AVR Micro Audio Video Recorder. Operating Instructions

Transcription

1 AVR Micro Audio Video Recorder Operating Instructions For use with CamoCam 5 Digital Video Surveillance System Copyright Rev 2.0 Published 12/12/2012 1

2 AVR Micro Audio Video Recorder Operating Instructions The AVR (micro Audio & Video Recorder) is a digital video recorder that is a central component of the CamoCam 5 Digital Surveillance package. It is a feature-rich component that may be used in conjunction with the CamoCam system, or as a stand-alone audio and video recorder. Summary Overview The AVR Audio and Video Recorder operates on an internal battery and saves audio and video on up to four SD memory cards. The CamoCamSetup.msi program must be installed to save and view the recordings on a pc. The software allows you to download the recordings on the AVR to a computer, decode them, view played back using the included software or Windows Media Player. In keeping with the CamoCam philosophy of simplicity, this guide is provided with the intention of simplifying the setup and use of the AVR and the software needed to review the recordings. It should be noted however that this version of the CamoCam will require some additional technical competency than our previous versions. The unit comes pre-programmed to function properly with the CamoCam surveillance system; however, a variety of different settings allow for it to be used as a stand-alone audio and video recorder. Functionality Highlights Up to 8 hours of stand-alone recording battery life Up to 128 GB memory with the use of four 32 GB SDHC memory cards Video Recording from internal or external camera Configurable video signal (brightness, contrast, saturation, color) Motion-activated video recording Configurable text stamping onto video Included Components Software CD with digital operating manual SD Memory Card(s) Charging cable and power adapter AVR digital audio and video recorder 2

3 About this Manual This manual is written with the intent of documenting the steps that need to be taken to install and configure the device for use with the CamoCam digital video surveillance system. The AVR may also be utilized apart from the CamoCam and some instructions have been provided to assist usage of the unit with or without the CamoCam. Some initial setup steps are covered and it is highly recommended that the entire manual be read prior to first use of the system. Arrow indicators are used throughout the document to indicate where some screen actions are required. Manual Overview 1) Software Installation..Pg. 4 2) The Video Manager Application Pg. 12 a. First time Application Setup of input and output video file locations (setup once) b. Formatting SD Flash Memory Cards (once per new SD memory card) c. Configuration Options (as needed) d. Saving AVR Configuration to SD Memory Card 3) AVR Device operation..pg. 25 a. Functional Overview b. Record Mode c. Playback d. Settings 4) Appendix A..Pg. 29 a. Touch screen menu navigation 3

4 Software Installation The CamoCam Setup.msi application may be used to install all of the necessary software components that are needed to operate the CamoCam and the AVR. Download this application from the Internet and open the setup file. Individual computer security settings may vary, select the option at the various prompts to continue with installation. Click Run. 4

5 Click Next Click Next 5

6 Click Next Click Next 6

7 Click Next Click Next At this next prompt you may choose a default media player. Select a preference and click next. 7

8 Click Next Note that the following prompt will associate any of the checked file extensions to the media player you have selected to use to view the video. The AVR video will be converted and saved on your computer as.mp4. Click Next 8

9 Click Next Click Next 9

10 Click Finish Click Close The previous installation process has just installed three separate applications and created a directory structure that will facilitate storing the digital video on your computer. The directory structure has been created in the program files 10

11 directory under the CamoCam folder as shown below. Please note that it is important not to move the files from this location as it will prevent the links from working in the CamoCam Application Launcher. If you would like a shortcut placed on your desktop, simply right-click the CamoCam Application Launcher and select the create shortcut option. The applications installed include: CamoCam Application Launcher - An application which facilitates launching the AVR manager application and provides links to the CamoCam website and manuals. The Digital Video Manager An application which lets you convert digital video to a format that may be played back on a computer. This application also provides functionality for setting the configuration options of the AVR similar to those provided on the touch screen. See the following sections of this manual for additional information about using the Digital Manager. When this application is running you will see it in the Windows task bar K-Lite Mega Codec Pack An application used by the Digital Video Manager to convert video to the.mp4 format. 11

12 The Video Manager Application The AVR digital audio and video recorder is able to store a lot of video because it uses h.264 video file compression. The manager application uses the K-Lite Codec pack to decompress this video so that programs like Windows Media Player can play it from an uncompressed.mp4 (MPEG Layer 4) format. The first purpose of the application is to provide a mechanism to extract the video from the flash memory cards to a location on your computer, in a format that will allow a program like windows Media Player to view it. The second use of the manager application is for setting configuration parameters that serve as instructions for how the AVR digital audio and video recorder is to operate. These configuration parameters are for things such as video format, setting time for when it should record, etc. Details for these parameters, and their use, are provided in this document in their respective sections. After installing the software to your computer, navigate to the location where the files were installed to begin the setup. The default installation location will be the C:\Program Files(x86)\CamoCam folder Double click the CamoCam icon in the start menu Click the Launch Digital Video Manager Link in the application 12

