Visual Circuits ReelTime 2 User manual

ReelTime 2
User Manual
Visual Circuits Corporation

Trademarks
The Visual Circuits logo is a registered trademark in the United States
and other countries. All other products, services or company names
mentioned herein are claimed as trademarks and trade names by their
respective companies.
c Visual Circuits, 1999-2000. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual may be copied by any means without the prior
consent of Visual Circuits.
Visual Circuits
5155 East River Road, Suite 401
Minneapolis, MN 55421
http://www.visualcircuits.com
Visual Circuits Publication Number: 813-0009a
All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Federal Communications Radio Frequency Interference
Statement
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructional manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense. However, if this
equipment does cause interference to radio or television equipment
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
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 equipment and receiver.
❏Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
❏Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for help.
Industry Canada
This Class A digital appartus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du
Regulement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.

EMC and Safety Directive Compliance
The CE mark is affixed to this Visual Circuits Corporation product to
confirm compliance with the following European Community Directives:
Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of
the laws of Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
And
Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February
1973 on the harmonization of the laws of
Member States relating to electrical equipment
designed for use within certain voltage limits:
Each ammended by
Council Directive 93/68/EEC of 22 July 1993
on the harmonization of CE marking
requirements.

i
CONTENTS
Overview 1
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Genlock Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Audio/Video Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
API for Calling the Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Installation Guide 5
Card Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Cable Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Jumper Configurations 9
Starting Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Editing Driver Settings 11
Driver Editing Utility: VccReg.exe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Common Driver Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Multi-Card Servers 23
Multi-Threading and Drive Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Drive Mapping: Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Troubleshooting Overview 27

ii
Contents
Server Setup Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Troubleshooting Tips 31
BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Blue screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Message says ’’VCC4PRO Driver not found!’’when
Vidserve is started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
No video or audio output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Stuttering files during Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
"Latent Images" or "Flashing" during playback . .34
SMPTE time codes are not recognized properly. .36
On Screen (GIF) Overlay Information . . . . . . . . .37
Video blocks or stutters when starting playback. .38
Overall blocky or distorted playback . . . . . . . . . .38
Poor Onscreen Display (GIF) overlay. . . . . . . . . .38
Problems using the API. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Mouse lags and overall poor system performance39
MPEG will not play on mapped network drive. . .39
Vidserve does not work at all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Monitors roll / lose sync when files are loaded. . .39
All channels pause when a new file is started on a
channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
No audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
More than one board will not play or make a few
horizontal lines on the screen. . . . . . . . . . . .40
RGB Sync or scan line noise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Poor Audio ’Popping’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

iii
Contents
Contacting Visual Circuits Corporation 43
Contacting Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
What You Should Have Ready When You Call. . . . .43
What You Can Expect When You Call. . . . . . . . . . . .44
Technical Support Contact Information for the Value
Added Reseller (VAR) or Distributor Only . . . . .44
Returning Materials to Visual Circuits Corporation. .45
Appendix 47
Hardware Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Audio Video Breakout Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
How to Build a Server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Motherboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Processor (CPU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Hard Disks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Chassis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Tuning Multiple Board Servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

iv
Contents

1
OVERVIEW
Introduction
The Visual Circuits ReelTime 2 is a PCI bus board that can play
back up to two MPEG2 or MPEG1 video and audio files
simultaneously. The ReelTime 2 supports composite video, S-
video, or interlaced RGBS video (Red, Green, Blue, with
combined H/V sync). The RGB output is interlaced and may not
be supported on older PC monitor displays. There is CD quality
stereo audio output for each channel.
The ReelTime 2 also provides software controlled volume
adjustment on the baseboard.
Each board is designed to operate as a PCI bus master. This means
that once the software tells the board where to retrieve the MPEG
data from, the board will retrieve and route the data to the
appropriate channel with minimal CPU use. This feature allows
for multiple boards to run concurrently with smooth multi-channel
video and audio playback.
An On-Screen Display (OSD) is also included on the boards. This
OSD provides a full-resolution (up to 720x480) graphic or text
overlay on each MPEG file being played. The overlay can be set to
16 levels of transparency and can have up to 16 simultaneous
colors.
A Windows NT driver and software developer’s kit (SDK) is
included with the board. Consult with your Visual Circuits
representative for Linux and Windows 2000 support. Also check
for software downloads at www.visualcircuits.com.

2
Genlock Options
The RT Daughter card is an additional option for the ReelTime 2.
The connectors on the daughter card attach to the two rows of pins
on the RGB baseboard. The daughter card does not require an
additional PCI slot. The daughter board supports the ability to
genlock to an external composite video source. This module also
includes a stereo audio and composite video switch for roll-free
switching between the MPEG file being played and an external
audio/video source. The genlock module also adds volume and
tone control to each audio channel. An external composite video
source can be "switched" to and displayed on the video display
monitors. Audio switching can be done as well.
A "non-switching" version of Genlock is also available. This is
often used to provide a continuous signal sync for display devices.
The external sync source is often a blackburst generator. However,
any composite video signal source may be used. With "Non-
switching" Genlock, S-Video and RGB video output is supported.
The RT Daughter card also has its own on board blackburst
generator for continuous signal sync for video displays and
projectors if required.
Audio/Video Distribution
There are three options from Visual Circuits for audio/video
distribution. None of these devices are powered and follow all
standard audio/video cabling procedures.

