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- Four-Channel Real-Time Video Capture: Simultaneous acquisition of up to four analog video streams in real time via composite BNC inputs.
- MPEG4 Software Compression: High-quality MPEG4 encoding and decoding with adjustable bitrate and frame rate for optimized storage and transmission.
- Flexible Video Format Support: Compatible with NTSC, PAL, CCIR, and EIA standards; supports resolutions from QCIF (160×120) to 4CIF (640×480 NTSC / 768×576 PAL).
- Motion Detection: Configurable up to four detection zones per frame with adjustable sensitivity and programmable actions.
- TCP/IP Streaming: Real-time video transmission over IP networks with flow rate monitoring.
- Watchdog Timer: Hardware watchdog for system reliability; automatically resets the host PC after inactivity timeout.
- General Purpose I/O (GPIO): Four TTL-compatible inputs, four outputs, and four software trigger lines for external control and event signaling.
- Software Development Kit (SDK): Includes WDM drivers and a comprehensive function library for C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, and Borland C++ Builder.
- ViewCreator Utility: GUI-based configuration and testing tool for video capture, encoding, and I/O control.
- Scalable Architecture: Expandable up to 16 channels using optional RTV-E4 extension boards.
- EEPROM Integration: 1 Kbit user EEPROM for storing configuration or identification data.
- System Protection: Unique hardware ID for software licensing and system integration security.
- MPEG4 Software Compression: High-quality MPEG4 encoding and decoding with adjustable bitrate and frame rate for optimized storage and transmission.
- Flexible Video Format Support: Compatible with NTSC, PAL, CCIR, and EIA standards; supports resolutions from QCIF (160×120) to 4CIF (640×480 NTSC / 768×576 PAL).
- Motion Detection: Configurable up to four detection zones per frame with adjustable sensitivity and programmable actions.
- TCP/IP Streaming: Real-time video transmission over IP networks with flow rate monitoring.
- Watchdog Timer: Hardware watchdog for system reliability; automatically resets the host PC after inactivity timeout.
- General Purpose I/O (GPIO): Four TTL-compatible inputs, four outputs, and four software trigger lines for external control and event signaling.
- Software Development Kit (SDK): Includes WDM drivers and a comprehensive function library for C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, and Borland C++ Builder.
- ViewCreator Utility: GUI-based configuration and testing tool for video capture, encoding, and I/O control.
- Scalable Architecture: Expandable up to 16 channels using optional RTV-E4 extension boards.
- EEPROM Integration: 1 Kbit user EEPROM for storing configuration or identification data.
- System Protection: Unique hardware ID for software licensing and system integration security.
Comprehensive Product Summary: ADLINK PCI-MP4S 4-Channel MPEG4 Video Compression Kit
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: PCI-MP4S
Model: PCI-MP4S
Series: Angelo MPEG4 Software Video Compression Series
Article Number: 50-15029-101
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Manual Revision: 2.00 (January 7, 2005)
Manufacturer Contact:
ADLINK Technology Inc., 9F, No. 166, Jian Yi Road, Chungho City, Taipei 235, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2-82265877 | Fax: +886-2-82265717
Website: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)
Email: service@adlinktech.com
The ADLINK PCI-MP4S is a four-channel MPEG4 software video compression development kit designed for real-time image acquisition and compression. It integrates a 32-bit PCI video capture card with a comprehensive MPEG4 software library, enabling developers to build high-performance digital video recording, surveillance, and machine vision systems.
### 2. Key Features
- Four-Channel Real-Time Video Capture: Simultaneous acquisition of up to four analog video streams in real time via composite BNC inputs.
- MPEG4 Software Compression: High-quality MPEG4 encoding and decoding with adjustable bitrate and frame rate for optimized storage and transmission.
- Flexible Video Format Support: Compatible with NTSC, PAL, CCIR, and EIA standards; supports resolutions from QCIF (160×120) to 4CIF (640×480 NTSC / 768×576 PAL).
- Motion Detection: Configurable up to four detection zones per frame with adjustable sensitivity and programmable actions.
- TCP/IP Streaming: Real-time video transmission over IP networks with flow rate monitoring.
- Watchdog Timer: Hardware watchdog for system reliability; automatically resets the host PC after inactivity timeout.
- General Purpose I/O (GPIO): Four TTL-compatible inputs, four outputs, and four software trigger lines for external control and event signaling.
- Software Development Kit (SDK): Includes WDM drivers and a comprehensive function library for C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, and Borland C++ Builder.
- ViewCreator Utility: GUI-based configuration and testing tool for video capture, encoding, and I/O control.
- Scalable Architecture: Expandable up to 16 channels using optional RTV-E4 extension boards.
