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Questions About
the MediCap USB200 and USB170 Questions
About Playing Videos and Viewing Images on Your Computer Questions
About Additional Features Questions About the MediCap USB200 and MediCap USB170 1. Brief Description of the MediCap USB200 and MediCap USB170 Q. What is the MediCap USB200? The Medicap USB170? What is the difference between the two models? A. The MediCap USB200 records still images and full motion video to a USB drive from virtually any standard video source, for example, from an endoscope, arthroscope, surgical microscope, ultrasound, C-Arm, etc. The USB200 connects to your medical imaging device the same way a DVD recorder does, except instead of recording onto DVD disks, the USB200 records onto a USB flash drive plugged into the front panel or a USB external drive plugged into the back panel. Once you have finished saving images and video clips onto the USB drive, you can unplug it from the USB200 and plug it into any computer. Then you can transfer the images and video clips onto the computer where you can archive them, email them, share them on a network, enhance them with third-party software, etc. The MediCap USB170 is very similar to the MediCap USB200. The USB170 has all of the same features as the USB200, except that the USB170 saves still images only; it does not record full motion video clips. Both the MediCap USB200 and MediCap USB170 are very easy to use and can bring the power and convenience of digital recording to virtually any existing video device. For an in-depth description, see the USB200 User Guide and USB170 User Guide. NOTE: In these Frequently Asked Questions, the MediCap USB200 and MediCap USB170 models are both referred to as the "MediCap." If a question applies only to one model, the model number will be referenced (USB200 or USB170). 2. No Video or Scrambled Video Q. When my MediCap is connected to my monitor, there is no video picture on the monitor (or the picture is scrambled, like a TV that is not tuned in). What should I do? A. The MediCap requires a clear video input signal. If the input signal is not clear, then the output signal will also be unclear and will result in a scrambled picture on the monitor or no picture. A poor input signal can be caused by a faulty video source (for example, a broken camera), by a loose or defective cable, or by improper configuration of the MediCap. Please check the following: STEP 1) Ensure that
the MediCap is configured with the video system (NTSC or PAL) that matches
your medical imaging device. To do so, press the "Menu" button
on the front panel of the MediCap. This will display the Main Menu. Use
the Select button to select "Setup." This will display the Setup
Menu. Then use the Forward and Select buttons to select "Input Options."
Next, select NTSC or PAL as appropriate for your medical imaging device.
NTSC is used primarily in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, Japan,
Taiwan, and Korea. PAL is used primarily in Europe, China, India, Africa,
and the Middle East. STEP 2) Test the video signal by disconnecting the input cable from the MediCap and connecting it directly from the video source (camera, etc.) to the monitor. The picture should be clear. If it is not, there may be a problem with the video source or with the cable being used. Check the output cable in a similar way by connecting it directly from the video source to the monitor. Q. Some of the still images of moving objects that I captured with my MediCap are blurry; the edges seem "jaggy." A. You can reduce blurring of moving objects in still images by turning ON the "Anti-Blur" option. This option is in the MediCap Image Options Menu (to access this menu, press the Menu button on the front panel and then use the Forward and Select buttons to select "Image"). Please be aware that if you turn ON "Anti-Blur," blurring due to motion may be reduced, but overall, less detail will be recorded. See the next question for background on this issue. Q. In the MediCap Image Options Menu, there is an option called "Anti-Blur." What is this? A. Turning ON or OFF the "Anti-Blur" option can affect the clarity and sharpness of still images that you capture with your MediCap. If you turn this option ON, you can reduce image blur caused by a moving camera or moving objects (like a beating heart). Note that when this option is ON, less detail will be recorded. It is recommended that you leave this option OFF (the default) unless you are experiencing blurry images; then you can try turning this option ON and review the results. Following is a more detailed description of this option and how it affects your captured still images. To understand the "Anti-Blur" option, it is first necessary to review how a video camera works. To record an image, a video camera scans a series of horizontal lines of the image. The beam makes two passes to record one complete image (called a "frame"). On the first pass, only every other line of the image is scanned (the lines in between are left blank). Then on the second pass, the lines in between