ViewCast Osprey-50 User manual

Osprey-50 USB Installation and
User’s Guide
Part Number:
Version Number:
Osprey Technologies Division
600 Airport Blvd.
Suite 900
Morrisville, NC 27560 USA
http://www.viewcast.com

Osprey-50 USB i
Copyright 2000 ViewCast.com
This document is copyrighted by ViewCast.com. No part of this specification may be
reproduced, transcribed, transmitted or stored in a retrieval system in any part, or
by any means without the express written consent of ViewCast.com.
Disclaimer
ViewCast.com reserves the right to change any products herein at any time and
without notice. ViewCast.com and Osprey Technologies Division make no
representations or warranties regarding the content of this document, and assumes
no responsibility for any errors contained herein.
Trademark Acknowledgment
Osprey-50 is a trademark of ViewCast.com. Microsoft, Windows NT, Windows 95,
Windows 98, Windows Media, and Video for Windows are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. RealPlayer, RealProducer, and RealServer are
trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks Corporation. Any other
product names, trademarks, trade names, service marks, or service names owned or
registered by any other company and mentioned herein are the property of their
respective companies.
ViewCast.com
Osprey Technologies Division
600 Airport Blvd., Suite 900
Morrisville, NC 27560 USA
www.viewcast.com
Created – December, 2000
FCC Notice
The Osprey-50 device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
! Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
! Increase the separation between the computer and the receiver.
! Connect the computer into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
! Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

ii Osprey-50 USB
Shielded Cables
Connections between this device and peripherals must be made using shielded
cables in order to maintain compliance with FCC radio emission limits.
Modifications
Modifications to this device, not approved by ViewCast.com, could void the authority
granted to the user by the FCC to operate the device.
Warranty
ViewCast.com warrants that the Osprey-50 you have purchased from ViewCast.com
or from a ViewCast.com business partner is free from defects on materials or
workmanship under normal use for the first year after your date of purchase. Your
dated sales receipt is your proof of the date of purchase. This warranty extends only
to you, the original purchaser. You cannot transfer the warranty to anyone who
purchases the product from you.
During the warranty period, ViewCast.com will repair or replace a defective product
with new parts or with serviceable parts that are equivalent or superior to new parts
in performance.
This Limited Warranty extends only to products purchased from ViewCast.com or
from a ViewCast.com business partner.
This Limited Warranty also does not extend to any product that has been damaged
or rendered defective (a) as a result of accident, misuse or abuse; (b) as a result of
an act of God; (c) by operation outside the usage parameters stated in the product
documentation (d) by modification of the product (e) as a result of service by anyone
other than ViewCast.com or an authorized ViewCast.com business partner.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY, VIEWCAST.COM.COM
MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. VIEWCAST.COM.COM EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES NOT
STATED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY BE
IMPOSED BY LAW ARE LIMITED TO THE TERMS OF THIS EXPRESS LIMITED
WARRANTY.
ViewCast.com is not liable for any damages caused by the product or by the failure
of the product to perform, including any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages
or consequential damages. ViewCast.com is not liable for any claim made by a third
party or made by you for a third party.
This limitation applies whether damages are sought or a claim made, under this
warranty or as a tort claim (including negligence and strict product liability), a
contract claim or any other claim. This limitation cannot be waived or amended by
any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if ViewCast.com or an
authorized representative of ViewCast.com has been advised by you of the possibility
of such damages. This limitation of liability, however, will not apply to claims for
personal injury.

Osprey-50 USB iii
Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts. In such
states, the limitations or exclusions of this Limited Warranty may not apply to you.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation in incidental or consequential
damages for consumer products. In such states, the exclusion or limitation of this
Limited Warranty may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific
legal rights. You may also have other rights that may vary from state to state. You
are advised to consult applicable state laws for a full determination of your rights.

iv Osprey-50 USB

Table of Contents
Getting Started................................................................. 1
What is Streaming Video?.............................................................................. 1
About This Guide .......................................................................................... 2
Symbols.................................................................................................... 3
System Requirements ................................................................................... 3
Additional Requirements ........................................................................... 3
Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 4
Electronic Support ...................................................................................... 4
Phone Support ........................................................................................... 4
Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device ......... 5
Installing the Osprey-50 USB Drivers .............................................................. 5
Completing the Osprey-50 USB Driver Installation.......................................... 6
Connecting the Osprey-50 USB Cable.............................................................. 7
Connecting the Audio and Video Sources ......................................................... 8
Connecting Video Cables ............................................................................. 8
Connecting Audio Cables ............................................................................. 9
Determining Your Audio Cable Type ..........................................................10
Connecting Your Audio Source..................................................................10
Testing the Installation.................................................................................11
RealProducer G2 Installation.......................................... 13
Installing RealProducer.................................................................................13
Method One..............................................................................................13
Method Two..............................................................................................14
Completing the RealProducer Installation......................................................15
RealPlayer Installation ................................................... 19
Installing RealPlayer ....................................................................................19
Method One..............................................................................................19
Method Two..............................................................................................20
Completing the RealPlayer Installation .........................................................21

