Video Capture Module for LabChart

A synchronized recording of LabChart data (EMG, Joint Angle and Tendon Hammer Strikes)
with a .wmv movie of the experiment.

By playing the movie (.wmv) and data file (.adicht) simultaneously, it is easy to illustrate the visual/physical changes associated with the mechanical recording. Because the movie is stored in the standard Windows Media Video format, movie files can easily be viewed on other computers running Microsoft Windows.

Video Capture is useful in research applications requiring video observation. It is also useful in education. For example, educators can use the module to develop demonstration recordings of experimental techniques or for presentations during classes that require both data acquisitions and experimental observations.

Video Capture Settings

The Video Capture settings dialog box allows the selection of settings for recording quality, types of devices used, synchronization options and the amount of disk cache to be used.

The Recording settings tab provides basic recording settings allowing users to select between video and/or audio recordings, control of start/stop recording and the quality of recording. Video Capture automatically scans the computer for available disk space free for recording use and notifies the user regarding the possible length of recording.
The Device settings tab allows users to select the available devices and adjust video and audio settings. Video settings such as zooming, focusing, and exposure can be set manually. It also allows the adjustments of audio settings. These can be saved for subsequent experiments using the same devices.
The Synchronization settings tab is used to synchronizes recording devices with LabChart to allow frame-accurate video/data recordings, by accounting for the delay between the recorded video and the LabChart data. Please note that synchronization is dependent on the communication interface and computer performance. Hence a manual synchronization adjustment is provided.
The Cache settings tab allows users to choose temporary location in hard disk to store recorded movie files. It also allows the allocation of the amount of free disk space in the computer to store the movie recording.

Recording and Playback

The Camera Preview window shows a live preview from the camera. This is useful for the initial setting of image quality, and making sure you are satisfied with the image quality before you start recording. You can begin recording data in LabChart and recording the movie simultaneously by clicking the LabChart “Start” button.

Once recorded, the movie can be played back in tandem with the LabChart data file to show what is occurring in the data for each point in the movie. After recording is finished, movie recorded can be viewed by clicking on the Movie View dialog box. When the Movie View is open, the Movie Marker can be used to show the point in the LabChart data file corresponding to the current movie frame. This is useful when trying to find the exact data point corresponding to a particular event, or vice versa.

The Movie Maker in LabChart and the scroll bar in the video are synchronised
to show corresponding points in time.

The user can navigate through the data or movie frames by dragging the Movie Marker in LabChart. Alternatively, users can scroll within the movie and correlate each point in the movie with the corresponding point in the data file.

Video Capture Tutorial

Video Capture Getting Started Tutorial Help Box

Video Capture Tutorial is available as part of the module to guide users through initial video recording set up in LabChart, including hardware connections, settings, synchronization, recording and analyzing.

Available as Part of LabChart Pro

The Video Capture Module is also available for purchase individually or as part of LabChart Pro. The LabChart Pro software package includes every LabChart Module. Existing LabChart users and PowerLab system purchasers can upgrade to LabChart Pro at a special price. For more information please contact your ADInstruments Representative.

Try Before You Buy

Video Capture v1.0 for Windows is available in Evaluation Mode and can be downloaded by clicking on the Evaluate button at the top of the page.

Important Notes

Video Capture works with video cameras and video capture cards that support DirectShow.

Synchronization is dependent on the camera’s and computer’s specifications (Dual and Quad Core computers are recommended). User adjustment is possible through the Video Capture Settings dialog.

LabChart data files can be edited, for example a range of data can be deleted. This results in separate data blocks, each with a corresponding movie file.

Movie files can be edited in external programs to comment, annotate and visually enhance the video. Timeline changes should not be attempted as this break the synchrony with the data file.

More Information

For more information please contact your nearest ADInstruments Representative.