Note that many of these questions are answered in the Python User Manual (printed and on-line versions) and the README file. Check out the README file carefully since it includes many of the latest updates.

If you don't find the answer you need here, you can contact our HelpLine at either MaxfairSupport@ctil.com or call 2564-9938, at office hour 9:00am - 12:45pm and 02:00pm - 05:30pm.

Q: How do I receive software updates?

A: Software updates are posted on the Python customer-extra page at:

  http://www.videonics.com/customer-extra/Python/  

You can access this page from Python: From the Help menu, choose Python on the Web.

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PRODUCT USAGE TIPS

Q: I can't install Python using the instruction printed on the CD, which says to "type :\setup."

A: The CD label is incorrect.

For most users, the installer automatically pops up when they insert the CD. If it doesn't, select your Python CD (which should display Python's install page) or use Add/Remove Programs:Install from your Control Panel. Start by selecting the Python menu item followed by other items which you may wish to install as well.

(By the way, if the Python menu doesn't automatically appear after inserting your CD Rom, this may mean that your CD Rom needs to be added to your Device Manager list by running the Add New Hardware wizard.)

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Q: Can I combine two MPEG videos into one?

A: Yes, using the Append Menu Item under the File menu.

To use Append, open the first MPEG file. Choose Append and select the second file. The second file is appended to the end of the first. Appended MPEGs must share the same size attributes as well as video quality and audio parameters as the file to which they are appended.

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Q: Can I edit MPEG videos?

A: The combination of Trim, Append and the Recently Used File list (15 files most recently accessed) provide a useful facility for simple editing -- you can trim away beginnings and endings and combine clips with simple cuts. However, complex editing should be done before you capture. Also there are a few MPEG1 editing software solutions available such as VideoWave from MGI Software (http://www.mgisoftware.com).

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Q: I uninstalled Xing Player and now Windows 95 can no longer read my MPEG files.

A: Windows 95 comes with ActiveMovie set up in your preferences to automatically play MPEG files. Upon installing the Xing Player, this preference is overwritten and uninstalling the Xing Player removes the preference all together. Your two options are to 1) either reinstall the Xing Player or 2) go to ActiveMovie and set it up as your MPEG preference.

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Q: How do I use the Trim function?

A: Open your video file and drag the left (green/IN) and right (red/OUT) markers to trim the movie's start and end points respectively. Perform a File:Save or File:Save As to save the trimmed file.

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Q: My mute button doesn't seem to work.

A: This is possible. A current workaround is to lower the audio capture slider.

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Q: Are there ways to improve my video playback quality?

A: Some of the XingMPEG Player default parameters can be modified. For example, select XingMPEG Player and open an MPEG file. Under Settings:Playback Options, double-click on MPEG Driver Setup, and select Quality rather than Performance (see more about this under Video Display Issues). Results will vary based on your computer system so try experimenting with the various Python and Xing capture and playback settings.

The README file that comes with Python talks about other settings you can change to take advantage of your computer hardware.

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Q: In Setup:Capture Settings, the manual says to select either VCR or Other based on the type of source I have; however the actual software shows Normal or Poor Source. Which is correct?

A: You should use Normal Source (Python's default) unless you see horizontal bars of incorrect color, in which case you should try the Poor Source setting.

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VIDEO DISPLAY ISSUES

Q: Although my software installed successfully, my Python preview only displays a black screen. What's wrong?

A: There are several possible answers. You may need to experiment to isolate the cause:

The preview may go black after a screensaver program starts. Try clicking between the Snapshot and Movie screens.

The problem might be your video source. Make sure the cables are correctly connected and you're either playing a tape or providing a live camera feed. You might want to connect your video source to a TV monitor to confirm that a video signal is coming in.

Under Python:Setup:Capture Settings, make certain your video input settings (e.g. NTSC/PAL, Composite/S-Video) correspond to your actual video source. In particular, make sure the Composite/S-Video option matches whether the video signal is plugged into the S-video connector or composite (RCA) connector.

Your printer port may need to be changed via your BIOS settings from SPP to EPP or ECP. See Parallel Port Issues below for more information on changing these settings.

