PortaNum - support

| | | | | |

We have compiled information and resources to help you install and use PortaNum.

blog PortaNum also provides information, test results, ideas, day by day.

Do not hesitate, however, to contact us if you do not find the desired information:

frequently asked Questions

What kind of camera use?

PortaNum can use any type of connectable camera to a Windows PC:

webcam (USB), high-resolution webcam (Ziggi HD Logitech C905, C920 ...)
DV camcorder or mini-DV (FireWire jack or IEEE1394)
some HD camcorder with HDMI output (via an interface, such as Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle )
analog camera (via a video capture card, or a video adapter / USB, as GrabBeeX )

However, the results are not equivalent: a webcam is used for near vision. For distance vision, a camera for video surveillance, or a camcorder are successful because optical zoom allows users to frame the useful part of the image, without loss of quality. Some all-digital camcorders or cameras with a PC camera function do not, however, to use the optical zoom when connected to the computer (see following). A pre-test is needed.

Some webcams resolution can give proper results, but so far they have no optical zoom, but only electronic, limiting the image quality in remote use.

How do I know if my camera will be recognized by PortaNum?

To check this, go to "My Computer". If you find an icon corresponding to the camera, click it, and watch the video (check it is particularly good, and fast pace). If you do not get this video then Portanum can not get it either.

I have to equip myself. What equipment do you recommend?

It is difficult to answer this question.
We often used the camcorder JVC GR-DX 25, which has a DV output. While not too heavy camcorder equipped with a DV output suitable, for example the Sony DCR-HC27E and DCR-HC37E.

In some cases, a webcam is sufficient, provided to change its target for distance vision.
Among the multitude of cameras available on the market, very few are used to adapt another objective. Suitable targets are SKB-9610 (8 mm focal length) and SKB-9611 (12mm focal length) available from Opto-vision.

The high-resolution webcam is a new type of equipment, which can give good results in some cases. The Logitech HD Pro C910, C905 or through their 2-megapixel sensor, and their auto-focus optics, cameras are excellent for use with PortaNum near vision (TV magnifier) or even in far vision, provided they remain relatively close to the table (the optimal distance is often equal to the width of the table view). Ziggi HD webcam is particularly interesting: it is a high resolution webcam, high quality, with a stable foot which can make a video magnifier quite decent for less than 100 €.

Can I use the new memory card camcorders or hard drive?

These camcorders are generally not suitable: the only camcorders that are suitable are those with a "DV output" or "FireWire" or "IEEE1394" for providing the computer a real-time video (that ie the image of what you are beings filming) of good quality. Your PC must of course equipped with the corresponding socket (DV, FireWire). Otherwise, you need to buy an interface card.
The camcorder has a USB output usually can not provide this video: This jack is used to transfer already recorded video, or to use the camcorder connected to the computer as an ordinary webcam: the image resolution is a maximum of 640x480 pixels, and above all, it is not possible to use the optical zoom. The performance in this case are very insufficient. The problem also occurs with many digital cameras, offering a webcam function.

Some HD camcorders are suitable (eg Sony Handycam HDRCX110B with HDMI output). Again, check the video output is available in real time, not just in proofreading, and having on the PC or through the interface a limp ability to connect the camcorder.

Can I use PortaNum without a camera?

It is possible to use PortaNum without camera to view images, or prerecorded material, images saved during the course or presentation. Simply drag an image file on the icon of PortaNum ( "drag and drop") for the program opens and displays the image.

Finally, in collective facilities, PortaNum can receive images taken by a camera, and disseminated by the wired computer or wireless network to various users. In these community facilities, it is also possible to interface with the new "Interactive Whiteboard" (TBI), increasingly common in colleges or high schools. high quality images can be obtained in broadcasting without returning a shot, directly get the screen content, or images projected through a VGA to USB interface box, or finally through an interfacing software (used for example with the mIMIO system).

Can I use PortaNum in video magnifier?

With an ordinary webcam, PortaNum be used to magnify texts: newspaper, book, comic, notice or order. Simply set the focus for near vision. Using a high-resolution webcam with autofocus, as Ziggi HD, the Logitech HD Pro C910, or C905, is advised. On this subject see the blog PortaNum. Page video magnifier presents in detail this issue. Note that recent versions of PortaNum enable image rotation for easy installation video magnifier.

How to reuse my old video magnifier?

Television enlargers elders usually have an analog video output. It is quite possible to capture the signal for viewing images on a PC, thanks to PortaNum. This requires have an analog video input on your PC, or purchase a "frame grabber". There is with a USB interface, which are very simple to install (eg GrabBeeX ). It thus benefits from the movement system of the document, a video under good light conditions and development, and facilities offered PortaNum for image processing, or to work on multiple applications.

How to install the camera, for distance vision?

The question of the support of the camera is often raised. It unfortunately does not exist on completely satisfactory solution to market. Found photo tripods "table" which are compact but are only suitable for a small camera. Feet to screw on the corner of the table or desk are a bit bulky but much more stable. They allow, in addition, to raise a little the camera to see over the shoulders of previous ranks! Finally, a stable and relatively compact system can be produced from a metal plate, which is slipped under the notebook PC, and is used for attachment to a rod or a leg supporting the camera.

PortaNum is it compatible with my computer?

PortaNum is compatible with recent versions of Windows: XP, Vista, Seven, Windows 8.

PortaNum Can run on Linux, Mac OS X?

PortaNum was designed for Windows. The "video capture" (the camera connection) is specific to Windows. However, the image display part prerecorded can run on Linux computers, provided you first install the software Wine (Wine testing with Ubuntu Linux 32 bit).

In addition, new versions of PortaNum are being developed for these platforms. Contact us .

Is the software installation easier?

Installing the software on a computer is to simply run the program InstallPNxxx.exe, you have previously downloaded on our website.

We advise you to choose the installation directory by default.

Uninstalling is done as with all Windows programs.

How to save images?

The easiest way is to simultaneously press CTRL + S. PortaNum instantly records the image being displayed in the My Documents / PortaNum. Convenient to take notes.

How to take lecture notes?

Launch the note taking software using the shortcut CTRL + N. By default, the Windows Notepad will open, but you can choose to run Word or any word processing ther (Preferences menu / Word Processing). Using the F5 key, you can choose to view the picture at 2/3 of the screen to work simultaneously on the word processor in the lower third.

How to add functionality to PortaNum?

We have set up a system of "filters" (or "plugins"), which can be added to Portanum to offer new images treatment: Plugins for PortaNum. It even is possible for you, if you master the programming and treatment images, develop your own plugins: plugins for PortaNum - design . Why not share with others your creations?