Radio Shack 3Com Bigpicture User Manual

®
TM  
This manual covers installation and operating instructions for the following 3Com Bigpicture  
products:  
· Videophone Camera & Capture Card  
3Com, the 3Com logo, and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks; Bigpicture and the Bigpicture  
logo are trademarks of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. Windows and NetMeeting are  
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Kai’s Photo Soap Special Edition is a trademark of  
MetaCreations. Digital Video Producer is a trademark of Asymetrix. VDOPhone, VDOLive, and  
VDOMail are trademarks of VDOnet Corp. iVisit is a trademark of BoxTop Interactive. Any other  
trademarks or service marks used in this manual are the property of their respective owners.  
Copyright © 1997 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries  
7770 North Frontage Rd.  
Skokie, IL 60077-2690  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Glossary  
Specifications  
Video Capture Card  
NTSC Camera  
Regulatory Information and Limited Warranty  
45  
50  
50  
51  
53  
INTRODUCTION  
ongratulations! You have purchased a  
mini-movie with Asymetrix Digital Video  
Producer.  
C
powerful (and fun!) video communications  
tool. 3Com is known worldwide for reliable  
and easy-to-use networking and data  
communications tools. Now you can count on  
3Com for the same quality in digital video  
applications.  
With the addition of a modem, you can  
conduct Internet and “point to point” H.324  
video phone calls using VDONet’s  
VDOPhone. VDOMailmakes sending  
video and audio to friends and family as easy  
as sending regular text e-mail. BoxTop’s  
iVisitgives you further Internet video  
capabilities. Microsoft’s NetMeetinglets you  
communicate with both audio and H.323  
video, collaborate on virtually any Windows-  
based application, exchange graphics on an  
electronic whiteboard, and much more.  
3Com, the leader in networking, now puts  
digital video right inside your PC. With the  
simple, compact camera and standards-based  
video capture card included in your  
BigpictureÔ package, you can grab still  
pictures, use Kai’s Photo Soap Special  
Editionto put finishing touches on images,  
removing “red eye” or sunlight glare from  
digital photos, or edit video footage into a real  
This manual will guide you through installation  
of the hardware and software included in your  
Bigpicture video package. Have fun!  
1
 
INSTALLATION  
Youll need these items from your  
Bigpicture box:  
Determining Your Version of  
Windows 95  
TM  
There are different versions of Windows 95  
on the market. One of the primary ways these  
versions differ is in the way they handle the  
addition of new hardware. Follow these steps  
to determine your version of Windows 95.  
This information will be important during  
installation.  
NTSC camera  
video capture card  
Bigpicture CD-ROM  
Plus:  
screwdriver (not included)  
1. Click the My Computer icon on your  
desktop with the right mouse button.  
This section will guide you through installation  
of the hardware and software in your  
Bigpicture Videophone package. The  
hardware (video capture card and camera)  
must be installed before the software.  
2. Click Properties.  
2
 
INSTALLATION  
blank below for future reference. Then  
click OK.  
Windows 95 version _________________  
3. In the “System Properties” screen, look at  
the system information under the General  
tab (circled in the following screen image).  
The number following the text “Microsoft  
Windows 95” will end with “950”, “950a”,  
or “950b”. This indicates your version of  
Windows 95. Write this number on the  
3
INSTALLATION  
Your video capture card supports Plug and  
Play installation, the fastest, easiest way to  
add new hardware to your PC. Windows 95  
should do all the work of detecting your new  
hardware.  
Inserting the Video Capture  
Card into Your Computer  
NOTE: Before installing your  
capture card, write down the cards  
serial number in this space:  
TIP: Before you unplug anything,  
label the cords or make a sketch of how  
things are connected. This can be  
helpful when you plug things back in  
later.  
________________________________  
You will find the serial number  
underneath the bar code on the white  
sticker on the capture card and on your  
Bigpicture package. If you ever need to  
call our technical support department,  
the technical support representative  
will ask you for this serial number.  
This number will help him or her  
identify your capture card.  
1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from  
the electrical outlet.  
2. Unplug any peripheral devices (printer,  
monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) from the  
computer.  
4
 
INSTALLATION  
CAUTION : To avoid risk of  
electric shock, make sure your  
computer and all peripheral devices are  
turned off and unplugged from  
electrical outlets.  
3. Remove the screws from your computer’s  
cover and then remove the cover. Your  
computer may not resemble the computer  
in the following diagrams, but the basic  
principle for removing the cover should be  
the same. Refer to your computer’s  
documentation if you need further  
instructions.  
4. Touch an unpainted metal part of your  
computer (the back panel, for example) to  
discharge any static electricity you may be  
carrying. Static electricity can damage  
electronic components.  
5
INSTALLATION  
5. There should be two types of expansion  
slot inside your computer, ISA and PCI  
(see the following diagrams). Find an  
empty PCI slot inside your computer. PCI  
slots are usually white plastic grooves lined  
with silver metal. ISA slots are usually  
longer black plastic grooves lined with  
silver metal.  
6
INSTALLATION  
will need to apply some pressure to  
properly fit the capture card into the  
expansion slot. A gentle back-and-forth  
motion helps seat the card all the way into  
the slot. If you feel resistance, do not force  
the card into the slot. The card may not be  
properly aligned with the slot. Remove the  
card completely and try again.  