are filled in. Each pass is called a "field." Therefore, two fields make up a complete image. The process of scanning fields on a video monitor happens so quickly that it is not usually noticeable. However, when an image is captured and "frozen," the fact that it is made up of two fields may become apparent, especially if a moving object is being captured. If an object is moving fast enough, it will be in one position when the first field of an image is scanned and will be in another position when the second field of the image is scanned. When the two fields are combined (the technical term is "interlaced") to create the captured image, the moving object will appear blurry or "jaggy" and the frozen image may flicker on the monitor. This effect can also occur if the camera is moving and the object is still. To help reduce blurring, you can turn ON the "Anti-Blur" option. While this option is ON, the MediCap will save only one field of the two fields that make up each image. The other field will be discarded. Saving just one of the two fields that make up an image can help eliminate blurring in moving images, but it also decreases the resolution of the image since only half of the data for the image is being saved. Therefore, it is recommended that you normally leave "Anti-Blur" OFF. Only turn this option ON, when it is necessary to eliminate a blurry effect from movement. 5. USB Flash Drive Does Not Work IMPORTANT
NOTE FOR ALL USERS: It is highly recommended that you use IMPORTANT
NOTE FOR SANDISK USERS: Many SanDisk
USB flash drives Q. I have a USB flash drive that will not work with my MediCap. What should I do? A. If you have a MediCapture brand flash drive that does not work with your MediCap, please backup all images and videos from the drive onto your computer and then try formatting the drive as described in the next section. If formatting the drive does not correct the problem, please contact MediCapture Technical Support. If you have a non-MediCapture brand flash drive that does not work with your MediCap, please try the following three steps. Non-MediCapture drives are referred to as "third-party drives." STEP 1) There may
be files on a third-party flash drive that are not compatible with the
MediCap. Some third-party flash drives come with files that automatically
load when you insert the drive. For example, a manufacturer may have preloaded
a security program on the drive that asks you for a password when you
insert the drive in your computer. Although, these types of "auto-run"
files are compatible with computers, they are not compatible with devices
like the MediCap; they can "confuse" the MediCap so it will
not recognize the flash drive. The solution in this case is to insert the third-party drive in your computer and delete all files that may have come preloaded on it by the manufacturer. Alternatively, uninstall any preloaded programs that are on the flash drive by opening the programs and selecting any uninstall options. (SanDisk users must use the U3 Launchpad Removal Tool available from SanDisk.) When you have ensured that the drive is completely empty, try inserting it in the MediCap again. However, note that if you delete or uninstall preloaded files from a third-party flash drive, it may no longer perform some of its advertised functions. For example, if you purchased a third-party drive from a company that includes security features on the drive, once you delete all files on the drive, the advertised security features may no longer function. NOTE: Some
preloaded files on the USB flash drive may be hidden; so in order to delete
them, you may need to turn on an option that allows you to view hidden
files. To do so, use this procedure in Windows: STEP 2) If the previous step did not solve the problem, the drive may have become "corrupted." This can happen for a variety of reasons; the most common is that the drive was unplugged while data was being written to it. To correct this problem, please backup all files from the flash drive onto your computer and then try formatting the drive as described in the next section. STEP 3) Another reason that a third-party brand of flash drive may not work with the MediCap is that software (called "drivers") required by that brand may not be present in the MediCap. MediCapture installs the most common drivers on the MediCap in order to allow a wide variety of USB flash drives to work with the device. However, despite our best efforts, we are not able to anticipate every new model of USB flash drive that will enter the market. So you may need to try another brand of flash drive with your MediCap. Alternatively, instead of using third-party USB flash drives, you can use MediCapture brand flash drives -- they are guaranteed to be compatible with the MediCap. 6. How To Format a USB Flash Drive CAUTION:
Formatting a drive erases ALL files on the drive. Please format with caution
Q. I understand that "formatting" a drive can correct problems with the drive. How do I format a USB flash drive? A. You can use the following procedure to format a USB flash drive on a Windows computer: 1.