Installing the Windows Media Encoder Application........ 25
Installing Windows Media Encoder .................................................................25
Method One..............................................................................................25
Method Two..............................................................................................26
Completing the Windows Media Encoder Installation ......................................27
Installing the Windows Media Player.............................. 31
Installing Windows Media Player....................................................................31
Method One..............................................................................................31
Method Two..............................................................................................32
Completing the Windows Media Player Installation.........................................33
Capturing Video Using the AmCap Application................ 39
Capturing your Video and Audio ....................................................................39
Preparing to Capture..................................................................................39
Begin Capturing Video................................................................................41
Stop Capturing Video.................................................................................43
Viewing Captured Video .............................................................................43
Creating a Video Stream with RealProducer ................... 45
Creating a RealMedia File from an AVI File......................................................45
Placing Your RealMedia File on a Web Page .....................................................52
Creating a Video Stream with Windows Media
Technologies .......................................................................... 53
Creating a Windows Media File from an AVI File...............................................53
Appendix A - Troubleshooting......................................... 59
Blue Video Screen........................................................................................59
Black Preview Video Screen ..........................................................................59
Scrambled Video Image................................................................................59
Grainy, Dithered Image................................................................................60
Poor Video Quality at Large Frame Sizes.........................................................60
"Unable to Initialize Direct Draw" Message in Windows 98 ................................61
Unable to Open Driver or Similar Error Messages.............................................61
Video Compression and Playback Issues.........................................................61

Appendix B – Glossary of Terms ..................................... 63
4:2:2 Packed Video Format...........................................................................63
AVI (Audio Video Interface) ..........................................................................63
CCIR601.....................................................................................................63
CIF (Common Intermediate Format) ..............................................................63
Codec (Coder/Decoder)................................................................................63
DirectDraw .................................................................................................64
Direct Capture.............................................................................................64
Grey8 Video Format.....................................................................................64
NTSC-NTSC-M, NTSC-J.................................................................................64
PAL-BDGHI, PAL-M, PAL-N, NC......................................................................64
Plausibly Live ..............................................................................................64
QCIF (Quarter Common Intermediate Format) ................................................65
RGB15 Video Format....................................................................................65
RGB24 Video Format....................................................................................65
RGB32 Video Format....................................................................................65
SECAM .......................................................................................................65
Streaming...................................................................................................66
YUV12 Planar Video Format ..........................................................................66
YVU9 Planar Video Format ............................................................................66
Appendix C – Other Resources........................................ 67
Osprey Product Line.....................................................................................67
ViewCast.com Product Line ...........................................................................67
RealNetworks Product Line............................................................................67
Appendix D – Uncompressed Video................................. 69
File Size Calculations....................................................................................69
Capture Size Limitations...............................................................................69
Appendix E – Ligos Indeo Installation ............................ 71
Installing Ligos Technology's Indeo................................................................71

Osprey-50 USB 1
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing an Osprey-50 USB video capture device. The CD-ROM
included with the capture device makes it easy to create movies and streaming video
on your computer. It includes hardware and software allowing you to create
streaming video. The hardware and software for included in the Osprey-50 USB
package includes:
! Osprey-50 USB device enables you to take video from an external source,
such as a camcorder, VCR, DVD player, or other device, and store it as a file
on your computer.
! Windows Media Encoder allows you to take your video and create a streaming
media file.
! Windows Media Player allows you to view streaming media content.
! RealProducer software allows you to take your video and create a streaming
media file.
! RealPlayer allows you to view streaming media content.
What is Streaming Video?
Streaming video is a method, which represents a one-to-many, real-time broadcast
of video and audio over the Internet. It can also be transmitted over a variety of
local and wide-area network implementations. It can be a live broadcast of an event
or presentation, or on-demand prerecorded video (a RealMedia file).
When the term Streaming Video is used, it generally means audio and video
combined. Streaming Audio is audio only.
Streaming video allows users to view audio/video content without having to
download the file to their local computer. The video is "streamed" to your computer,
which means the player on your side starts playing the content after a short
buffering period, which can be between five to twenty seconds, depending on the
video bit-rate and network traffic. The buffer allows the player to maintain
continuous playback in the event of minor network congestion.
A simple example is a "shock-resistant" portable CD player. These CD players store
three to five seconds of a track from a CD in their memory, so if the player gets
bumped, it doesn't skip. Streaming video works the same way. The player keeps a
buffer of video and if there is any network congestion, the player keeps playing
without stopping. A streaming video player stores more in memory than the CD
player because network congestion can be several seconds, as opposed to a bump to
the CD player lasting only about a second.

