PYRO A/V Link: English Manual

High-Quality Analog to DV Video Converter

User's Guide : Second Edition
PYRO A/V Link
ADS Tech

North America Support Hours:

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Email : [email protected]
Tech
website : www.adstech.com
 Table of Content
Product Overview ........................................................................................................... 5
The missing link in DV Video .............................................................................. 5
Capture, Edit, Export .......................................................................................... 5
Features ............................................................................................................. 6
What’s Included ........................................................................................................ 6
Connection Configurations ............................................................................................ 7
Analog Video Capture connected to PC or Mac ....................................................... 7
Export DV from computer to Analog monitor or video tape recorder ........................ 7
Capture from a DV Camcorder ................................................................................. 8
Export DV to your Digital Camcorder ....................................................................... 8
Dub video from an Analog device to a Digital recorder or from a Digital
deck or camcorder to an Analog video tape machine .......................................... 8
PYRO A/V Link Hardware Description ........................................................................... 9
Front Panel ............................................................................................................... 9
Rear Panel ................................................................................................................10
4 Position Dip Switch ......................................................................................... 11
6 Pin 1394 / FireWire Connection ......................................................................12
Right and Left RCA Audio Outputs .................................................................... 12
Video Out (RCA) ................................................................................................12
S-VHS Out (Y/C 4 Pin Din) ................................................................................ 12
Component Video .............................................................................................. 12
On / Off .............................................................................................................. 12
Power Jack - 5VDC Input .................................................................................. 12
Getting Started - WIndows ............................................................................................ 13
Hardware Installation ................................................................................................14
Windows - Quick Start .............................................................................................. 14
Windows Software ............................................................................................. 14
Getting Started - Mac .....................................................................................................16
Hardware Installation 2 .............................................................................................17
MAC - Quick Start .....................................................................................................17
Software .............................................................................................................17
Computer Connected Configurations ............................................................................ 18
Ready to Capture Video ........................................................................................... 18
Connecting an Analog Video Source ........................................................................18
Capturing Video with your Video Capture / Edit Software ........................................ 20

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 Connecting an External TV for Simultaneous Video Preview ...................................... 21
Connecting for Analog Record and Preview at the same time .....................................22
Connecting for Capture from DV Camcorder ...............................................................23
Exporting Video from a Video Editor to an Analog Device ........................................... 24
Exporting to a Digital Camcorder ................................................................................. 25
Non-Computer Configurations .......................................................................................... 26
Connecting to Analog Video through Digital Conversion ............................................. 26
Add a Preview Monitor to this Configuration ......................................................... 27
Connecting for Digital to Analog Conversion ............................................................... 27
Add a Preview Monitor to this Configuration ......................................................... 28
Capturing and Editing Video ............................................................................................. 29
Video Capture and Editing Program fro Mac Users .......................................................... 29
iMovie 3.0 .................................................................................................................... 29
Final Cut Express .........................................................................................................30
Final Cut 3.0 ................................................................................................................ 30
Video Capture and Editing Program for Windows Users .................................................. 31
Movie Maker 2 ............................................................................................................. 31
Adobe Premiere 6.5 ..................................................................................................... 32
Avid Xpress DV v. 3.5 ...................................................................................................32
VideoStudio from Ulead ............................................................................................... 33
Using VideoStudio Software ............................................................................................ 35
Hardware check-up before using VideoStudio ........................................................... 37
Installing and running VideoStudio .............................................................................. 38
Configuring VideoStudio .............................................................................................. 39
Getting around VideoStudio ......................................................................................... 43
Library .......................................................................................................................... 44
Steps to Create your Movie ......................................................................................... 46
Start ............................................................................................................................. 49
Selecting a Template ................................................................................................... 50
Capture ........................................................................................................................ 52
Direct Capturing Mpeg Video ...................................................................................... 53
Capturing still Images .................................................................................................. 54
VideoStudio Manual and other Help sources ................................................................... 55
Adobe Premiere ........................................................................................................... 56
AVID Xpress DV 3.5 ..................................................................................................... 58
Final Cut Pro ................................................................................................................ 59
Detailed Product Specifications ........................................................................................ 60
Trouble Shooting ...............................................................................................................61
Warranty Information .........................................................................................................62
Contacting Technical Support ........................................................................................... 63
Notes .................................................................................................................................64

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 Product Overview

PYRO A/V Link

High Quality Analog to DV Video Converter
The ultimate tool for capturing and converting video into professional
quality DV format and an extraordinary tool for exporting edited DV
content to analog video tape recorders..

