What software?

[Ian B Walker]

Rather hoping that the "Guru's" here can shed some light. I have recently purchased a Video bore scope (Sealey) and wish to connect it to my laptop. I have the correct lead but cannot get any image on said laptop. Spoke to Sealey this morning and they don't know what software I should use. They suggested I contact PC World who may be able to help. I have no faith in those, knowing that I can get better advice here. So IT savy folks, what do I use?

 

[stevesey]

Ian

What sort of output does it have? Is it Video (yellow phono) or USB. If it's video laptops only usually come with video out and not in (so that would be the first problem - you'd need an external video capture device).

Cheers

Steve

 

[andy_k]

if it's got a video output this will probably do the job

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Belkin_Components_Belkin_Hi_Speed_USB_2_0_DVD_Creator__5433344

Andy

 

[Ian B Walker]

The scope has video out (yellow socket)

 

[Ade B]

Would it run with webcam software which can usually be found on the interweb?

Ade

 

[grober]

You probably have a combined multi purpose output lead. A picture would help here Ian ? Has it got 2 jack plugs 1 yellow 1 black and maybe a USB plug also. Its probably got an AV output similar to those found on digital cameras ? You might need a specific piece of input hardware( i.e. a card ) plus software package to input the AV signal. If its a USB plug you should have the hardware already but will need some sort of video processing software to display the image or video such as Pinnacle. If it has the 2 jack plugs then try inputing the output to your television via the TV video camera input jack sockets they are also yellow and black. If you can see the scope output on the TV screen you can check that its an AV type output. A picture of the lead would help.

Scratch that i see from the replies its a AV type lead.

All you will need is a stand alone video capture device like the belkin already mentioned. There are several on the shelves in PC World. Make sure you don't buy a PCI CARD based system by mistake and that the software package is compatible with your laptop operating system.

 

[Sp!ke]

Why not just plug it into the AV In on a telly?

 

[stevesey]

Why not just plug it into the AV In on a telly?

And balance the telly on the slam panel of the car being worked on

I see Andy has given a link for the sort of thing you need - I was expecting something bigger, but that looks idea for use with a laptop under the bonnet.

Perhaps you could set it up as a web cam so we could all see what you are looking at (with special note if it's a members car we are looking at the innards off). Then a gallery - perhaps a prize for those with very nice valves.

Time I took pill

 

[Ian B Walker]

Perhaps you could set it up as a web cam so we could all see what you are looking at (with special note if it's a members car we are looking at the innards off). Then a gallery - perhaps a prize for those with very nice valves.

Time I took pill

I had a similar thought along the lines of "Guess the object"

 

[BlackC55]

I have just got one too.

 

[HughJarse]

I would suggest you use one of the Archos range - it takes composite in, runs off batteries that last hours, and can record what youre seeing.

Heres an example, you would need the additional adapter, but beauty would mean the whole device would fit in the palm of your hand.

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/576618/art/archos/405-2-gb-multimedia-playe.html?form=33#tech-specs

 

[gaz_l]

Similar to the one recommended by andy_k, I've got one of these and it does the job well enough.. handy when I need it to use the laptop display as a monitor.

http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_usblive.html

Wasn't expensive, cost me ~£50 IIRC and that was a couple of years back.

Be aware that you won't get a brilliant picture out of any USB dongle like this if you're using an analogue video source - possibly a small secondhand CRT monitor off eBay might be an idea if you're looking for the best picture quality?

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[Sp!ke]

And balance the telly on the slam panel of the car being worked on

Erm... I think you'll be able to get a much smaller monitor/tv than you would a laptop.

Not much cost either.

 

[HughJarse]

Erm... I think you'll be able to get a much smaller monitor/tv than you would a laptop.

Not much cost either.

Exactly...hence my idea of the archos

 

[stevesey]

Erm... I think you'll be able to get a much smaller monitor/tv than you would a laptop.

Thought the smiley's gave it away.

 

[Soltan]

I would suggest you use one of the Archos range - it takes composite in, runs off batteries that last hours, and can record what youre seeing.

Heres an example, you would need the additional adapter, but beauty would mean the whole device would fit in the palm of your hand.

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/576618/art/archos/405-2-gb-multimedia-playe.html?form=33#tech-specs

The Archos devices are pretty good and have an excellent reputation. Plus if you want to spend a little more you can get the one with the internal hard drive and docking station which you can view movies on and record from TV/Sat etc. They seem to be able to handle multiple formats very well.

Not as cheap as a small TV or even a LCD panel but much more fun