#"Snappy" Video Capture?
16 messages in this thread
Anybody know if the "Snappy" still frame video capture device is worth the
$200? Does it produce acceptable images for Windows wallpaper?
Paul,
I've seen some (3-4) comments on it – all are very positive so far,
no complaints. Have not seen it myself, but I have fair confidence in
PLAY, the company that's producing it… they're good people, very
capable.
Thanks for the feedback on "Snappy". I went out and bought one and I
really love it! Having lots of fun making wallpaper out of
everything on the tube. Paul
Paul:
>Thanks for the feedback on "Snappy". I went out and bought one and I
really love it! Having lots of fun making wallpaper out of
everything on the tube.<
A question re: Snappy–does it grab frames "on the fly", or does it
have to have a freeze-frame?
Hello Tim,
You asked:
>A question re: Snappy–does it grab frames "on the fly", or does it have to
have a freeze-frame?
Yes, Snappy can create a bitmap from a field of video (1/60 sec) (i.e. moving
video). (Although, Snappy can produce higher quality from still sources).
Ted Pabon (72407,3633)
Software Developer at Play
Ted:
>Yes, Snappy can create a bitmap from a field of video (1/60 sec) (i.e. moving
video). (Although, Snappy can produce higher quality from still sources).<
Thanks for clearing that up for me!
Best,
Tim
I was just informed today that Snappy takes time to read in the frame since
it scans a line at a time, more of less. This means it needs an unchanging
series of frames during the process.
Does your experience indicate otherwise?
Thanks.
-jts
John wrote:
>I was just informed today that Snappy takes time to read in the frame since
>it scans a line at a time, more of less. This means it needs an unchanging
>series of frames during the process.
In the "moving" setting Snappy captures a field (the same thing you
would see on a TV with a moving image if you only had 1/60 to look at
it), Then it shuffles that signal through the parallel port. Now
the software looks at that video data and converts it to a computer
image (bitmap).
In the various "still" settings Snappy captures a field multiple times
(each time a little differently) and by comparing the fields can make
an increadibly sharp image. This, of course, requires that the video
signal remains the same during all of the sepeate captures.
The best way to expain this is to demonstate it on a real Snappy. If
you don't already have a Snappy, ask your local shop for a
demonstation (the nicer ones will let you play with it before you
buy).
Please reply if I confused you more. Being a programmer (not a
custumer service rep), I tend to do that.
Ted Pabon 72407,3633
Software Developer at Play
Thanks for the explanation.
-jts
Hello Ted,
I'm very interested in Snappy. I just bought a Logitec Pixtura for
$1100. I'm developing a vertical app that incorporates still images.
Pixtura stores 48 images at 768×512 res 24 bit color. Can snap a
picture every 5-8 secs. Takes about a minute to download a picture.
Gets around 800 pictures to a set of batteries. It's a very nice
camera, but if the resolution of the Snappy is as good or better,
might be cheaper for me (don't own a camcorder yet, but have a
laptop). I need to be able to take pictures in the client's office in
real-time. But they are all stills, so image motion is not an issue.
Questions:
o What is the highest resolution Snappy can support?
o How long does it take to capture an image?
I assume you have to be plugged in to a PC or laptop while using it
(not the case with the Logitec).
o What image file formats does Snappy support?
Logitec supports just about everything, but I'm using JPEG.
Typical image size is 60-70K.
o Do you actually need a tape in the VCR while using Snappy?
o Does it get its power from the VCR or PC/laptop?
If Snappy is as good as it looks at first blush, will put a real dent
in the digital camera makers. Low end cameras are $500-$1000 and
professional one's are up to $15,000. Thanks in advance for any info
you can offer.
Hi Keith, PMJI. I just bought a Snappy at EggHead yesterday for
$200. It gets its power from a 9volt battery inside its small case.
It connects to the PC via the printer port. Note: you can not
connect anything else to the printer port after the snappy. We are
not getting pictures anywhere as nice as they show on the box. ken
Hi Ken,
Thanks very much for the feedback.
The parallel port lock would not be a problem for me.
In fact, I prefer that over the serial port that the Logitec uses,
since you get about 8 times more throughput. Image quality IS a
big issue for me, so if it is not as good as what I'm geting now,
it's a no go. I suppose I can always buy one and take it back if
it doesn't work. I still have 3 weeks to return the Logitec.
Wonder if the Snappy picture quality is dependent on the camcorder used?
Keith
>> Wonder if the Snappy picture quality is dependent on the camcorder used? <<
Well that is a great question. We have a Hi8 Minolta and a small
Sony Pen/spy type camera. We get the same results. We have found a
partial fix to our Qaulity problem. The Snappy comes with "a high
grade video cable" according to the documentaion. We replaced the 25
cent cable with coax and it works better. ken
I'm interested in getting snappy as well. My main need is to capture
HI-RES stills from a C-VHS camcorder S-Video output. Do you have any
idea how Snappy compares to a Targa Board? Mark
Sorry, I have no experience with the Targa board nor any other video
capture device besides Snappy. The Snappy seems capable of very high
resolution when connected to a live camera and photographing still
images. Perhaps you should ask Ted Pabon, the software developer
from Snappy's manufacturer, Play, Inc.
PMFJI,
I too am interested the Snappy for capture of high-quality still
video. We currently use Targa boards to capture two-field/frame
still video images. Can the Snappy do this? Ted Pabon, are you
listening?
I am curious about the S-Video input option the Snappy offers. Anyone
know about the status on that?
Douglas Fifield Tennant Company Minneapolis, MN with OzWin 1.10