Overview
3
1. Mini AV Breakout Box: This box brings out four BNC
composite video connectors, four S-video connectors and four
mini-phonejack stereo audio connectors. The box connects
directly to the DB-25 pin connector on the board and occupies
only one slot width on the back of a PC chassis. S-video and
composite videoare simultaneously available on each channel.
No RGB output is supported.
2. Rackmount Breakout Box: This brings out all video signals to
BNC connectors and audio to terminal post ("Phoenix type")
connectors. A twisted ribbon cable with adapters connects the
boards DB 25 pin to the rackmount’s 1 RU enclosure. The
Rackmount Breakout Box supports all configurations.
3. Universal Cable: This cable also supports all board
configurations and comes as a 19 inch cable which attaches to
each board’s DB 25. All output connectors are RCA female
type, requiring appropriate adapters and patch cables. (Visual
Circuits does not carry cable adapters and accessories.)
Figure 1 Front view of ReelTime 2 board.

Overview
4
API for Calling the Driver
The source code for the Vidserve demo program is provided for
developers as an example of how to access the driver. The current
version of the driver uses a C API interface, but does not currently
support, ActiveMovie or Direct X. Applications can use the driver
by calling the dynamic link library 4REELAPI.DLL. The files
needed (4REELAPI.LIB and 4REELAPI.H, 4REELSYN.H) are
provided in the VIDSERVE.ZIP file, along with the source code
and MS VC++ 2.0 project makefile for Vidserve. See
4REELAPI.H for a complete description of the interface functions.
The interchannel synchronization functions are declared in
4REELSYN.H.
For further programming details see the ReelTime 2ReelTime 2
SDK manual.

Installation Guide
5
INSTALLATION GUIDE
The Visual Circuits Corporation ReelTime 2 decoder board is a
half sized PCI card. The card is secured using an IO mounting
bracket secured to the chassis. This bracket is affixed to the 25-pin
female D Sub output of the board.
CAUTION
If a card is not lodged securely in the PCI slot
when the system power is applied, damage to
the ReelTime 2 board may occur
CAUTION
It is possible to damage system components,
primarily the system's mainboard, if power is
applied to an improperly seated card
CAUTION
Whenever installing a board, never force the
board into position. During the installation if
pressure or tension is noted, stop immediately
and refer to the chassis manufacturer's
specifications for card installation and
placement

Installation Guide
6
Card Installation
To install the card, carefully slide the board into the selected PCI
slot of the mainboard. Ensure that the bracket is aligned with the
IO opening of the chassis and that the outer edge of the card rests
securely according to the chassis’design. Consult with the chassis
manufacturer for specific guidelines.
Figure 2 Installation of board.
CAUTION
Follow all necessary precautions when
handling electrical circuit boards Damage can
occur due to frictional contact with board
circuitry or due to electrostatic discharge
(ESD)

Installation Guide
7
Cable Installation
1. Back the set-screws off fully before attaching the cable. Do not
use the attaching screws to “pull”the cable onto the female D
Sub connector of the board.
2. Orient the D Sub on the cable properly and apply slight even
pressure while connecting the D Subs.
3. Secure the Universal Cable in place with the two screws.
4. Attach the patch cables to the Universal Cable as per the
installation.
NOTE
Apply strain relief as required when attaching all
patch cables. The set-screws will easily support the
niversal Cable strain, but will not take into account
the wieght and strain of any connected cables.

Installation Guide
8
Figure 3 Cable Installation
NOTE
The Rackmount Breakout Box ribbon cable assembly
attaches to the board in the same way. Please refer
to the Rackmount Breakout Box documentation for
further details.

9
JUMPER CONFIGURATIONS
The following figures show the default jumper settings for the
ReelTime 2 board. These jumper settings are for normal operation.
The exception is the voltage jumper. This jumper can be set as
follows:
❏Right position: Use 3.3V power on the bus for reduced
power consumption and heat dissipation
❏Left position: Default: Use 5V power on the bus (if the
machine doesn’t have 3.3V.)
Be sure to verify with your system or motherboard manufacturer
for PCI voltage information.
Figure 4 ReelTime 2 (Default) Jumper Diagram

Jumper Configurations
10
Starting Playback
Now that your card is installed:
❏Be sure all software applications are closed.
❏Run Vidserve, the playback application located under
Visual Circuits’programs.
❏Browse to the MPEG file desired and open it.
❏Click Load and wait for the position counter to stop
moving. Then click Play.
For more information on using the Vidserve playback application,
please refer to the Vidserve User Manual. For further
troubleshooting information, see Troubleshooting Tips on page 31.

Editing Driver Settings
11
EDITING DRIVER SETTINGS
Driver Editing Utility: VccReg exe
Common Driver Parameters
VccReg.exe is a driver editing utility designed specifically for
editing the VCC4Pro driver settings.
NOTE
The driver default settings are used for single board
servers with no adjustments. Because of this the
default settings will not support all server
configurations. RT Daughter card, multiple boards
and other performance settings may be lost. Always
record settings prior to making any changes.

Editing Driver Settings
12
There are four tabs containing different parameters, descriptions of
these parameters, and driver default settings. The four tabs in
VccReg.exe are General, Performance, Audio/Video and Special
and are located on the left side of the window. The right side of
the window contains the Value, Default, Range and Description
fields.
To change a parameter, enter the appropriate information in the
Value field and click the set button . If you want to
restore the default value, click the set to default button
.