"Bryan K." wrote: > Hey everyone > > It's been awhile. Anyhow, I'm looking to do some serious video work with a > linux box. This is what I need: > > * 4 - 8 video inputs > * Ability to record each input at 640x480 (or higher) individually in 24 - > 48 hour intervals If you need to record from 4-8 inputs continuously, you will need 4-8 separate TV capture cards, I believe. However, if you wish just to take snapshots (say, 1-2 per second from all inputs), may be you can do it with DC10plus card which can be programmed to take signals from 4 composite inputs right of the box (however, you will need to add this functionality to the driver, and make S-Video cable for 2 composite inputs instead of Y/C). > * Ability to view at least 4 inputs on screen at one time (at say > 320x240) Theoretically, this is possible too at reduced frame rate with DC10plus, but again, you will need to write some code. At least, I don't know any software which can do this. > * Ability to click and zoom on any screen to full screen, and possibly > zoom in further. If you don't care about loosing signal from other inputs, you can switch to full frame rate and watch video from selected input. > * Possible ability to capture audio with each Audio capture is different. Many cheap TV capture cards do not have audio inputs/outputs at all but you can use audio card from computer. You will need some kind of audio multiplexer though. > So, can someone tell me what I should be looking for, what is the > likleyhood of getting this to work etc? Also, does anyone have a source of > good video capture boards, fairly standard, maybe some with 2-4 inputs? Almost all have both composite and S-Video inputs. Some cards can be programmed so that S-Video input becomes two composite. Some cards, like DC10plus, have internal composite connector besides those ones on rear metal plate. So, in particular DC10plus can be used as 4-inputs card. If you have good soldering skills, may be you can get all available 6 composite inputs from it ;-). Take a look at http://www.cicese.mx/~mirsev/Linux/DC10plus for more information and a driver for DC10plus. -- Serguei Miridonov CICESE, Research Center, CICESE, Optics Dept. Ensenada B.C., Mexico PO Box 434944 E-mail: mirsev@xxxxxxxxx San Diego, CA 92143-4944 FAX: +52 (6) 1750553 U.S.A.
