1. INTRODUCTION

RECORD-IT! MEDIA is the Panlab product specifically designed to record digital videos in laboratories and scientific environments in general. RECORD-IT! MEDIA can simultaneously record the live images of up to 8 cameras into independent digital video files. Users select quality levels to optimize performance and minimize the hard disk space, if required.

RECORD-IT! MEDIA provides a Player for the visualization of the recorded videos. Both video recording and video playing can be synchronized with a third-party system (contact us for technical information).

Videos generated by RECORD-IT! MEDIA can be easily integrated with the Panlab family of video-tracking products (Smart JUNIOR, Smart 3.0 and Smart IO) without any additional work.

 

Specific hardware and accessories, including but not limited to: cameras, camera support camera lens, video cables, and hubs, are not included and will need to be purchased separately.

2. Installation Overview

2.1. Requirements

The minimum computer specifications depend on the number of cameras, the specifications of the cameras and quality settings.

If the RECORD-IT! MEDIA is combined with another application, please also check the computer specifications for that application as well.

Here are some recommendations depending on the number of the cameras intended to be used with RECORD-IT! MEDIA.

Minimum computer specifications - 1 camera

•  Intel Core™ i5-6700 processor or superior (Celeron processor not supported).
•  4-8 GB RAM or superior.
•  1 TB hard drive or superior (minimum 500 GB).
•  Display: 1024 x 768 pixels and 32-bit true color. Screen text size must be set at 96 DPI (100%).

IMPORTANT: Issues may arise if using a computer with VIA chipsets in the PC motherboard. It is recommended to use a computer without the VIA chipset.

 

USB ports:

o One free USB 2.0 port for the software USB flash key.

o One free USB 3.0 port is needed for the connection of the cameras (direct USB connection or through an analog/digital converter).

o No USB port is needed for IP Cameras.

 

Minimum computer specifications – up to 4 cameras

•  Intel Core™ i7-6700 processor or superior (Celeron processor not supported).
•  8 GB RAM or superior.
•  1 Tb hard drive or superior (minimum 500 GB).
•  Display: 1024 x 768 pixels and 32-bit true color. Screen text size must be set at 96 DPI (100%).

IMPORTANT: Issues may arise if using a computer with VIA chipsets in the PC motherboard. It is recommended to use a computer without the VIA chipset.

USB ports:

o One free USB 2.0 port for the software USB flash key.

o One free USB 3.0 port is needed for the connection of a HUB for 4 USB cameras.

o No USB port is needed for IP Cameras.

 

Minimum computer specifications – up to 8 cameras

•  Intel Core™ i7-6700 processor or superior (Celeron processor not supported).
•  16 GB DDR3 RAM or superior.
•  1 TB hard drive or superior (minimum 512 GB).
•  Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 745.
•  C: Drive SATA 2 3GB/s or faster, 250GB or greater.
•  D: Drive SATA 3 6GB/s or faster, 500GB or greater.
•  Display: 1280 x 720 pixels and 32-bit true color. Screen text size must be set at 96 DPI (100%).

IMPORTANT: Issues may arise if using a computer with VIA chipsets in the PC motherboard. It is recommended to use a computer without the VIA chipset

USB ports:

o One free USB 2.0 port for the software USB flash key.

o Two free USB 3.0 port are needed for the connection of 2 HUBs for 4 USB camera each.

o No USB port is needed for IP Cameras.

 

Cameras settings:

o For recording video files from more than 4 cameras, the frame rate of the cameras should be set to low values (recommended value = 5 fps).

 

Operating system supported:

Microsoft® Windows® 10 64 bits.

Microsoft Office 64 bits

 

Network:

When working with IP Network cameras, the network infrastructure (LAN/WAN) and performance of your experimental facilities is an important point to be considered. If bandwidth bottlenecks occur, streaming video can show jitter, delay, or corruption. This could result in the video not getting recorded or showing aberrant duration.

