Harmony 2ES and 4ES User Manual Part Number: MANL-1086-01
Legal Notices THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL AND TRADE SECRET INFORMATION OF FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS AND ITS RECEIPT OR POSSESSION DOES NOT CONVEY ANY RIGHTS TO REPRODUCE OR DISCLOSE ITS CONTENTS, OR TO MANUFACTURE, USE, OR SELL ANYTHING THAT IT MAY DESCRIBE. USE IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
Contact Focus Enhancements USA Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00PM (Central Time) Email: support@focusinfo.com Telephone: +1 763-398-1658 Fax: +1 763-571-7688 Address: Focus Enhancements, Inc. 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA. 95008 www.focusinfo.com EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00PM Email: techsupport@como.
Regulations and Safety Focus Enhancements, Inc. 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA. 95008 Model Number: Harmony Date of Manufacture: Reference the Serial Number label attached to the unit. Class A Statement FCC Part 15 (EN61000-3-2) This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 (EN61000-3-2) of the FCC Rules.
Symbols Used in This Documentation Important Information the User Should Read This symbol indicates information about conditions or actions that could result in damage to the device or data. Information of Interest to the User This symbol indicates supplementary information about features, functions, or operations that may be of interest to the user. Documentation Read, Retain, and Follow Instructions All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
EMC and Safety Directive Compliance The CE mark is affixed to this Focus Enhancements Corporation product to confirm compliance with the following European Community Directives: Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
vi Harmony 2ES and 4ES
Table of Contents Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Harmony 2ES and 4ES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Technical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Maximum Number of Cards in a Server . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Vidserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Serial Command Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 On Screen Display . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Multi-Card Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mixing 2 and 4-Channel Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multi-Threading and Drive Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MaxDisks drive parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single drive systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multi-drive systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 25 25 25 26 26 Cross-Channel Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents MaxDisks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 MaxFileRead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 MinFileRead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 NoCache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 NonPagedPoolSize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 NoReadBuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Audio/Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Multiple boards do not play or they make a few horizontal lines on the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 PCIX system hangs with Harmony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Problems using the API . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 SMPTE time codes are not recognized properly . . . . 66 Vidserve does not work at all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Contacting Focus Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Harmony 2ES and 4ES xi
xii Harmony 2ES and 4ES
Overview Harmony 2ES and 4ES Harmony cards offer a wide range of scalable and adaptable features, including NTSC/PAL transcoding and Dolby Digital™ output, making them ideal for looping, scheduled, or on-demand video applications. The Harmony 2ES and 4ES share similar features and capabilities. The primary difference between the two cards is the number of channels they provide: the 2ES has two channels and the 4ES has four. For simplicity, this manual refers to either the 4ES or Harmony.
Overview Technical Description The Focus Enhancements Harmony 2ES™ and Harmony 4ES™ cards are PCI MPEG decoder cards that support respectively, two or four independent outputs (channels) of high-quality video playback. These Harmony cards have their own unique driver and API structure designed to offer maximum compatibility with Focus Enhancements ReelTime series cards.
Overview Cabling There are two cabling options for connecting the video servers to output devices and both follow all standard audio/video cabling procedures. • Universal Cable: This cable supports all board configurations and comes as a 16-inch cable which attaches to each board’s DB 25. All output connectors are RCA female type, requiring appropriate adapters and patch cables. For more information, see Universal Cable on page 75. • Audio Cables Cables with 1/8 inch (3.
Overview Harmony Vidserve User Interface Harmony Vidserve application is a basic toolkit that allows the user to: • Configure the Harmony board for playback operation. • Test MPEG files for compatibility with the Harmony board. Vidserve’s main dialogue box provides access to a variety of functions, input, and information screens. For more information, see Vidserve on page 33.
Overview Harmony 4ES Application Interface (API) The source code for the Harmony Vidserve program is provided for developers as an example of how to access the driver. The current version of the driver uses a proprietary C API interface, instead of a standard interface like MCI or Direct Show. Applications can use the driver by calling the dynamic link library, 4REELAPI.DLL. The files needed, 4REELAPI.LIB and 4REELAPI.H, are provided in the Vidserve.ZIP file, along with the source code and MS VC++ 6.