Insert the USB flash drive in your computer. 7. How To Open the USB Connector Cover on the Front Panel Q. My MediCap has a plastic cover over the USB connector on the front panel. How can I open this cover? A. You can open this cover by lightly pressing down on the top of the cover to reveal the USB connector. The cover keeps the device sealed when not in use. Once the connector is revealed, you can insert the USB flash drive. 8. "Memory Low" Warning While Recording Video Q. While recording video with the MediCap USB200, is there a warning when the amount of available memory is running low? A. Yes, when the amount of available memory drops below 30MB (approximately one minute of video at the highest quality level), "MEM" is displayed on the monitor in a red color. You should then stop recording as soon as possible and insert a new flash drive that has more available memory. Q. In what formats does the MediCap save still images? Which format is best for my application? A. The MediCap can save images in the following formats: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and DICOM. You select the image format in the Image Options Menu (press the Menu button on the front panel and then use the Forward and Select buttons to select "Image"). The best image format for your application may depend on the third-party software that you will use to view, edit, and store the images. Check with your software vendor or IT department for recommendations on a suitable image format. Here is a brief description of each format:
The Wikipedia online encyclopedia is good source of information on image file formats. Note that Wikipedia is an "open source" encyclopedia and MediCapture does not guarantee the accuracy of the information it contains. Q. What is the file size of each still image captured by the MediCap? A. File sizes vary depending on the image format and resolution, and how much detail is in the image. Approximate file sizes for the highest resolution images are as follows:
Note: These files sizes are for images captured at the highest resolution setting (1024 x 768 pixels). Images captured at a lower resolution, will have smaller file sizes. Q. In what format does the MediCap USB200 save video clips? A. Video clips are saved in the MPEG-2 format. This is the industry's highest quality video format and is the preferred format for most medical applications. It is the same format used on DVDs. Note that Microsoft Windows Media Player does not play this format by default. If your captured videos are not playing, you may need to install an upgrade. Q. Is there any limit to the length of video clips that I can record with the MediCap USB200? Can I select a preset length for clips? A. If the default "Unlimited" option is selected in the USB200 Video Options Menu, recording will start when you press the Capture Video button, and stop when you press the Capture Video button again (you can use the corresponding foot switch in place of the button). As an alternative
to the "Unlimited" option, you can select the following preset
lengths for video clips: 5 sec., 10 sec., 30 sec., 1 min., 2 min., 5 min.,
or 10 min. Preset limits can be useful for recording short ultrasound
"cardio loops" and similar procedures. When a preset limit is
selected, recording starts when you press the Capture Video button, and
stops automatically when the limit is reached, or sooner if you press
the Capture Video button again. Q. What is the file size of a one minute video clip recorded with the MediCap USB200? What is the maximum length a video clip? How many minutes of video will my USB flash drive hold? A. Video file sizes depend on the amount of motion and detail being recorded, and the quality level selected in the USB200 Video Options Menu (the higher the quality level, the larger the file). A one minute clip of the highest qualiy video is about 39MB. The maximum length of a high quality video clip is about 1 hr. 45 min. The table below shows how much video can be recorded on various sizes of flash drives.
Questions About Playing Videos and Viewing Images on Your Computer 14. How To Transfer Images and Video from a USB Flash Drive To Your Computer Q. How do I move my captured images and videos from my USB flash drive to my computer? A. It's easy to transfer your captured images and videos from your USB flash drive to your computer. You can "drag and drop" them using this procedure: STEP 1) Insert the USB flash drive containing captured images into a USB connector on your computer. Allow a few seconds for the computer to "recognize" the drive. (When using the "drag and drop" method, if a window pops up offering you to select the Microsoft Scanner and Camera Wizard, cancel out of this window.) STEP 2) The computer will manage the flash drive just like any other drive on your computer. Navigate to the drive and open it so you can see the folders it contains. STEP 3) To move a file, click-and-hold on the file (press down the mouse button and don't let up). Then drag the file to the desired folder on your computer and release the mouse button. To select multiple files, hold down the Control key (Ctrl) while you click each file. To select a series of files, hold down the Shift key while you click on the first and last files in the series. NOTE: Refer
to Windows or Mac OS operating instructions for information on how to