The missing link in DV Video

Capturing DV from a Digital camcorder is fantastic, but what about all of the
video content you have in other formats (8mm, beta, VHS, DVD), how do you
get that content into the DV format? PYRO A/V link solves the problem by
converting any analog video source into DV.

DV video looks great but when you want to send it to tape your options are
limited. You can export back to your miniDV camcorder, but it’s hard to share
a miniDV tape with Grandma. PYRO A/V link bridges the gap by allowing you
to export DV video to any analog video recorder. Capture and edit your video,
then output to VHS and share tapes that anyone can watch!

Capture, Edit, Export

With PYRO A/V link you can capture from any video source, including DV
camcorders. Mix and match your video content to create a truly unique video
production. Capture the video with VideoStudio 7 SE DVD, then add video
filters, transition effects, video overlays, narration, background music and more.
When your video production is a wrap, export to any VCR or VTR, save as
MPEG-2 and burn a DVD (Windows only) or publish to the Internet.

PYRO A/V LINK 5

Features:
- External FireWire/1394 device
- Converts analog (RCA, S-VHS or Component Video) to DV video format
- Export DV Video to analog video tape recorders (RCA, S-VHS,
Component)
- Convert between devices (from DV to Analog or Analog to DV) without
using a computer
- Capture from DV camcorder with full device control
- Compatible with a wide range of video DV editing software
- Capture as MPEG-2 video and Create VCD, SVCD, DVD disks (Windows
only using VideoStudio)

What’s Included:

1.) PYRO A/V Link device

2.) 5 VDC Power Supply
3.) 6 ft. RCA to RCA cable ( Yellow, Red, White - Yellow, Red, White)
4.) 6 ft. S-VHS Cable
5.) 6 ft. 6 pin to 6 pin 1394 cable
6.) 6 ft. 4 pin to 4 pin 1394 cable
7.) User Guide
8.) Quick Guide
9.) Software CD (Windows users)

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 Connection Configurations:
PYRO A/V Link can be used in several ways depending upon your video
conversion needs.

Analog Video Capture connected to PC or Mac

* Capture any Analog Video source to PC or Mac via the A/V link and a
FireWire connection.

Export DV from computer to Analog monitor or video tape

recorder

Publish to Tape: Export your video production from the video editors timeline
out to a TV or Video Tape recorder.

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Capture from a DV Camcorder

Easy desktop connection for your Digital camcorder. Complete device control,
just as if you were directly connected to your 1394/FireWire host card.

Export DV to your Digital Camcorder

Publish to your Digital camcorder. Use A/V Link as an easy way to send edited
video back to your DV camcorder.

Dub video from an analog device to a Digital recorder or from a

Digital deck or camcorder to an analog video tape machine

Use A/V Link without a computer to convert video content from digital to
analog. A/V link can operate as a stand alone media converter. No computer
required!

PYRO A/V LINK 8

 PYRO A/V Link Hardware Description
PYRO A/V Link
Front Image

Front Panel:
The front of the PYRO A/V Link is for all of the audio and video INPUT
Connectors, LED displays and Mode Switch.
Mode Button – Switches from DV capture or Analog Output.
The Blue LED will be on whenever video is being captured as DV whether the
source is an analog video tape or your DV camcorder. The RED Analog LED will
turn on when you are exporting DV to a VCR or other analog device.

LED:
Green: Power
Blue: DV Capture
Red: Analog Export

Connectors:
S-VHS Input
Composite(RCA) Input
Right and Left Audio(RCA) Input
4 Pin DV Input

PYRO A/V LINK 9

Rear Panel:
The back of the PYRO A/V Link is for all of the audio and Video Outputs with the
exception of the Component Video inputs.

• The video input jacks are auto-sensing. Which ever video jack you connect (RCA, S-Video or
Component) the jack with the active video source will automatically be selected.
• The video output jacks will automatically be active. In all configurations the RCA and S-Video jacks will
always be simultaneously outputting video. This is true for video pass-through mode and exporting DV to
Analog video mode.
• The Component Video jacks are dual purpose and bi-directional. You can capture from analog video
sources via the component jacks and you can export DV to Analog video via the Component jacks. The
jacks are auto-sensing and auto-switching. This means that if ANY video input jack is capturing analog video
to DV, the Component jacks switch to video input mode. If you are exporting to Analog Video the
Component jacks switch to component video export.

4 Position Dip Switch

POSITION: 1 2 3 4
UP PAL See Next Page See Next Page Unlock Audio

DOWN NTSC See Next Page See Next Page Locked Audio

PYRO A/V LINK 10

Switch 1 - TV Format:
Set this switch to match the television/video format for your country.
Generally, North America, Japan and Taiwan are set to NTSC. Europe, Africa
and Australia are set to PAL. See the back of the user guide for a complete
listing of every country.

Switches 2 and 3 - DV Source / Operating System Selection:

The device is factory set to be most compatible to the 1394 timing for
Windows XP. You can easily set the dip switches to match the timing
of the device or operating system you are using.

DV SOURCE /
OPERATING SYSTEM SWITCH 2 SWITCH 3

DV Camcorder Down Down

Windows 2000 Down Up

WinXP, Win98SE, WinME Up Down

Mac Up Down

Switch 4 - Locked Audio:

Switch to Locked Audio mode to ensure that audio and video synch remain
locked during video capture.

Audio is set to capture at 16-bit, 48 kHz.

PYRO A/V LINK 11

6 Pin 1394/FireWire connection
Use the supplied 6 pin to 6 pin cable to connect the A/V Link to your PC or Mac.
In a non-computer – analog to DV conversion setting, use the 6 pin cable to
connect to another device.

Right and Left RCA Audio Outputs

Use the supplied A/V cables to connect audio outputs to your TV or video tape
recording device.

Video Out (RCA)

Use the supplied A/V cables to connect the RCA Video output to your TV or video
tape recording device.

S-VHS Out (Y/C 4 Pin Din)

Use the supplied S-VHS cable to connect the video output to your TV or video
tape recording device.

More about Video Outputs

You may have both RCA and S-VHS connected and outputting video
simultaneously. You can also use the outputs to preview video on a TV monitor
during DV editing or during analog video capture.

Component Video
The Red, Green and Blue component video jacks allow for input of video from a
component source. You can also connect a composite synch cable to the RCA
Video input to allow for composite synch.

On/Off
Power On/Off switch

Power Jack - 5VDC input

This is a self powered device, meaning the unit will function only when power is
applied. Use only the power supply included with PYRO A/V Link to power this
device.

PYRO A/V LINK 12

 Getting Started - Windows
Minimum System Requirements:

Processor: 800 MHz CPU or faster

OS: Windows 98SE, WinME, WinXP or Win2000
RAM: 128 MB or higher (256 MB or higher for editing)
Hard Disk: 500 MB or higher Ultra DMA 5400 RPM or faster with DMA enabled
(4 GB for every 18 minutes of video captured).
Monitor/Graphics: Resolution of 1024 x 768, 32 bit color, DirectX 8.1 or later
Sound: Standard Windows compatible sound card
1394 Port: OHCI-compliant 1394 card or built in port functioning properly.
Texas Instruments or Agere based 1394 host controllers are recommended.
Note: Most 1394 add-in cards are OHCI compliant including the
ADS PYRO 1394 cards.
CD-ROM: For software installation
CD Burner: For burning Video CD’s (VCD) or Super VCD (SVCD) disks
DVD Burner: For burning DVD disks
Windows CD: The Windows CD may be needed to load 1394 drivers if you are
using Win98SE or WinMe.

Optimize your system for DV capture and editing:

It is highly recommended that you complete the following procedures to ensure
smooth video capture.

1.) Make sure all of your drives are defragmented. This is done in Windows
under Accessories/System tools. (Not required on the Mac)
2.) Make sure your drive had DMA enabled. This is done in Device Manager
under Disk Drives. This procedure may require you to reboot after you
have enabled DMA on your hard drive. (Not required on the Mac)
3.) If possible use a separate drive, even an external FireWire drive for saving
captured video .
4.) Close all unnecessary programs and background tasks when recording or
exporting video.

PYRO A/V LINK 13

 Hardware Installation:

WINDOWS – Quick Start

1.) Connect A/C Power adapter

2.) Connect the 6 Pin 1394 cable between the PYRO A/V Link and computer.
Connect directly to the 1394 Host port. Connecting through a 1394 Hub/
Repeater is not recommended.
3.) WinXP and Win2000 will automatically recognize the device and install
drivers. WinME and Win98SE may ask for drivers from the Windows CD.
4.) Once the device drivers are installed the PYRO A/V Link will appear under
Windows Device manager as an Imaging Device.
5.) Connect Audio/Video cables between your video devices and
PYRO A/V Link
6.) Start your Video Editor application and you are ready to capture video
7.) Press Play on your video device.
8.) Press the Play button on your video editor’s preview window to begin
previewing video. Press Record, or Capture button to begin recording to
your computer hard drive.

Windows Software:

The drivers necessary for the PYRO A/V Link to operate with a Windows based
PC are built into the operating system. Once you plug in the device, Windows will
recognize it and the device will appear as an imaging device in Device Manager.
If you already own video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, you are ready
to connect your video devices and start capturing video.