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Q: When I save stills, the colors seem to be solarized. An interesting effect but it's not something I really want.

A: Your computer's monitor display setup may need to be changed, e.g from 256 colors to 16-bit or 24-bit. In 256 color mode, Windows and its applications provide a color palette that is a close match to the "true" colors the programs are trying to display. However, "real world" colors almost always have more than 256 colors present. Python always records the full color range to disk, even if your display is set to display fewer colors. The image will look better when viewed on a 16 or 24 bit display than it will when using 256 colors.

To check or reset your current display setting, select Start:Settings:Control Panel:Display:Settings. Change the Color palette popup. You may need to reduce screen resolution in order to use more colors. If you want to use higher color settings and higher resolution at the same time, you can upgrade your video card or video memory.

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Q: How can I ensure my video clips will be compatible for creating a VideoCD?

A: To make your MPEG clip compatible with VideoCD standards, select Setup: Capture Settings and choose Normal Video Quality and the highest Audio Quality 44.1 KHz (CD) . See the Xing encoder documentation for details about the bit rate and stream specifications. Our newest version of the Python application 1.2 which can be downloaded for free at http://www.videonics.com/customer-extra/Python/ now has the Video CD option available in the Bit Rate setting.

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VIDEO QUALITY ISSUES

Q: Why do I notice reduced frame rates or reduced quality in the preview window or when I play an MPEG file?

A: MPEG, like other forms of compressed video, relies on the computer processor for its performance. Some degradation is common upon playback, even with high-end processors. The MPEG players are designed to minimize the effects by cleverly implemented compromises. Most of the time, the automatic settings will work well but you can alter the settings to suit your situation.

Note that frame rate reductions only affect playback -- the video that is recorded to disk during a Python capture is performed at full frame rate.

MPEG clips can be played from inside Python or using the included Xing player. The Xing player is used when you double-click an .mpg file.

When using the Xing player, you can open an MPEG file, and optimize for "Quality" or "Performance" using the menu: Settings >Playback >MPEG Driver Setup

The "Quality" setting means that the Xing Player will decode each frame with the highest quality it can. Because each frame takes a bit longer to image at this quality, the player may occasionally skip a frame. The number of dropped frames depends on the speed of your computer system.

The "Performance" setting preserves frame rate at the expense of image quality. If your computer runs out of horsepower, the quality of each frame will degrade as needed to preserve frame rate. Motion will be smooth, but the decoded image quality may be lower.

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Q: I've done all the suggestions above but sometimes my video looks like it has a Mozaic (blocking) affect, is there any remedy?

A: Several possible answers exist which may require you to experiment. First try changing your parallel port mode from ECP to EPP mode. We have found that certain Pentium 166MHz systems seem to work better in EPP mode versus ECP. Also try changing the GOP (Group Of Picutres) to 15 IPD instead of the 9 or 12. Usually changing one or both of these solves the blocking issues.

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SOUND ISSUES

Q: Python records and plays video, however I'm not getting any sound.

A: Several possible answers exist which may require you to experiment:

Within Python's Setup:Capture Settings menu, make sure Disable Audio Capture is not selected.

On Python's main screen, confirm that the mute button is not selected.

Python doesn't capture sound itself. It works in conjunction with your sound capture card. Therefore you must have a sound card installed (or sound capture built into your computer).

Verify your audio cable correctly plugged into your sound card's line-in or mic port, and your audio mixer driver's setting reflects this setup; also make certain your audio mixer record setting levels are raised.

Check your multimedia volume control settings. Specifically go to START/PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/MULITMEDIA/VOLUME CONTROL. Select the options menu and then select Properties. Now select Adjust volume for Recording. Make sure the proper Line or Microphone (depending on which input your using on the computers sound card) setting is selected. Adjust volume accordingly.

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Q: When I launch the Python application I get screaching (feedback) audio, is there a way to correct this?

A: Try moving the Microphone away from your computer speakers or reduce the volume for your speakers. You can also click on the Python Mute button which will mute the Speakers but allow you to record your audio during capture. When playing back the movie capture uncheck the Mute button on Python.

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HARDWARE ISSUES

Q: Can Python take advantage of any hardware acceleration techniques?

A: When Python first installs the Xing MPEG Player, it sets the Xing Player option for Hardware Acceleration to off to assure maximum compatibility. We have also seen a lockup when Python attempts to open an MPEG if Hardware Acceleration is enabled. On the other hand, some systems will provide smoother MPEG playback with Hardware Acceleration turned on so we recommend you experiment:

Capture an MPEG, close Python and then double click the captured MPEG file to launch the Xing Player.
Go to Settings->Playback->MPEG Driver Setup and set Hardware Acceleration on. We also recommend selecting the "Performance" setting that preserves the frame rate.
If playback has improved in the Xing Player, check the same MPEG while playing it in the Python application to see if there is image distortion. If there is no distortion, leave the Acceleration option on; otherwise turn it off.

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Q: What about using MMX technology?

An additional option is to enable MMX for use in MPEG playback. MMX is a relatively new technology, so it is possible that MMX support may not improve, or might degrade performance on your system. After switching MMX support on, check both MPEG playback with the separate Xing MPEG player application and capture within the Python application. If you see improved performance, leave the setting on. If not, contact the manufacturer of your video card to obtain newer drivers that offer MMX support.

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HARDWARE CONFLICT ISSUES

Q: When I launch the Python application I get a fatal exception error VPICD.VXD. When this happens my computer is locked and I have to manually restart it, why?

A: The vpicd.vxd is a Windows interupt handler. When you get this messages there is a conflict with the parallel port (LPT-1) intterupt. We have found that certain types of PCI hardware allow the interupts to share with each other. If you find that this is the case run the card Install program, while resintalling do not allow the card to share the parallel port intterupt (usually IRQ7). Below you will find two such card that allows sharing of the printer port.

Ensoniq PCI Audio and SoundBlaster PCI 128

The Ensoniq PCI Audio and SoundBlaster PCI 128 cards can be found already installed in some Gateway 2000, Hewlett Packard, Micron and Integraph PC models. To correct the sharing situation go to START/SETTINGS/CONTROL PANEL/SYSTEM, click on the Device Manager tab. Minus the "Sound, video and game controllers" Icon. Highlight Ensoniq AudioPCI or SoundBlaster PCI128 and click on the properties button. Click on the Settings tab. Now uncheck "Allow LPT interupt sharing" box, then uncheck the "Legacy emulation enabled" box. Click OK. It's always a good idea to restart your computer but you may not need to after you have unchecked these two options.

Ensoinq and SoundBlaster also provides this card to the following PC/Motherboard manufacturers; Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Micron, Quantex, Cybermax, Tyan, SCI, Infotel, Integraph, Labway and Unicent.

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PARALLEL PORT ISSUES

Q: Although Python installed correctly, Python fails to Initialize or my video doesn't appear to be working .

A: Typically your computer is configured for the Parallel port mode set for Standard (SPP) mode. Python requires the parallel port to run at full speed (bandwidth) to capture moving video.Ussually changing your computers BIOS setting to EPP (recommended) or ECP mode solves these issue.

Configuring your PC for EPP or ECP mode

An EPP or ECP parallel port is available if the motherboard or parallel port expansion card "supports" EPP or ECP.

MOTHERBOARD: Set the BIOS to activate EPP, ECP or ECP+EPP (ECP/EPP). Read your computer or Motherboard owners manual for details on how to enter into the computers BIOS settings. Also check our BIOS charts in the Motherboard BIOS settings.

EXPANSION CARD: Set the physical jumper settings to activate EPP or ECP. We also recommend the ECP + EPP option.

If there is difficulty running Windows after making this change, go back to the BIOS or parallel card and select the previous setting.

Configuring EPP or ECP in Windows

Most current motherboard and BIOS configurations will trigger Windows Plug and Play to install a standard EPP or ECP driver for the newly activated port. In the case of a parallel expansion card, consult its documentation to determine the correct Windows installation procedure.

