Video format and quality

The VIDEO4 records both video and audio data to the same standard as a DVD. It is in the same format as most digital TV broadcasts. In technical terms this means that:

• The video is stored at D1 (DVD) resolution using a very high quality MPEG2 encoder (see the FAQ section on different encoding methods).
• The audio is encoded as stereo (16 bit / 48k) and encoded with MP2. It is therefore comparable with CD quality.
• The video and audio are combined into a standard MPG file that can be played by most PC based players. They can also be copied onto a DVD that most hardware players will allow you to view.

Data/Video synchronisation

One of the key advantages of the VIDEO4 is its ability to store perfectly synchronised video and data. To do this, the VIDEO4 takes the data from any of our data-logging products - via it's built in data port - and stores it along side the video. As the VIDEO4 receives the data, it decodes it and adds in details of the frame of video that is currently being stored. When the data is subsequently decoded, the software knows exactly which frame of data should be displayed.

Video Overlay

The video overlay is of the highest quality. It is fully configurable to the user's exact requirements.

The following, graphic display methods may be user defined and added to the screen in a number of different combinations:

• Scaled video picture in pictures from up to three channels
• Simple fixed text
• Bitmaps
• Numerical values from the data (for example speed, temperatures, lap times)
• Dials (e.g. an RPM display)
• Bar-graphs

All the overlaid graphics are:

• 24 bit colour (with a maximum of sixteen million colours)
• Alpha blended, so that all graphics may be made translucent if required
• Anti-aliased, so that the graphics look smooth and professional
• Added at full D1/DVD resolution, so that they are as clear as possible

A PC program is provided with the unit. It will enable you to design the layout of the screen overlays to meet your needs. Once this has been done, the layout is simply uploaded to the VIDEO4. If no overlay is required for a particular application then it can, of course, be left blank.

A complete VIDEO4 system, ready to use, includes:

• VIDEO4 unit
• Serial data cable
• Quick start guide
• Comprehensive software CD
• Carrying case (with cut foam interior)

It's then simply a matter of setting up any required graphical overlays, and connecting it to your Race Technology data logger, cameras and microphone. You are then ready to produce high quality synchronised performance data and video.

Kits (with cameras) also include:

• 4GB High Speed CF card
• USB Card Reader
• Microphone
• Suction cup camera mount(s)
• One HQ camera
• Optional additional standard quality cameras

Optional Extras:

• Roll Cage Camera Mounting Block
• 3.5" LCD Monitor for set-up
• VIDEO4 Mounting Brackets
• Serial Y-adapter cable when used with other Race Technology products
• A selection of wide and narrow angle lenses
• Audio in cable for 3rd party microphones
• Audio out cable
• Video in cable for 3rd party cameras
• Video out cable

It's then simply a matter of setting up any required graphical overlays, and connecting it to your Race Technology GPS DL data system, cameras and microphone. You are then ready to produce high quality synchronised performance data and video.

Some system configurations may require the use of a Y-adapter cable to split the data signal between the VIDEO4 and other Race Technology equipment.

Can the VIDEO4 be used as a standalone data logger?

No. the VIDEO4 is a video recorder when used by itself - however, it accepts data from our range of data loggers (inc DL1, DL2 etc) and stores this data alongside the video on the same CF card. 

Can the VIDEO4 be used to play the video back in the car?

Yes. The VIDEO4 has a standard composite video output port available.

What types of video camera is the VIDEO4 compatible with?

Any standard cameras with a composite output are compatible.

What resolution does the VIDEO4 record at?

The VIDEO4 records at D1 resolution; which is the same as that used on DVDs and broadcast video. For PAL this is 720x576 and 25 frames per second and for NTSC this is 720x480 and 29.97 frames per second.

Why doesn't the VIDEO4 use MPEG4 or H.264?

MPEG2 was primarily chosen in order to make the VIDEO4 compatible with the DVD standard. Contrary to some reports(!), "normal" MPEG4 does not offer any significant advantage over MPEG2 and hence is not widely used in professional applications. The newer H264 (sometimes also referred to as MPEG4 part 10)  does certainly offer significant benefits in terms of compression, but it is far slower to encode and decode.

What type/size of flash memory can the VIDEO4 use?

We use compact flash cards formatted as FAT32. This makes the files directly readable by windows. Compact flash format was chosen, as it is available in the largest sizes of all removable media and is also the fastest - this is important for video applications.

What format is the recorded data in?

The data is stored in the standard RUN file format, as it is will all our products. The details of this format can be found in the knowledge base on our website.

What format is the video recorded in?

The video and audio are stored as a standard MPG file.

How many video channels can the VIDEO4 record?

Currently one D1 video channel is recorded, which can contain a main video stream with up to 3 PIPs overlaid on it. Future firmware may support multiple video streams.

Is the VIDEO4 waterproof?

No. The enclosure is custom made and of the highest quality, but it is not waterproof. The unit should, therefore, be protected from all normal levels of moisture encountered during standard applications.

Is it upgradeable?

Yes. Firmware updates will be available in the future.

What specification of PC is required?

Video is demanding on the PCs resources. Our standalone player and analysis software are, however, optimised to minimise the requirements. A modern, entry level PC or laptop is more than adequate.

How do I transfer the video and data onto my PC?

Data and Video are read from the compact flash card using a reader. A good quality USB 2.0 reader is, of course, essential for high transfer speeds.

Widescreen video function

The VIDEO4 is now in widescreen. As most TVs these days are in a 16:9 widescreen format, the 4 channel VIDEO4 unit has been upgraded to output true widescreen video. We don't just crop our video to make it widescreen either, we actually increase the resolution by 50%, adding more pixels to the standard PAL/NTSC image width. The previous 4:3 set up was cropped when viewed on a widescreen television resulting in a reduced picture quality. With the new widescreen recording options the VIDEO4 has twice the resolution of a standard 4:3 cropped image on a widescreen monitor which makes for stunning visual quality.

The bullet cameras will still remain the same and record in 4:3 (this is governed by the output from the cameras), but the increased area means that picture in picture video streams and graphics can be arranged in the new screen area, making the most of what's available. This allows the PIP videos to be much larger without intruding into the main image. The diagrams below illustrate how the screen can be laid out.        

All the layouts shown above are available as a free download from here, using 2, 3, and 4 cameras. Though it is important to note that the widescreen functionality is available only on the 4 channel VIDEO4 units, and all new 4 channel units are widescreen enabled. A free of charge upgrade is available to existing 4 channel VIDEO4 customers by upgrading their unit to the latest firmware available from here. Existing 2 channel customers wishing to make use of this feature must upgrade their units, contact us for details of the upgrade costs.