Computer Setup and Operating Tips
To use a computer to do video monitoring it is good that the computer runs
all the time. The following are some recommendations on how to setup your
computer for this task.
Generally one wants to avoid the operating system from suspending or putting
an application to sleep.
- Turn Windows Power Saving Off e.g. under Control Panel, Power Options.
Power Schemes = Always On, Turn Off Monitor = Never, Turn Off Hard Disk =
Never, System Standby = Never. No Hibernate.
- Under Control Panel - Display Properties - Screen Saver = None. Use power
button instead.
- Avoid setting operating system from automatically logging user off, and
closing running applications e.g. Windows XP and multiple users.
- In Bios set computer to automatically
startup again after a power failure, and run the video monitoring
application.
- Make sure the Windows TaskBar at the bottom of your computer screen is set
to, Always on Top, and never Hide.
Be aware of conditions under which Video Monitoring and Capture can stop.
- Make sure there is enough disk space and set the Maximum Number of Files
you going to be adequate for the disk space available. Have at least 1 Giga
Byte of hard disk space and set Number of Files to about 20 to start. Keep
Frames Per File to about 1000-2000 to start. And use a good Compressor e.g.
MS MPEG-4 V1. If the program runs out of disk space it will stop capturing
video to disk.
- If the Video Monitoring Software program window gets completely covered by
another window on your computer, the video can stop, and so to the capture
and detection. It is a limitation of Video for Windows. In such cases
just minimize Video Monitoring Software to an icon on the TaskBar and it will keep
running if you need to completely use the desk top for other purposes. Make
sure TaskBar is set to be Always on Top, never Hidden.
- If set, program can pop-up error messages for user, can stop the program
until cleared by user. After one has configured the program and learned how
to use it, then one can disable pop-up error messages so they are just
written to file instead - Show Errors in MessageBox.
- Make sure there is constant lighting for the cameras. Remember a camera is
like the human eye, it needs light to see. If the lights go out the camera
will not be able to detect motion, and hence record.
Operating Tips
- Keep file sizes small, so if there is a power failure less history is lost.
Consider file sizes of 1000 to 2000 frames/file. Also smaller file sizes take
less time to transmit and download across the internet when doing remote review.
- All computers should to be re-booted at least once a week or more for best
operation.
- Avoid cluttering up the computer which is running the video monitoring
application with wild programs so as not to interfere with the integrity of the
monitoring function. Try to have a reasonably stable operating system state to
start with when installing the video monitoring application - new operating
system installs are best and most stable.
- Run the program for about 1 week, learn how it works, how to configure it
for your needs, before cutting it over to do work for you.
Also see
Also see