Looking for a Solution

[Grue]

I am looking for a software solution that allows me to record video from 3 different input sources simultaneously and be able to preview/watch all 3 sources live while they are recording. I am hoping that BeyondTV is that solution.

I have a PC with 3 Hauppage WinTV PVR 150 cards with 3 security cameras attatched to them. The configuration is (finally) working correctly with all of the drivers and decoders installed. Unfortunately, I was unable to get this setup working within the 21 day trial period of the BeyondTV trial version, so I cannot play with the software to see if it works. So now I am left with asking this question in the forum.

Thanks in advance!

[queonda]

Might not be the right thing for you. You can record all 3 tuners (manually) but doesn't act like a buffer (say only keeps 5 hours of video). OR you can set up a bogus lineup and have a 2 hour show lineup on each. Something like that but you have to be creative. You can use XML imported lineups (i think).

[Grue]

Originally Posted by queonda

Might not be the right thing for you. You can record all 3 tuners (manually) but doesn't act like a buffer (say only keeps 5 hours of video). OR you can set up a bogus lineup and have a 2 hour show lineup on each. Something like that but you have to be creative. You can use XML imported lineups (i think).

Can you elaborate on what you mean by a buffer?

The cameras do not operate through the tuner interface, but through the composite input of the cards. I can define those inputs as specific channels, I think. And then set my recording to those high numbered channels. I dont mind setting them up manually for recording.

My main concerns with the software was 1) can it record multiple composite inputs simultaneously and 2) can it offer a live view of all 3 inputs while its recording (like in a split-screen view or something).

Thank you for your response!

[Fonceur]

Originally Posted by Grue

2) can it offer a live view of all 3 inputs while its recording (like in a split-screen view or something).

No, BTV does not even support a simple Picture-in-Picture mode, so split screen in 3 is not possible... There might be a DirectX limitation to that sort of things.

[Grue]

Originally Posted by Fonceur

No, BTV does not even support a simple Picture-in-Picture mode, so split screen in 3 is not possible... There might be a DirectX limitation to that sort of things.

Dang, I was afraid of that.

I was trying to stay away from having to write my own app, *sigh*. Still, the most important thing is to be able to record the 3 streams. The live view in split screen was just icing on the cake. I can use a different app (or possibly write my own) to view a preview of the 3 cams before recording, I suppose.

Thank you so much for your reply :-)

[queonda]

Originally Posted by Grue

Can you elaborate on what you mean by a buffer?

My main concerns with the software was 1) can it record multiple composite inputs simultaneously and 2) can it offer a live view of all 3 inputs while its recording (like in a split-screen view or something).

Thank you for your response!

buffer like the LIVE TV where it keeps amount of space/time dedicated to a stream. Lets say one hour buffer. when you go to 1 hour and 10 minutes the 1st ten minutes is not available.

You might want to do a search for security camera software. I'm sure there is software where would get you what you want. Or there might be boxes which you can connect all cameras and the box will put it in split-screen, so then you just have one tuner recording the split screen feed.

[queonda]

maybe something like this. http://spyville.com/qumu.html

[dimen426]

I don't think BTV would be practical for your application. A better program may be webcamXP.

[tscales]

Check out VideoPilot.

[Grue]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I'll indeed check those out! I really dont want to go the multiplexer route because I already have the 3 cards installed and working, so that seems like a step back... hopefully one of these software programs will get me there.

I'll update as I find a solution! Thanks all!