- EEPROM Integration: 1 Kbit user EEPROM for storing configuration or identification data.
- System Protection: Unique hardware ID for software licensing and system integration security.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Form Factor:
- 32-bit, 33/66 MHz PCI half-size board
Video Input:
- 4 composite video inputs via BNC connectors
- Supports color (NTSC-M/J, PAL-D/G/H/I/M/N, SECAM) and monochrome (CCIR, EIA) formats
- Coaxial cable recommended
Channel Expansion:
- Expandable to 16 channels via three 10-pin ribbon headers (CN2, CN3, CN5)
- Each header adds four additional video inputs
Video Resolution:
- NTSC: 640×480 (4CIF), 320×240 (CIF), 160×120 (QCIF)
- PAL: 768×576 (4CIF), 384×288 (CIF), 192×144 (QCIF)
Image Adjustments:
- Hue (NTSC only), brightness, contrast, saturation (U/V), chrominance gain control
- Scaling down to 1/16 of original image
- Programmable area of interest
General Purpose I/O:
- 4 inputs, 4 outputs, 4 software triggers
- Input high: 2.0–5.25 V; input low: 0–0.8 V
- Output high: 5.0 V @ -1.0 mA; output low: -0.5 V @ 100 mA
- Two 10-pin GPIO headers (CN8, CN9)
Watchdog Timer:
- 2-pin header interface
- Programmable inactivity timeout reset
Software Trigger Output:
- 4-channel programmable trigger (60 µs–16 ms pulse width)
EEPROM:
- 1 Kbit user-programmable memory
Accessories (Standard):
- Watchdog reset cable
- GPIO bracket
- User’s manual
- ADLINK All-in-One CD (drivers, utilities, XVID codec)
Optional Accessories:
- RTV-E4: 4-channel video extension board
- RTV-I4: Isolation GPIO board with relay outputs and configurable trigger polarity
### 4. Functionality
The PCI-MP4S operates as a real-time video capture and compression interface for PC-based systems. It digitizes analog video signals, compresses them using MPEG4 algorithms, and streams or stores the data locally or over a network.
Primary Use Cases:
- Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
- Remote surveillance and security systems
- Industrial and factory monitoring
- Machine vision inspection
- Scientific and medical imaging
Software Integration:
- WDM Driver: Supports Windows 98/NT/2000/XP with DLL interface for VC++, VB, BCB, and Delphi.
- ViewCreator Utility: Provides GUI-based configuration, image preview, encoding control, and I/O testing.
- Function Library: Offers over 50 API functions for encoding, decoding, motion detection, and system control.
Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: Windows 98, NT, 2000 (SP4+), XP
- Hardware: Pentium 4 2.4 GHz or higher, 256 MB DDR RAM minimum, AGP 4X or better VGA
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included:
- PCI-MP4S board
- Watchdog reset cable
- GPIO bracket
- All-in-One CD (drivers, ViewCreator, XVID codec)
- User’s manual
Optional Add-ons:
- RTV-E4 Extension Board: Adds 4 additional video inputs (up to 16 total).
- RTV-I4 Isolation GPIO Board: Provides 4 relay outputs (0.5A/125V AC, 1A/30V DC) and configurable trigger outputs (active high/low).
- Cables: 10-pin ribbon cables for channel expansion and GPIO connectivity.
Connectors:
- CN2/CN3/CN5: Channel extension video inputs
- CN8/CN9: GPIO headers
- CN10: Watchdog reset
- D-sub 25-pin output (on RTV-I4): Combined relay and trigger outputs
### 6. Installation & Setup
Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the PCI-MP4S into an available 32-bit PCI slot.
3. Secure the card with the mounting screw.
4. Connect video sources to the BNC inputs.
5. Power on the system.
Driver Installation:
- Insert the ADLINK All-in-One CD.
- Install the WDM driver before inserting the hardware.
- Select “Vision → Angelo → Windows Driver” for your OS.
- After reboot, verify installation of four “ADLINK Angelo Audio Device” and four “ADLINK Angelo Video Device” entries in Device Manager.
- Install XVID codec to enable AVI playback in Windows Media Player.
Software Setup:
- Launch ViewCreator for initial testing and configuration.
- Adjust video parameters (brightness, hue, contrast) and verify live capture.