PCI  
ISA  
6. Unscrew and remove the expansion slot  
cover (the long, narrow piece of metal that  
keeps dust from entering through the  
opening perpendicular to the slot). Be  
careful not to drop the screw into the PC.  
7. Holding the video capture card at each  
corner, with the gold edge facing the slot,  
push the card down as gently as possible  
until it snaps into the expansion slot. You  
7
INSTALLATION  
8. Screw the video capture card firmly into  
Other NTSC Device to the Video Capture  
Card” on page 10.  
place using the screw you removed in step  
6.  
Make the following connections to hook up  
your Bigpicture NTSC camera while referring  
to the diagram below.  
9. Replace the computer’s cover. Fasten it  
with the screws you removed in step 3.  
10.Plug the computer’s power cord back into  
the computer and reattach your peripherals  
to the computer.  
Connecting Your NTSC Camera  
to Your Video Capture Card  
You can use the NTSC video camera  
included in your Bigpicture package, a  
camcorder (not included), or a VCR (not  
included) to channel video signals into your  
capture card. If you wish to use a camcorder  
or VCR, go to “Connecting a Camcorder or  
8
 
INSTALLATION  
1. Plug the Bigpicture camera’s yellow RCA-  
type video plug into the yellow RCA-type  
video jack on the capture card.  
Connecting a Camcorder or  
Other NTSC Device to Your  
Video Capture Card  
In addition to the NTSC camera included with  
your capture card, you can connect any  
NTSC compliant device to the video capture  
card. In this manner, you could hook up a  
camcorder, VCR, laserdisc player, or other  
NTSC video device. You should consult the  
device’s manual for specific information about  
connecting the device to a source other than a  
television. The device must be NTSC  
2. Plug the camera’s power cord into the  
power jack located just under the video  
jack on the capture card.  
3. Plug the camera’s 1/8-inch audio output  
plug into the sound card’s MIC or  
AUDIO IN jack. Refer to your sound  
card’s documentation for further  
information.  
4. Go to “Installing the Video Capture Card’s  
compliant to be used with this product.  
Drivers” on page 11.  
If your device is NTSC compliant, you should  
be able to run an RCA male to RCA male  
cable from the device’s video out jack to the  
capture card’s video in (yellow) jack. Please  
9
 
INSTALLATION  
consult your device’s manual if this  
Installing the Video Capture  
Cards Drivers  
configuration does not apply. The power jack  
on the capture card is of no concern when you  
are using a device other than the NTSC  
camera included in your Bigpicture kit.  
NOTE: If you wrote “950B” in the  
blank on page 4, go to “Video Capture  
Card Driver Installation with Windows  
95 Version 950B” on page 15.  
To connect your device’s audio out to your  
sound card, connect a phono plug to miniature  
1/8-inch (3.5 mm) phone plug adapter (Radio  
Shack catalog number 274-330a) to one end  
of an RCA male to RCA male cable. Plug the  
RCA male end of the cable into your device’s  
AUDIO OUT jack. Plug the 1/8-inch plug  
into the sound card’s 1/8-inch MIC or  
Video Capture Card Driver Installation  
with Windows 95 Versions 950 and  
950A  
1. Turn on your computer. When Windows  
restarts, it will detect the video capture  
card. You should see the following screen.  
AUDIO IN jack (refer to the sound card’s  
documentation for further information).  
10  
 
INSTALLATION  
2. Click Driver from disk provided by  
hardware manufacturer.  
3. Click OK and insert the Bigpicture CD  
into your CD-ROM drive.  
4. When you see the “Install From Disk”  
screen, type D:\ and then press ENTER.  
(If your CD-ROM drive uses a letter other  
than D, type that letter in place of D.)  
Windows will install the drivers for your  
video capture card.  
NOTE: If you do not see the  
preceding screen, your Plug and Play  
installation was not successful. See “If  
Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your  
Capture Card” (page 43).  
11  
INSTALLATION  
5. Next, you will see the following screen on  
your desktop. Click OK. Windows will  
install the additional software.  
6. Once the additional software is installed,  
you will see your normal desktop. You  
should now verify that the installation was a  
success. Click the Windows Start button  
and point to Settings. Then click Control  
Panel (see the following screen image).  
12  
INSTALLATION  
7. Double-click the System icon (circled in  
8. Click the Device Manager tab.  
the screen image below).  
13  
INSTALLATION  
9. Double-click Sound, Video and Game  
10.You should see “U.S. Robotics Video  
Capture” in the Sound, Video and Game  
Controllers listing. This indicates that the  
installation was successful.  
Controllers.  
14  
INSTALLATION  
NOTE: If you do not see your  
video capture card listed in the  
preceding screen, your Plug and Play  
installation was not successful. See “If  
Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your  
Capture Card” (page 43).  
You are now ready to install the software for  
Bigpicture. Turn to “Software Installation” on  
page 20.  
NOTE: If you do not see the  
preceding screen, your Plug and Play  
installation was not successful. See “If  
Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your  
Capture Card” (page 43).  
Video Capture Card Driver Installation  
with Windows 95 Version 950B  
1. Turn on your computer. When Windows  
restarts, it will detect the video capture  
card. You should see the following screen.  
15  
INSTALLATION  
3. Next, you will see the following screen on  
your desktop. Click OK. Windows will  
install the additional software.  