13 The application will open an initial screen with the Data conversion tab selected. There will not be any data shown on this screen until you configure the application to know where it needs to look in your computer for video. The application will need to be setup to know where the video is to be pulled from (the removable SD card), and where it should store the converted.mp4 video files (on your hard drive). 13

14 Application Setup - Import and Output video file locations Click the Settings Tab. On the Settings tab, you will find a number of different buttons and options for setting the configuration parameters. At the top of the screen there are button groups for Program Setup and Card preparation. Click the Setup button. The following screen will be displayed. You will need to enter an input and an output folder to tell the program where to pull video from and where to store the converted.mp4 video files. The location of the input folder is the Drive letter that is given to your memory card when it is inserted into your computer or memory card reader. In the example shown, E:\ is the drive letter assigned to the memory card reader. 14

15 Enter an Input Folder Click Browse Select the Memory Card Reader Drive Letter. Click OK. The location of the output folder is where you want to store the video on your computer s hard drive. To avoid technical problems associated with different versions of Microsoft Windows, it is strongly suggested that you use the folder created automatically during installation of the CamoCam software. A folder called Video is created during installation in a directory such as C:\Program Files (x86)\camocam\video. Use the Browse button to find the location on your hard drive. Enter an output Folder Click Browse 15

16 Select a directory Click OK The Autoscan feature will automatically scan any memory card that you insert into the drive specified in the Input folder and will display any found video files in the Data Conversion Tab. After testing the system out, insert the SD card and the screen will auto-populate with video records that are available to be converted and downloaded to the PC. Select the Autoscan Checkbox Click OK The initial application configuration has now been completed. This will only need to occur once for each computer that the application is installed on. 16

17 Formatting SD Memory Cards The memory cards must be formatted (erased) and prepared to be able to operate and store the video created by the AVR. The memory cards that ship with the CamoCam system are preformatted at the factory with the configuration settings needed to operate the AVR. You should always follow these steps for any newly purchased SD memory cards or when you make any changes to the configuration of the AVR. On the Settings Screen, the Card Preparation button group is used for formatting the memory cards, making them ready for use by the AVR. Insert the memory card into the memory card reader on your computer. Windows may pop open a window asking if you would like to open the folder, if this occurs, simply close the window using the red X. For newly purchased memory cards, you will first need to use the Format button. Click Format Accept the default settings Click Start 17

18 Click OK When the format is complete you will receive a completion message. Click OK Click Close Once the memory card is formatted it will be ready to store configuration and video files. After completing the procedure above, the configuration settings must be saved to the SD memory card before the AVR will operate. Proceed to the Configuration Options section for more details on setting the unique configuration options. Once the configuration parameters have been set, you must save them to the SD memory card. Proceed to the Saving AVR Configuration to SD Memory Card for details on saving the configuration to the AVR. 18

19 There are seven Tabs in the Recorder settings. Configuration Options TimeTab - The settings in the time tab are not used when the AVR is being used in conjunction with the CamoCam. Adapter Tab The settings in the Adapter tab are not used when the AVR is connected to the CamoCam. Record Tab Record Mode The record mode has five distinct options that control how the unit will operate once the memory cards are full. Linear The unit will record and stop when the selected card is full at which point it will stop recording. Linear (all cards) the unit will record until each card is full at which point it will stop recording. **This is the default selection for use with the CamoCam and it is recommended for stand alone use as it will not allow overwriting any possible evidence. 19

20 Loop 1 The unit will record until the memory is full, then it will begin recording over previously recorded audio/video. Loop1 will not overwrite previous recordings, rather it will overwrite the beginning of the current recording if it runs out of free memory. Loop 2 The unit will record until the memory is full, then it will begin recording over previously recorded audio/video. Loop 2 will overwrite previous recordings. Loop (all cards) The unit will record onto each card one-by-one, until each is full. Then it will begin recording and overwriting data on the first card and switch to each subsequent memory card when the current card becomes full. Record Type Record Type allows you to pick between Audio and Video, Video only, and Audio only. When using with the CamoCam system you would high light the Video Only. Any Audio recording will need Title Three authorization. For body worn applications the Audio Only or Video + Audio can be used. Video only This setting will only record video Video and Audio This setting will record video and audio Audio only This setting will record audio only. Prehistory The prehistory is not usually needed in Enforcement applications. The prehistory allows you to add time from the previous video clip onto the new clip. The drop down arrow allows you to high light how much time you wish to add. It should be set to OFF for use with the CamoCam. Timers The timer feature is not used in conjuction with the CamoCam but may be utilized in standalone applications. The feature allows setting ten seperate combinations of timer settings with dates/times and durations for recording. Video Tab The VideoTab has a variety of settings that affect how the video may be played back. Video Source Built-in video camera This option may be used for standalone applications and will use the internal lens located on the top of the AVR. Video input (50Hz) -***Note*** The (50 Hz) is European PAL format and should not be used in North America. Video input (60 Hz) This is the default option for use in conjuction with the CamoCam as it accepts video input 20