Check the Windows Device Manager Ports section. If an ECP parallel port is listed, click it and check the settings. If they include IRQ and Base Address you should be all set.

If there is not an ECP port listed, use the Windows "Add New Hardware" Control Panel. Usually, you can avoid the time consuming scan for new hardware, and simply specify that you are adding a parallel port and ECP driver. After Windows has installed the driver and rebooted, check the Device Manager again to confirm valid settings for the port.

If the ECP port is listed, but the settings (resources) don't include IRQ or Base Address, uncheck the "Automatic Configuration" box, and manually select the settings that are available in the configuration popup. These are often labeled 0 to 5 or 0000 to 0005. They provide different preset configurations that you can choose if Plug and Play doesn't see the parallel hardware correctly.

Switching to/from ECP and EPP Modes

If Python has been running in one mode, and you would like to switch to another mode, change the port mode in Python. Quit the Python application. Next, disconnect the power to the Python for 5 seconds. Restart the Python application.

Note that if the ECP + EPP mode is not in use, then you will also need to change your BIOS settings as described above.

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Q: I have my parallel port mode set to EPP (or ECP) and Python installed correctly but Python still fails to Initialize, why?

A: We have found that some printer, scanner, zip drive and eithernet card drivers can cause some conflicts with the parallel port to run at full EPP/ECP speeds. See the "Printer Driver Conflict Issues" below for specific infromation on this subject.

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PRINTER DRIVER CONFLICT ISSUES

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The Python software/hardware uses the parallel port which is also typically used with Printers, Scanners, Zip Drives etc... Some Printer and Scanner manufacturers have incorporated a new method of displaying the printer/scanner status on the monitor instead of methods used by previous drivers. This method requires a two-way communication between the printer and the computer. As a result, the two devices try to "talk" to the computer at the same time. This can result in corruption of data, to the computer locking-up. These problems are usually resolved by disabling the status window or bi-directional communication of the printer. Read your Printers/Scanners installation instructions on how to disable the Status Monitors. Below are some common situations we have found and the typical remedy. Some of these methods will require you to modify some system level files.

Q: How do I edit the system files?

A: Select Start then Run. In the Command line type Sysedit then select OK.

Locate the System.ini and or Win.ini file. Within this file, insert two semi-colons (;;) in front of the drivers mentioned below. Once the proper staement has the semi-colons in front of it, Select File then Exit and save the changes when prompted. Now restart the computer.

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Q: When I launch the Python application either I get video for a few seconds and then it freezes or sometimes the Preview is black. Also the Red light on Python doesn't blink; it is on steady. What could be wrong?

A: We have found that some bi-directional printer drivers either need to have the parallel port exclusively or use a status display on the monitor. These type of drivers can cause a conflict with Python who at the time of display and capture also needs the Parallel port exclusively. See the following catagories for remedies.

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Canon

We have found that the Canon BJ-610, 620 and Multi-Pass 1000 driver causes this symptom. To help alleviate this situation simply go into START/SETTINGS/PRINTERS. Highlight the printer, select file and properties. Select the detail tab and change the "Print to following port " to "File: (Creates a file on disk)" or "PUB: (Unknown local port)". Now start Python as normal. Note: To use your Printer again you will need to change this back to "LPT1: (Printer Port)".

Okidata 600e

Insert two semi-colons in front of the following line in the [BOOT] section of the System.ini file: COMM.DRV=INSYTHCOMM.DRV. Then just below that line, add the line COMM.DRV=COMM.DRV. Within the [386Enh] section, insert two semi-colons in front of the line DEVICE=OKIPORT.386. In the Win.ini file, insert two semi-colons in front of the LOAD=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STATMON.EXE and DEVICE=OL600E, OKIGDI, LPT1 lines.

Lexmark

Right-click on the My Computer icon then double-click on the Printers icon. Right-click on the Lexmark printer icon, then select Properties. Choose Details and select Spool settings. Finally, choose Disable Bidirectional support.

HP Printers

HP 4s, 4+, 4v, 4si 4l, 4p, and 5p

The status window will need to be disabled with these printers.