2. When you see the following screen, click  
Finish.  
4. Once the additional software is installed,  
you will see your normal desktop. You  
should now verify that the installation was a  
success. Click the Windows Start button  
and point to Settings. Then click Control  
Panel (see the following screen image).  
16  
INSTALLATION  
5. Double-click the System icon (circled in  
the screen image below).  
17  
INSTALLATION  
6. Click the Device Manager tab.  
7. Double-click Sound, Video and Game  
Controllers.  
18  
INSTALLATION  
8. You should see “U.S. Robotics Video  
Capture” in the Sound, Video and Game  
Controllers listing. This indicates that the  
installation was successful.  
NOTE: If you do not see your  
video capture card listed in the  
preceding screen, your Plug and Play  
installation was not successful. See “If  
Plug and Play Does Not Detect Your  
Capture Card” (page 43).  
Software Installation  
NOTE: Before beginning software  
installation, make sure your Windows  
95 display is set to 256 colors or  
higher. Also, in order to use VDOPhone  
(the live Internet videophone  
application), you need to make sure  
that Dial-Up Networking is installed.  
19  
 
INSTALLATION  
This section will guide you through installing  
the Bigpicture Setup Wizard, which installs  
your Bigpicture software applications.  
3. Your Bigpicture CD-ROM should be  
inserted into your CD-ROM drive. If it is  
not, insert it now. Type D:\setup.exe (If  
your CD-ROM drive has a letter name  
other than D, type that letter in place of D.  
If you are unsure of the letter name for  
your CD-ROM drive, you can click  
1. Click Windows 95 Start.  
Browse and search for it.) Then click OK.  
2. Then click Run.  
20  
INSTALLATION  
4. You will see the following screen. The  
Setup Wizard is preparing your system for  
installation.  
5. After you read the “Welcome” screen,  
click Next.  
21  
INSTALLATION  
6. Fill in the blanks on the next screen with  
your information, using the TAB key to  
move between the fields. Then click Next.  
determine other aspects of the installation.  
However, custom installation requires in-  
depth knowledge of the applications  
involved.  
When you click Typical, the CD will  
automatically install the software on your  
system.  
7. The next screen allows you to choose a  
typical or custom installation. We  
recommend that you click Typical. If you  
click Custom, you can choose which  
software applications will install and  
22  
INSTALLATION  
On the following page is a summary of the  
software available on the Bigpicture CD-  
ROM. Review each item to familiarize  
yourself with the applications. Keep in mind  
that your Bigpicture system will be easier to  
use if you install all of the software included on  
the CD-ROM by choosing the Typical  
installation.  
23  
INSTALLATION  
application, a Netscape plug-in, or as an ActiveX  
control.  
Bigpicture Software Summary  
Bigpicture - This is the application launcher that  
you use to quickly access any of the software in the  
Bigpicture program group. It also provides easy  
access to help files for some applications.  
VDOMail - VDOMail supercharges your e-mail to  
bring you closer to friends, family, and business  
associates. You can now record video and audio  
messages and include them as part of any e-mail  
message.  
Kais Photo Soap Special Edition - Photo Soap  
Special Edition is a fun tool for manipulating and  
editing digital photos and still images.  
iVisit - iVisit is a powerful, enjoyable, “hardware-  
light” video chat application. It allows you to  
communicate face-to-face through video, audio, and  
text messages with other iVisit users on the Internet.  
Asymetrix Digital Video Producer - Digital Video  
Producer is a powerful video capture and movie  
editing application.  
Microsoft NetMeeting - Using Microsoft’s  
NetMeeting H.323 Internet software, you can now  
hold face-to-face conversations with friends and  
family around the world, and it won't cost a fortune.  
Video is just one of the powerful features of  
NetMeeting. Its data conferencing features let you  
collaborate with a group of people from within any  
Windows application and NetMeeting's real-time  
audio lets you talk to other people over the Internet,  
even if you are using a 14.4 kbps modem.  
VDOPhone Professional 3.0- VDOPhone  
Professional is an H.3424 Internet application which  
connects you to a new arena in cyber-  
communication. You can exchange real-time video  
with other VDOPhone users all over the world as  
easily as you send and receive e-mail.  
VDOLive Player 3.0 - The VDOLive Player provides  
real-time video playback over the Internet at modem  
connections and higher. It works as a helper  
24  
 
INSTALLATION  
8. When you see the following screen, click  
9. This is the first screen of the Registration  
Wizard. After reading the screen, click  
Next.  
Yes.  
25  
INSTALLATION  
10.When you see the next screen, type the  
appropriate information. Then click Next.  
12.The next screen allows you to register your  
Bigpicture product. Click By Mail on the  
following screen. Then click OK.  
11.When you see the following screen, you  
are asked which Bigpicture product you  
purchased. Scroll down and select 3Com  
Bigpicture Video Capture Card and  
Camera. Fill in the rest of the information  
as required. Then click Next.  
26  
INSTALLATION  
13.When the following screen appears, make  
sure the printer selected is the correct  
destination for your registration  
information. Then click OK.  
NOTE: You can also register by  
fax or e-mail if you have those  
options. We explain the By Mail  
option to ensure that everyone can  
register, regardless of their  
systems capabilities.  
