For optimum video playback, the following system specifications are recommended:
Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo Processor (preferred), Intel Dual Core Processor or AMD Dual Core Processor, 1GB Ram, Dual-Head Video card, Windows Vista, XP or 2000.
In order to display the output from OtsAV to a 2nd display, a dual-head video card is required. Some video cards use the term "TV Out", which may also be considered a dual-head card. There are many different types of dual-head video cards currently available. Most recent video cards from ATI and Nvidia have dual-head options. The amount of video memory (or RAM) on your video card is not important. OtsAV has been tested using a dual-head video card with as little as 32mb of ram.
Other brands of dual-head video cards may work with OtsAV, however ATI and Nvidia cards have been tested extensively. If you are not using an ATI or Nvidia dual-head video card, we suggest downloading the OtsAV 30-Day Trial, and testing it with your existing video card.
Enabling your 2nd display-
The output of OtsAV uses the 2nd head of your dual-head video card. Windows needs to be setup so that the 2nd display is enabled, and Extended Desktop is activated.
To extend your Desktop onto your 2nd display, follow the steps below.
1. Plug a TV (or a monitor) into the 2nd output on your video card (on laptops this may be an s-video connection). Turn the 2nd display on.
2. Right-click on your Desktop and select Properties.
3. Click on the Settings tab.
4. A window showing two monitors should now be visible. Click on the monitor labelled 2.
5. If you are prompted to Enable this monitor, select Yes.
6. Check the Extend my Windows Desktop onto this monitor check-box.
7. Change the resolution of your 2nd display to 720x480 or higher (for NTSC), or 720x576 or higher (for PAL). (Set the resolution higher if you are running OtsAV in ED or HD-720p mode, are using a component/HDMI interface and have an HD-capable display. E.g. 720p (1280 x 720) at 50 Hz (NTSC) or 59.94/60 Hz (PAL)).
Note: If these resolutions are not visible within the Display Properties Window, you will need to enter the driver software for your video card to adjust this setting.
8. Click on OK to apply the changes and exit the Display Properties window.
You should now see an extension of your Desktop on your 2nd display. Click on the Identify button. If you momentarily see the number 2 on your second display, you have setup your dual display correctly.
Note: Nvidia video card owners should adjust the brightness, contrast and color settings for the overlay output (2nd display) using the Nvidia driver software, as the current driver sets defaults to an unusually dark setting. Consult your Nvidia video card documentation to learn how to adjust these settings.
ATI video card owners don't need to make these adjustments, as the default settings are as they should be.
Tip: Your video card driver should NOT use any settings where the video played on your main display is played full-screen on your 2nd display. For ATI card owners, this setting is called Theater Mode, and should be disabled. For Nvidia card owners, this setting is called Full Screen Video, and should be disabled.
NTSC or PAL-
To achieve the best possible image on your 2nd display (TV), you should make sure your video card is set to the correct system (NTSC or PAL), depending on which country you live in. Most video card software will allow you to select the output standard by country. Consult your video card documentation for further details.
Overscan-
Overscan is an area of your 2nd display that cannot normally be seen, as it is behind the housing of the display. Enabling overscan on your 2nd display will ensure that the video image is filling the entire display. Consult the instruction manual for your video card to enable Overscan mode.
Once your computer is setup for video playback, you can prepare your music video collection.
Proceed to next topic: Video File Preparation...