For Windows Users who don’t have any video editing software, we provide a CD
that includes Ulead’s VideoStudio software. This software allows you to capture,
edit, export video, save as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, streaming video or even burn a
VCD, SVCD or DVD disk.

PYRO A/V LINK 14

Other Video Editing software:

The PYRO A/V Link can be used with any video editing software that is
compatible with DV. We have tested with Adobe Premiere, Avid DV Express,
Ulead DVD Workshop, Ulead Media Studio Pro 6.5, Vegas Video, ArcSoft
ShowBiz, Magix Video Deluxe 2.0 and we continue to test with other video editors
on the market.

PYRO A/V LINK 15

 Getting Started - Mac

Minimum System Requirements:

Processor: 400 MHz or faster

OS: Mac OS 9.0.4, OSX (Not in Classic Mode), OSX 10.02 (Jaguar)
RAM: 128 MB or greater
Monitor/Graphics: Resolution of 1024 x 768, 32 bit color
Sound: Standard Macintosh sound system
1394 Port: Standard built-in 1394 port or OHCI-compliant 1394 add-in card
Note: Most 1394 add-in cards are OHCI compliant including, the ADS
PYRO 1394 cards.
CD Burner: For burning Video CD’s (VCD) or Super VCD (SVCD) disks
DVD Burner: For burning DVD disks (iDVD, DVD Studio Pro or Instant DVD for
Mac required).

Note: Apple iMovie is included with systems which include built-in FireWire ports.

Optimize your system for DV capture and editing:

It is highly recommended that you complete the following procedures to ensure
smooth video capture.

1.) If possible use a separate drive, even an external FireWire drive for
capturing video.
2.) Close all unnecessary programs or disable extensions not required for
recording or exporting video.

PYRO A/V LINK 16

 Hardware Installation 2:

MAC – Quick Start

1.) Connect Power

2.) Connect the 6 Pin 1394 cable between the PYRO A/V Link and computer.
Connect directly to the 1394 Host port. Connecting through a 1394 Hub/
Repeater is not recommended.
3.) Your Mac will automatically recognize the device.
4.) Once the device has been detected PYRO A/V Link will appear under the
Profiler as shown on this page.
5.) Connect Audio/Video cables between your video devices and
PYRO A/V Link
6.) Start your Video Editor application and you are ready to capture video
7.) Press Play on your video device.
8.) Press the Play button on your video editor’s preview window to begin
previewing video. For iMovie, press Import to begin recording.
Software:

No software is included with PYRO A/V Link

for the Mac platform. No device drivers are
required for proper operation and all Mac
computers that have shipped with built-in
FireWire ports include iMovie for capturing,
editing and exporting video from a 1394
device, such as PYRO A/V Link. PYRO
A/V Link is also compatible with other video
editing software such as Final Cut Pro, Avid
Express DV and Adobe Premiere

PYRO A/V LINK 17

 Computer
Connected Configurations
Ready to Capture Video
DV Video is great because it offers superior quality and is easily edited. The only
problem is how can you get all of your non-DV content converted into the DV
format through your FireWire connection. PYRO A/V Link lets you do that quickly
and easily. You can connect many different video devices to the PYRO A/V
Link such as your old 8mm camcorder, your VCR, DVD Player, a TV to preview
captured video or even a digital camcorder. Over the next few pages we will
demonstrate several possible configurations.

Connecting an analog Video source

We have supplied you with most of the audio/video cables you will need for
capturing from a variety of video sources. In some cases you may need to use
the custom cable supplied by your camcorder manufacturer or you may need to
purchase extra cables depending upon your desired A/V configuration.

1.) Use the supplied RCA to RCA cable to connect between your analog
source and the PYRO A/V Link. This cable has 3 RCA connectors at each
end.

Yellow = Video Yellow = Video

Red = Right Audio Red = Right Audio
White = Left Audio White = Left Audio

Note: If your camcorder does not have three separate RCA Jacks, use the
custom cable supplied with the camcorder.

PYRO A/V LINK 18

1.) If your camcorder, VCR or other video device includes an S-VHS
connector, use the supplied S-VHS cable to connect between your video
device and PYRO A/V Link for improved quality.
2.) If your Video tape machine, DVD player or other video device provides
Component video outputs, use a component video cable (not supplied)
to connect between your video device and PYRO A/V Link. Component
video will provide the best quality video.

* Component cables not included.

* If you have BNC Connectors as component out, you can convert them
with component to RCA Connectors.