Overview Vidcom Serial Command Interface The Focus Enhancements Vidcom application provides a serial command interface for editing and sending commands via a direct connection to the server. For more information, see Vidcom Supported Serial Commands on page 54.
Installation Guide The Focus Enhancements Harmony 4ES decoder board is a 3/4 sized PCI card. The card is secured using an IO mounting bracket secured to the chassis. This bracket is affixed to the 25pin female D-Sub output of the board. Verify Harmony Card is Properly Seated in PCI Slot If a card is not seated securely in the PCI slot when the system power is applied, damage to the Harmony 4ES board may occur.
Installation Guide Card Installation To install the card, carefully slide the board into the selected PCI or PCIX slot of the main board. Ensure that the bracket is aligned with the IO opening of the chassis and that the outer edge of the card rests securely according to the chassis’ design. Consult with the chassis manufacturer for specific guidelines Adjust PCIX Bus Speed for Harmony Cards Harmony cards may be installed in either PCI or PCIX slots.
Installation Guide Cable Installation (A/V Breakout) 1. Back the set-screws off fully before attaching the cable. Do Not Use the attaching screws to pull the cable onto the female D-Sub connector of the board. 2. Orient the D-Sub on the cable properly and apply slight even pressure while connecting the D-Sub. 3. Secure the Universal Cable in place with the two screws. 4. Attach the patch cables to the Universal Cable as per the installation. 5. If required, connect the Y-adapter audio cables, (1/8 inch/ 3.
Installation Guide Driver Installation for Windows 2000/NT 4.0 and Windows 2003/XP The sequence of these steps varies depending on the operating system. Refer to the table below for the correct sequence to use. OS 2000 2003 NT 4.0 XP Installation Sequence Part 1 Part 2 Part 2 Part 1 Part 2 Part 2 Part 1 Because the installation wizards for all operating systems are similar, the following installation instructions use the Windows 2000 Installation Wizard for the example.
Installation Guide Part 1: Installation Instructions (Hardware) Uninstall Earlier Versions of Focus Enhancements Cards If you have previously installed a different type of Focus Enhancements decoder card, or a different version for the Harmony decoder series, it is recommended that you uninstall that driver before proceeding. Installation and use with Windows 2000, requires Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 or higher.
Installation Guide 2. Select the first option, Search for a suitable driver for my device, and click Next. 3. When Windows asks for the location of the driver file for this device, select the location of the supplied driver disc and click Next.
Installation Guide 4. A dialog box appears, stating that this device does not have a digital signature and asks if the installation should continue: click Yes. 5. Once Windows has installed the driver for the channel, select Finish. Do Not Reboot System At This Time If at this time, the system asks if it should reboot, click NO. Continue to the next step and install the other channels and cards. 6.
Installation Guide 7. Because a Harmony driver is now installed on the system, select the second option, Display a list of the known drivers ... , and then click Next. 8. The Harmony driver is now in the list and Hardware Wizard displays it under Models. Click Next to continue.
Installation Guide 9. The wizard is ready to install the device driver. Click Next to start the installation. 10. A dialog box appears and states that the device does not have a digital signature and asks if the installation should continue: click Yes. 11. Again, once Windows has installed the driver for the channel, select Finish. Do Not Reboot System At This Time If at this time, the system asks if it should reboot, click NO. Continue to the next step and install the other channels and cards.
Installation Guide 12. Determine if more drivers need to be installed. • • If the Welcome to Found New Hardware Wizard screen appears again, then return to Step 6 and continue installing the additional channel(s) and/or cards. If the Welcome to Found New Hardware Wizard screen does not appear again, then Part 1 of the Installation Instructions is completed. The driver needs to be installed for each channel. Part 2: Installation Instructions (Run SetUp.exe) 1. Run the file SETUP.