access drives on your computer and manage files. 15. Playing Videos on a Windows Computer Q. The videos I've recorced with my MediCap USB200 won't play on my Windows PC. What should I do? A. The MediCap USB200 saves video in the industry's highest quality format, MPEG-2. This format provides "DVD quality video" and is the format most often preferred for medical applications. Microsoft Windows Media Player (included with your Windows computer) does not play MPEG-2 videos by default. The upgrade required to play these videos may already be installed on your computer. To check, try playing several videos recorded with the USB200. If the videos play, then your configuration is OK. If the videos do not play, you need to install either of these two solutions: CHOICE 1) You can install a free add-on that allows you to play your USB200 videos with Microsoft Windows Media Player. Click Here OR CHOICE 2) You can install Media Player Classic which is a free alternative to Microsoft Windows Media Player. It will play your USB200 videos and is preferred by many users who find it is easier to use, more reliable, and more powerful. Click Here Note that Media Player Classic is released by an open source group which is not affiliated with MediCapture, Inc. If you need support for Media Player Classic, please refer to the Help Forums maintained by the MPC open source group. 16. Playing Videos on an Apple Computer Q. The videos I've captured with my MediCap USB200 won't play on my Mac. What should I do? A. The USB200 saves video in the industry's highest quality format, MPEG-2. This format provides "DVD quality video" and is the format most often preferred for medical applications. Apple's Quicktime and Quicktime Pro players do not play MPEG-2 videos by default. The add-on required to play these videos may already be installed on your computer. To check, try playing several videos captured with the USB200. If the videos play, then your configuration is OK. If the videos do not play, you need to install either of these two solutions: CHOICE 1) You can install an add-on to the Quicktime and Quicktime Pro players. This add-on allows you to play MPEG-2 videos using Quicktime and Quicktime Pro. It is available from Apple at their online store. OR CHOICE 2) You can install VLC Player. This free player is an alternative to Quicktime and Quicktime Pro. It plays most video formats used on Apple computers, including MPEG-2. VLC Player is available here. Note that VLC Player is released by an open source group which is not affiliated with MediCapture, Inc. If you need support for VLC Player, please refer to the Support Page maintained by the VLC open source group. 17. How To View File Extensions (jpg, mpg, etc.) Q. I would like to find out which files on my computer are "mpg" files, which are "jpg" files, etc. But when I look at the file names, I don't see "mpg" or "jpg." How can I view these letters in the file name? A. Windows file names end with a period followed by three letters. This is called the "file extension" - it indicates the file type. For example, "jpg" at the end of the file named "IMAGE001.jpg" indicates that this is a still image using the JPEG format (a common image format and one of the formats in which the MediCap saves images). For another example, "mpg" at the end of "VIDEO001.mpg" indicates that this is a video file using the MPEG format (a common video format and the one in which the MediCap USB200 saves video clips). By default, Windows
computers do not display these three-letter file extensions. However,
sometimes it is useful to see the extensions because it gives you more
control when managing your files. Here is how to view the file extensions
in Windows: 18. How To Associate Files with Programs Q. When I double-click on a file, it doesn't open with the program I want. For example, when I double-click on a video clip that I captured with my MediCap USB200, Windows Media Player opens and starts playing the file, but I want Media Player Classic to open and play the file. How can I cause a particular program to open when I double-click on a file? A. Each file extension (mpg, jpg, etc.) in Windows is associated with a particular program; these are called "file associations." (Note: for a description of file extensions and how to view them, see the previous question.). When you double-click on the file, it will open with its associated program. Often when you install a new program, it will associate itself with existing file extensions, and then those file types will no longer open with the program you expect. Other times, a program may arbitrarily associate itself with file types without giving any notice. If you don't like the current file associations on your computer, you can manually change them. Here is an example. Suppose that the video files captured by your USB200 (mpg files) are currently associated with Windows Media Player (in other words, when you double-click on one of the files, Windows Media Player opens and starts playing the file). However, suppose you would like these files to be associated with Media Player Classic instead (for a description of this player and how to install it click here). To make this change, you would do the following: 1.
RIGHT-click on one of the files (for example, VIDEO001.mpg). Now, whenever you double-click on a file captured by your USB200 (or any mpg file), it will open with Media Player Classic. You can use a similar procedure if you want to change the association back to Windows Media Player. Q. Are there ways to improve the image quality of captured still images? A. The MediCap captures exactly what your video source is taking a picture of -- there is no loss of resolution. In other words, the still images captured by the MediCap can only be as good as the pictures taken by your video camera (or other video source). If you are working with moving images, your can reduce "motion blur" by using the "Anti-Blur" option in the MediCap Image Options Menu. Also various third-party imaging software packages are available (such as Adobe Photoshop) that can help you enhance captured images (this is one of the advantages of working with digital images rather than hard copy). For example, you can use third-party imaging software to lighten or darken the image, increase or decrease the contrast (also called "windowing"), adjust the color, etc. Questions About Additional Features 20. Entering Patient Information Q. Can I enter patient information during an imaging session? A. Yes. Please
refer to this document for important information: Also note the following:
21. Using an External Hard Drive Q. Can I record video and images to an external USB hard drive instead of to a USB flash drive? A. Yes. Please
refer to this document for important information: Also note the following:
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