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EthoVision XT
Set up your system
What do you need to run EthoVision XT? And how do you start your experiment? Save time by using one of the predefined templates.
The best solution for your research
We want you to get the best behavioral tracking solution that fits your needs exactly. No more, no less. This page will take you through wat you need to run EthoVision XT properly, and how you can set up your experiment in a few easy steps. We take some steps for you already such as experiment templates, and automatic detection settings. Want to try it out yourself? Request a free trial.
EthoVision XT is the most widely applied video tracking software that tracks and analyzes the behavior, movement, and activity of any animal.
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A cost-effective solution for all standard behavioral tests such as the Morris water maze and open field testing
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High-throughput and high-content testing
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Suitable for sophisticated test-protocols
What do i need to run the latest software?
The latest version of EthoVision XT has been tested on computers with the following technical specifications, which we recommend as the optimal computer requirements for workstations:
- Windows 10 or 11 Pro (64-bit)
- Dell Precision 3650 or higher
- CPU Intel Xeon Core i7, Quad core 3.5 GHz
- 16 GB memory
- NVIDIA GPU (minimum NVIDIA T1000 4GB). No PC’s with onboard only GPU’s
- Solid State drive - 500 GB (for data collection)
- Hard disk – 1 TB free space (to store experiments including video files)
Requirements for using deep learning (neural network tracker):
For a Desktop computer (tested on Dell Precision 3660):
- NVIDIA Quadro P2200, 5 GB GDDR5X, driver version 512.15
- NVIDIA RTX A2000, 6 GB GDDR6, driver version 528.02
- NVIDIA T1000, 4 GB GDDR6, driver version 517.37
For a laptop computer (tested on a Dell Precision 3571):
- NVIDIA RTX A1000, 4GB GDDR6, driver version 528.49
- NVIDIA Quadro P620 mobile, 4GB GDDR5, driver version 517.66
System requirements
The system requirements for EthoVision XT depend on its use. Important factors include the amount of data, the tracking method, the complexity of data acquisition and analyses and the size of external data files. For optimal performance and functionality of EthoVision XT, an up-to-date computer system is strongly recommended.
At the core of your lab
EthoVision XT is the engine of your lab, and ensuring these specifications will allow EthoVision XT to function efficiently, providing reliable data collection and analysis for your experiments. We want you to be able to use EthoVision as easily as possible, without worrying about technical hiccups.
If your research does not involve deep learning, a less powerful GPU will suffice. However, for those using the deep learning tracking method (also known as the neural network tracker), EthoVision XT leverages the GPU's processing power to perform the complex computations required for this advanced tracking mode.
Better data requires better equipment, and investing in the right hardware will significantly enhance the quality and reliability of your results.
Experiment templates
Let's start an experiment in EthoVision XT! Starting an experiment from scratch is easy. Answer a couple of questions, like number of animals and arena/maze type, and EthoVision XT adjusts all the basic settings for you.
You can also save a current experiment as a template for future use.
Trial lists
Then we get to the real first step, which in any experiment is defining a trial list with all test subjects. Of course you can copy this data from an existing database, such as Microsoft Excel. The independent variables you define here (age, treatment group, gender, identification number, and more) are also used for your data selection and analysis later on.
"EthoVision is able to detect and quantify mouse behavior in an unbiased way, better than biologists seeking answers to scientific questions."
Dr. D.P. Mohapatra|Washington University School of Medicine, USA
Detection settings
Video tracking is only as powerful as the accuracy with which the animal is detected. So, detection is at the core of EthoVision XT. Not all lab setups are the same, so different models and detection methods are included in EthoVision XT. This will make sure you can optimal tracking results in all circumstances. Don’t worry: EthoVision XT will suggests your optimal settings, saving valuable time. You remain in control though, so you can always adjust these settings.
Deep Learning
From EthoVision XT 16 deep learning technology was added for body point detection. Using trained neural networks, it now detects the nose point, center, and tail base of rats and mice in a more accurate and stable way, for unsurpassed video tracking results. This technology also works on hooded (Long-Evans) rats.
Arena definition
EthoVision XT can track from a prerecorded video file or via live feed from a camera mounted above (or aside) your arena. Your arena can be of any shape, such as an open field or a radial arm maze. Define your arena in 4 easy steps:
- Calibrate: set the actual size of the arena or another object in the video image so EthoVision XT can calculate parameters such as distance moved and velocity
- Draw the arena: use drawing tools to define borders to indicate where tracking should take place
- Draw zones: indicate areas of interest, such as a feeding area, shelter, outer border, water maze platform, etc. You can group zones, and use cumulative and hidden zones
- Validation: EthoVision XT checks if calibration succeeded and zones and areas of labelled correctly
Arenas and zones can be used in data selection and analysis. For DanioVision users, the definition of the zones of a well plate is done automatically.