This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following 3Com® BigpictureTM products: • Videophone Camera & Capture Card 3Com, the 3Com logo, and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks; Bigpicture and the Bigpicture logo are trademarks of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. Windows and NetMeeting are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Kai’s Photo Soap Special Edition is a trademark of MetaCreations. Digital Video Producer is a trademark of Asymetrix.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Installation Determining Your Version of Windows 95 Inserting the Video Capture Card into Your Computer Connecting Your NTSC Camera to Your Video Capture Card Connecting a Camcorder or Other NTSC Device to Your Video Capture Card Installing the Video Capture Card’s Drivers Software Installation Bigpicture Software Summary The Bigpicture Application Launcher Internet Security Issues Troubleshooting and Online Help Resources IRQ Conflicts: Freeing an IRQ IRQ Conflicts: Altering
TABLE OF CONTENTS Glossary Specifications Video Capture Card NTSC Camera Regulatory Information and Limited Warranty 45 50 50 51 53
INTRODUCTION C ongratulations! You have purchased a powerful (and fun!) video communications tool. 3Com is known worldwide for reliable and easy-to-use networking and data communications tools. Now you can count on 3Com for the same quality in digital video applications. 3Com, the leader in networking, now puts digital video right inside your PC.
INSTALLATION You’ll need these items from your Bigpicture box: TM NTSC camera video capture card Bigpicture CD-ROM Plus: screwdriver (not included) This section will guide you through installation of the hardware and software in your Bigpicture Videophone package. The hardware (video capture card and camera) must be installed before the software. 2. Click Properties. 2 Determining Your Version of Windows 95 There are different versions of Windows 95 on the market.
INSTALLATION blank below for future reference. Then click OK. Windows 95 version _________________ 3. In the “System Properties” screen, look at the system information under the General tab (circled in the following screen image). The number following the text “Microsoft Windows 95” will end with “950”, “950a”, or “950b”. This indicates your version of Windows 95.
INSTALLATION Inserting the Video Capture Card into Your Computer NOTE: Before installing your capture card, write down the card’s serial number in this space: ________________________________ You will find the serial number underneath the bar code on the white sticker on the capture card and on your Bigpicture package. If you ever need to call our technical support department, the technical support representative will ask you for this serial number.
INSTALLATION CAUTION : To avoid risk of electric shock, make sure your computer and all peripheral devices are turned off and unplugged from electrical outlets. 3. Remove the screws from your computer’s cover and then remove the cover. Your computer may not resemble the computer in the following diagrams, but the basic principle for removing the cover should be the same. Refer to your computer’s documentation if you need further instructions. 4.
INSTALLATION 5. There should be two types of expansion slot inside your computer, ISA and PCI (see the following diagrams). Find an empty PCI slot inside your computer. PCI slots are usually white plastic grooves lined with silver metal. ISA slots are usually longer black plastic grooves lined with silver metal.
INSTALLATION PCI ISA will need to apply some pressure to properly fit the capture card into the expansion slot. A gentle back-and-forth motion helps seat the card all the way into the slot. If you feel resistance, do not force the card into the slot. The card may not be properly aligned with the slot. Remove the card completely and try again. 6. Unscrew and remove the expansion slot cover (the long, narrow piece of metal that keeps dust from entering through the opening perpendicular to the slot).
INSTALLATION 8. Screw the video capture card firmly into place using the screw you removed in step 6. 9. Replace the computer’s cover. Fasten it with the screws you removed in step 3. 10.Plug the computer’s power cord back into the computer and reattach your peripherals to the computer.
INSTALLATION 1. Plug the Bigpicture camera’s yellow RCAtype video plug into the yellow RCA-type video jack on the capture card. 2. Plug the camera’s power cord into the power jack located just under the video jack on the capture card. 3. Plug the camera’s 1/8-inch audio output plug into the sound card’s MIC or AUDIO IN jack. Refer to your sound card’s documentation for further information. 4. Go to “Installing the Video Capture Card’s Drivers” on page 11.
INSTALLATION consult your device’s manual if this configuration does not apply. The power jack on the capture card is of no concern when you are using a device other than the NTSC camera included in your Bigpicture kit. Installing the Video Capture Card’s Drivers To connect your device’s audio out to your sound card, connect a phono plug to miniature 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) phone plug adapter (Radio Shack catalog number 274-330a) to one end of an RCA male to RCA male cable.
INSTALLATION 2. Click Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer. 3. Click OK and insert the Bigpicture CD into your CD-ROM drive. 4. When you see the “Install From Disk” screen, type D:\ and then press ENTER. (If your CD-ROM drive uses a letter other than D, type that letter in place of D.) Windows will install the drivers for your video capture card. NOTE: If you do not see the preceding screen, your Plug and Play installation was not successful.