- Use the SDK to integrate MPEG4 encoding/decoding into custom applications.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Acquisition Speed (NTSC):
- 1 camera: 30 fps
- 4 cameras: 120 fps total (30 fps per channel)
- 8 cameras (with extension): 120 fps total
Acquisition Speed (PAL):
- 1 camera: 25 fps
- 4 cameras: 100 fps total (25 fps per channel)
- 8 cameras: 100 fps total
Encoding Quality Levels (NTSC):
| Level | Resolution | Bitrate (bps) | Frame Rate |
|--------|-------------|---------------|-------------|
| Lowest | 640×480 | 1.6 Mbps | 5 fps |
| Low | 640×480 | 1.92 Mbps | 10 fps |
| Normal | 640×480 | 2.24 Mbps | 15 fps |
| High | 640×480 | 2.24 Mbps | 30 fps |
| Highest | 640×480 | 4.1 Mbps | 30 fps |
Encoding Quality Levels (PAL):
| Level | Resolution | Bitrate (bps) | Frame Rate |
|--------|-------------|---------------|-------------|
| Lowest | 768×576 | 1.6 Mbps | 4 fps |
| Low | 768×576 | 1.92 Mbps | 8 fps |
| Normal | 768×576 | 2.24 Mbps | 12 fps |
| High | 768×576 | 2.24 Mbps | 25 fps |
| Highest | 768×576 | 4.1 Mbps | 25 fps |
Compression Benchmarks:
- PCI-33 Platform (Pentium 4 2.4 GHz, DDR266 256 MB):
- CIF (320×240): 4-channel encoding at 30 fps per channel, ~70% CPU load.
- PCI-X Platform (Pentium 4, DDR266 1 GB):
- Improved efficiency with lower CPU utilization (5–30% typical).
Limitations:
- CPU-intensive; performance depends on host system.
- Time-lapse effect may occur at 100% CPU load.
- Real-time encoding limited to 4 channels at CIF resolution on recommended hardware.
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Regulatory Compliance:
- FCC Part 15 Class A (U.S.)
- Tested to comply with limits for Class A digital devices.
- Requires shielded cables to minimize interference.
- CE Compliance (Europe):
- Conforms to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (amended by 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC).
- Tested to EN55022/CISPR22 and EN55024/CISPR24 standards.
- Requires shielded cables for peripheral connections.
Video Standards Supported:
- NTSC-M, NTSC-Japan, PAL-D/G/H/I/M/N, SECAM, CCIR, EIA (RS-170).
Software Standards:
- WDM-compliant driver architecture for Windows.
- MPEG4 ISO/IEC 14496-2 compliant encoding/decoding.
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Duration: 2 years from factory shipment date.
- Coverage: Manufacturing defects and hardware failures.
- Exclusions: Damage from misuse, environmental factors, unauthorized repair, or altered serial numbers.
- RMA Procedure: Submit RMA form via [rma.adlinktech.com/policy](http://rma.adlinktech.com/policy).
Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (service@adlinktech.com).
- Firmware and driver updates available on ADLINK’s website.
- Maintenance includes periodic driver updates and codec installation.
Software Updates:
- XVID codec updates for AVI playback.
- SDK updates for compatibility with newer Windows versions.
Documentation:
- Comprehensive user manual (Rev. 2.00).
- API reference for MPEG4 encoding/decoding functions.
- Glossary and compliance appendices.
### Summary
The ADLINK PCI-MP4S is a robust, developer-oriented 4-channel MPEG4 video compression kit optimized for real-time video acquisition and processing. It combines hardware-based video digitization with a flexible software compression library, enabling high-quality, network-ready video applications. With its modular expansion capability, watchdog reliability, and comprehensive SDK, the PCI-MP4S is ideal for OEMs and system integrators developing digital surveillance, industrial monitoring, and vision-based automation systems.
Its compliance with international standards, extensive software support, and proven performance on PCI and PCI-X platforms make it a versatile and reliable solution for embedded video capture and compression applications.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: PCI-MP4S
Model: PCI-MP4S
Series: Angelo MPEG4 Software Video Compression Series
Article Number: 50-15029-101
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Manual Revision: 2.00 (January 7, 2005)
Manufacturer Contact:
ADLINK Technology Inc., 9F, No. 166, Jian Yi Road, Chungho City, Taipei 235, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2-82265877 | Fax: +886-2-82265717
Website: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)
Email: service@adlinktech.com
The ADLINK PCI-MP4S is a four-channel MPEG4 software video compression development kit designed for real-time image acquisition and compression. It integrates a 32-bit PCI video capture card with a comprehensive MPEG4 software library, enabling developers to build high-performance digital video recording, surveillance, and machine vision systems.
### 2. Key Features
- Four-Channel Real-Time Video Capture: Simultaneous acquisition of up to four analog video streams in real time via composite BNC inputs.
- MPEG4 Software Compression: High-quality MPEG4 encoding and decoding with adjustable bitrate and frame rate for optimized storage and transmission.