Installation Guide • Harmony SDK User Manual (MANL-1088) Contains information about writing programs that use the driver. • Harmony Vidserve A player program for testing MPEG files and all of the Harmony board’s functionality. • Harmony VccReg Parameter Editor A utility program for changing driver parameters. Do not use this program unless familiar with the driver settings. • Uninstall MPEG-2 Drivers An Uninstall utility for all Focus Enhancements driver and application software.
Installation Guide Starting Playback Now that Harmony card is installed: 1. Verify that all software applications are closed. 2. Run Harmony Vidserve, the playback application located under Focus Enhancements’ programs. 3. Browse for the MPEG file desired and open it. 4. Click Load and wait for the position counter to stop moving. 5. Click > to start playback. To pause play, click on [ ]. 6. Repeat the same process to open clips in channels 2, 3, and 4. 7.
Installation Guide Control Description File Displays the file and full path of the file to be played. You may type the file path or use Browse (see below). For multiple drive servers, be sure to map the file path for each card/channel to the correct drive based on the server specifications. Browse Locates the file path of the desired MPEG and opens the file. Mute Toggles audio on/off for each channel. Position Shows the current file read byte position. (Slightly ahead of actual video playback.
Installation Guide Obtaining Driver and File Information Drive Information The Harmony card provides real-time performance and diagnostic information about the drive from which video files are drawn. To access this information, select Diagnostics from the main menu and then Driver Info from the drop down menu. File Information Harmony supplies real-time information about the MPEG files currently playing via the Diagnostics tool.
Installation Guide Inserting an On Screen Display The On Screen Display function provides the ability to position a graphic overlay, such as a company logo or image, on top of the video playback. This function offers the capability of testing and adjusting many of the display’s parameters, such as the position on the screen and degree of transparency. Access the On Screen Display by selecting Tools Display from the drop down menu.
Installation Guide • Draw Desktop - does a screen capture of the computer’s screen and displays it as an on screen display. This it a way to test other on screen display settings such as position and transparency. There are a number of functions for adjusting the appearance of the on screen display. • • • • Position - Set the specific location of the graphic over the video using the X (left-right) and Y (up-down) coordinates or the Center check box.
Installation Guide • • Adjust X,Y, and Mix - Click this button to view adjustments made to position and transparency controls. This control issues the osdSetXYMix command and smoothly changes the position and transparency of a displayed overlay. Exit - Saves changes and closes the On Screen Display dialogue box.
24 Harmony 2ES and 4ES
Multi-Card Servers Mixing 2 and 4-Channel Cards Both 2-channel and 4-channel Harmony cards may be used in the same server. However, it is important that they be installed with the 2-channel cards in slots closest to the CPU, so that the driver will map the cards and their channels properly. For more information, see Multiple board server - channels mapped incorrectly on page 64.
Multi-Card Servers Single drive systems The MaxDisks default value 1, dictates that reads from all the hard drives are sequential, i.e. only one read of MPEG data occurs at a time. This is acceptable when using a single content drive. However reading from multiple content drives, a read from one drive must complete before a read on another drive can start. This does not take advantage of the performance potential of a multi-drive system.
Cross-Channel Synchronization Cross-channel synchronization is a set of functions that provides the capability to synchronize a group of Harmony channels, so that every video output displays the same frame number at the same time. This coordination is active; should one channel drift behind or ahead of the others, the variation is detected and the speed of the channel is adjusted until it is back in sync with the group.
Cross-Channel Synchronization • Only the master channel in a group can output audio. The slave channels output only video, even when their files have audio tracks, e.g. program stream files. Cross-channel Sync Commands The Harmony supports specific serial commands to implement cross-channel synchronization. • mpgSyncChannel The mpgSyncChannels function defines a synchronization group. Once this group is defined it remains active until cancelled with a mpgUnSyncChannels or the system is rebooted.