INSTALLATION 5. Next, you will see the following screen on your desktop. Click OK. Windows will install the additional software. 6. Once the additional software is installed, you will see your normal desktop. You should now verify that the installation was a success. Click the Windows Start button and point to Settings. Then click Control Panel (see the following screen image).
INSTALLATION 7. Double-click the System icon (circled in the screen image below). 8. Click the Device Manager tab.
INSTALLATION 9. Double-click Sound, Video and Game Controllers. 14 10.You should see “U.S. Robotics Video Capture” in the Sound, Video and Game Controllers listing. This indicates that the installation was successful.
INSTALLATION NOTE: If you do not see your video capture card listed in the preceding screen, your Plug and Play installation was not successful. See “If Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your Capture Card” (page 43). You are now ready to install the software for Bigpicture. Turn to “Software Installation” on page 20. Video Capture Card Driver Installation with Windows 95 Version 950B 1. Turn on your computer. When Windows restarts, it will detect the video capture card. You should see the following screen.
INSTALLATION 2. When you see the following screen, click Finish. 3. Next, you will see the following screen on your desktop. Click OK. Windows will install the additional software. 4. Once the additional software is installed, you will see your normal desktop. You should now verify that the installation was a success. Click the Windows Start button and point to Settings. Then click Control Panel (see the following screen image).
INSTALLATION 5. Double-click the System icon (circled in the screen image below).
INSTALLATION 6. Click the Device Manager tab. 18 7. Double-click Sound, Video and Game Controllers.
INSTALLATION 8. You should see “U.S. Robotics Video Capture” in the Sound, Video and Game Controllers listing. This indicates that the installation was successful. NOTE: If you do not see your video capture card listed in the preceding screen, your Plug and Play installation was not successful. See “If Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your Capture Card” (page 43). Software Installation NOTE: Before beginning software installation, make sure your Windows 95 display is set to 256 colors or higher.
INSTALLATION This section will guide you through installing the Bigpicture Setup Wizard, which installs your Bigpicture software applications. 1. Click Windows 95 Start. 2. Then click Run. 20 3. Your Bigpicture CD-ROM should be inserted into your CD-ROM drive. If it is not, insert it now. Type D:\setup.exe (If your CD-ROM drive has a letter name other than D, type that letter in place of D. If you are unsure of the letter name for your CD-ROM drive, you can click Browse and search for it.
INSTALLATION 4. You will see the following screen. The Setup Wizard is preparing your system for installation. 5. After you read the “Welcome” screen, click Next.
INSTALLATION 6. Fill in the blanks on the next screen with your information, using the TAB key to move between the fields. Then click Next. determine other aspects of the installation. However, custom installation requires indepth knowledge of the applications involved. When you click Typical, the CD will automatically install the software on your system. 7. The next screen allows you to choose a typical or custom installation. We recommend that you click Typical.
INSTALLATION On the following page is a summary of the software available on the Bigpicture CDROM. Review each item to familiarize yourself with the applications. Keep in mind that your Bigpicture system will be easier to use if you install all of the software included on the CD-ROM by choosing the Typical installation.
INSTALLATION Bigpicture Software Summary Bigpicture - This is the application launcher that you use to quickly access any of the software in the Bigpicture program group. It also provides easy access to help files for some applications. Kai’s Photo Soap Special Edition - Photo Soap Special Edition is a fun tool for manipulating and editing digital photos and still images. Asymetrix Digital Video Producer - Digital Video Producer is a powerful video capture and movie editing application.
INSTALLATION 8. When you see the following screen, click Yes. 9. This is the first screen of the Registration Wizard. After reading the screen, click Next.
INSTALLATION 10.When you see the next screen, type the appropriate information. Then click Next. 11. When you see the following screen, you are asked which Bigpicture product you purchased. Scroll down and select 3Com Bigpicture Video Capture Card and Camera. Fill in the rest of the information as required. Then click Next. 26 12.The next screen allows you to register your Bigpicture product. Click By Mail on the following screen. Then click OK.
INSTALLATION 13.When the following screen appears, make sure the printer selected is the correct destination for your registration information. Then click OK. NOTE: You can also register by fax or e-mail if you have those options. We explain the By Mail option to ensure that everyone can register, regardless of their system’s capabilities. Once you have printed your registration information, mail it to the following address: ATTN.
INSTALLATION 14.This screen marks the end of the registration process. Click OK. Continue with the next section, which provides an overview of the Bigpicture application launcher. The Bigpicture Application Launcher The Bigpicture application launcher is a quick and easy way for you to access the software programs installed to your computer from the 28 Bigpicture CD. You can start the launcher by clicking the Bigpicture Launcher icon in the Windows 95 Start menu.