2.2. Installing the software

RECORD-IT! MEDIA software is delivered within a single USB flash drive. The USB flash drive contains the software installation tool, the User Manual in PDF format and other components required to work in specific conditions.

Due to security reasons of the Windows® operating system, a user with administrative rights is required to install the software and other components. Please contact your IT staff before installing the software.

With proper administrative rights to install the software on an appropriate computer with proper specifications, please follow these steps:

•  Plug the USB flash drive in a free USB 2.0 port of your computer and wait until Windows® installs it as a new removable drive.
•  Access the new removable drive detected and execute the PANLAB.EXE file. A window will be shown, as below:

•  Click on the option Install Record-it! Media v1.0.02. An installation wizard will be shown.

• Press the [Next] button to start the software’s installation.
• Check the I accept the agreement option and press [Next] button to continue.

•  In the next User Information window introduce the name of the user and the company in the correct field. After this, press [Next] button to continue.

• Select the location where to install the application. By Default, RECORD-IT! MEDIA save the application in C.\ProgramFiles\Panlab\Record-it! Media v1.0. After this, press [Next] button to continue.

• In the next Select Components window check that the option Full installation is selected. After this, press [Next] button to continue.

• In the next Select Additional Tasks you can check the Create a desktop shortcut option. After this, press [Next] button to continue.

• The Ready to Install panel will be shown. Press [Install] button to continue.

• The Installing panel informs about the installation process.

• During the installation process the software is installed in a new folder called [Panlab\Record-it! Media v1.0], created under the “C:\Programs Files” folder. If desired, the installation program allows you to choose another folder to locate the software. The location of the software is independent of the data folder, which is defined by the user using the corresponding options of the program.

• Another repository folder named Record-it! Video Recording is created in the Public Documents

• Once the installation is finished, the following panel is displayed.

 

A new shortcut will appear on your desktop.

Use it for executing the program later.

Before reading the User’s Manual, a PDF reader must be installed in your computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader is provided within the installation key. If needed, click on Install Acrobat Reader button and follow the steps to install this application and read the User’s Manual later.

The Contact us option allows contacting us by email for any doubt you may have.

2.3 The USB Protection Key

A software protection key is a device used to prevent software from unlawful use. The license key is connected to the computer via a free USB 2.0 port. Only one key is provided per purchased license, this is a single-seat license for recording video. If you are interested in recording from multiple computers, the purchase of additional license keys is required.

The license key is needed for video recording only, not for using the RECORD-IT! MEDIA player.

To make use of the protection key, make sure it is plugged into the USB 2.0 port before RECORD-IT! MEDIA is started.

Please DO NOT rename the USB unit (its name should always be PBLICENSE).

Please DO NOT remove or modify any file stored within the USB flash key, especially the regkey.dat file which stores the information regarding your license of use.

 

The License Status will then be shown as Valid in the status bar.

If the license key is not detected by the computer, the License Status will then be shown as not Found in the status bar.

And the following message when the user presses one of the START recording button:

2.4 Supported cameras for video recording

RECORD-IT! MEDIA processes the images (frames) coming from the connected image sources (cameras).

 

The cameras supported by RECORD-IT! MEDIA are:

• Digital USB cameras, Webcams, WIA cameras.
• Analog cameras (needs the use of an analog/digital converter). Analog cameras using an analog/digital converter cannot be used in the multi-camera mode. In other terms, only 1 image source/camera can be detected.
• IP Network cameras.

RECORD-IT! MEDIA also provide some simulated live image video sources for demo purposes.

2.4.1  Webcam

Standard USB webcams are one of the mostly used live image sources. They offer a reasonable trade-off between image quality and cost. However, due to technical limitations of the USB communication protocol, webcams cannot be used with long distances between the computer and the arenas.

As Panlab-Harvard Apparatus, we recommend the use of the Logitech HD C3xx series of webcams, this chapter will cover the installation procedure for this specific model.

Though this model of webcam comes with its specific device drivers, they are NOT required by RECORD-IT! MEDIA, so you only have to plug the webcam in a free USB 2.0 port and wait for Windows to automatically detect it.

