Sensoray 811 4-channel frame grabber

Description
Model 811 is a PCI Express board that simultaneously captures four channels of analog NTSC/PAL video and four channels of stereo audio. It captures raw video frames from each channel at up to full frame rate, resulting in an aggregate frame capture rate of up to 120 fps for NTSC and 100 fps for PAL. The 811's high frame capture rate, coupled with its high performance bus interface, makes it well-suited for applications that require multi-channel audio/video capturing in a compact form factor.

The board implements a single-lane (x1) PCI Express interface that enables it to be plugged into a PCI Express slot of any width. All operating power is obtained from the PCI Express bus; no external power supply is needed.

Video
Each of the four video inputs may be connected to a composite or S-video source, or left unconnected if not used. It supports a variety of video capture resolutions, including D1, VGA, QVGA, QQVGA, SIF, 2SIF, 4SIF, CIF, QCIF, SQCIF, and 4CIF. Captured frames are formatted as raw RGB or YUV.

Stereo audio inputs
Four stereo audio channels are accessible from 3.5 mm jacks and from a flat cable header at the top of the board. Accessory board 811A-Audio breaks out these stereo channels to four rear panel jacks.

VBI embedded data
Embedded data may be added to each frame during the vertical blanking interval (VBI). Since the display is inactive during this interval, it can be used to transmit time codes, closed captioning, teletext, CGMS-A copy-protection indicators, and various data encoded by the XDS protocol (e.g., the content rating for V-chip use) and other digital data can be sent during this time period.

Digital I/Os
Four general-purpose digital I/O (DIO) signals are provided for controlling cameras and illumination sources, alarm signal monitoring, etc. The DIOs may be configured to function as all outputs or all inputs.

Connectors
Four BNC connectors are available on the board's mounting bracket for connecting external composite video sources. A spring contact terminal block is also located on the bracket for connecting digital I/Os to external circuitry. Discrete connectors for the audio inputs are accessible to internal host cabling.

A 34-pin header provides convenient access to all I/O signals on the board. This enables all of the board's I/O signals to be routed through a single cable to a custom termination system or to Sensoray's standard breakout boards (see Accessories).

Software
Software Development Kits (SDKs) are available for both Linux and Windows. The SDKs include drivers, programming examples, and comprehensive documentation to enable programmers to quickly develop custom application software for the 811.

Termination Boards
Sensoray also offers an optional termination board, Model 811TA-Audio and Model 811TA-SVideo, which can be top-mounted to the module to add convenient field wiring terminal blocks without enlarging the module's footprint. The spring-loaded terminals allow quick connection of 24-16 gauge wires.