PYRO A/V LINK 19

 Capturing Video with your
Video Capture/Edit Software

When powered up the PYRO A/V Link is ready to convert an analog video source
into DV so you can capture video to your computer via your capture/edit software.

Video Source:

PYRO A/V Link will auto detect which video input connections have a video
source and automatically use that source. Use the best video input source you
have available, Component being best, S-VHS second best and RCA (Composite)
the lowest quality video source.

Previewing Video in Video Editing Software:

With most video editing software, the interface includes a video preview window.
In some cases you must select the Movie Capture Window (Adobe Premiere).
1.) Start your Video Editing software application.
2.) Locate the video Preview Window or Movie Capture Window.
3.) Once you have the video preview or capture window open, press PLAY on
your video playback device.
4.) Click PLAY on the video editing software preview window. Now you will
see and most likely hear (depending on the software) your video playing on
the computer.
5.) Click the RECORD button on the video editing software and you will begin
to record DV to your computer hard drive.

PYRO A/V LINK 20

 Connecting an external TV for
Simulation Video Preview

PYRO A/V Link allows you to preview video while being captured and edited so
you can see your results full screen on the TV.

1.) Connect a video cable from the RCA or S-VHS OUT jacks on the back of
the PYRO A/V Link and into an external video input (RCA or S-VHS) on
your TV.
2.) Connect an audio cable to the Left and Right RCA audio OUT jacks on the
back of the PYRO A/V Link to the external audio inputs (RCA) on your TV.
3.) Apply Power to the TV and switch the TV to accept the external video
source. (Check your TV manual if you are not sure how to do this.)

PYRO A/V LINK 21

 Connecting for Analog Record and
Preview at the same time

You can preview and record video to a VCR at the same time as long as the VCR
allows for audio and video to be passed through it. Check and test your VCR
to ensure that has audio and video inputs and outputs and that it allows pass
through of audio and video while recording.

1.) Connect a video cable from the RCA or S-VHS OUT jacks on the back of
the PYRO A/V Link and into the Video In on your VCR.
2.) Connect an RCA or S-VHS cable to the Video Out on your VCR to an
external video input (RCA or S-VHS) on your TV.
3.) Connect an audio cable to the Left and Right RCA audio OUT jacks on the
back of the PYRO A/V Link to the audio inputs (RCA) on your VCR.
4.) Connect an audio cable between the Left and Right RCA OUT on your
VCR to the Audio INPUTS on your TV.
5.) Apply Power to the VCR – You may have to change the TV/VCR switch on
the VCR to allow pass through.
6.) Apply Power to the TV and switch the TV to accept the external video
source. (Check your TV manual if you are not sure how to do this.)

The only non-valid connection configuration for video pass-through would be RCA or S-Video
In and Component Video out. This is because the component jacks are auto-switching and
auto-sensing. If you are bringing analog video in, the Component Jacks switch to inputs, if
you are exporting video out the Component Jacks switch to video output.

PYRO A/V LINK 22

 Connecting for Capture from DV Camcorder

If you are using a Digital Camcorder to capture and or export video you can do
this by simply connecting the Digital camcorder directly to the 1394 port on your
computer.

For your convenience the PYRO A/V Link provides a 4 pin DV In/Out connection,
thus acting as a 1394 desktop Hub and allowing easier connection to your
computer.

1.) Connect a 4 pin to 4 pin DV cable between the DV In/Out connection on

your digital camcorder to the 4 Pin DV IN port on the front of the
PYRO A/V Link.

2.) Turn your Camcorder on to VCR/VTR mode.

3.) The Digital Camcorder will be recognized by the computer and

Windows(WinXP) will show all compatible software that can be used with
the digital camcorder (see Box). Select the video capture or
editing application you want to use.

4.) If this selection box does not appear, Start your Video Editing software the
old fashion way.

PYRO A/V LINK 23

 Previewing Video in the Video Editing Software:

With most video editing software, the interface includes a video preview window.
In some cases you must select the Movie Capture Window (Adobe Premiere).

1.) Locate the software video Preview Window or Movie Capture Window.
2.) Once you have the video preview or capture window open click PLAY on
the video editing software preview window. This will send a signal to your
digital camcorder to enter PLAY mode and you will see and most likely
hear (depending on the software) your video playing on the computer.
3.) Click the RECORD button on the video editing software and you will begin
to record DV to your computer hard drive.

Device Control Note: Depending upon the video editing software,

there may be extra steps to select your camcorder as the 1394 device
to be used for capture. Once your camcorder is selected as the 1394
device, you can use software device control just as if you were directly
connected to the computers 1394 port (See video editing notes in
appendix).

