Media Recorder

The Media Recorder is a software tool that enables synchronous video recordings from up to four different sources. Compatible with both The Observer® XT and FaceReader™, and a broad range of cameras, it is the ideal recording tool.

  • Easy to use.
  • Versatile.
  • High quality recordings.
  • Record videos with or without sound.
  • Accurate synchronization.

 

Record video
Using the Media Recorder in your lab allows you to easily combine several recordings from one study. Video files may be stored separately or combined into one single file. For example, you may choose to save separate video files when studying repetitive behavior in children for detailed behavioral coding with The Observer XT. You may also choose to combine four video streams into one file when studying parent-child interactions from several different camera angles. This will allow you to view the videos simultaneously. The Media Recorder will store the files in a user specified location, allowing for easy retrieval.

 

Picture in Picture
When studying interactions from several different angles, it’s helpful to see what your participants are looking at.  Now multiple video sources can be displayed as a Picture in Picture and stored as one video file.  You can choose the position of the embedded video images within the primary video and then identify which image comes from what camera with a superimposed number on the camera image.  The system can store the videos in separate, synchronized files in order to assure the highest possible resolution of each video image. 

 

Record rapidly occurring behaviors
When you are studying rapidly occurring behaviors, it is ideal to record videos and code them afterwards with The Observer XT; the playback functionality of The Observer XT allows you to play back the videos at a low speed, and code behaviors in greater detail.

 

Data synchronization
Data synchronization is vital in multimodal research. When you use the Media Recorder, you don’t have to worry about data synchronization, because the Media Recorder can record up to four files at the same time. For example, one can study peer interaction in an Observation Lab and use the Media Recorder to combine the videos. The first camera is following a girl, the second another girl, and the third camera is giving you an overview of the room. The fourth stream, which is recorded by the Media Recorder, is a screen capture from the monitor the girls are occasionally looking at. The recording can be started manually or another software package can be used to command the Media Recorder.

 

Fully integrated
The key to synchronization is integration. Files recorded with the Media Recorder can easily be used in The Observer XT making it a fully integrated package. Once you have set up a project in The Observer XT, all data and video material are stored in one database and shown in one software application. It gives you complete control over video, and guarantees a frame accurate link with your data. By controlling the Media Recorder from The Observer XT, you can manage all your data with one application. You can also start other tasks from The Observer XT, such as facial expression analysis with FaceReader. By using The Observer XT as the main project manager, you stay in control of your collected data.

 

Stand-alone option
You can use the Media Recorder as a stand-alone tool, or can run it on your computer in the lab, at home, or in a classroom to record, combine, and file your video recordings. Then use the video files later on your office computer running The Observer XT. This is an easy and efficient way to increase productivity (Media Recorder is compatible with Windows 7, 32 and 64 bit computers).

 

Complete solution
It is also possible to create your own solution or ask Noldus to assist you with designing the entire lab set-up as there are always numerous technological issues to consider.