INSTALLATION Here is a synopsis of the launcher: Click Video Phone and a menu appears allowing you to launch VDOnet’s VDOPhone Professional H.324 & Internet videophone software, BoxTop Interactive’s iVisit Internet chat software, or Microsoft’s NetMeeting H.323 Internet software. work shop, and VDOnet’s VDOLive streaming video player. Click Help to select help files for Digital Video Producer’s capture and editing applications, VDOLive, VDOPlayer 3.0, VDOMail, and Microsoft’s NetMeeting.
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES The Internet is an amazing new frontier of human interaction. Almost anyone and anything can be found there in one form or another. This is part of the appeal of gaining access to the Internet and the World Wide Web. It’s like having the world’s largest library in your own home. However, the public and free nature of the Internet can raise some of the same concerns for one’s personal security that any public activity might generate.
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES communications path. It should be considered a public “place.” Therefore, you should assume that any information that you send over the Internet can be viewed by strangers. If the software you are using includes security measures, we recommend that you take advantage of them. and use it to send you information that you do not wish to receive. VDOPhone appears on the CD-ROM in your package. It allows you to tap into a network of other VDOPhone users.
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES The information that you provide here will be available to anyone accessing the VDO directory while the VDOPhone software is running on your PC. Adding information to the VDOPhone “Identity” section might help friends and family identify who you are for practical reasons. However, keep in mind that someone you don’t know can use your information to call you and send you information that you may not want.
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES than your real name to ensure that no one will know who you really are. • Use a password your children don’t know. If you have children who use your computer, you may want to keep your VDOPhone password a secret from them to ensure that they don’t have access to the software. Unsupervised, a child could access video under the “(X) Adult Only” category with just a few clicks of a mouse. • Do not use an actual picture in the photo ID section of VDOPhone setup.
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES can protect your identity and that of your family. • Do not use “Auto Answer” when using VDOPhone. This setting automatically brings up any video images that enter the VDOPhone directory, regardless of whether you want to see them or not. By disabling this feature, you reduce the risk of seeing something that might offend you or that you do not wish to see. “Call Screening” enables you to see the identity information of the person calling you before you see any images.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION The computer or software will not recognize the video capture card. You may have a conflict between your COM and IRQ ports. Check to make sure you have the correct COM port and IRQ settings in your software and/or in the Windows Control Panel. You do not see video in an application’s video window. The camera may not be turned on.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE SOLUTION You do not see video… (cont.) The application may be set to accept video from a non-existent source. Set the video source option in the software to “composite.” Your software may be set to the wrong video format. Change the video format to 160 x 120 pixels and 15-bit RGB. DirectDraw or Direct X drivers were not loaded during the initial installation of your video capture card.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES IRQ Conflicts: Freeing an IRQ Your video capture card requires two system resources: an interrupt and a memory segment. If your system is not immediately detecting the card, there is a high probability that there is an IRQ conflict involving the video capture card. In the Windows Device Manager, double-click the Sound, video and game controllers option. Look for the “U.S. Robotics Video Capture” item.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES NOTE: If your PC is loaded with many devices, there may not be a free interrupt available for the video capture card. If this is the case, you’ll need to find an unused device which has a reserved interrupt and free that interrupt for use by the capture card. Many PCs reserve an interrupt for a PS/2 mouse or an IDE hard disk controller, even when these devices are not present on the system.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES IRQ Conflicts: Altering PCI BIOS Settings Your Bigpicture package is a PCI-based system. While most PCI-based systems configure themselves automatically via a Plug and Play compliant chip set and BIOS, there are occasional problems. Some of these systems require you to configure some or all of the following functions, usually by changing jumpers on the system board or BIOS setup parameters. (Check your system manual for information on configuring these functions.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES System Locking: Readjusting the Video Capture Card’s Memory Address If your PCI video capture card installed correctly, yet your system locks up when attempting to access video applications, there may be a Plug and Play memory overlap between your capture card and an existing video card with a S3/968 chip set (Diamond Stealth 64 PCI, etc.). Determine whether your system has such a card installed. If it does, follow these steps to alleviate the problem. 1. 2. 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES If Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your Capture Card 1. Click Windows 95 Start and click Shut Down. When asked if you wish to shut down your computer, click Yes. When Windows 95 indicates that it is safe to turn off your computer, turn it off and wait 15 seconds. Then turn the computer back on. Windows 95 may detect your video capture card upon this restart even if it did not detect the card during the initial installation.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES Online Help Resources 3Com offers a number of online technical support options. Choose any one of the following if you need help with your new Bigpicture system or want to learn more about it. Bigpicture 90-Day Installation Support Line If you need further assistance with your Bigpicture product, call our dedicated 90-day installation support number. Representatives are waiting to assist you. 888-877-4VID∗ ∗ 888-877-4VID is a 90-day installation support number.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES of our Web page. Log on to http://www.3com.com. CompuServe Connect to the 3Com forum with the command GO THREECOM. Leave a message on one of our message boards or e-mail us through CompuServe Mail for a response within 24 hours. Modem vendor forum address is GO THREECOM. Address messages to 76711,707. America Online Connect to 3Com through America Online. Go to the Keyword field and type 3COM to connect to the 3Com forum.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE H ELP RESOURCES ∗ NOTE: 888-877-4VID is a 90-day installation support number. After 90 days, please call 847982-5151. Priority “No Hold” Service 3Com staffs a 900 toll number for immediate assistance. These lines are staffed from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. “No Hold” line 900-555-8771 There is a $1.50 per minute charge which will appear on your local phone bill. You must be 18 or older or have parental permission. (Service available only in the United States.