21 from the camera connected to the CamoCam rather than the internal camera. FPS Frames Per Second allows options from 1 to 30. Select 30 Bit Rate The bit rate should be left at the default of 3072 kbps. Select 3072 kbps Frame Size The frame size should be left in the High position for best quality recording at 720x 480 resolution. Select High Brightness, Hue, Contrast, andsaturation Settings may be adjusted as necessary for optimal image. Text 1 Displays the entered text on the recorded video. The check mark will toggle off/on. Check Text 1 Text 2 Displays the Date and Time when the %D and %T entries are used. The check mark will toggle off/on. Check Text 2 Audio Tab These settings are mainly used for body-worn applications and are not used in conjuction with the CamoCam System due to Title III implications. Audio source audio source allows you to choose between the built in microphones or an external microphone. The internal microphone is adequate for most applications and we recommend that you experiment with it prior to considering an external mic. Select Built-in microphone Record Mode The default Stereo Mode is suggested. Select Stereo Bitrate The default of 128 kbps will result in the highest quality audio. Select 128 kbps Gain may be modified as needed for the application. AGC Automatic Gain Control selection is suggested for most applications. Check AGC Misc. Tab This tab has the power management, power to external video camera, and GPS power. 21

22 Power management Ready mode drop down arrow provides 5 choices. Immediately Refers to a power mode where the unit is connected to an external power supply. The DVR will instantly go to record and continue recording based on the Record settings (loop or linear).**the unit will not record in standalone mode, or with the CamoCam with this setting. 30 s is the default for use in conjunction with the CamoCam. Select 30 s Sleep Mode - allows setting the time when the DVR will go back into a stand by mode. This dosen t really affect the operation when used with the CamoCam system. This is a power saving process that helps save internal battery power. 1 m is the default setting for use with the CamoCam Select 1 m Power to external video camerathis would be used in a body worn application and will supply power to an external button camera or other small camera. The operating mode drop down arrow Operating mode - Allows you to supply power from the internal battery in the DVR to a small external camera. This is not necessary when used with the Camcocam. GPS Power Select Off Voltage The voltage allows you to set the voltage for the camera you are using. Some of the small CMOS cameras use 5 volts and generally the small pin hole color cameras operate on 12 volts. The amperage supplied is only 150 milliamps. Be sure and check the specifications on the camera s power draw and voltage and use at your own risk. Operating mode GPS power is normally off unless you wish to use one with the system. Select Off Autostart Tab Autostart and is not used with the CamoCam System; although,it may be ideal for use in a indoor setup where one needs to put something in quickly. This is used to activate recording in a stand-alone application and 22

23 gives you the option to start recording through video motion detection and/or VAS (voice activated sensor). We recommend trying out the various options to get a feel for what the DVR will do. Different applications will call for various settings with the motion detection areas, sensitivity, etc. 23

24 Saving AVR Configuration to SD Memory Card The AVR operates based on the he configuration settings which are saved to the SD memory card following these steps. Once the Configuration options are set in the Manager application you must transfer them to the memory cards by clicking on the preparation button. Click Preparation When the memory card is inserted into the AVR, the AVR will function based on the configuration options that are set in the Manager application.these settings are preconfigured on the memory cards sent from the CamoCam factory; however, they will need to be saved onto any newly purchased SD cards. After going through the configuration options detailed in the previous, you will need to save any configuration changes to any memory cards you wish to use in the AVR. The configuration only has to be saved to a single SD card; however we recommend saving it to each memory card that will be used to ensure that they don t get mixed up. A little extra effort on this step will save a lot of headaches in the field. 24

