Creative Information Solutions
PO Box 7249
Knoxville, TN  37921
865-947-3145
info@netlore.com
http://www.netlore.com/

What is the Visual Instruction System?

VIS is software that provides many features for working with short video sequences on a computer. By integrating the computer and video, VIS proves to be an invaluable communications tool for analysis and instruction. VIS has been designed to be used on standard computer equipment and to work with any type of video source. Specifically, VIS allows you to:

  • Quickly and easily capture short video sequences - a unique "one-button" capture allows video to be captured in real-time without pausing or rewinding.
  • Manipulate video sequences with ease - frame forward or back and pause at any position. Set key frames to instantly access important positions.
  • Perform side-by-side on-screen comparisons of several video sequences with customizable synchronization - a great instruction and learning tool.
  • Store your own video on your computer - build a library of videos for comparison, analysis, and documentation.
  • Annotate video by overlaying graphics with a wide range of drawing tools.
  • Display any video sequence as a time-lapsed motion sequence - perfect for visualizing transitions!
  • Print on a standard printer with a full range of options - combine single frames, sequences, multiple pictures, and logos on a single page.
  • Analyze video by utilizing built-in distance, angle, and velocity measurement tools. Create motion paths that trace motion throughout a video sequence.

How much does the software cost, and what does it include?

The list price of the VIS software is $299 (US). Packages including the software plus video capture interface are also available. Two hours of multimedia tutorials demonstrating how to use the software are provided along with a detailed 150 page user guide/reference manual and a keyboard shortcut template

Is a digital camcorder required?

No. VIS works with any video source. Digital camcorders can be used with VIS by utilizing the traditional analog output from the camera. Version 4.0 supports a direct digital interface in addition to analog capture. Digital camcorders have advantages such as on-camera pause, frame forward and frame back and should be seriously considered when evaluating a new camera purchase.

What type of computer is required?

VIS runs on any Windows computer. See the reverse side for details on hardware and software recommendations.

Will VIS run on a laptop?

Yes, but few laptops have built-in video capture capabilities. An external video capture device (USB based) can be used with VIS and any camera to capture medium resolution video at 30 fps. In addition, a laptop with a built-in or external IEEE 1394 interface (Firewire, I-Link, etc.) will allow the use of VIS and a digital camcorder to capture high resolution, 60 fps video. Contact us for the latest information on using VIS with laptops.

What is the current version? How are upgrades provided?

The VIS software has evolved over the past eight years. New features in the latest version (VIS 4.0) include support for 640x480x60 fps video, direct digital video input, and Internet capabilities. As always, the direction of the VIS development is driven by its users - please contact us with your feedback. The VIS upgrade policy provides for one software upgrade at no cost. Upgrades after that are available to registered users for 25% of the list price.

How does the computer record video?

You simply connect a standard camcorder or VCR to the computer's video capture device just as you would connect it to a TV or VCR. You then view the video on the computer screen and choose what sequences to save on the computer. VIS utilizes an integrated video capture process which buffers video and allows you to quickly and easily capture sequences by pressing a single key at the end of the sequence(s) you want to save.

How much storage is required for saving video sequences?

For a 2 second video clip Size Per File Files on a ZIP Files on a CD Files on a10GB Disk
High resolution (640x480x60 fps) 8MB 12 80 1200
Medium resolution(320x240x30 fps) 2MB 50 320 5000

Are libraries of comparison video clips available?

In order to keep the software cost low, professional video sequences have not been licensed. VIS, however, provides you with the tools necessary to build your own libraries. In addition, VIS uses the Windows standard AVI file format, thus any video file in this format can be used with VIS.

Which video capture card is recommended?

While any Windows compatible capture card will work with VIS, we recommend the ATI All-In-Wonder series. The All-In-Wonder incorporates a computer monitor output, video input, video output, and TV tuner all on one card. This combination gives the best quality and performance for the money. Video previewing is real-time, full resolution. Video capture supports resolutions up to 640x480 at 60 fields per second. The TV tuner allows you to view and capture directly from a TV (cable, broadcast, or satellite) signal. The TV output allows you to route your computer's screen back out to a to a large screen TV and/or to a VCR for the display and recording of lessons.

How does VIS compare to other systems?

While the pricing of the VIS software positions it as one of the lowest cost video analysis systems available, you sacrifice few if any features. Some significant advantages of the VIS software over competing systems are:

  • Integrated, one button video capture - no starting, stopping, and trimming required. Sound triggered capture (hit detection) is also supported.
  • Flexible, high-resolution printing capabilities - much more than just a simple screen copy.
  • Video cropping, scaling, and graphics overlays - applied to files to minimize storage and file transfer time and to allow video files with annotation to be viewed on any computer system.
  • Pictorial library lists - you can quickly and easily find files by scanning pictures, not file names.
  • Multimedia tutorials - the quickest and best way to learn how to use the software.
  • Highly customizable interface - work quickly and efficiently with full control of all system components.

Computer Requirements

Minimum Ideal
Pentium II 350
Windows 95
64 MB RAM
CDROM
8 GB Hard disk
Video capture device
Video camera or VCR
15" monitor
Pentium III 800
Windows 98 or ME
128 MB RAM
CD/RW
20 GB hard disk
All-In-Wonder 16MB AGP
Video camera or VCR
19"Monitor
Sound card/speakers/mic

Options and Pricing

Option Price Video
Resolution 3
Digital
Camcorder
Required
Video
Output
VIS View Software
(available May, 2001)
$39 M, H 1 N 1 Y 1
VIS Pro Software $299 M, H 1 N 1 Y 1
Belkin External USB capture device
For laptops or desktops
$100 M N N 4
ATI All-In-Wonder Pro 128 AGP
For Pentium II or Pentium III desktops with AGP video
$150 H N Y
IEEE 1394 External USB adapter
For connecting a digital camcorder to a laptop
without a built-in digital connection
$150 H Y N 4
Desktop IEEE 1394 PCI card
For connecting a digital camcorder to a desktop
without a built-in digital connection
$100 H Y N 4
Desktop Computer
Optimally configured for use with VIS
Starting at
$1000 2
H N Y
Laptop Computer
optimally configured for use with VIS
Starting at
$2000 2
H Y Y

Notes:

  1. Depends upon computer equipment
  2. Please contact us for details on computer configurations.
  3. M - medium resolution (320x240x30fps)
    H - high resolution (640x480x60fps)
  4. Can be added via additional hardware