Trademarks
The Visual Circuits logo is a registered trademark in the United States
and other countries. All other products, services or company names
mentioned herein are claimed as trademarks and trade names by their
respective companies.
c Visual Circuits, 1999-2003. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual may be copied by any means without the prior
consent of Visual Circuits.
Visual Circuits Corporation
5155 East River Road, Suite 401
Minnea poli s, M N 554 21 US A
http://www.visualcircuits.com
Visual Circuits Publication Number: 813-0038C
All specifications, notices and warnings are subject to change without
notice.
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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with this
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.
The Hamony 4E complies with Part 15 (EN61000-3-2) of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Industry Canada
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du
Regulement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.
EMC and Safety Directive Compliance
The CE mark is affixed to this Visual Circuits
Corporation product to confirm compliance with the
following European Community Directives:
WARNING
Changes or modifications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of
the laws of Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
And
Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization
of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed
for use within certain voltage limits:
Each amended by Council Directive 93/68/EEC of 22 July 1993 on the
harmonization of CE marking requirements.
Class A Warning (EN55024, EN55022)
In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
OVERVIEW
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Installation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Editing Driver Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Troubleshooting Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Contacting Visual Circuits Corporation . . . . . . . . . 31
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
i
CONTENTS
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Audio/Video Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Application Interface (API) for the Harmony 4E . . . .2
Installation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Card Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Cable Installation (A/V Breakout) . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Driver Installation (Windows 2000/NT 4.0) . . . . . .6
Starting Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Editing Driver Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Driver Editing Utility: Harmony VccReg.exe . . . . . .15
Common Driver Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
PAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
BufferSizePerChannel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
MaxDisks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
MaxFileRead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
MinFileRead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
NoCache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
NonPagedPoolSize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
ii
Contents
NoReadBuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Audio/Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
DisableSync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
VideoTypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
InitOnOpen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
dontuseints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
LateLoadNext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
MaxCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Multiapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Dual-Card Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Multi-Threading and Drive Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Troubleshooting Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Server Setup Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Blue screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Message says '' Harmony Driver not found!'' when
Harmony Vidserve is started . . . . . . . . . . . .25
No video or audio output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Stuttering files during Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
"Latent Images" or "Flashing" during playback . .27
iii
Contents
SMPTE time codes are not recognized properly .27
Video blocks or stutters when starting playback. .28
Overall block or distorted playback . . . . . . . . . . .28
Problems using the API. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Mouse lags and overall poor system performance 29
MPEG will not play on mapped network drive. . .29
Harmony Vidserve does not work at all . . . . . . . .29
All channels pause when a new file is started on a
channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
No audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
More than one board will not play or make a few
horizontal lines on the screen. . . . . . . . . . . .30
Contacting Visual Circuits Corporation . . . . . . . . . 31
Contacting Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
What You Should Have Ready When You Call . . . . .31
What You Can Expect When You Call. . . . . . . . . . . .31
Technical Support Contact Information for the Value
Added Reseller (VAR) or Distributor Only . . . . .32
Returning Materials to Visual Circuits Corporation . .32
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Hardware Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Audio Video Breakout Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
1
OVERVIEW
Introduction
The Visual Circuits Harmony 4E card is a PCI MPEG decoder card
supporting four independent outputs or “channels” of high-quality
video playback. The Harmony 4E has its own unique driver and
API structure designed to offer maximum compatibility with
Visual Circuits ReelTime series cards.
Figure 1. Harmony 4E Card
Harmony 4E simultaneously outputs composite and high-quality S-
video, along with either Dolby Digital audio or Stereo PCM audio
via S/PDIF. Alternately, Harmony 4E can also output RGB (sync
on green) or component video.
The Harmony 4E card also supports a dynamic On Screen Display
(OSD) of 256 colors with varying degrees of transparency. Since
all video decoding is performed through hardware, not only can a
single four-channel card run in four independent outputs, but two
cards are supported in the same server as well. The Windows 2000/
NT driver also includes a Software Developers Kit (SDK) with
libraries and a sample program allowing flexibility and
customization.
Overview
2
Audio/Video Distribution
There are two options for audio/video distribution. None of these
devices are powered and follow all standard audio/video cabling
procedures.
1. 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.
2. Audio Cables: Cables with 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo phone
plugs to two phono (RCA) plugs may be used to connect the
Harmony 4E digital audio outputs to an external audio
receiver/decoder. The output labeled “CH1/2” is designated for
channels 1 & 2 and the output labeled “CH3/4” is designated
for channels 3 & 4. (Note: Visual Circuits does not carry cable
adapters and accessories, see page 36 for details).