Other standard USB webcams may be installed following a similar procedure which is described in detail in the corresponding User’s Manual.

If the recorded videos are aimed to be used by a video-tracking system, please note that some extra tools included within some standard USB webcams may affect the tracking process, especially those related to the auto-focus, automatic brightness and contrast and face tracking. Make sure that these options are disabled before using your webcam for video recording.

2.4.2 Standard USB digital cameras

Even if RECORD-IT! MEDIA can work with a wide variety of digital camera (provided that the relevant driver is correctly installed), we can only ensure 100% compatibility with the IDS USB 2.0 digital cameras.

See below the current models available (the models can be changes by the providers without any obligation of notification).

• USB 2.0 Digital camera – color (IDS Brand UI-1220LE-C).
• USB 2.0 Digital camera – monochrome (IDS brand UI-1220LE-M-GL).
• USB 2.0 Digital camera – NIR (IDS brand UI-1240LE-NIR-GL).

Panlab-Harvard Apparatus can only provide after-sales support on the RECORD-IT! MEDIA camera management if used with the models we recommend in this User Manual.

2.4.2.1 Digital USB cameras and USB cables

We provide 3 options of USB cable lengths with our cameras: 3, 5 or 8 m.

For maximum performance, it is important to connect the US digital cameras to a USB 3.0 port.

2.4.2.2 Multiple USB Cameras

For recording video from up to 4 or up to 8 USB cameras (webcams or USB digital cameras), 1 or 2 USB HUB for 4 cameras are needed.

Connections for up to 4 USB cameras (webcams or USB digital cameras)

Connections for up to 8 USB cameras (webcams or USB digital cameras)

2.4.2.3 Installing the drivers of the standard USB digital cameras

To install a digital camera in Windows® systems, please follow the next steps:

• Unpack the camera, remove the silver O-ring from the objective and mount the lens. If the silver O-ring is not removed, the image received from the camera could be blurry.

• IMPORTANT: Do not plug the camera into any USB port before step 7 of this installation guide.

 

• Please make sure to have administrative privileges for the computer where the device will be installed. Contact your IT staff to ensure you have administrative rights before continuing with this procedure.

 

• Plug the installation key of RECORD-IT! MEDIA into a USB 2.0 port and launch the installation tool (PANLAB.EXE).
• Select the Hardware Drivers

• Enter in the Digital Camera Drivers folder and execute the file exe for Windows® 64-bit systems. Then follow all the steps with the default options.
• Click the Finish button to finish the installation.
• Plug the device to a free USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port.
• Wait for the Windows Device installation assistant to launch and follow the default steps until finishing.
• To use the device, go to the RECORD-IT! MEDIA Image Source manager (refer to chapter 2) and select the USB Digital camera image source (refer to chapter 4.2.2).

2.4.2.4 Digital USB cameras settings (ID, frame rate)

When working with the IDS digital USB cameras, several parameters need to be set for optimal video recording process:

• Internal camera ID (especially if working with a multiple camera setup)
• Frame rate and frame size, that would depend on the available USB communication bandwidth.

2.4.2.4.1 Set the internal ID of the IDS camera

Follow the next steps:

• Open the “IDS Camera Manager” (the shortcut should be available from the desktop.

• Connect the 1^st

If an USB HUB would be used between the camera and the computer, make sure that you connect the camera to the USB Hub and the USB HUB to the computer.

 

The camera would be automatically detected by the ISD Camera Manager and displayed in the Camera list.

The IDS Camera Manager displays the camera Serial Number (SerNo.) as well as the Camera ID (Cam.ID) and Device ID (Dev.ID).

 

This would be the camera with ID 1.

 

We recommend the user to put a label on the camera to make sure that there is no confusion between the different cameras used in the same set-up.

 

• Connect the 2^nd camera

The camera would be automatically detected by the ISD Camera Manager and displayed in the Camera list.