- Flexible Video Format Support: Compatible with NTSC, PAL, CCIR, and EIA standards; supports resolutions from QCIF (160×120) to 4CIF (640×480 NTSC / 768×576 PAL).
- Motion Detection: Configurable up to four detection zones per frame with adjustable sensitivity and programmable actions.
- TCP/IP Streaming: Real-time video transmission over IP networks with flow rate monitoring.
- Watchdog Timer: Hardware watchdog for system reliability; automatically resets the host PC after inactivity timeout.
- General Purpose I/O (GPIO): Four TTL-compatible inputs, four outputs, and four software trigger lines for external control and event signaling.
- Software Development Kit (SDK): Includes WDM drivers and a comprehensive function library for C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, and Borland C++ Builder.
- ViewCreator Utility: GUI-based configuration and testing tool for video capture, encoding, and I/O control.
- Scalable Architecture: Expandable up to 16 channels using optional RTV-E4 extension boards.
- EEPROM Integration: 1 Kbit user EEPROM for storing configuration or identification data.
- System Protection: Unique hardware ID for software licensing and system integration security.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Form Factor:
- 32-bit, 33/66 MHz PCI half-size board
Video Input:
- 4 composite video inputs via BNC connectors
- Supports color (NTSC-M/J, PAL-D/G/H/I/M/N, SECAM) and monochrome (CCIR, EIA) formats
- Coaxial cable recommended
Channel Expansion:
- Expandable to 16 channels via three 10-pin ribbon headers (CN2, CN3, CN5)
- Each header adds four additional video inputs
Video Resolution:
- NTSC: 640×480 (4CIF), 320×240 (CIF), 160×120 (QCIF)
- PAL: 768×576 (4CIF), 384×288 (CIF), 192×144 (QCIF)
Image Adjustments:
- Hue (NTSC only), brightness, contrast, saturation (U/V), chrominance gain control
- Scaling down to 1/16 of original image
- Programmable area of interest
General Purpose I/O:
- 4 inputs, 4 outputs, 4 software triggers
- Input high: 2.0–5.25 V; input low: 0–0.8 V
- Output high: 5.0 V @ -1.0 mA; output low: -0.5 V @ 100 mA
- Two 10-pin GPIO headers (CN8, CN9)
Watchdog Timer:
- 2-pin header interface
- Programmable inactivity timeout reset
Software Trigger Output:
- 4-channel programmable trigger (60 µs–16 ms pulse width)
EEPROM:
- 1 Kbit user-programmable memory
Accessories (Standard):
- Watchdog reset cable
- GPIO bracket
- User’s manual
- ADLINK All-in-One CD (drivers, utilities, XVID codec)
Optional Accessories:
- RTV-E4: 4-channel video extension board
- RTV-I4: Isolation GPIO board with relay outputs and configurable trigger polarity
### 4. Functionality
The PCI-MP4S operates as a real-time video capture and compression interface for PC-based systems. It digitizes analog video signals, compresses them using MPEG4 algorithms, and streams or stores the data locally or over a network.
Primary Use Cases:
- Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
- Remote surveillance and security systems
- Industrial and factory monitoring
- Machine vision inspection
- Scientific and medical imaging
Software Integration:
- WDM Driver: Supports Windows 98/NT/2000/XP with DLL interface for VC++, VB, BCB, and Delphi.
- ViewCreator Utility: Provides GUI-based configuration, image preview, encoding control, and I/O testing.
- Function Library: Offers over 50 API functions for encoding, decoding, motion detection, and system control.
Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: Windows 98, NT, 2000 (SP4+), XP
- Hardware: Pentium 4 2.4 GHz or higher, 256 MB DDR RAM minimum, AGP 4X or better VGA
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included:
- PCI-MP4S board
- Watchdog reset cable
- GPIO bracket
- All-in-One CD (drivers, ViewCreator, XVID codec)
- User’s manual
Optional Add-ons:
- RTV-E4 Extension Board: Adds 4 additional video inputs (up to 16 total).
- RTV-I4 Isolation GPIO Board: Provides 4 relay outputs (0.5A/125V AC, 1A/30V DC) and configurable trigger outputs (active high/low).
- Cables: 10-pin ribbon cables for channel expansion and GPIO connectivity.
Connectors:
- CN2/CN3/CN5: Channel extension video inputs
- CN8/CN9: GPIO headers
- CN10: Watchdog reset
- D-sub 25-pin output (on RTV-I4): Combined relay and trigger outputs
### 6. Installation & Setup
Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the PCI-MP4S into an available 32-bit PCI slot.