Once you have printed your registration  
information, mail it to the following address:  
ATTN.: 3Com Registration Program  
PO Box 511220  
New Berlin, WI 53151-2001  
27  
INSTALLATION  
14.This screen marks the end of the  
registration process. Click OK. Continue  
with the next section, which provides an  
overview of the Bigpicture application  
launcher.  
Bigpicture CD. You can start the launcher by  
clicking the Bigpicture Launcher icon in the  
Windows 95 Start menu.  
The Bigpicture Application  
Launcher  
The Bigpicture application launcher is a quick  
and easy way for you to access the software  
programs installed to your computer from the  
28  
 
INSTALLATION  
Here is a synopsis of the launcher:  
work shop, and VDOnet’s VDOLive  
streaming video player.  
Click Video Phone and a menu appears  
allowing you to launch VDOnet’s VDOPhone  
Professional H.324 & Internet videophone  
software, BoxTop Interactive’s iVisit Internet  
chat software, or Microsoft’s NetMeeting  
H.323 Internet software.  
Click Help to select help files for Digital  
Video Producer’s capture and editing  
applications, VDOLive, VDOPlayer 3.0,  
VDOMail, and Microsoft’s NetMeeting.  
Click Exit to close the launcher.  
Click Video Mail and VDOnet’s VDOMail  
launches automatically.  
You can also exit the launcher by clicking the  
Bigpicture icon ( ) and selecting Close from  
the menu that appears. The menu also offers a  
Minimize option.  
Click Video Fun for a menu that includes  
Asymetrix DVP Video Capture, Asymetrix  
DVP video clip editing software,  
Take some time to try out the different  
applications. Access the available help files for  
further information and tutorials. Have fun!  
MetaCreations Kai’s Photo Soap SE photo  
29  
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES  
TM  
The Internet is an amazing new frontier of  
Your Bigpicture package allows you to tap  
into the Internet’s vast resources for  
human interaction. Almost anyone and  
anything can be found there in one form or  
another. This is part of the appeal of gaining  
access to the Internet and the World Wide  
Web. It’s like having the world’s largest  
library in your own home.  
exchanging and accessing video imagery,  
voice information, and other data. While  
3Com cannot be responsible for any injury to  
your security or privacy or any security  
difficulties you may encounter resulting from  
your use of your Bigpicture equipment, we are  
concerned about our customers’ security and  
thus would like to make you aware of some  
possible ways you can manage your privacy in  
this dynamic arena.  
However, the public and free nature of the  
Internet can raise some of the same concerns  
for one’s personal security that any public  
activity might generate. This includes security  
of your system and its files, your identity and  
that of your family and friends, and the data  
you send over the Internet. The security of  
those receiving information from you is also to  
be considered.  
· Use security features built into any  
Internet based software that you  
use. It is important to realize that the  
Internet is not a private  
30  
 
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES  
communications path. It should be  
considered a public “place.” Therefore,  
you should assume that any information  
that you send over the Internet can be  
viewed by strangers. If the software you  
are using includes security measures, we  
recommend that you take advantage of  
them.  
and use it to send you information that you  
do not wish to receive.  
VDOPhone appears on the CD-ROM in  
your package. It allows you to tap into a  
network of other VDOPhone users. When  
you use this software, you are asked to  
provide information about yourself and  
your Internet address.  
· Use a dynamic IP address when  
using the Internet. When you are  
transferring information on the Internet, you  
are sending out information about your  
Internet address, often when you don’t  
even realize it. This can be helpful when  
you are dealing with family, friends, or  
business relationships. However, a stranger  
might just as easily tap into your address  
31  
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES  
The information that you provide here will  
dynamic address, they could send to that  
address, but it would only be valid until  
your next log in. It will be invalid almost as  
soon as they have a chance to send you  
unwanted information. Additionally, your  
ISP should be able to trace who sent to  
your dynamic IP address at the moment  
you received the unwanted message or  
information.  
be available to anyone accessing the VDO  
directory while the VDOPhone software is  
running on your PC. Adding information to  
the VDOPhone “Identity” section might  
help friends and family identify who you are  
for practical reasons. However, keep in  
mind that someone you don’t know can  
use your information to call you and send  
you information that you may not want.  
Many ISPs offer dynamic IP addresses for  
users who are concerned about security.  
We strongly encourage you to obtain one  
and to obtain them for anyone using your  
Bigpicture system.  
The best solution for this potential problem  
is to talk to your Internet service provider  
(ISP) about obtaining a dynamic IP  
address. Dynamic IP addresses change  
with every call to your ISP. What they  
allow you to do is to send and receive  
information over the Internet that can be  
traced. If someone were to intercept your  
· Use vague identity information. You  
can fill in the information screens with a  
nickname, code name, or anything other  
32  
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES  
than your real name to ensure that no one  
will know who you really are.  
· Use a password your children dont  
know. If you have children who use your  
computer, you may want to keep your  
VDOPhone password a secret from them  
to ensure that they don’t have access to the  
software. Unsupervised, a child could  
access video under the “(X) Adult Only”  
category with just a few clicks of a mouse.  
· Do not use an actual picture in the  
photo ID section of VDOPhone setup.  
In VDOPhone setup, you have the  
opportunity to choose an ID photo of  
yourself to attach to your video messages.  
We recommend that you NOT use an  
actual photo of yourself or any of your  
family members. This is another way you  
33  
INTERNET SECURITY ISSUES  
can protect your identity and that of your  
family.  
unless you disconnect your camera and  
microphone.  