Getting Started
2 Osprey-50 USB
Streaming media also takes into account the viewer’s connection to the Internet. For
example, some people have 28.8K modem connections, others have 56K modem
connections, and some are directly connected via a T1 line. When you create your
streaming video, you need to set a bit-rate for the target audience. You can either
set a single bit-rate, such as 56K, or a bit-rate including multiple settings, such as
28K, 56K, and 100K.
With a single bit-rate stream, only users connecting at the specific bit-rate or higher
are able to view the video stream. For example, if you set the bit-rate to 56K, a user
with a 28K-modem connection is not able to view the video.
With a multi-bit-rate stream, you can create a single stream supporting multiple bit-
rates, so people with 28K modems can watch the stream along with people viewing
the stream at 100K. To do the same with single bit-rates, you have to create
multiple streams, all set to different bit-rates.
One advantage to having multiple streams of varying bit-rates is each stream can be
configured specifically for the target bit-rate. For example, a video image size of
320x240 (also known as "CIF", pronounced "Sif") is great for higher bit-rates, such
as 100K. However, it is not a good size for lower bit-rates. A video image size of
160x120 (also known as "QCIF", pronounced "Q Sif", or "Quarter Sif") is great for
low bit-rate connections like 28K or 56K.
With several single bit-rate streams, you can optimize your content for each
connection speed.
About This Guide
This manual is contains the following sections:
! Getting Started - Introduction to your Osprey-50 USB Capture Device
! Osprey-50 Device Installation - Installing the Osprey-50 USB Capture
Device and drivers
! RealProducer Installation - Installing the RealProducer Software
! RealPlayer Installation - Installing the RealPlayer Software
! Windows Media Installations - Installing the Windows Media Encoder and
Player software
! Capturing Video Using AmCap – Capturing uncompressed video
! Creating a Video Stream with RealProducer- Creating streaming media
with RealProducer
! Creating a Video Stream with Windows Media Technologies – Creating
streaming media with Windows Media Technologies

Getting Started
Osprey-50 USB 3
Symbols
This document contains symbols indicating useful information:
SEE ALSO: Indicates other sections of the document or other documents
containing related information
NOTE: Supplemental information
SHORTCUT: Indicates shortcuts
WARNING: Indicates information not to be ignored
System Requirements
The system requirements for the Osprey-50 USB product include the following:
! Computer with Sound Card with 1 available USB port
! Windows 98
! 120MHz Pentium or better (200+ MHz MMX recommended)
! 32 Megabytes Memory (64MB or better recommended)
! 500 Megabytes of Free Space (mainly for creating AVI files)
Additional Requirements
There are additional system requirements not included in the Osprey-50 USB which
include:
! Audio/Video input source - camera, camcorder, VCR, DVD, etc.
! Composite (RCA) or S-video cables to connect input source to Osprey-50 card
! Audio Cables to connect Audio/Video source to sound card

Getting Started
4 Osprey-50 USB
Troubleshooting
Refer to Appendix A for solutions to the most common problems prior
to contacting Technical Support.
Technical and customer support is available via phone, E-mail, or the World Wide
Web. Before you contact support, make sure you have the following information
available:
! System CPU type (Pentium)
! Amount of memory in your system (RAM)
! Operating system (Windows 98)
! Detailed information about the problem, including the exact wording of any
error messages
! Information about what you've already done to fix the problem
Electronic Support
For support on the Osprey-50, RealProducer, or RealPlayer, use the following E-mail
address:
! [email protected]om
Phone Support
For support on the Osprey-50, RealProducer, or RealPlayer, use the following phone
number:
! North America: [phone]

Osprey-50 USB 5
Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video
Capture Device
Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device consists of several steps. These
steps are outline in this chapter of the manual. These include:
! Installing the Osprey-50 USB drivers
! Connecting the Osprey-50 USB cable to your computer
! Connecting the audio and video sources
! Testing the installation
Installing the Osprey-50 USB Drivers
To install the Osprey-50 USB drivers:
1. Click Start and select Run.
The Run window displays.
Figure 2-1: Run Window
2. Click Browse.
The Browse window displays
Figure 2-2: Browse Window

Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device
6 Osprey-50 USB
3. Locate your CD-ROM drive in the Look In drop-down list.
The contents of the CD-ROM display.
Figure 2-3: Contents of the CD-ROM
4. Double-click the O50USB folder.
5. Double-click the Osprey50USB_98-2K.exe file.
The Run window displays.
Figure 2-4: Run Window
6. Click OK.
The installation process begins.
Click the Windows 98 button to begin the installation process. Then proceed to the
section titled “Completing the Osprey-50 USB Driver Installation”.
Completing the Osprey-50 USB Driver Installation
This section of the chapter describes the remaining part of the Osprey-50 USB driver
installation.
To complete the installation:
The Welcome window displays.
Figure 2-5: Welcome Window

Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device
Osprey-50 USB 7
1. Click Next.
The Osprey-50 USB Installation window displays.
Figure 2-6: Osprey-50 USB Installation Window
2. Click Next.
After all the required files are copied, the installation prompts you to restart
your computer.
3. Click OK to restart your computer.
Connecting the Osprey-50 USB Cable
This section details how to connect your Osprey-50 USB cable to your computer.
Figure 2-7: Osprey-50 USB Cable
The USB port on your computer is a small rectangular opening. It is usually located
near the other devices connecting to your computer. These include your monitor,
printer, mouse, and keyboard.
Look for this symbol on your computer.
Figure 2-8: USB Port International Symbol

Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device
8 Osprey-50 USB
If you do not see the symbol located on your computer, look at Figure 2-9 to help
you locate your USB port.
USB Ports
Figure 2-9: Tower Style Computer – Back View
Connecting the Audio and Video Sources
The third step is to connect your video input device to your Osprey-50 USB Video
Capture Device. You also connect your audio input device to your computer’s sound
card. This allows you to capture audio and video from the device and turn it into
videos and streaming media files.
Connecting Video Cables
The Osprey-50 USB cable has two inputs, one composite (RCA) and one S-Video.
See Figure 2-10.
Figure 2-10: Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device Video Inputs

Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device
Osprey-50 USB 9
There are many types of video sources. These include:
! Camcorders
! VCRs
! DVD players
These types of devices usually come with connections known as RCA style. RCA style
connections are also referred to as composite video. Your device may also have an
S-Video connection.
S-Video signals provide a sharper image with better color separation.
However, a composite input also provides a very high quality image.
To connect your video input device to the Opsrey-50 USB cable:
1. Connect the cable to the Video Out port on your video source.
2. Connect the same cable to the input on the Osprey-50 USB cable.
You can use either an RCA style or S-Video cable to connect the video
input device to the Osprey-50 USB cable.
Connecting Audio Cables
Sound cards can vary between computers.
! Sound cards installed into an expansion slot
! Sound cards built into the computer’s motherboard
The types of connections for the audio can also vary between computers and sound
card manufacturers.
! RCA style input
! 3.5mm style input (stereo or mono audio)
Sound cards with stereo capability often have two connectors for the
audio input. Sound cards without stereo input capability may have one
microphone and one line input.
In addition to the above differences, the connection ports on the sound card can be
labeled differently.
! Microphone In or Mic In
! Line In
Refer to your sound card or computer documentation for more specific
information on connecting audio to your sound card
Your audio source can be the same as your video input device. These include:
! Camcorders
! VCRs
! DVD players

Installing the Osprey-50 USB Video Capture Device
10 Osprey-50 USB
It could also be a microphone, CD player, or any device separate from the video
input device. Your audio device should have one of the following types of
connections:
! Dual RCA Connector
! Single RCA Connector
! 3.5mm stereo or mono
For assistance in determining the audio cable needed to complete the audio
connections, please refer to the next section titled “Determining Your Audio Cable
Type”.
Determining Your Audio Cable Type
Audio Source
Connection Dual RCA Connector Single RCA Connector 3.5mm Connector
Sound Card
Connection Single RCA Connection Two RCA
Single RCA
Single RCA
Single RCA
3.5mm
Single RCA
3.5mm
Connections Two RCA
3.5mm
Single RCA
3.5mm
3.5mm
3.5mm
To use this table:
1. Locate your audio source connection type in the top row of the table.
2. Locate your sound card connection type in the left column of the table.
3. Look across the table to determine the audio cable type needed for your
specific configuration.
The cable type columns describe the connector types on each end of the cable.
For example, your camcorder contains two RCA audio output connections and your
sound card has a 3.5mm connection. You need an audio cable, which has two RCA
style connectors on one end and a 3.5mm connector on the other end.
If you don’t have the appropriate cables to complete the connections,
you may purchase cables at any retailed that sells audio and video
equipment.
Connecting Your Audio Source
Connect the audio cable from your audio output device to the sound card. If your
sound card has a port labeled “Line In”, connect the remaining end of the cable to
this port. If your sound card has a port labeled “Mic In” connect the remaining end of
the cable to this port.