3. Secure the card with the mounting screw.
4. Connect video sources to the BNC inputs.
5. Power on the system.
Driver Installation:
- Insert the ADLINK All-in-One CD.
- Install the WDM driver before inserting the hardware.
- Select “Vision → Angelo → Windows Driver” for your OS.
- After reboot, verify installation of four “ADLINK Angelo Audio Device” and four “ADLINK Angelo Video Device” entries in Device Manager.
- Install XVID codec to enable AVI playback in Windows Media Player.
Software Setup:
- Launch ViewCreator for initial testing and configuration.
- Adjust video parameters (brightness, hue, contrast) and verify live capture.
- Use the SDK to integrate MPEG4 encoding/decoding into custom applications.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Acquisition Speed (NTSC):
- 1 camera: 30 fps
- 4 cameras: 120 fps total (30 fps per channel)
- 8 cameras (with extension): 120 fps total
Acquisition Speed (PAL):
- 1 camera: 25 fps
- 4 cameras: 100 fps total (25 fps per channel)
- 8 cameras: 100 fps total
Encoding Quality Levels (NTSC):
| Level | Resolution | Bitrate (bps) | Frame Rate |
|--------|-------------|---------------|-------------|
| Lowest | 640×480 | 1.6 Mbps | 5 fps |
| Low | 640×480 | 1.92 Mbps | 10 fps |
| Normal | 640×480 | 2.24 Mbps | 15 fps |
| High | 640×480 | 2.24 Mbps | 30 fps |
| Highest | 640×480 | 4.1 Mbps | 30 fps |
Encoding Quality Levels (PAL):
| Level | Resolution | Bitrate (bps) | Frame Rate |
|--------|-------------|---------------|-------------|
| Lowest | 768×576 | 1.6 Mbps | 4 fps |
| Low | 768×576 | 1.92 Mbps | 8 fps |
| Normal | 768×576 | 2.24 Mbps | 12 fps |
| High | 768×576 | 2.24 Mbps | 25 fps |
| Highest | 768×576 | 4.1 Mbps | 25 fps |
Compression Benchmarks:
- PCI-33 Platform (Pentium 4 2.4 GHz, DDR266 256 MB):
- CIF (320×240): 4-channel encoding at 30 fps per channel, ~70% CPU load.
- PCI-X Platform (Pentium 4, DDR266 1 GB):
- Improved efficiency with lower CPU utilization (5–30% typical).
Limitations:
- CPU-intensive; performance depends on host system.
- Time-lapse effect may occur at 100% CPU load.
- Real-time encoding limited to 4 channels at CIF resolution on recommended hardware.
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Regulatory Compliance:
- FCC Part 15 Class A (U.S.)
- Tested to comply with limits for Class A digital devices.
- Requires shielded cables to minimize interference.
- CE Compliance (Europe):
- Conforms to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (amended by 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC).
- Tested to EN55022/CISPR22 and EN55024/CISPR24 standards.
- Requires shielded cables for peripheral connections.
Video Standards Supported:
- NTSC-M, NTSC-Japan, PAL-D/G/H/I/M/N, SECAM, CCIR, EIA (RS-170).
Software Standards:
- WDM-compliant driver architecture for Windows.
- MPEG4 ISO/IEC 14496-2 compliant encoding/decoding.
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Duration: 2 years from factory shipment date.
- Coverage: Manufacturing defects and hardware failures.
- Exclusions: Damage from misuse, environmental factors, unauthorized repair, or altered serial numbers.
- RMA Procedure: Submit RMA form via [rma.adlinktech.com/policy](http://rma.adlinktech.com/policy).
Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (service@adlinktech.com).
- Firmware and driver updates available on ADLINK’s website.
- Maintenance includes periodic driver updates and codec installation.
Software Updates:
- XVID codec updates for AVI playback.
- SDK updates for compatibility with newer Windows versions.
Documentation:
- Comprehensive user manual (Rev. 2.00).
- API reference for MPEG4 encoding/decoding functions.
- Glossary and compliance appendices.
### Summary
The ADLINK PCI-MP4S is a robust, developer-oriented 4-channel MPEG4 video compression kit optimized for real-time video acquisition and processing. It combines hardware-based video digitization with a flexible software compression library, enabling high-quality, network-ready video applications. With its modular expansion capability, watchdog reliability, and comprehensive SDK, the PCI-MP4S is ideal for OEMs and system integrators developing digital surveillance, industrial monitoring, and vision-based automation systems.
Its compliance with international standards, extensive software support, and proven performance on PCI and PCI-X platforms make it a versatile and reliable solution for embedded video capture and compression applications.
-
PCI-MP4S_Manual_3.pdf
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