Refer to the capture card documentation,
and prepare its hardware configuration jumpers (or switches) for
operation. The factory default settings of the card usually work well,
but the user should examine the installed devices of the system for
address and IRQ conflicts.
Install the video capture card in one of the unit adapter
slots. As with any other adapter card, this requires that the
outer cover of the system unit be removed. Inside the unit, remove
the expansion slot cover of a compatible expansion slot. Many
capture cards are full-length cards, so make sure the slot can
handle the physical dimension of the card. Make sure the expansion
slot type is compatible with the capture card edge connector.
Connect the capture card to the VGA card as directed by the
manufacturer installation guide. Some VGA cards use an edge
connector built into the top of the card.
Install any antennas that must be connected to the card for the
intended application. These could include a TV antenna, a coaxial
cable from the television, or an FM radio antenna. Connect the
video-in cables to the audio and video source(s) being used for
input and the audio cable to the audio source(s). In this
case, there is a stereo audio-in (left/right) provision, and two
possible sources for video-in.
The audio and video connections are typically made with
standard RCA cables and connectors. Connect the VGA monitor signal
cable to the capture card VGA-out connector. The video signal
passes through the capture card and is looped to the VGA card.
This means that the screen image can be present on the monitor and
the video screen simultaneously. A VGA loopback cable is connected
between the capture card loopback input and the VGA card RGB-out
connector.
If all the hardware and software configuration settings are
correct but capture problems continue, the user must troubleshoot
the video capture-related hardware. In most systems, this involves a
TV signal source (such as a VCR or camcorder), the cabling, the
capture card, and the video card.
Most capture card software provides a preview window that
enables the user to view the video coming from the video source.
If the source is visible in this window, then the video source and
the video-in cabling can be eliminated as a source of problems.
However, simply being able to see the video in the window does not
mean that the card will capture video.
If the video is present in the window, and the video source and
cabling check out, then the hardware and software configurations
should be checked closely. Check the capture software setup for
video buffer settings. Usual video buffer settings are D0000h,
D800h, E000h, or E800h. Change the setting to one of the other
possible values. Add a DEVICE= statement to the CONFIG.SYS file
that corresponds to the new setting for the video buffer (for
example, DEVICE=path\EMM386.EXE X=D000h-D700h). Finally, reinstall
and reconfigure the capture software if problems continue.
If the signal from the video source is not present in the
preview window, make certain that the video source is turned on.
Check the video-in cable to make certain that it is properly
connected to the video-out jack of the video source and into the
correct video-source input on the capture card. Check the I/O
address setup of the capture card closely, as well as its setting
in the capture software. Check in the video capture software to make sure
that the correct video source setting is selected. While in the software settings, check the video type selected, and make sure that it is set for the NTSC standard (in the US), or the corresponding video standard used in the country or region of operation.