GLOSSARY Cross references are printed in boldface. application A computer program designed to perform a specific function, such as word processing or organizing data into a spreadsheet. .avi (audio-video interleaved) Developed by Microsoft Corporation, .avi is a digital video architecture for use in the Windows operating system. It is a common standard for synchronized audio/video delivery on PC compatible computers, known as Video for Windows.
GLOSSARY bits per second (bps) The bits (binary digits) per second rate. Thousands of bits per second are expressed as kilobits per second or Kbps. carrier A tone signifying a connection the modem can alter to communicate data across telephone lines. .bmp This DOS three-character extension at the end of a file name identifies the file contents as bit-mapped graphics (FILENAME.BMP). character A representation, coded in binary digits, of a letter, number, or other symbol.
GLOSSARY composite video A video signal in which all the image information (color, brightness, line, field, sync, etc.) are mixed together. Cross-color artifacts become apparent in composite video. dynamic IP address A dynamic IP address is an address that changes every time a user logs into their ISP (Internet service provider). This makes their address more secure, as it is harder for unauthorized users to access the address should they come across it via the Internet.
GLOSSARY ISP Internet Service Provider. A company that provides users with Internet access for a set fee. ITU-T An international organization that defines standards for telegraphic and telephone equipment. The initials ITU-T represent the French name. In English it is known as the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee. NTSC Acronym for National Television Standards Committee.
GLOSSARY RAM Random Access Memory. Memory that is available for use when the modem is turned on, but that does not retain information when the power is turned off. The modem's RAM holds the current operational settings, a flow control buffer, and a command buffer. ROM Read Only Memory. Permanent memory, not user-programmable. V.80 An ITU-T standard for modem communications that defines video conferencing-ready modems.
SPECIFICATIONS VIDEO CAPTURE CARD Physical Properties Internal PCI half card Resolution 640x 480 (NTSC standard), supports burst PCI bus transfers Maximum Frame Rate 30 frames/sec at full resolution in overlay mode Power Output jack: 50 +5V, 1A limit
SPECIFICATIONS NTSC CAMERA Physical Properties Integrated 3.8mm lens mount Built-in microphone Dimensions: Switches: Interface: Operating temp.: 77 x 62 x 84 mm Power on/off, WB auto/fixed, BLC, contrast, image neg./pos (or flicker reduction). One cable (video and audio cinch., DC power jack) 0 to 40 degrees Celsius ambient Resolution 512 x 492 pixels (NTSC standard) Viewing angle: 51 x 39 deg.
SPECIFICATIONS Audio Signal to noise ratio: Audio output: 48dB 400 mVRMS in 10kΩ Power Power input: Power consumption: DC 5V+5% <2.
REGULATORY INFORMATION AND LIMITED WARRANTY Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity 3Com declares that the product BigpictureTM Videophone Camera & Capture Card (model 1689) conforms to the FCC’s specifications: Part 15: Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful electromagnetic interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operations.
REGULATORY INFORMATION UL Listing/CUL Listing This information technology equipment is ULListed and CUL-Listed for use with ULListed personal computers that have installation instructions detailing user installation of card cage accessories. Radio and Television Interference This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
REGULATORY INFORMATION • Relocate the computer and/or the receiver so that they are on separate branch circuits. If necessary, consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. You may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal Communications Commission, helpful: TV How to Identify and Resolve RadioInterference Problems Stock No. 004-000-0345-4 U.S.
REGULATORY INFORMATION working conditions (including, but not limited to, lightning and water damage). THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE. U.S.
REGULATORY INFORMATION vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations on duration of an implied warranty, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you. You will be given a Service Repair Order (“SRO”) number to help 3Com keep track of your limited warranty request.