The IDS Camera Manager displays the camera Serial Number (SerNo.) as well as the Camera ID (Cam.ID) and Device ID (Dev.ID).

 

The IDS Camera Manager always set the Camera ID (Cam.ID) to 1. The Cam.ID should be changed to 2.

 

• Press the Camera Information button in the Control center section and change the Camera ID to 2, then press the OK

• Connect the 3^nd camera

The camera would be automatically detected by the ISD Camera Manager and displayed in the Camera list.

The IDS Camera Manager displays the camera Serial Number (SerNo.) as well as the Camera ID (Cam.ID) and Device ID (Dev.ID).

 

The IDS Camera Manager always set the Camera ID (Cam.ID) to 1. The Cam.ID should be changed to 3.

 

• Press the Camera Information button in the Control center section and change the Camera ID to 3, then press the OK

• Connect the next camera and repeat the step until all the cameras have been connected and set with an appropriate ID.
• Make sure that all the cameras have a different ID number.

2.4.2.5 Set the optimal frame rate that will be used for video recording

Press the Additional functions button in the Control center section, chose the Parameter Set option and press the Close button to Exit

Select the Camera 1 in the table, click right and then choose the “Open viewer...” option in the list.

The IDS Camera Manager would offer the view of the images coming from the camera.

Click on the View main menu and select the Performance overview option and take note about the value of the Max Interface bandwith.

In this example the Max interface bandwidth value is 38.0 MB/s. This is the USB communication bandwigth that would need to be shared between all the cameras connected to the same USB HUB or computer USB port.

 

If 4 cameras are connected to this USB HUB/computer USB port, then the available bandwidth available for each camera would be 38.0/4 = 9.5. Round this value to the lower value: 9 MB/s.

Click on the Camera properties button and display the Camera

Set the Pixel Clock to the calculated value (9 in this example):

The values of the corresponding available Frame rate range is then updated. Check the Max option to display the maximum frame rate that can be used for each cameras: here 19 fps.

Save the Parameter set by selecting the Save Parameters/Parameter set option of the File main menu.

Close the uEye Cockpit panel of the Camera 1.

Close the Camera 1 Viewer

Repeat the same operation with all cameras:

• Select the Camera 2 in the table, click right and then choose the Open viewer... option in the list.
• Click on the Camera properties button and display the Camera
• Set the Pixel Clock to the calculated value (9 in this example).
• The values of the corresponding available Frame rate range is then updated. Check the Max option to display the maximum frame rate that can be used for each cameras: here 19 fps.
• Save the Parameter set by selecting the Save Parameters/Parameter set option of the File main menu.
• Close the uEye Cockpit panel of the Camera 2.
• Close the Camera2 Viewer.
• Select the Camera 3 in the table, click right and then choose the Open viewer... option in the list.
• Etc.

Close the IDS Camera Manager when all cameras are set.

2.4.2.6 Set the optimal frame rate in RECORD-IT! MEDIA when defining the cameras that would be used for video recording (see chapter 4.2.2).

The max frame rate calculated was 19 fps in our example, so the value of the frame rate that has to be chosen in the closest inferior value: 16 fps in this example.

 

In a general the selected frame value should always be inferior to the calculated optimal value.

If the selected frame rate is superior to the calculated optimal value, some problems may occur with the recorded video (performance issues, incoherent video file duration, … ).

2.4.3 Installing IP Cameras

RECORD-IT! MEDIA is compatible with ONVIF and non-ONVIF Network cameras.

• For ONVIF cameras, RECORD-IT! MEDIA provides direct access to the camera settings.
• For non-ONVIF cameras, please follow the manufacturer’s set-up instructions prior to using RECORD-IT! MEDIA. RECORD-IT! MEDIA will only provide access to the camera images (RTSP Streaming), but not to its settings.

Most IP cameras can stream video using a RTSP URL request. Contact the camera supplier/manufacturer for getting the correct RTSP URL address for your camera model.

IP cameras are designed to be used on Ethernet network. An IP address is needed to access to the camera. Please, contact your IT to connect your IP camera(s) to your Ethernet network.

For multiple cameras connection, we recommend the use of an Ethernet switch.

As Panlab-Harvard Apparatus, we propose the TL-SG1008D switch (TP-Link 8-port Gigabit desktop switch) which is supported and known to be compatible.

Connections for up to 8 IP Cameras

Network Considerations:

When working with IP Network cameras, the network infrastructure (LAN/WAN) and performance of your experimental facilities is an important point to be considered. If bandwidth bottlenecks occur, streaming video can show jitter, delay, or corruption. This could result in the video not getting recorded or showing aberrant duration.

2.4.4. Installing an analog-digital converter for analog cameras

Our analog-digital video converter (CONVANAUSB) enables the use of the analog image technology by digitalizing the incoming images of analog sources.

The analog-digital video converter (CONVANAUSB) is an optional accessory that can be purchased with your RECORD-IT! MEDIA system. Please contact your dealer to know the advantages of this accessory and how to acquire it.

Only one analog-digital video converter (CONVANAUSB) can be plugged in into the computer. This option cannot be used for multiple camera needs.

For this device to operate correctly, first the corresponding drivers must be installed.

Three different versions of the analog-digital video converter have been released, which require different drivers.

Before continuing, please check which version you have in your system:

2.4.4.1 Installing Version 1 of the analog-digital converter

To install the device in Windows® systems, please follow the next steps:

• IMPORTANT: Do not plug the device into any USB port before step nr. 7 of this installation guide.
• Please make sure to have administrative privileges for the computer where the device will be installed. Contact your IT staff to ensure you have administrative rights before continuing with this procedure.
• Plug the installation key of RECORD-IT! MEDIA into a USB 2.0 port and launch the installation tool (PANLAB.EXE).
• Select the Hardware Drivers option.

• Enter in the CONVANAUSB Drivers folder and then in Version 1 folder and execute the file Pinnacle_Video_Driver_64bit.exe for Windows® 64-bit systems. Then follow all the steps with the default options.
• Click the Finish button to finish the installation.
• Plug the device to a free USB 2.0 port. Make sure to remove the yellow label from the USB end of the cable first.
• Wait for the Windows Device installation assistant to launch and follow the default steps until finishing.
• To use the device, go to the RECORD-IT! MEDIA Image Source manager (refer to chapter 2) and select the Analog-Digital Converter image source (refer to chapter 4.2.5).

2.4.4.2. Installing Version 2 or Version 3 of the analog-digital converter

To install the device in Windows® systems, please follow the next steps:

• IMPORTANT: Do not plug the device into any USB port before step nr. 7 of this installation guide.
• Please make sure to have administrative privileges for the computer where the device will be installed. Contact your IT staff to ensure you have administrative rights before continuing with this procedure.
• Plug the installation key of RECORD-IT! MEDIA into a USB 2.0 port and launch the installation tool (PANLAB.EXE).
• Select the Hardware Drivers

• Enter in the CONVANAUSB Drivers folder and then in the Version 2 and 3 folder and execute the file exe. Then follow all the steps with the default options.
• Click the Finish button to finish the installation. In some cases, restarting your computer is advised.
• Plug the device to a free USB 2.0 port. Make sure to remove the yellow label from the USB end of the cable first.
• Wait for the Windows Device installation assistant to launch and follow the default steps until finishing.
• To use the device, go to the RECORD-IT! MEDIA Image Source manager (refer to chapter 2) and select the Analog-Digital Converter image source (refer to chapter 4.2.5).

2.4.5 Simulated live image source

Three additional simulated live image sources can be used in RECORD-IT! MEDIA for demo purposes.

A simulated live image is a live image that is not fed by a direct on-line camera but is digitally built or an already recorded video file played in closed loop.

 

• Camera Simulator - Computer generated: RECORD-IT! MEDIA provides the live image of a moving red dot on a grey background.