” on page 23 for information on how to play
back that VHS tape in Intellex.
Playback from DAT tape: You can’t play back archived information directly from a DAT tape. The
archived information must first be loaded into the Intellex and then reviewed from the hard drive. The
reloaded information is put on the C: drive. This is the system drive partition of the first Intellex drive. It is
not loaded to the data drive, as that would interfere with the normal recording. You can’t load the entire
DAT tape to the drive. There is not enough room, and it would take a very long time to load. Up to fifty 20
MG segments can be loaded at the same time. There is an index header on the DAT tape. You can select
the segments you wish to load by time/date and whether there are alarms present. Loading and restoring
information from the DAT tape can be a very slow process. The DAT is a linear device. If you select a
segment for review from the physical end of the tape, the mechanism must work its way to that position
before retrieving it. Once this data is reloaded to the C: drive, it can be exported to CD-RW.
Intellex v3.1 and beyond will support archiving to a Super Digital Linear Tape (SDLT) device. Although
more reliable and larger in capacity than DAT, this is a tape device with many of the same limitations.
SDLT devices offer an expensive archive alternative for those whose application demands permanent
archive storage of all data.
The export feature of Intellex allows you to write selected video clips, along with audio and text, to a CD-
RW. Intellex v3.2 has an optional DVD for exporting larger video segments. As you are viewing video in
Intellex, select the start point and the end point of the desired video clip. You can include footage from one
camera or from all cameras simultaneously by choosing either a single or multi-pane display. The clip is
saved to a list. You can export any or all of the clips to CD. You can also fill the CD with the latest video
from all cameras by activating a contact closure on alarm input 18 or by selecting the “Fill CD” option
from the Export menu. Here’s how you do it:
1) Close the contact.
2) Intellex calculates the last 600 MG of record time and then copies it to the CD, ending at the
time the contact closed (this could take up to an hour to finish). If a DVD is used, the last four
GB of information are recorded. Intellex Player software is copied to the CD along with the
video for installation and viewing on a standard PC.
The jog shuttle is usually a favorite feature of Intellex playback. You can manipulate your way through the
recorded video by moving the shuttle knob with the mouse. Believe it or not, there are some people who
would rather have traditional VCR control buttons to review the video. If you must, you can change the jog
shuttle display to traditional VCR control buttons by selecting it in the Display menu.
Q. Why does live video appear to have a higher quality than playback video?
8

A. Live video is processed and displayed prior to recording. It is not compressed like recorded video is.
The live display pixel format is 800x600. JPEG recording limits the pixel count to 640x240 (80x30 tiles,
8x8 pixels within each tile). It is degraded even more in the lower resolution that accompanies extended
record mode (320x240, DV16000 only). Although the playback video is sampled at the 800x600-pixel
format for display, it is sampling the stored JPEG image.
Q. Is the playback quality really better than a high quality VHS tape? What about SVHS?
A. The earlier versions are at least as good as high quality tape. This is true the very first time you review
the video. It is even truer after the 20th time you review the video. Unlike with VHS and SVHS tape, the
quality of the Intellex retrieved image does not degrade with multiple usages. The cruel truth is that video
quality is subjective.
Q. What about degrading quality of the video retrieved from the DAT tape? After all, it is still a tape.
A. The DAT tape stores the information in digital format. Even though the quality of the individual ones
and zeros may degrade over multiple uses, they are still easily recognizable as ones and zeros by Intellex.
That is why when Intellex processes the video information, the playback quality remains constant.
Q. Wouldn’t it be easier to review archived information if you made the Intellex capable of reviewing
information directly from the DAT tape?
A. No. DAT operation is very slow because the mechanism has to forward and reverse its way to portions
of the tape that hold the information that you want to review. Once the information is on a hard drive, it is
much easier and faster to get to.
Q. How can I select video for review?
A. You can review video that you just saw live by clicking the pause/play button and dragging the jog
shuttle directly to the recent event. For video recorded some time ago, you can search by time/date, camera
number, the playback slide bar and by Smart Search. Archived video can be reviewed by first retrieving
the appropriate segments from a DAT tape, then using the search tools.
