Troubleshooting... Video Capture Doesn't Work

Before capturing video with Logger Pro, install the software that comes with your camera. Connect the camera, and then launch the manufacturer's software. Following the manufacturer's instructions, get to the point of seeing a live video stream on screen. This means that the camera is connected, its driver is installed without conflicts, and that the camera itself is working. Now exit the camera software, launch Logger Pro, and choose Video Capture from the Insert menu. Important: If you do not get a video stream using the manufacturer's software, it is unlikely that the camera will work in Logger Pro.

What to Expect from Video Capture

The synchronization between the video and the data will generally be within half a second without additional adjustment. For many experiments this level of synchronization is all that is needed; much closer synchronization can be obtained using the directions in Video Capture Options.

The quality of the captured video depends strongly on the speed of the computer and the type of camera used. If the computer is slow or is performing other tasks during video capture, there may be some dropped or duplicated frames. If there is blurring of objects in the captured video, the shutter speed is too slow. Many, but not all, cameras allow you to adjust the shutter speed. This adjustment is not a part of Logger Pro, although you can access the camera's controls from Logger Pro.

Other Video Capture Details

• The non-time-lapse capture rate is 15 frames per second.
• If 640 x 480 captures are used, the frame rate may be reduced.
• Analysis of rapid motion, such as for objects in free fall, may require a dedicated video capture application or video recording with a high-quality camera. Such videos can then be inserted into Logger Pro and analyzed or synchronized with data. For example, you might record a short video clip of a falling ball using a 60-frame-per-second camera. After recording the video, transfer the file to your computer, and insert the movie.

Troubleshooting Video Capture

• If a live video feed does not appear in the Video Capture, confirm that the camera drivers or any video software have been installed.
• If the live video feed stops working, click Initialize Camera in the Video Capture dialog box. Select the desired video resolution and sound source.
• Logger Pro only supports one camera at a time.
• If moving objects appear blurred in your movie, you may need to use a shorter shutter speed. Click the Camera Settings option in the Video Capture dialog box to access these settings. (Note: Not all cameras support this feature.)
• If you are using a Digital Video camera to capture a video, you may notice "interlacing" when examining individual frames of the video. Interlacing causes moving objects to have a "banded" appearance. If the interlacing interferes with the analysis, you may need to use de-interlacing software or use a camera that does not produce an interlaced video, e.g. a web camera or a progressive-scan video camera.

See Also:

• Video Capture Options