Exporting Video from a

Video Editor to an Analog Device

Now that you have captured and edited your video you might want to export it out
of your computer and on to tape so you can easily publish or share your video
production with friends, family or even paying customers!

1.) Connect a video cable from the RCA or S-VHS OUT jacks on the back of
the PYRO A/V Link and into an external video input (RCA or S-VHS) on
your VCR
Note: S-VHS provides higher quality video recording than an RCA
cable. S-VHS is recommended if your camcorder or VCR offers this
connection.

PYRO A/V LINK 24

 2.) Connect an audio cable to the Left and Right RCA audio OUT jacks on
the back of the PYRO A/V Link to the external audio inputs (RCA)
on your VCR.
Note: If you are recording back to a camcorder, you may need to use
the cables provide by the camcorder manufacturer.
3.) Apply Power to the VCR and press RECORD just before you begin
exporting video from your computers video editing software.

Note: Each video editing software program will offer a slightly different method for
exporting video. Some software will allow export from timeline without rendering
the video and others will require that you “Save” your video and then “Print to
Tape”. Please check the user guide for your video editing software to learn how
to export video.

Exporting to a Digital Camcorder

If you want to export from your video editor to a digital camcorder, you can
accomplish this by connecting the camcorder directly to the 1394 port. However,
you can also use the PYRO A/V Link as your 1394 connection and export DV
through the A/V Link and into your digital camcorder.

The setup is the same as if you used A/V Link as your Digital camcorder
capture connection.

1.) Connect a 4 pin to 4 pin DV cable between the DV In/Out connection on

your digital camcorder to the 4 Pin DV In/Out port on the PYRO A/V Link.

2.) Turn your Camcorder on to VCR/VTR mode.

3.) The Digital Camcorder will be recognized by the computer.

4.) Start your Video Editing software, Use the export or Print to Tape function
in the software to export video from your computer and record in the
digital camcorder.

PYRO A/V LINK 25

 Non-Computer Configurations

PYRO A/V Link can operate as a stand a lone conversion device between analog
and digital recording devices. This means you can convert analog content into
DV content via a direct conversion to a DV deck or a Digital camcorder without
connecting either device to a computer

Connecting for Analog Video to

Digital Conversion
1.) Apply Power to the PYRO A/V Link device.
2.) Connect the RCA audio and video cables between your analog video
device and the RCA audio and video inputs on the front of the PYRO A/V
Link unit.
3.) Use the S-VHS or Component video inputs if your analog video device has
these connections for the best possible video quality.
4.) Use a 6 Pin to 4 Pin 1394 cable to connect from the A/V Link to your digital
camcorder or DV deck. Connect the 6 pin end of the cable to the 6 pin
1394 connector on the rear of the PYRO A/V unit and connect the 4 pin
end to your digital camcorder or DV Deck.
5.) Use the MODE SELECTOR SWITCH on the front of the PYRO A/V Link
device to switch to ANALOG MODE. In this mode, the RED LED should
be lit.
6.) Press the RECORD button on your digital camcorder or DV deck just
before pressing the PLAY button on your analog video device (VCR or
Camcorder).

PYRO A/V LINK 26

Add a Preview Monitor to this Configuration
You can easily connect a TV to the audio video output jacks on the PYRO A/V
Link to monitor your video dubbing process.

1.) Connect an RCA or S-VHS video cable between the PYRO A/V Link and
your TV RCA or S-VHS Video input jacks.

2.) Connect Right and Left audio cable between the PYRO A/V Link Right and
Left audio jacks and your TV audio inputs.

3.) Switch the TV to accept an external video input.

Connecting for Digital to

Analog Conversion

If you have a digital camcorder you can use the PYRO A/V Link to convert the
digital content into an analog video signal so it can be recorded on your VCR.

1.) Connect your digital camcorder or DV deck to the 4 pin DV In jack on the
front of the PYRO A/V Link.

2.) Connect a video cable from the RCA or S-VHS OUT jacks on the back of
the PYRO A/V Link and into an external video input (RCA or S-VHS) on
your VCR
Note: S-VHS provides a higher quality video recording than an RCA
cable. S-VHS is recommended if your camcorder or VCR offers this
connection.

3.) Connect an audio cable to the Left and Right RCA audio OUT jacks on
the back of the PYRO A/V Link to the external audio inputs (RCA) on your
VCR.
Note: If you are recording back to a camcorder, you may need to use
the cables provide by the camcorder manufacturer.

PYRO A/V LINK 27

 4.) Use the MODE SELECTOR SWITCH on the front of the PYRO A/V Link
device to switch to DIGITAL MODE. In this mode, the BLUE LED should
be lit.
5.) Apply Power to the VCR and press RECORD just before you press PLAY
on your digital camcorder.