· Do not use “Auto Answer” when  
using VDOPhone. This setting  
automatically brings up any video images  
that enter the VDOPhone directory,  
regardless of whether you want to see  
them or not. By disabling this feature, you  
reduce the risk of seeing something that  
might offend you or that you do not wish to  
see.  
Implementing these precautionary procedures  
are just a few ideas that may help ensure your  
privacy and security on the Internet. Always  
remain aware of the public nature of the  
Internet when using software that utilizes its  
resources.  
“Call Screening” enables you to see the  
identity information of the person calling  
you before you see any images.  
Remember that just as you can see and  
hear others, they can see and hear you  
34  
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
PROBLEM  
DIAGNOSIS  
POSSIBLE SOLUTION  
The computer or software  
will not recognize the video  
capture card.  
You may have a conflict between  
your COM and IRQ ports.  
Check to make sure you  
have the correct COM port  
and IRQ settings in your  
software and/or in the  
Windows Control Panel.  
You do not see video in an  
application’s video window.  
The camera may not be turned on.  
Verify that the camera is  
turned on (a green light on  
the front on the camera  
indicates power) and  
properly plugged into the  
capture card.  
35  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
PROBLEM  
DIAGNOSIS  
POSSIBLE SOLUTION  
You do not see video… (cont.)  
The application may be set  
to accept video from a  
non-existent source.  
Set the video source  
option in the software  
to “composite.”  
Your software may be set to  
the wrong video format.  
Change the video format  
to 160 x 120 pixels and  
15-bit RGB.  
A “No suitable DirectDraw  
provider” error box appears  
when starting a video  
application.  
DirectDraw or Direct X drivers  
were not loaded during the  
initial installation of your  
video capture card.  
Contact the  
manufacturer of your  
video card to obtain the  
required drivers.  
36  
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
IRQ Conflicts: Freeing an IRQ  
Your video capture card requires two system resources: an interrupt and a memory segment. If your system  
is not immediately detecting the card, there is a high probability that there is an IRQ conflict involving the  
video capture card. In the Windows Device Manager, double-click the Sound, video and game  
controllers option. Look for the “U.S. RoboticsÒ Video Capture” item. If there is a yellow circle with an  
“x” or an “!” inside, Plug and Play discovered an IRQ conflict during installation. Plug and Play will not  
always alert you when such conflicts arise.  
If your system indicates such a conflict, follow these steps to rectify the problem:  
1. In Device Manager, double-click U.S. Robotics Video Capture. A “U.S. Robotics Video Capture  
Properties” window will appear.  
2. Click Resources.  
3. Write down the setting for the interrupt. (If no interrupt is listed, Windows 95 was unable to find a clear  
interrupt. If an interrupt is listed, make sure the interrupt is not also being used by a non-Plug and Play  
device or REAL MODE device driver. If it is not, then your problem may be unrelated to an interrupt  
conflict.)  
37  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
NOTE: If your PC is loaded with many devices, there may not be a free  
interrupt available for the video capture card. If this is the case, youll need to find  
an unused device which has a reserved interrupt and free that interrupt for use by  
the capture card. Many PCs reserve an interrupt for a PS/ 2 mouse or an IDE hard  
disk controller, even when these devices are not present on the system. If an  
interrupt is reserved for a device that you know is not present on your system,  
that interrupt can be reserved for your video capture card.  
4. Go into your BIOS and disable the peripheral not being used (i.e., the PS/2 mouse or IDE controller  
mentioned in the preceding sidebar).  
5. Enter Device Manager, highlight the device, then click the Remove button.  
6. Restart Windows 95.  
7. Examine the Plug and Play configuration. Your video capture card should be assigned to the IRQ you  
requested in the Device Manager.  
38  
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
IRQ Conflicts: Altering PCI BIOS Settings  
Your BigpictureÔ package is a PCI-based system. While most PCI-based systems configure themselves  
automatically via a Plug and Play compliant chip set and BIOS, there are occasional problems. Some of  
these systems require you to configure some or all of the following functions, usually by changing jumpers on  
the system board or BIOS setup parameters. (Check your system manual for information on configuring  
these functions.)  
· The PCI slot must be configured to support bus-mastering.  
· The PCI slot must be configured to support INTA (PCI Interrupt Class A).  
· The PCI INTA must be assigned to a free IRQ or set to “Auto”.  
· Ideally, the PCI slot should be set to LEVEL Trigger rather than EDGE Trigger.  
On some systems, a specific IRQ will be assigned to a PCI slot in your CMOS settings that conflicts with  
existing equipment in your system. It’s important to verify that your CMOS settings for PCI do not exhibit  
such conflicts if you are having problems installing your video capture card or if Plug and Play has trouble  
detecting the card. Not all PCs have PCI slots that support bus-mastering. In such a case, the capture card  
will have to be moved to another slot.  
39  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
System Locking: Readjusting the Video Capture Cards Memory Address  
If your PCI video capture card installed correctly, yet your system locks up when attempting to access video  
applications, there may be a Plug and Play memory overlap between your capture card and an existing video  
card with a S3/968 chip set (Diamond Stealth 64 PCI, etc.). Determine whether your system has such a card  
installed. If it does, follow these steps to alleviate the problem.  
