FullVideo Basic for AlphaStation Systems

This user's guide provides comprehensive information for installing, using, and troubleshooting the FullVideo Basic module on Digital AlphaStation systems running either Digital UNIX or Microsoft Windows NT.

The FullVideo Basic module (AV201-AA) is a PCI-based hardware component that enables multimedia capabilities, specifically real-time video capture and live playback on the desktop. Key features include support for NTSC and PAL video input, two RCA composite video inputs, one S-video input, various video capture formats (YUV, RGB), and still image capture. It supports video scaling from icon to full-screen size. Minimum system requirements include an AlphaStation with a VGA monitor, sufficient hard disk space (80MB for NT, 16MB for UNIX), a 256-color VGA adapter, and an AlphaStation Sound Card.

The guide details the hardware installation process, including unpacking the kit contents (module, cables, software diskettes), setting I/O address jumpers, physically installing the module into an available PCI slot, and connecting video sources (camcorder, TV, VCR, laser disc) using RCA or S-video cables.

For software, it covers installation procedures for both Windows NT and Digital UNIX environments. For Windows NT, it explains how to install the FullVideo Basic software from diskettes and introduces the "TV" application icon. For Digital UNIX, it specifies the requirement of Multimedia Services for Digital UNIX run-time kit (Version 2.0 or later).

The "TV" application allows users to display live video, configure video settings (window size, frame rate, color control), capture single frames, and create desktop patterns from captured images. The document also provides "Video Hints," explaining concepts like video compression (lossy and lossless), its impact on file size and playback quality, and various compressors. Furthermore, it offers guidance on optimizing the system for video capture (using high-quality sources, dedicated hard drives) and playback (defragmenting, closing other applications). A troubleshooting section helps users resolve common issues like black and white video, uncaptured audio, or unstable video.