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Racing » Products » Video » VIDEO4 » Video features + Widescreen

Widescreen video function

The VIDEO4 is now in widescreen. As most TVs these days are in a 16:9 widescreen format, the 4 channel VIDEO4 unit has been upgraded to output true widescreen video. We don't just crop our video to make it widescreen either, we actually increase the resolution by 50%, adding more pixels to the standard PAL/NTSC image width. The previous 4:3 set up was cropped when viewed on a widescreen television resulting in a reduced picture quality. With the new widescreen recording options the VIDEO4 has twice the resolution of a standard 4:3 cropped image on a widescreen monitor which makes for stunning visual quality.

The bullet cameras will still remain the same and record in 4:3 (this is governed by the output from the cameras), but the increased area means that picture in picture video streams and graphics can be arranged in the new screen area, making the most of what's available. This allows the PIP videos to be much larger without intruding into the main image. The diagrams below illustrate how the screen can be laid out.

All the layouts shown above are available as a free download from here, using 2, 3, and 4 cameras. Though it is important to note that the widescreen functionality is available only on the 4 channel VIDEO4 units, and all new 4 channel units are widescreen enabled. A free of charge upgrade is available to existing 4 channel VIDEO4 customers by upgrading their unit to the latest firmware available from here. Existing 2 channel customers wishing to make use of this feature must upgrade their units, contact us for details of the upgrade costs.

The Overlays

There are many ready made overlays for the VIDOE4. Some are supplied with the software, and there is a free download area here where the latest additions can be acquired. Having many ready made overlays makes it quick and easy for anyone to get up and running with the system. It is also possible to make a completely custom overlay, either by modifying one of ours or starting completely from scratch.

All the overlaid graphics are:

• 24 bit colour (with a maximum of sixteen million colours)
• Alpha blended, so that all graphics may be made translucent if required
• Anti-aliased, so that the graphics look smooth and professional
• Added at full D1/DVD resolution, so that they are as clear as possible

A PC program is provided with the unit. It will enable you to design the layout of the screen overlays to meet your needs. Once this has been done, the layout is simply uploaded to the VIDEO4. If no overlay is required for a particular application then it can, of course, be left blank. The following examples show the various graphic display methods, which may be user defined and added to the screen in a number of different combinations: