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VIS: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the software cost, and what does it include?
Is a digital camcorder required?

What type of computer is required?
Will VIS run on a laptop?
What is the current version? How are upgrades provided?
How does the computer record video?
How much storage is required for saving video sequences?
Are libraries of comparison video clips available?
Which video capture card is recommended?
What type of computer is required?

How much does the software cost, and what does it include?
Back up to the questions

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. For more details see our pricing page.

Is a digital camcorder required?
Back up to the questions

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?
Back up to the questions

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

Will VIS run on a laptop?
Back up to the questions

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?
Back up to the questions

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?
Back up to the questions

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?
Back up to the questions

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?
Back up to the questions

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?
Back up to the questions

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.

Computer Requirements
Back up to the questions

Minimum Recommended
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 or larger hard disk
All-In-Wonder 16MB AGP
Video camera or VCR
19" Monitor
Sound card/speakers/mic