Add a Preview Monitor to this Configuration

You can preview and record video to a VCR at the same time as long as the VCR
allows for audio and video to be passed through it. Check and test your VCR to
ensure that it has audio and video inputs and outputs and they allow pass through
of audio and video while recording.

1.) Connect a video cable from the RCA or S-VHS OUT jacks on the back of
the PYRO A/V Link and into the Video In on your VCR.

2.) Connect an RCA or S-VHS cable to the Video Out on your VCR to an
external video input (RCA or S-VHS) on your TV.

3.) Connect an audio cable to the Left and Right RCA audio OUT jacks on the
back of the PYRO A/V Link to the audio inputs (RCA) on your VCR.

4.) Connect an audio cable between the Left and Right RCA OUT on your
VCR to the Audio INPUTS on your TV.

5.) Apply Power to the VCR – You may have to change the TV/VCR switch on
the VCR to allow pass through.

6.) Apply Power to the TV and switch the TV to accept the external video
source. (Check your TV manual if you are not sure how to do this.)

PYRO A/V LINK 28

 Capturing and Editing Video
The PYRO A/V Link is compatible with most any video capture and editing
program for Windows or the Mac that is capable of capturing video in the DV
format. This makes PYRO A/V Link a very useful and versatile product.

The following is an overview of popular video editing products that are

compatible with PYRO A/V Link.

Video Capture and Editing program for Mac users:

iMovie 3.0:
If you bought your Mac
anytime after 1998 and it
includes a FireWire port,
you probably already have
a version of iMovie. At the
time of this printing Apple is
offering iMovie 3.0 as part of
the iLife package and also as
a separate download.

iMovie is a digital video editing application that Apple says is so easy to use,
you don’t need a manual to get started making your own movies. And if you’re
wondering what you’ll make movies about, the answer is just about anything.
PYRO A/V Link lets you capture any analog video content in the DV format and
allows you to export back to tape when your movie is ready for an audience.

PYRO A/V LINK 29

 Final Cut Express:

Featuring the same interface as the Emmy

Award-winning Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express
is a robust editing solution for digital video
enthusiasts. It provides professional-level
editing, compositing and real-time effects for
full-featured DV editing. Final Cut Express is an
innovative combination of power, ease of use and
affordability.

Capture video:
Simply connect your PYRO A/V Link to your Mac and capture video directly to the
Browser window. Then organize and manage your clips with ease.

Nonlinear editing tools:

Edit your video using professional tools like razor blade, slip, slide, ripple, roll,
extend and split.

Final Cut Pro 3.0

Final Cut Pro is the choice of professional level video editors on the Mac. PYRO
A/V link is a perfect companion for Final Cut, allowing you to capture analog video
as DV content. Final Cut Pro ‘s award-winning design features lightening-fast
workflow between trimming, editing and effects — no separate modes to slow you
down. Built-in compositing and effects, integrated offline resolution and project
and file-level media management allow fast creativity and project flexibility for
nearly any project. And with Final Cut Pro’s G4 real-time effects, you‘ll experience
real-time effects playback on DV without PCI hardware — even on a PowerBook.

*See using PYRO A/V Link

with Final Cut Pro for tips

PYRO A/V LINK 30

 Video Capture and Editing Programs
for Windoows users:

Movie Maker 2:
Windows Movie Maker 2 makes home
movies amazingly fun. With Movie
Maker 2, you can create, edit, and
share your home movies right on your
computer. Build your movie with a few
simple drag-and-drops. Delete bad
shots and include only the best scenes.

For Windows XP users (Home or Professional version), you can download the
latest video editing software from the Microsoft website for Free. Just go to the
Windows XP Movie Maker download page:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/moviemaker/downloads/moviemaker2.asp
Movie Maker 2 is also available from Windows Update.

Then share your movie via the Web, e-mail, or CD. You can also save your
movie back to the video tape in your camera to play back on a TV or on
the camera itself. The Movie Maker 2 web site gives you information on
recommended system requirements, getting started guides and step by step
instructions for video editing, adding transition effects and more.