Application Interface (API) for the
Harmony 4E
The source code for the Harmony Vidserve demo 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++ 6.0 project makefile for Harmony
Vidserve. 4REELAPI.H declares all of the functions available in
the driver library. (See the Harmony SDK manual for more info.).
3
INSTALLATION GUIDE
The Visual Circuits Harmony 4E 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 25-pin female D-Sub
output of the board.
CAUTION
If a card is not seated securely in the PCI slot
when the system power is applied, damage to
the Harmony 4E board may occur.
CAUTION
It is possible to damage system components,
primarily the system's mainboard, if power is
applied to an improperly seated card.
CAUTION
Whenever installing a board, never force the
board into position. During the installation if
pressure or tension is noted, stop immediately
and refer to the chassis manufacturer's
specifications for card installation and
placement.
Installation Guide
4
Card Installation
To install the card, carefully slide the board into the selected PCI
slot of the mainboard. 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
Figure 2. Installation of Harmony 4E Card.
CAUTION
Follow all necessary precautions when
handling electrical circuit boards. Damage can
occur due to frictional contact with board
circuitry or due to electrostatic discharge
(ESD).
Installation Guide
5
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-Subs.
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 desired, connect Y-adapter audio cables, (1/8 inch/3.5 mm
stereo phone plug to two RCA plugs), from the Harmony 4E
card’s digital audio output jacks to the proper inputs on an
external audio receiver/decoder. Note that the audio output jack
labeled “CH1/2” is designated for channels 1 & 2 and the
second audio output jack labeled “CH3/4” is designated for
channels 3 & 4.
Figure 3. Cable Installation
Installation Guide
6
Driver Installation (Windows 2000/NT 4.0)
For use under Windows 2000, complete both Parts 1 and 2 of the
driver software installation instructions.
For use under Windows NT 4.0, complete only Part 2 of the driver
software installation instructions.
Installation Instructions - Part 1: For Use Under
Windows 2000
(NT 4.0 users skip ahead to Part 2)
NOTE
Apply strain relief as required when attaching patch
cables. The set-screws will easily support the Universal
Cable strain, but will not take into account the weight and
strain of any connected cables.
IMPORTANT
If you have previously installed a different type of Visual
Circuits decoder card, or a different version for the
Harmony decoder series, it is recommended that you
uninstall that driver before proceeding.
WARNING
For installation for use under Windows 2000, Windows
2000 Service Pack 2 or higher is required.
Installation Guide
7
Under Windows 2000, to complete this installation you must point
the system to the driver installation disc when prompted by
Windows.
The harmony.inf file (included on the driver installation disc)
should be installed for each of the video channels.
Important: Each board appears as 4 devices to the system.
Therefore, you will be prompted by Windows to install a driver
for each individual video channel.
1. Install the decoder card(s) according to the board’s user
manual. Power up the computer and log in to Windows.
The Windows 2000 Hardware Manager will recognize that
new hardware has been added to the system. A message box
will appear stating that Windows has found new hardware.
Click “Next” to continue.
Figure 4. Welcome to Found New Hardware Wizard Screen
Installation Guide
8
2. Select the first option, “Search for a suitable driver for my
device”, and click “Next”.
Figure 5. Search For Suitable Driver For My Device Screen
3. Windows will ask where to look for the location of the driver
file for this device. Select the location of the supplied driver
disc and then click “Next”.
Figure 6. Search For Driver Locations Screen
Installation Guide
9
4. A dialog box will appear informing you that this device does
not have a digital signature and will ask you if you still want to
install it, click “Yes”.
Figure 7. Digital Signature Not Found Screen
5. Now that the driver is installed for this channel, select
“Finish”. You may be asked to reboot your system. Do NOT
reboot your system. Click “No” and continue the procedure
for installing additional channels and cards.
6. The “Welcome to Found New Hardware Wizard Screen will be
displayed again indicating that new hardware has been found.
Click the “Next” button to continue.
Figure 8. Welcome to Found New Hardware Wizard Screen
Installation Guide
10
7. Because a driver has already been installed on your system
previously, you should select the second option, “Display a list
of the known drivers for this device so that I can choose a
specific driver”, and then click “Next”.
Figure 9. Display List of Known Drivers Screen
8. The Hardware Wizard will have already found the Harmony
4E device driver and will have it listed under “Models”. Click
“Next” to continue.
Figure 10. Select a Device Driver Screen
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