Re: Computer Eyes

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

In article Jeff Lemke <lemke@terra.cira.colostate.edu> writes...

>I recently acquired a ComputerEyes card, but there is no documentation. 

    You may be able to order a manual and disk from Digital Vision,
which can be reached at 1-800-346-0090. Be clear that you have the
Apple II version of the card when calling, though don't be surprised
if your told they no longer support it (even in that case, they may
still be able to dig up what you need which is why you should call).
Roger Wagner Publishing may now own the rights to the card and its
software, in which case call 1-800-HYPERSTUDIO if Digital Vision is
of little or no help.

> Does anybody know anything about these, or have a manual to sell?

    Well it is a video capture card that plugs into any slot and
lets you digitize an image from any NTSC device (VCR, camcorder,
TV, laser disc, game-console, computer, etc). I believe there may
have been two separate versions: ComputerEyes and ComputerEyes GS.

    I'm only familiar with ComputerEyes GS. It allows you to grab
video in either 16 colors or greyscales, with the latter yeilding
the best results. It is not a real-time capture board, so it does
require your source be perfectly still for 6 to 12 seconds. This 
is more than just an annoyance, it makes capturing from a TV almost 
impossible and means you need a VCR with freeze-frame pause, as 
bar-noise will interfere with the capture. It can also capture
6-bit raw data images, meaning up to 64 colors can be used if you
have special software on an IBM or Mac to read it (or special GS
software to convert it to a multi-palette Super-Hi-Res image or
Second Sight video image; Prism and Emerald Vision are the only
titles I know of that do this, but with terrible results).

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca