Multisof VIDEO GRABBER User manual
VIDEO GRABBER
Technical Manual
Video Grabber Technical Manual - ver. 1.4
2
Version
Date
Description
Author
1.0
27.04.2015
New document
PP
1.1
28.04.2015
Revised to match software version 1.8
PP
1.2
26.10.2015
Revised to match software version 1.10
BG
1.3
20.12.2015
Revised to match software version 1.13
MM
1.4
17.03.2016
Revised to match software version 1.19
MM
Video Grabber Technical Manual - ver. 1.4
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Table of contents
1. Features .......................................................................................................................4
1.1. Technical Specification.................................................................................................5
2. Video adjustment.........................................................................................................6
2.1. Preview & adjust..........................................................................................................6
2.2. Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). ..............................................................7
2.2.1. Calculating custom Modeline...................................................................................9
2.2.2. Modeline string format. .........................................................................................11
2.2.3. Deploying custom Modeline using Video Grabber Web Interface. .......................14
Appendix A –Video Grabber protocol v2.................................................................................15
Appendix B –Supported resolutions........................................................................................17
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1. Features
Multisoft Video Grabber is a device that captures video signal between Graphics Card and Monitor.
Armed with two DVI-I video sockets, for capturing Analogue (using D-SUB to DVI adaptor or hybrid
cable) as well as digital signal using Digital Virtual Interface cables. Captured video can be send via two
independent Gigabit Ethernet ports to two separated recorders. Video Capturing process is non-
intrusive.*
* DDC2B compliant video signal if the Graphics Adapter providing 5V, 700 mA on pin 14 of DVI
connector
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1.1. Technical Specification
Video Grabber VGA / DVI
Video resolution (VGA)
up to 1920x1200 (with pixel clock limitation up to 165 MHz)
Video resolution (SL DVI)
up to 1920x1200
Video resolution (DL DVI)
up to 2560x1600 (2048x2048) (1920x2160)
Captured video format
BMP, PNG, JPEG2000, H.264, Lossless
Operating Temperature
0 –55 °C
Dimensions
168x168x54 [mm]
Weight
0,9 kg
Power source
DC Adapter 12V, 2A (with optional redundancy)
Video Input/output
2x DVI-I (24 + 5 pin) sockets for capturing video signal (VGA -> DVI
adaptors required for capturing analogue signal; not included)
Output
2x Gigabit Ethernet NIC’s for transferring captured video
Table 1: Technical specification
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2. Video adjustment
2.1. Preview & adjust
In Preview & adjust tab of Video Grabber Web Interface allowing to modify or correct detected video
setting. Because of many manufacturers and display types, detected analogue video parameters are
not always satisfactory. To do this, override video position (VGA only check button must be active).
This option activate captured video positon correction as well as change basic video Modeline settings.
All available options are shown on Figure 1. Screen adjustment.
Figure 1. Screen adjustment
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2.2. Extended Display Identification Data (EDID).
Video Grabber is designed to work with many different types and models of analog display devices.
In order to receive correct parameters of display device or monitor, we use information that
can be obtained directly from a connected device. For this purpose, we will use the EDID
section in the Configuration tab.
Figure 2. Video Grabber Configuration –EDID section
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Item
Description
Read EDID data from DDC
Reading all supported Modelines reported by connected device and use this
data as new EDID table.
Upload EDID data
Allow to upload previously saved EDID data from disk.
Download EDID data
Allow to save EDID table to disk.
Drop EDID data
Clear EDID table in device and load default EDID table.
Table 2. Video Grabber EDID sections parameter description
In order to check currently used EDID table please use Status tab in web-based Video Grabber
interface as is shown on Figure 3. Video Grabber Status Tab –EDID table.
Figure 3. Video Grabber Status Tab –EDID table
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2.2.1. Calculating custom Modeline.
In some hardware configurations, you need to calculate custom Modeline because of the screen
resolution, which has not been sent from the display to Video Grabber via EDID (Extended Display
Identification Data) or because Pixel Clock of this resolution is higher than supported by device. Some
Graphics Adapters are provided tools to set or check actual Modeline but not all graphics drivers
display this information. In this case, you will need additional software to calculate custom one which
will be properly recognized by device. The 3rdparty tool, called Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) will be
useful. You can download it from http://www.monitortests.com/cru-1.2.6.zip.
No installation is necessary. Simply run CRU.exe and main program window will be displayed as is
shown on the Figure 4. CRU –main window.
Figure 4. CRU –main window
1. From Drop Box (1), please select monitor which one is used for display custom resolution.
This utility take information about connected monitors directly from Windows registry, so
this list should be up-to-date. This option is useful only when we calculate Modeline on the
system which will be recorded. If another computer is used to calculate Modeline just leave
this option on default value.
2. Because expected resolution is not displayed in any place click Add... button (2) for add it.
After clicking on the add button, new window appears, where you can set and read
parameters necessary to calculate new Modeline for the required resolution.
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Figure 5. New custom resolution add window.
3. From timing Drop-Box button please select Automatic –LCD standard (1).
4. In the two fields below please type horizontal number of pixels (2) and vertical number of
lines (3). All remaining fields will be filled automatically.
Table of contents