Method 1: Choose Start then Run. In the Command Line type C:\WINDOWS\DINSTALL-FDINSTALL.INS then select OK.

Method 2: In the Win.ini file, insert two semi-colons in front of the LOAD=HPSW.EXE line. In the [SPOOLER] section insert two semi-colon in front of the line QP.LPT1=HPLJ4QP.DLL.The HP printer and Python will function properly. These changes will not effect the printer, they just disable the status windows that may pop up telling the current status of the printer. Some of the HP printers have an uninstall icon in the printer group that will also disable the printer status window.

HP 5LThere are 2 driver choices on the install of this printer, HOST or PCL. If the HOST option was chosen, which is the default, the printer must be uninstalled then re-installed with the PCL option. Which driver to install is only an option during a Custom install.

Disconnect the printer from the Python bypass port.

Select Start, Settings, then select Printers icon.

Click once on the HP 5L Printer icon and press <Delete>. When the system asks to delete files that were only used by this printer, choose YES or OK. Reboot the computer with the printer still disconnected. When the computer has rebooted, use the 5L installation disks to reinstall. When prompted Custom or Express Installation, choose Custom and select PCL Mode.

HP 5P, 5M, 6P, 6M, DeskJet 600c, and HP DeskJet

HP has packaged with these printers, the equivalent of a new Status Monitor. It is called HPPROPTY.EXE and is loaded by the HP ADMIN section within the Control Panel. This program is a memory resident program that will constantly monitor the parallel port for the status of the printer. There are two ways to disable the HPPROPTY.EXE, both of which will disable the Status Monitor without disabling the printer.

Temporary Solution. Before luanching the Python application, press <CTRL + ALT + DEL>. From the Windows '95 Task Manager, highlight the HPPROPTY line, then choose END TASK

Permanent Solution. Right-click on the My Computer icon. Open the Windows folder, then the SYSTEM folder. Right-click on the file HPPROPTY.EXE and rename this file to HPPROPTY.BAK.

Other HP printer solutions. If uninstalling the status monitor did not fix the problem, another work around for the compatibility problem with the HP line of printers, involves editing the HP printer's .INI file located in the Windows directory. In this example, the HP 855 C is used and the INI file is called HPRDJC02.INI. The .INI file name will be different for the various models of printers (i.e.. HPDJ850C.INI, HPDJ660C.ini, HPLJ4.INI). By editing this file, the bi-directional mode and status monitoring can be disabled.

Double Click the appropriate .INI file. This will open the INI file with Notepad.

In the first section of the .INI file, find the line that reads: 2DSMEnable=0200 and change this line to read 2DSMEnable=0000. This will disable the status monitor.

Locate the [COMMON] section and find the line that reads 0Bidi=0100. Change this line to read 0Bidi=0000. The will disable the bi-directional mode of the printer.

Select File then Exit and save the changes when prompted. Finally, reboot the computer for the changes to take effect.

Other Devices (Scanners, Zip Drives etc...)

Before luanching the Python application, press <CTRL + ALT + DEL>. From the Windows '95 Task Manager, highlight any line that seems to reference the other Parrallel Port Device, then choose END TASK. Now launch the Python application. If you cannot find a permanent solution for these conflicts you may want to consider adding an additional parallel port to your computer if applicable.

3 COM EitherLink 3C90x Family Network Adapter

The driver for this card uses the same vxd device ID that Python uses. There are two remedies for this situation.

Temporary Solution. Delete or move the DTA.VXD file (use Find to locate and delete or move the file to a floppy disk). This will not prevent network services from working correctly. It only affects the 3Com net monitoring service.

Permanent Solution. Download the 3Com Eithernet conflict patch from our web site http://www.videonics.com/customer-extra/Python/update.html

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Q: My printer doesn't print via the Python's by-pass printer port.

A: Make sure that Python has been powered up/plugged in to initialize by pass circuitry. As long as Python does not lose power, it will remain initialized.

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OTHER SOFTWARE

Q: Why do I want to install the Xing software, Streamworks, Acrobat, Soap and Astound?

