Wageningen, 8 February 1994 – After introducing version 3.0 of The Observer, the popular data collection and analysis program for observational research (see Nature, 11 November 1993, page 185), Noldus Information Technology now announces the release of several new Support Packages for use in conjunction with the Base Package software.

Support Packages for handheld computers allow mobile data collection away from a desktop computer. One such package is centered around the Psion Organiser, a very compact, low-weight yet versatile handheld computer. This is followed by packages for the more robust Psion HC and Husky FS/2, which can withstand rough handling and harsh weather conditions, as well as the popular Hewlett-Packard 95LX, Psion Series 3 and Atari Portfolio, all of which are suitable for indoor use. Support Packages come with event-recording software as well as file upload and download programs. The licensing conditions are favorable to institutional use as a single Support Package supports multiple hand-held units.

The Support Package for Video Tape Analysis is a professional tool for frame-accurate recording, encoding and editing of behavioral data from video tape. The software and associated hardware read timecodes directly from video tape, which allows event timing independent of the video playback speed. The software interfaces with a wide range of video cassette recorders and timecode equipment, including industry-standard EBU/SMPTE readers. The VCR can be controlled from the computer keyboard and, to prevent look-away errors, the program can display the labels of scored behavioral events directly on the video screen. When equipped with a video frame grabber, the system can also be used to capture video images off the screen and store these in a disk file.

All necessary software and hardware products are available directly from Noldus Information Technology or from international distributors.

Noldus Information Technology specializes in the development of computer products and services for behavioral and observational research. Besides The Observer, the company offers EthoVision, a system for the automatic recording of activity, movement and interactions of animals (see Nature, 13 January 1994, page 197), as well as consulting and training in behavior research methods and techniques. 

For more information, please contact the product manager of The Observer.