| Advantages
MPEG2 data reduces the amount of memory required to store full motion video. The compressed data requires a smaller transmission bandwidth. This makes it possible to transmit 30 frames/sec video and audio over the PC/104 bus or over a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet. The hardware compression circuit uses a motion estimation algorithm to produce smooth images from interlaced cameras. The length of MPEG2 video streams is not limited by the viewing software.
Decompression
Encoded MPEG2 data can also be decompressed by the 516’s hardware to produce composite video and audio. The video output is available at a flat cable header. The audio output is available at an audio jack and the flat cable header.
Video channels
The 516 has four multiplexed video channels that function as four separate composite channels or as two S-video inputs. Only one channel can be compressed at a time
Digital I/O
Two bi-directional logic lines are under software control.
Text caption buffer
A 64 character buffer is available for adding text to each frame. The text is within a transparent box that may be positioned anywhere within the frame. Self test
Digitized video and audio inputs can be looped back to the output circuits to allow camera and sound adjustments. The 516’s D/A can be programmed to generate color test bars. This is useful for testing the video output channel.
Lost video detection
The status of the camera’s vertical and horizontal sync signals may be used to detect the presence or absence of the camera signal. The included software allows reading these signals to detect a lost video signal. Application Notes
Pixel Jitter in Frame Grabbers >> Frame Grabbers: FIFO vs. Memory Buffered
Software and Manuals
The 516 is supplied with drivers for Linux and Windows, that allows register and memory buffer initialization, reading and writing MPEG2 data. The driver synchronizes the audio channel with the MPEG2 video channel during recording and playback. QNX drivers are also available.
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