1. Click Windows 95 Start.  
2. Point to Settings and click Control Panel.  
3. Click the System icon.  
4. Click the “Device Manager” tab.  
5. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.  
6. Double-click U.S. Robotics Video Capture to bring up the “U.S. Robotics Video Capture” window.  
7. Click Resources.  
8. Uncheck the “Use Automatic Settings” box and double-click Memory Range.  
9. In the box marked “Value”, change the address to 84000000-84000FFF. This range works for a wide  
variety of configurations. If this range is not free or conflicts with another device, increase the original  
memory range by 4 or decrease it by 8. (Remember: Add or subtract in hexadecimal!)  
Example: 80000000-80000FFF (original) increased by 4 hex = 84000000-84000FFF  
80000000-80000FFF (original) decreased by 8 hex = 78000000-78000FFF  
40  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
2. Click Windows 95 Start, point to Settings,  
If Plug and Play Does Not Detect  
Your Capture Card  
and click Control Panel. Double-click the  
System icon and then click the Device  
Manager tab on the “System Properties”  
screen. Look for “Other Devices” or  
1. Click Windows 95 Start and click Shut  
Down. When asked if you wish to shut down  
your computer, click Yes. When Windows 95  
indicates that it is safe to turn off your  
“Unknown Devices” in the list that appears. If  
you do not see either of these options in the  
list, continue with the next section to learn  
about our support options. If you do see one  
of these options, double-click the option. If the  
description that appears matches the video  
capture card, click the Remove button. Click  
OK when Windows asks if you wish to  
remove the device. Next, restart the computer  
as described in step 1 on this page. If the  
computer does not detect the capture card  
after this second restart, please continue  
reading to learn about our support options.  
computer, turn it off and wait 15 seconds.  
Then turn the computer back on. Windows 95  
may detect your video capture card upon this  
restart even if it did not detect the card during  
the initial installation. If you see screens  
indicating that new hardware has been  
detected by Windows 95, turn to “Installing the  
Video Capture Card’s Drivers” on page 11. If  
not, continue with the next step.  
41  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
Internet FTP  
Online Help Resources  
Provides free library containing the same files as  
the BBS site. Anonymous FTP to ftp.usr.com.  
3Com offers a number of online technical support  
options. Choose any one of the following if you  
need help with your new Bigpicture system or  
want to learn more about it.  
Internet on Demand  
Provides automatic technical support through a  
library containing product information, quick  
reference cards, and installation help. To obtain an  
index of available documents, send a blank e-mail  
to [email protected]. To have a document e-  
mailed to you, send a  
Bigpicture 90-Day Installation Support  
Line  
If you need further assistance with your Bigpicture  
product, call our dedicated 90-day installation  
support number. Representatives are waiting to  
assist you.  
document's multi-digit number as the subject.  
World Wide Web  
888-877-4VID*  
3Com’s home page contains the same information  
as the Internet on Demand listing as well as  
information about 3Com. This manual is available  
in electronic form in the customer support section  
* 888-877-4VID is a 90-day installation support  
number. After 90 days, please call 847-982-  
5151.  
42  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
of our Web page. Log on to  
·
·
Call or visit your Bigpicture dealer. They  
should be able to give you assistance.  
If your dealer can't help you, review the  
following options for contacting 3Com’s  
Customer Support department. When you  
call, specify your video capture card’s serial  
number (found on the capture card and on the  
outside of the box) and the software being  
used.  
CompuServe  
Connect to the 3Com forum with the command  
GO THREECOM. Leave a message on one of  
our message boards or e-mail us through  
CompuServe Mail for a response within 24 hours.  
Modem vendor forum address is GO  
THREECOM. Address messages to  
76711,707.  
Fax and Technical Support Hotline  
Technical questions about Bigpicture products can  
also be answered via fax or by technical support  
representatives.  
America Online  
Connect to 3Com through America Online. Go to  
the Keyword field and type 3COM to connect to  
the 3Com forum.  
Fax  
(847) 676-7323  
Hotline  
(888) 877-4VID*  
Are You Still Having Problems?  
·
Review this manual.  
43  
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ONLINE HELP RESOURCES  
* NOTE: 888-877-4VID is a 90-day installation  
support number. After 90 days, please call 847-  
982-5151.  
Repair Order) number. You must have an SRO  
number before returning the product to us. Ship  
the unit, postage paid, in a strong corrugated  
cardboard box with plenty of packing material.  
Include your SRO number, name, and address on  
the shipping label as well as inside the package.  
Ship to the following address:  
Priority “No Hold” Service  
3Com staffs a 900 toll number for immediate  
assistance. These lines are staffed from 8 a.m. - 6  
p.m. CST Monday through Friday.  
Technical Support Department  
SRO#  
“No Hold” line  
900-555-8771  
3Com Corp.  
8100 N. McCormick Blvd.  
Skokie, IL 60076-2999  
There is a $1.50 per minute charge which will  
appear on your local phone bill. You must be 18  
or older or have parental permission. (Service  
available only in the United States.)  
If You Must Return the Product to Us  
Contact 3Com Customer Support. If the support  
representative determines that you need to return  
the product, you will receive an SRO (Service  
44  
GLOSSARY  
Frequently, baud rate is incorrectly used to  
mean bit rate.  
Cross references are printed in boldface.  
application  
binary digit  
A computer program designed to perform a  
specific function, such as word processing or  
organizing data into a spreadsheet.  