Encoding Parameters Listed below are requirements and recommendations for both Standard and High Definition encoding, that provide criteria to create MPEG files compatible with the Harmony playback system. 1. Files must be one of the following types: • • • • • Program stream MPEG2 or transport stream MPEG2 System stream MPEG1 of audio/video Elementary stream MPEG2 Video only, MPEG1 Audio only 2. Use 4:2:0 encoding. Do Not Use 4:2:2 Encoding 3. With MPEG-2, both audio and video fields must be encoded.
Encoding Parameters 7. Files should be no less than 4 MB in size. If there are files smaller than 4 MB, use an editor to combine them into a larger file that is at least 4 MB in size. Encoding Recommendations Recommendations Only Because of the large number of encoders available, Focus Enhancements provides this information as a recommendation only. It may be necessary to perform testing to determine the best settings for the system in use. 1.
Encoding Parameters 6. Although the Harmony can transcode, i.e convert NTSC to PAL and vice versa real-time, it is recommended to encode to the video standard (NTSC or PAL) that the Harmony is set to display. 7. When encoding files, annotate and store notes on the audio levels of both the source tape and input settings of the encoder. This permits verifying the audio levels of later encoding sessions.
Encoding Parameters 11. To play back still images or computer-based graphics, hardware-based encoding systems are preferred. However, if a software encoder is needed, we recommend encoders such as DVMPEG (www.darvision.com).
Vidserve Vidserve is an application that provides the user with the basic tools to: • Test MPEG files for compatibility with the Harmony board, • Configure the Harmony board for playback operation.
Vidserve User Interface The main dialogue box for the Harmony Vidserve application provides access to a variety of functions and input and information screens. The functions are divided into four categories: Files Three functions for accessing existing, saving changes to, and creating new file sets. File sets are .
Vidserve Hard Disk Test Use to tune performance by testing video files and different read sizes. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Select Hard Disk Test. Locate the video file to test. Verify that the Seek box is unchecked. Set the Read Size. Press Test. Test results appear, showing number of bytes read, length of read time, disk speed, and number of seeks. 6. Adjust drive read size and retest. To test reading two files alternatively (Seek): 1. Place a check in the Seek box. 2. Locate a Second File to test. 3. Press Test.
Vidserve Volume Adjust Use to set the type of audio and the volume (0 - 255) for each channel. For more information, see Audio/Video Output in the Harmony SDK. Video Speed Use to set the rate of playback for each channel.
Vidserve Audio is muted automatically when the playback speed is changed from Normal (256). For more information, see mpgSetVideoSpeed in the Harmony SDK. Color Adjust Adjust individual channel’s brightness, contrast, and saturation. range default Brightness 0 – 1000 500 Contrast 0 – 1000 500 Saturation 0 – 1000 500 Press Normal to return to default settings. For more information, see Audio/Video Output in the Harmony SDK.
Vidserve Streaming This function uses MPEG streaming functions to deliver the MPEG data directly to the driver from a streaming source, rather than requiring the driver to read the data from a file on a drive. Channel 1 Only Use to playback or test various file types with different buffer sizes. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Select a streaming File Type. Browse to find file. Enter Buffer Size. Default is 262144 (256Kb). Check Loop if video is to repeat. Press Open And Play to start playback.
Vidserve Seek Test Use to test the seek function. 1. Specify a card and channel. 2. Move slide bar to new location. 3. Verify that the display shows the new position. When seeking a new position in a file, the video output may display slight distortion, macro-blocks, until the decoder re synchronizes. For more information, see File Playback in the Harmony SDK.
Vidserve Capture Frame Use to immediately capture a frame from the video playing on Channel 1, Card 1 and display it as a 24-bit color .bmp file in the Paint window. For more information, see Audio/Video Output in the Harmony SDK.
Vidserve FF/Rewinds Adjust the speed during Fast Forward (〉〉) and Rewind (〈〈) for individual channels. 1. Click either the 〉〉 or the 〈〈 on a channel. The scalar bar to the left indicates progress. 2. While observing the video on the display, adjust the sliding speed tab to speed up or slow down. Audio is automatically muted when playback is not at normal speed. For more information, see File Playback in the Harmony SDK.
Vidserve Set PIDs When a multiplexed stream is created its various audio and video streams are automatically assigned unique packet IDs (PIDs) so that at the time of decoding the streams can be reassembled. Channel 1 Only -- By default, Audio and Video IDs are set to 1, so that all streams are decoded and available for playback. If a specific stream is needed: 1. Enter the PID number of the audio stream to decode. 2. Click on Set. 3. Close the Set Program IDs dialogue box.
Vidserve Parameters NTSC/PAL Select the video mode, NTSC or PAL. The computer/server must be restarted after setting to a new video mode (NTSC to PAL or PAL to NTSC). Audio-Video Sync Checking this function, the audio and video are always in sync. Sync All Channels Checking this function coordinates all channels to start and stop at the same time. All Files Must Have Same Number of Frames For Sync All Channels to work, it is necessary that files running in parallel with each other be the same length, i.
Vidserve Diagnostics Two windows providing information about the files currently being played and the performance of the drive where the files are stored. • File Info Displays the following information for the files currently playing on the selected card: File Name, HSize - horizontal resolution in pixels, VSize - vertical resolution in pixels, Video Bitrate - bits/sec.
Editing Driver Settings Driver Editing Utility Common Driver Parameters The file, VccReg.exe is a driver editing utility designed specifically for editing the VCCmpeg2 driver settings. There are four tabs containing different parameters, descriptions of these parameters, and driver default settings. The four tabs in Harmony VccReg.exe are General, Performance, Audio/Video and Special and are located on the left side of the window.
Editing Driver Settings General Network 0 = The driver cannot read files over the Windows NT network. Default 1 = The driver can read files over the Windows NT network.
Editing Driver Settings Performance BufferSizePerChannel Amount of RAM allocated for each channel. A larger buffer supports larger minimum file reads which reduces hard drive seeking. 400000 hex - recommended for optimal, high performance playback. Default = 400000 hex Range = 100000 - 800000 hex MaxDisks The number of disk read threads. The channels are divided into maxdisks groups and each group must play from a different physical drive. 1 = Single MPEG storage drive, normal operation.
Editing Driver Settings MinFileRead Sets the smallest file read size the driver will manage. The larger the MinFileRead is, the less hard drive seeking there will be. Setting minfileread to one-quarter of BufferSizePerChannel, i.e. one-half MaxFileRead, is recommended. Default = 100000 hex Range = Fits evenly in BufferSizePerChannel. NoCache 0 = Normal NT file system caching is used. 1 = The cache is not grown when files are played.
Editing Driver Settings NonPagedPoolSize Reserves a block of memory for decoding. When changing NonPagedPoolSize, the system requires rebooting for Windows NT to allocate memory. NonPagedPoolSize = BuffersizePerChannel x 4 x number of cards + 800000 hex e.g. 1 card: 1800000 hex 2 cards: 2800000 hex This parameter is set by the installer for the number of cards chosen. Default = 0 NT/2000 automatically assigns. Usually too low if there are multiple boards or a large buffer.
Editing Driver Settings Audio/Video DisableSync 0 = Enables audio/video synchronization. 1 = Disables audio/video synchronization. Default = 0 Range = 0 - 1 VideoTypes 0 = All channels output S-Video/Composite. 1 = All channels output Component. 2 = All channels output RGB (sync on green).
Editing Driver Settings Special InitOnOpen 0 = Files are loaded smoothly without a disturbance to the video output. 1 = The decoder chip is re-initialized whenever a new file is loaded. Output is black after load until it plays. Default = 0 Range = 0 - 1 Use mpgBlack for Black Screen, Not InitOnOpen If a black screen is required, use the call mpgBlack rather than this parameter. InitOnOpen = 1 is a useful diagnostic tool, but may cause anomalies at some transitions.