Q. What about this 320x240 record mode? Will the video quality be good enough?
A. It would depend on your expectations. It won’t be as good as 640x240. It would be a good tradeoff for a
longer record duration in many applications. This option is available only in the DV16000.
Q. How much will the 320x240 record mode degrade the perceived image quality?
A. Clearly, there will be a difference. The choice presented to the DV16000 user is one of longer record
duration at a lower image quality or prettier pictures for a shorter time. The DV8000 user doesn’t face this
choice, as the 320x240 record mode is not available. Having said that, how can you mitigate the effect? The
playback image from a properly placed high quality camera is not that much different in 640x240 than it is
in 320x240. Lower quality cameras covering a larger viewing area will look worse. So use good cameras
rather than depending solely on the zoom function within Intellex to help identify an object or person.
Q. If I record at 120 images per second (ips), will I be able to play back at 120ips?
A. The 120ips record rate is sampling cameras at that rate. No individual camera will update that fast. In
fact, a single camera will not exceed 30ips as only one field is used from each camera. The actual record
speed depends on the settings selected in the Rate menu (go to the Setup menu and select Rate). You can
select individual camera record rates or use the traditional “auto” mode that divides the available rate of
images per second across the cameras connected.
9

Instant Replay
Instant replay is the ability to replay incidents seconds after they happen. It allows in-depth investigation of
recent events without affecting the recording of current activity. This is an easy feature to overlook when
touting Intellex strengths yet very few competing products can do this. Most take minutes before the
recorded video is available for playback.
The operator catches a glimpse of something on the monitor from the corner of his eye. Did that customer
really put something under his shirt before hastily heading toward the door? Does he alert the front door
and have the customer detained on the chance that he’s right? Does he embarrass the customer, the store
and himself when he finds that the customer was merely adjusting his back brace?
With VCR technology, you have to make that choice. By the time you review the tape, not only has the
shoplifter cleared the parking lot. The milk in your refrigerator has probably expired. And while you are
struggling to review the incident, you’re not recording current activity.
With Intellex, you press the play/pause button and use the jog shuttle to replay the incident seconds after it
happened. You clearly see whether the incident requires action. In the mean time, Intellex continues to
record the current activity. If you have a live composite monitor installed, the live display is still visible
while you are reviewing the incident on the computer monitor. So you know in advance whether you have a
shoplifter deserting the scene or a customer who just remembered an important errand.
Q. You said you could review video “seconds” after it happens. How many seconds?
A. About five seconds. Actually, it depends on which mode the Intellex is in immediately before you use
the mouse to activate the pause/play function. It could be as few as one second. Five seconds is a safe
number to mention. You see an incident, then evoke the pause/play function to enter playback mode. The
Intellex changes modes and displays the playback video. The playback video continues to display, just a
few seconds behind live video. With a composite live monitor available, you could leave Intellex in this
mode, taking a second look at all video from that camera first on the live, then on the main monitor.
Q. How can you demonstrate instant replay and show that the Intellex is still recording current activity
while this is going on?
A. Select an object as a prop. While standing in view of the camera, toss the object into the air and let it
rotate slowly while in the air. Repeat this a couple of times. Hand the object to someone else and have them
continue to toss the object. At the Intellex, press play/pause and reverse the jog shuttle to your
performance. You can show the object in forward and reverse with single step investigation. Next, you can
fast forward to the second performer. Remember to point out that this was recording while you were
playing back the previous video.
Q. What’s the difference between instant replay and normal playback image review?
A. Both are reviews of video information on the data drive. The only difference is that instant replay is an
immediate interaction to view a near current event. This is a vast improvement over performing a similar
operation with VCR technology, which is much slower and more laborious. Few digital recorders allow
instant review. This is an Intellex strength.
Pluses: • Allows immediate review of events.
• Provides the operator with an interactive connection with Intellex. You aren’t just watching
the action, you’re part of it.
Minuses: • None, other than it is such fun to play with that the operator may get preoccupied with the
technology rather than maintaining vigilance.
10