A: XingMPEG Encoder and XingMPEG Player allow you to encode (translate) your video source into an MPEG file and play that file respectively. You must install these programs as part of Python's installation.

StreamWorks Server, another Xing product, enables you to upload video streaming files into your server network (perhaps at your place of work). These videos can then be viewed with StreamWorks Player. (The advantage of video streaming is that you can begin to view the video without having to download it first.) Installation is optional.

Acrobat Reader is used to read Python's on-line manual and help files. Installation is optional.

Soap is for manipulating your still capture photos (e.g. cropping, coloring, shading, contrast, and more). Installation is optional.

Astound is a presentation software tool that creates multimedia presentations including animation and the ability to include MPEG videos. Also note that the Astound serial number is located on the Python Bonus Software discription sheet.

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Q: What if I have questions on the operations of the included software products?

A: Always check the software vendor's web sites first, for their own FAQs and for the latest software revision:

If the question remains, contact Videonics HelpLine.

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Q: I sent my friend a Vmail but s/he is unable to play Python's MPEG1 video clip.

A: Your friend needs an MPEG players. Windows 95 includes one, called ActiveMovie. Select ActiveMovie, open the video clip, and the clip should play. Another alternative is to download XingMPEG Player from their web site at http://www.xingtech.com. Macintosh users should use Quicktime with MPEG support which runs on a PowerPC Mac. There are other MPEG players: See http://www.videonics.com/videos/mpeg-players.html

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SYSTEM ISSUES

Q: What systems (Motherboards, BIOS, Video Cards, Sound Cards) work with Python?

We're adding to this list all the time as we acquire additional information from test facilities and users. Some of the components we've already successfully tested include:

MOTHERBOARDS

Triton
430vx
UMC
Spacewalker HOT-557
Atlanta (Intel)

BIOS

Phoenix 1.40
Award 4.50G, 4.51PG
Mr. Bios
AMI 1.00.04

VIDEO

S3Inc Vision 968
Stealth 64 3200
Stealth 64 dram
Trident 9660
Cirrus 605440
Cirrus 5430 PCI
ATI Mach 64
C&T 65554
S3Inc Trio 64V+

SOUND

Yamaha OPL 3
ESS Audio Drive
Creative Soundblaster 16 and 32
OPTI 32 chipset
Aztec Labs Sound III
Ensoniq PCI Audio (Note: When installing or reinstalling uncheck the share LPT port IRQ)

LAPTOPS

Sharp PC-9030
Hitachi MX Series
Toshiba
Sony

BIOS EPP/ECP SETTINGS

AMI BIOS 1.00.04

Press "F1" at startup or restart (do this quickly). Using the arrow key highlight ADVANCED at top of the menu (screen). Press Enter. Using the up/down arrow key highlight Peripheral Config and press Enter. Move highlight to Parallel Port mode field and press Enter. A sub menu should appear. Using the arrow key highlight EPP or ECP and press Enter. Press ESC or press F10 to Save and Exit. Highlight Exit and select Save and Exit.

AWARD SOFTWARE INC BIOS V4.51PG

Press "Del" at startup (do this quickly). Using the arrow key highlight INTEGRATED PERIPHERALS and press Enter. Using the up/down arrow key highlight Peripheral Port Mode field. Using the + or - key change this to EPP or ECP mode. Press ESC, Press F10 (or highlight Save and Exit setup and press Enter). Save to CMOS and Exit, press Y and the enter key.

PHOENIX BIOS VERSION 1.40.a6

Press "F2" at startup (do this quickly). Using the arrow key highlight ADVANCED at top of the menu (screen). Press Enter. Make sure that Integrated Peripherals is highlighted. If not use up/down arrow key until it is. Press Enter. Using the down arrow key highlight the LPT or Parallel Port Mode field. Use the + or - key to change to; EPP (recommended) ECP/EPP (ECP+EPP) or ECP mode. Press ESC to exit this menu. Move Highlight to EXIT at top of the menu (screen). Make sure Save Changes and Exit is highlighted and pres Enter. A message should say that the Changes have been made.

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