25 Device Operation Functional Overview 1. On/Off Switch 2. Insert for master SD Memory card. LED indicator is lit when the system is recording. 3. Touch Screen 4. Secondary SD Memory card slots. LED indicator is lit when the system is recording. 5. Right Microphone 6. Internal Video Camera Lens 7. Left Microphone 8. Connector for 5v power supply 9. Connector for video and remote control input 10. Connector for external microphones 11. Connector for GPS receiver 12. Connector for headphones or audio output Basic use and navigation Home Screen 25

26 Icons - Go back to previous screen - Memory card scanning in progress Memory card scan complete Current time, battery status, and memory card availability percentage (indicates how much space remains free on the memory card. Other battery indicators indicate the following: The internal battery is fully charged The internal batter is discharged The internal battery is charging Power supply is provided from external power 26

27 Recording Video To record video when the system is used in conjunction with the CamoCam, you must ensure that the right arrow icon is selected as a video input on the Record screen. The internal video camera may be used by selecting the camera icon. The video input source is denoted by the color blue. In the example, the video input is the AVR video camera rather than the external CamoCam video input. Record Screen The recording configuration parameters are set using the AVR Manager application or the touch screen Settings menu option. More details for configuration paramaters may be found in their respective sections in this manual. Video Playback After selecting Play (or View) on the Home Screen, you must select one of the memory cards from which to view video files. The system comes preconfigured to record on one card until it is full and then switch to the next available card. After selecting a memory card, you must select a video file to view. They are listed by date and time stamp. Additional recordings may be selected using the up and down arrows. 27

28 In playback mode, you can use the following on screen controls to review recorded video. Settings Settings that are configurable with the Manager application may be accessed via the touch screen from the Settings button on the Home Screen. Detailed navigation of the settings menu is documented in Appendix A. The main settings menu is displayed below: 28

29 Appendix A Touch Screen AVR Configuration Settings Settings Date - date (fields to insert values date/month/year) Time- time (fields to insert values hours/minutes) o Misc. Settings GPS time DST time zone (from -12 to +12 hours) Video o Source (fields to insert values BUILT-IN CAMERA/VIDEO INPUT/DIGITAL INPUT) o Built-in camera brightness contrast color saturation Misc. Settings amplification automatic gain control flicker suppression noise blanking o Video input brightness contrast color saturation Analog video input brightness contrast color saturation o Sound source (fields to insert values BUILT-IN MICROPHONE/AUDIO INPUT) mode (fields to insert values STEREO/MONO(L)/MONO(R)) AGC Amplification (from 0 to 126) o Volume Volume ( fields to insert values from 0 to 126) o Record Mode (fields to insert values LINEAR/CIRC.1/CIRC.2/LIN.(ALL)/CIRC.(ALL) 2 cards Characteristics 29

30 o Video Built-in camera30 o Frame size (fields to insert values from 1:4 to 1:1 or Custom) o bitrate (from 64 to 2048 Kbps) o frames per second (from 1 to 30 FPS) Video Input (PAL) o Frame size (fields to insert values from 1:4 to 1:1 or Custom) o bitrate (from 64 to 2048 Kbps) o frames per second (from 1 to 25 FPS) Video Input (NTSC) o Frame size (fields to insert values from 1:4 to 1:1 or Custom) o bitrate (from 64 to 2048 Kbps) o frames per second (from 1 to 30 FPS) Digital Video Input o Frame size (fields to insert values from 1:4 to 1:1 or Custom) o bitrate (from 64 to 2048 Kbps) o frames per second (from 1 to 30 FPS) Timers Timer 1-10 o Status o Mode (fields to insert values ONCE/BEFORE SELECTED DATE /AFTER SELECTED DATE/DAILY) Time time (fields to insert values hours/minutes/seconds) Duration time (fields to insert values hours/minutes/seconds) Date date (fields to insert values date/month/year) Day Buttons to click on the days of the week Next Page/Previous Page Sound Bitrate (from 32 to 128 kbps) Autostart Mode (fields to insert values OFF/MD/VAS/MD+VAS) Motion Detector (MD) Hold (from 5 to 10 minutes) VAS Hold (from 5 to 10 minutes) VAS sensitivity (from 16 to 256) Text in the frame(fields to insert values OFF/UPPER/BOTTOM/ o BOTH) Power Backlight (from 25 to 100 %) 30

31 Display settings Control elements (from 5 to 60 seconds or never) Display OFF (from 15 seconds up to 2 hours or never) Power OFF (from 1 minute up to 5 hours or never) Power Source External Camera Source o Mode (fields to insert values OFF/Ext Source/ON) o Voltage (5 or 12 V)31 GPS power supply o Mode (fields to insert values OFF/Ext Source/ON) System Default settings Display calibration o four-headed arrow pointer to calibrate display Firmware Version Date Serial N Upgrade software 31