A 0 or 1, reflecting the use of the binary  
numbering system (only two digits). Used  
because the computer recognizes either of two  
states, OFF or ON. The shortened form of  
binary digit is bit.  
.avi (audio-video interleaved)  
Developed by Microsoft Corporation,  
.avi is a digital video architecture for use in the  
Windows operating system. It is a common  
standard for synchronized audio/video  
delivery on PC compatible computers, known  
as Video for Windows. In this file format,  
blocks of audio data are woven into a stream  
of video frames.  
bit rate  
Also referred to as transmission rate. The  
number of binary digits, or bits, transmitted  
per second (bps). Communications channels  
using telephone channel modems are  
established at set bit rates, commonly 2400,  
4800, 9600, 14,400, 28,800 and higher.  
baud rate  
A term used to measure the speed of an  
analog transmission from one point to another.  
45  
 
GLOSSARY  
bits per second (bps)  
carrier  
The bits (binary digits) per second rate.  
Thousands of bits per second are expressed  
as kilobits per second or Kbps.  
A tone signifying a connection the modem can  
alter to communicate data across telephone  
lines.  
.bmp  
character  
This DOS three-character extension at the  
end of a file name identifies the file contents as  
bit-mapped graphics (FILENAME.BMP).  
A representation, coded in binary digits, of a  
letter, number, or other symbol.  
characters per second (CPS)  
byte  
A data transfer rate generally estimated from  
the bit rate and the character length. For  
example, at 2400 bps, 8-bit characters with  
start/stop bits (for a total of ten bits per  
character) will be transmitted at a rate of  
approximately 240 characters per second  
(cps). Some protocols employ advanced  
techniques, such as longer transmission frames  
and data compression, to increase cps.  
A group of binary digits stored and operated  
upon as a unit. In user documentation, the  
term usually refers to 8-bit units or  
characters. One kilobyte (KB) is equal to  
1,024 bytes or characters; 640 KB indicates  
655,360 bytes or characters.  
46  
GLOSSARY  
composite video  
Electronic Industries Association (EIA)  
Group which defines electronic standards in  
the U.S.  
A video signal in which all the image  
information (color, brightness, line, field, sync,  
etc.) are mixed together. Cross-color artifacts  
become apparent in composite video.  
H.323  
An ITU-T standard that describes the  
protocols for the transmission of video and  
audio via LANs (Local Area Networks).  
dynamic IP address  
A dynamic IP address is an address that  
changes every time a user logs into their ISP  
(Internet service provider). This makes their  
address more secure, as it is harder for  
unauthorized users to access the address  
should they come across it via the Internet. It  
also allows a user to track down the source of  
an unwanted message.  
H.324  
An ITU-T standard that describes the  
protocols for the transmission of video and  
audio via standard telephone lines.  
Hz  
Hertz, a frequency measurement unit used  
internationally to indicate one cycle per  
second.  
47  
GLOSSARY  
ISP  
POTS (Plain-Old Telephone Service)  
An acronym used by engineers to describe  
transmission processes and protocols  
involving regular analog phone lines. Analog  
modems use POTS lines.  
Internet Service Provider. A company that  
provides users with Internet access for a set  
fee.  
ITU-T  
An international organization that defines  
standards for telegraphic and telephone  
equipment. The initials ITU-T represent the  
French name. In English it is known as the  
International Telegraph and Telephone  
Consultative Committee.  
protocol  
A system of rules and procedures governing  
communications between two or more  
devices. Protocols vary, but communicating  
devices must follow the same protocol in  
order to exchange data. Some of the  
operations that may be defined in protocols  
include data format, readiness to receive or  
send, error detection, and error correction.  
NTSC  
Acronym for National Television Standards  
Committee. This is the organization which  
determines the standards for broadcast and  
some consumer level video production.  
48  
GLOSSARY  
RAM  
Random Access Memory. Memory that is  
available for use when the modem is turned  
on, but that does not retain information when  
the power is turned off. The modem's RAM  
holds the current operational settings, a flow  
control buffer, and a command buffer.  
ROM  
Read Only Memory. Permanent memory, not  
user-programmable.  
V.80  
An ITU-T standard for modem  
communications that defines video  
conferencing-ready modems.  
49  
SPECIFICATIONS  
VIDEO CAPTURE CARD  
Physical Properties  
Internal PCI half card  
Resolution  
640x 480 (NTSC standard), supports burst PCI bus transfers  
Maximum Frame Rate  
30 frames/sec at full resolution in overlay mode  
Power  
Output jack:  
+5V, 1A limit  
50  
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
NTSC CAMERA  
Physical Properties  
Integrated 3.8mm lens mount  
Built-in microphone  
Dimensions:  
Switches:  
77 x 62 x 84 mm  
Power on/off, WB auto/fixed, BLC, contrast, image neg./pos (or flicker  
reduction).  
Interface:  
Operating temp.:  
One cable (video and audio cinch., DC power jack)  
0 to 40 degrees Celsius ambient  
Resolution  
512 x 492 pixels (NTSC standard)  
Viewing angle:  
51 x 39 deg.  