Editing Driver Settings MaxCards The number of channels to initialize can be fewer than the actual number of channels in the bus, for testing purposes. (There are four channels on each card). Default =8 Range = 1 - 8 Multiapp 0 = Only one application can link to 4reelapi.dll at a time. 1 = Multiple applications can access the driver, but callbacks are disabled.
Vidcom The Focus Enhancements Vidcom application provides a serial command interface for editing and sending commands via a direct connection to the server. Connecting directly to the Server 1. Attach to the Harmony host server, via its RS232 serial COM port, directly to the terminal computer with a null modem cable (RS232, female DB-9 to female DB-9). 2. Use the Vidcom Serial Command Interface to connect with the Harmony board. 3. Issue commands via Hyper Terminal.
Vidcom Supported Serial Commands TTY Settings Port: Baud Rate: Data Bits: Parity Stop Bits COM1 9600 8 None 1 Vidcom Supported Serial Commands Use Vidcom’s simple command interface to manually enter commands channel-by-channel.
Vidcom Supported Serial Commands Audio / Video Output Commands mpgMute mpgUnMute mpgBlack mpgUnBlack mpgColorBarOn mpgColorBarOff genSetAudio genSetVideo mpgSetVolumeLeftRight On Screen Display Commands osdLoadGIF (calls osdLoadBMP) osdSetXYMix osdShow osdHide Cross-channel Synchronization Commands (after driver V3.12.
56 Harmony 2ES and 4ES
Troubleshooting Overview This section contains the following topics: Overview Server Setup Check ................................................................... 58 Determining Status of Playback Function ............................... 59 Audio/Video Playback All channels pause when new file starts on a channel .......... 60 Latent Images or flashing during playback ............................. 60 No audio .....................................................................................
Troubleshooting Server Setup Check Prior to any troubleshooting, power down the system and verify that the card is properly installed in the system’s PCI or PCIX slot. Test only one card in the system at a time. 1. Confirm that the system has the power connected properly. 2. Confirm that all video and audio cables are connected properly. Video output is: • • • Compatible with TVs, Compatible with video monitors, Not compatible with standard VGA computer monitors, 3.
Troubleshooting Determining Status of Playback Function First, determine if the board’s playback function is working. 1. Power the server up and open the Harmony Vidserve playback application located under Focus Enhancements programs. The main window of the application appears. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. In the main application window, the Card radio button should indicate Card 1 found. If it states Harmony driver not found see page 63 for tips on how to fix the error.
Troubleshooting Audio/Video Playback All channels pause when new file starts on a channel • Be sure buffers are fully loaded prior to playing. As the number of channels being used increases, this delay may need to be increased depending on individual server system resources. • Test with maximum channels playing to determine the system’s threshold and maximum delay required. Latent Images or flashing during playback • Incorrect source timecode provided or improperly closed encoding session.
Troubleshooting No audio or video output • Check that the cables are plugged in properly and that the video and audio outputs are plugged in correctly to the display device. Try testing another channel of the server on the same display. Try using other cables. • Note that the output of the decoder board will not display on a PC monitor. • Dolby Digital MPEG files cannot play on the analog Audio output.
Troubleshooting Stuttering files during playback Irregular playback on single and multiple channels can be caused by a number of conditions: • • • Cross-channel synchronization requires equal playback duration of MPEG files. If a problem occurs during cross-channel synchronized playback, verify that the file length of matching MPEG files have equal numbers of frames. The Harmony measures file length by frames rather than playback time. In addition check that the bitrate for all channels is equal.
Troubleshooting Driver and System Unauthorized Repair of Systems Will Void Warranty Only authorized technicians should perform board troubleshooting or system repairs. BIOS settings Ensure that the BIOS settings for Windows servers have the Non PnP (Plug and Play) OS selected. Blue screen • If a Blue Screen occurs during Windows startup and Windows cannot be started, remove all Harmony cards from the system and reboot.