Minimum illumination:  
CVBS output (75W):  
Focal range:  
<10 lux  
1Vpp  
0 to ¥  
51  
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
Audio  
Signal to noise ratio:  
Audio output:  
48dB  
400 mVRMS in 10kW  
Power  
Power input:  
Power consumption:  
DC 5V+5%  
<2.5W  
(may be labeled FL)  
52  
REGULATORY INFORMATION AND LIMITED WARRANTY  
Caution to the User  
The user is cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved by the party  
Manufacturers Declaration of  
Conformity  
TM  
3Com declares that the product Bigpicture  
Videophone Camera & Capture Card (model  
1689) conforms to the FCC’s specifications:  
responsible for compliance could void the user’s  
authority to operate the equipment.  
IC (Canada)  
Part 15:  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B  
limits for radio noise emissions from digital  
apparatus set out in the interference-causing  
equipment standard entitled Digital Apparatus,  
ICES-003 of Industry Canada.  
Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) this device may not cause harmful  
electromagnetic interference, and  
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de  
bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils  
numériques de Classe B préscrites dans la norme  
sur le matériel brouilleur: Appareils Numériques,  
NMB-003 édictée par l'Industrie Canada.  
(2) this device must accept any interference  
received including interference that may cause  
undesired operations.  
53  
 
REGULATORY INFORMATION  
UL Listing/ CUL Listing  
against such interference in a residential  
installation.  
This information technology equipment is UL-  
Listed and CUL-Listed for use with UL-  
Listed personal computers that have  
installation instructions detailing user  
installation of card cage accessories.  
However, there is no guarantee that  
interference will not occur in a particular  
installation. If this device does cause  
interference to radio or television reception,  
which you can determine by monitoring  
reception when the Bigpicture system is  
installed and when it is removed from the  
computer, try to correct the problem with one  
or more of the following measures:  
Radio and Television Interference  
This equipment generates and uses radio  
frequency energy and if not installed and used  
properly, in strict accordance with the  
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause  
interference to radio and television reception.  
This Bigpicture product has been tested and  
found to comply with the limits for a Class B  
computing device in accordance with the  
specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules, which  
are designed to provide reasonable protection  
· Reorient the receiving antenna (for  
televisions with antenna reception only) or  
cable input device.  
· Relocate the computer with respect to the  
receiver.  
54  
REGULATORY INFORMATION  
· Relocate the computer and/or the receiver  
3Com could void the user’s authority to  
operate the equipment.  
so that they are on separate branch  
circuits.  
Limited Warranty  
U.S. Robotics Access Corp., a subsidiary  
of 3Com Corporation, warrants to the  
original end-user purchaser that this  
product will be free from defects in  
materials and workmanship for a period of  
five years from the date of purchase.  
During the limited warranty period, and  
upon proof of purchase, the product will  
be repaired or replaced (with the same or  
a similar model, which may be a  
refurbished model) at U.S. Robotics’  
option, without charge for either parts or  
labor. This limited warranty shall not apply  
if the product is modified, tampered with,  
misused, or subjected to abnormal  
If necessary, consult your dealer or an  
experienced radio/television technician for  
additional suggestions. You may find the  
following booklet, prepared by the Federal  
Communications Commission, helpful:  
How to Identify and Resolve Radio-  
TV  
Interference Problems  
Stock No. 004-000-0345-4  
U.S. Government Printing Office  
Washington, DC 20402  
In accordance with Part 15 of the FCC rules,  
the user is cautioned that any changes or  
modifications to the equipment described in  
this manual that are not expressly approved by  
55  
REGULATORY INFORMATION  
working conditions (including, but not  
limited to, lightning and water damage).  
IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY  
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,  
PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL  
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR  
CHARACTER, INCLUDING,  
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES  
NOT GUARANTEE YOU  
UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE. REPAIR  
OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED  
UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY  
IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF  
THE PURCHASER. THIS LIMITED  
WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL  
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR  
IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT  
LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED  
WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF  
REVENUE OR PROFITS, FAILURE  
TO REALIZE SAVINGS OR OTHER  
BENEFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR USE,  
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT, AND  
CLAIMS AGAINST THE PURCHASER  
BY ANY THIRD PERSON, EVEN IF  
U.S. ROBOTICS HAS BEEN ADVISED  
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH  
DAMAGES.  
WARRANTY OF  
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS  
FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR  
PURPOSE. U.S. ROBOTICS SHALL  
This limited warranty gives you specific  
legal rights. You may have others, which  
56  
REGULATORY INFORMATION  
vary from state to state. Some states do  
not allow limitations on duration of an  
implied warranty, or the exclusion or  
limitation of incidental or consequential  
damages, so the above exclusion or  
limitation may not apply to you.  
You will be given a Service Repair Order  
(“SRO”) number to help 3Com keep track  
of your limited warranty request. Once you  
have received your SRO number, take or  
send the product, postage prepaid and  
insured, to the following address:  
3Com  
8100 N. McCormick Blvd.  
U1 Receiving  
To obtain service under this limited  
warranty, contact the 3Com Technical  
Support Department at 847-982-5151 or  
by mail. Send mail to the following address:  
Skokie, IL  
60076-2999  
3Com  
7770 N. Frontage Rd.  
Attn.: Technical Support Dept.  
Skokie, IL  
Include proof of the date of purchase.  
IMPORTANT: If you send your unit,  
pack it securely, and be sure that your  
SRO number is visible on the outside of the  
package.  
60077-2690  
57  

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