Troubleshooting • Harmony: HARDWARE ERROR Inspect the decoder board for damage. Verify that the motherboard has 3 volts available in the PCI slots. Remove the board and re-install. MPEG does not play from mapped network drive • This will not work unless network = 1, see Network on page 46 for details. Mouse lags and overall poor system performance • Verify ATA 133 to ATA 33 compatible components and drivers. A different IDE bus driver may be required for proper system performance.
Troubleshooting • To correct, reinstall the Harmony cards so that the 2ES, 2-channel card(s) are closet to the CPU. The driver maps the channel indexes to the boards/ chips, thus: Channel 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 → → → → → → → → → → Board / Chip 0/0 0/1 1/0 1/1 1/2 1/3 2/0 2/1 2/2 2/3 The device settings in the registry looks like this: Multiple boards do not play or they make a few horizontal lines on the screen • Make sure BIOS is not set to PnP operating system.
Troubleshooting PCIX system hangs with Harmony • Verify that PCIX bus speed has been set to match the Harmony board clock speed of 33 MHz. Problems using the API • Make sure you are using the standard C calling convention. Refer to the SDK documentation for questions. SMPTE time codes are not recognized properly • Some SMPTE tracks lose information during compression and may not “trigger” events as required. Testing is essential to account for variances in encoders and SMPTE devices involved.
Contacting Focus Enhancements Support for Users If the Harmony decoder board is experiencing problems, first consult Troubleshooting on page 57 and the support information available at www.focusinfo.com. Then, if more help is needed, please contact a Focus Enhancements Value Added Reseller or Distributor.
Contacting Focus Enhancements Support for VARs and Distributors Value Added Resellers (VAR) and Distributors of Focus Enhancement’s Focus Enhancements products, can call Focus Enhancement’s technical support. Calls are handled in the following manner: 1. A technical support representative records the information provided by the User: board serial number, date of purchase and seller, and problem description. 2. Technical Support attempts to resolve problem over the telephone. 3.
Contacting Focus Enhancements Contact Information USA Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00PM (Central Time) Email: support@focusinfo.com Telephone: +1 763-398-1658 Fax: +1 763-571-7688 Address: Focus Enhancements, Inc. 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA. 95008 www.focusinfo.com EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00PM Email: techsupport@como.
70 Harmony 2ES and 4ES
Appendix This Appendix contains: AV Breakout Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DB25 Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Universal Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harmony Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Still Images and Computer-based Graphics . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix - AV Breakout Cables AV Breakout Cables Specifications Feature Description Physical Length = 9.4'' (239mm) Height = 4.25'' (108mm) Connectors 25-pin D-Sub (use with universal breakout cable.) Dual 3.5 mm jacks for digital audio output. Power All active channels: • 10.5w Typical (playback to TV) PCI Voltages • +3.3V 2.8A (TV) • +12V 0.09A • -12V Not used Audio Parameters Sampling rates supported: • 32khz, • 44.1 khz, • 48khz, • 96 khz Frequency response: • 20hz - 22khz +/- .
Appendix - AV Breakout Cables Audio lines need to be quality audio wire. An example of a compatible audio cable is the Assmann Electronics AK243-2 3.5 mm stereo to 2 phono plugs cable (www.assmann.com). Note that two separate audio cables will be required to connect all 4 channels: one cable for channels 1 & 2 and the other for channels 3 & 4. Ensure that all leads are properly grounded within the D-Sub and that proper strain relief is provided to prevent separation of wires from the pins or connectors.
Appendix - AV Breakout Cables DB25 Pinout Refer to the following chart for pin-out connections. 74 Ground Pin 1 to case of D-sub.
Appendix - AV Breakout Cables Universal Cable This universal cable design is provided by Focus Enhancements to assist users with their cabling requirements. Purchasing Cables Focus Enhancements does not stock or sell cables, cable components or cable building supplies. Please contact an Audio/Video specialist for assistance.
Appendix - Harmony Harmony Specifications Feature Description Physical Length = 9.4'' (239mm) Height = 4.25'' (108mm) Connectors 25-pin D-Sub (use with universal breakout cable.) Dual 3.5 mm jacks for digital audio output. Power All active channels: • 10.5w Typical (playback to TV) PCI Voltages • +3.3V 2.8A (TV) • +12V 0.09A • -12V Not used Audio Parameters Sampling rates supported: • 32khz, • 44.1 khz, • 48khz, • 96 khz Frequency response: • 20hz - 22khz +/- .
Appendix - Harmony Feature Description Video Parameters Output level composite video: 1 volt peak-to-peak when terminated with 75ohms Output level RGB (RT+): .
Appendix - Still Images and Computer-based Graphics Still Images and Computer-based Graphics The information contained in this section outlines useful techniques for creating still images and computer based graphics for use in video. Whether you are creating graphics that will be converted to digital video or simply creating images that will be used as graphic overlays, follow the guidelines below to make your content more visually appealing and your desired message more effective.
Appendix - Still Images and Computer- Progressive vs. Interlace (Field Rendering) Computer monitors use progressive interlace, which means that each scan line is done in order from the top of the screen to the bottom. Video monitors use interlacing, which means that the even lines are followed by the odd lines. • • It is important to avoid single horizontal lines, as they will flicker. This flicker comes from the fact that the line is off on one field and on in the other.
Appendix - Still Images and Computer-based Graphics • Do not use white or red backgrounds that have more than 80% saturation. There are utility programs, such as Hijack and Debabelizer, that will translate computer graphics into video-friendly colors. Adobe Photoshop includes a filter for NTSC colors. Using the “Image Adjust” function in Photoshop to reduce the brightness and contrast by about 25% will make the video image better.
Appendix - Still Images and Computer- Patterns • Areas of high-contrast will create artifacts on a video screen. This can be seen on a television screen when a person has a herringbone or checked pattern on a suit or tie. When reducing colors to make a GIF from Adobe Photoshop, make sure that the “dither” box is not checked.
82 Harmony 2ES and 4ES
Index Numerics 24-bit color ..............................40 4REELAPI.DLL ........................5 4REELAPI.H .............................5 4REELAPI.LIB ..........................5 A A/V syncs ...............................44 adjust color .....................................37 video speed ........................36 volume ................................36 anti-aliasing ......................79, 80 API source code ...........................5 API interface, See also driver audio bit rate ..............
index null modem, RS232 ...........53 patch ......................................9 resistance, 75-ohm .............72 universal ...........................3, 9 Y-adapter ..............................9 capture frame ..........................40 card ...........................................19 installing ...............................8 installing, multiple ..............8 max number, serial cmds ...2 maximum number, vidserve 2 channel .....................................43 max number, serial cmds ..
index requirements, SD .............. 29 SMPTE ................................ 31 end code .................................. 30 ESD ............................................ 7 external audio/video ...... 19, 23 output types ...................... 23 H hard drive. See also disk drive hardware specifications ................72, 76 wizard .................................13 HSize ........................................44 Hyper Terminal ......................53 F features ..............................
index MaxDisks ...........................25, 47 drive parameter .................25 multiple drives ...................26 single drive .........................26 MaxDMA .................................47 MaxFileRead ...........................47 MCI .............................................5 MinDMA .................................47 MinFileRead ............................47 mono mixed ............................36 mounting bracket .....................7 MPEG .....................
index R rate sampling ............................ 72 RCA cable, audio .......................... 3 read size .................................. 35 recommendations encoding, SD ..................... 30 resolution .......................... 30, 78 return materials authorization 68 RMA ........................................ 68 RS232 DB9 ..................................... 53 null modem cable ............. 53 S safe title area .......................... 80 sampling bit rate SD encoding ..................
index video adjust speed ........................36 bit rate .................................44 data stored on-chip ...........44 PID .......................................42 resolution ............................30 setting mode .......................43 stream ..................................31 vidserve commands ..........55 VSize ....................................51 Vidserve ...................................64 capture frame .....................40 color adjust .........................
Part Number: MANL-1086-01 © 2007 Focus Enhancements