Lots of Video Editing software choices

For the windows user there are many software vendors offering video editing
software. PYRO A/V Link is compatible with all of the applications that support
the DV format. Some of these applications are listed below:

ShowBiz by Arcsoft
MovieShop by Broderbund
Video Deluxe 2.0 by Magix
VideoWave 5 by Roxio
Studio 8 by Pinnacle Systems
PYRO A/V LINK 31
Adobe Premiere 6.5
Use the PYRO A/V Link with
Adobe Premiere 6.5 to get all
of your analog content or use it
as an easy way to get your DV
productions out to tape. Adobe
Premiere has been the industry
standard for video professionals
Adobe Premiere delivers
everything you need to create
professional video productions.
Take advantage of Real-time
Preview to instantly view effects, transitions, titles, motion, and transparency.
Use storyboarding to visualize your entire program. Create sophisticated title
sequences with the Adobe Title Designer. And use professional audio-editing tools
to make a dramatic impact with high-quality audio.
*See using PYRO A/V Link with Adobe Premiere for tips

Avid Xpress DV v3.5

Want to use the software the TV and film
industry use to edit most major productions,
but you need a way to get you analog tape
content on the time line? Use PYRO A/V Links
Component video inputs to capture video from
your beta SP deck…Now your making talkies!
Avide XPress DV 3.5 is built on a revolutionary
real-time architecture that delivers more
than 100 customizable real-time effects,
professional-level color correction with waveform and vectorscope analysis, and
multiple simultaneous real-time streams - all in software. You can preview a title,
apply a dissolve, perform color correction, and animate a picture-in-picture effect
simultaneously - all without rendering. And only Avid Xpress DV v3.5 allows you
to customize every parameter of every real-time effect and see it all right away.
Avid gives you the creative freedom you want and the image quality you need to
deliver professional-grade video on a desktop, laptop, or mountaintop - anywhere
your imagination takes you.
PYRO A/V LINK 32
 VideoStudio 7 SE DVD
from Ulead

People with little or no

experience in video editing
will appreciate how easy
it is to use VideoStudio.
Trim video, add your
own soundtrack, create
compelling titles and drop
in stunning effects using an
easy-to-learn interface that
makes editing videos fun.

• Use with PYRO A/V Link to Capture video from DV, D8, Hi8 camcorders,
VCR’s or any analog or DV video source.
• Grab DVD-ready video with MPEG-Direct™ capture

• Share movies on CD, DVD, tape, or the Web

Windows Software Bundle – VideoStudio 7 SE DVD

Mac users have the benefit of getting iMovie included as part of the
operating system.

Many windows users have not upgraded to Windows XP and therefore do not
have the benefit of using Microsoft’s Movie Maker 2. We wouldn’t want you get
home with your new PYRO A/V Link and not have a complete video capture and
editing application to use, so we have included VideoStudio 7 SE DVD with your
PYRO A/V Link.

The next section goes over the basic steps to get started capturing and editing
video in VideoStudio. Complete documentation is on the PYRO A/V Link CD in
.pdf format. There is also help accessible at any time by pressing the F1 key on
your keyboard. More on that later.

PYRO A/V LINK 33

Installing the Bundled Software CD
1.) Insert the PYRO A/V Link CD
into your CD-ROM drive.
2.) The Auto-run screen displayed
here will appear on your
screen.
3.) This Auto-Run requires Apples
Quick Time player to run. If
you do not have Quick Time
installed, it will automatically
begin installing Quick Time on
your system.
4.) There are 4 Selections:
a. Install Driver
b. VideoStudio
c. Teveo Live
d. Media Share 3.0

a.) Install Drivers – Driver installation is required ONLY if you are running
Win98SE. This driver is actually a patch to the Microsoft 1394 software in
Windows 98SE. If you have Windows ME, WinXP or Win2000 – skip this Step.

b.) VideoStudio - Click the VideoStudio button and the VideoStudio installer will
open. See page 38 for full VideoStudio 7 SE DVD installation instructions.

c.) Teveo Live – it’s a fun software application that turns your PC into a Live Web
Cam. What ever video you run through the PYRO A/V Link will be displayed to
anyone (private or public) on the Teveo web site.

d.) Media Share - is a subscription service with a Free trial offer. Media Share
lets you post images and video on a server so you can share your image and
video collection with friends and family.

PYRO A/V LINK 34

 Using VideoStudio Software

How VideoStudio works

VideoStudio follows a step-by-step paradigm so that editing tasks remain
uncomplicated from start to finish. VideoStudio also offers more than a
hundred transition effects, professional titling capabilities and simple
soundtrack creation tools. Learn in seconds, create in minutes.

VideoStudio breaks up your movie into separate tracks, giving you broad
creative freedom. Changes to one track do not affect others.

After transferring footage from your camcorder, you can arrange scenes,
apply special effects, overlay images, add animated titles, sync in a voiceover
narration, and use background music from your favorite CDs in formats such
as WAV and MP3. All these can be done using drag-and-drop, cut-and-paste,
or select-and-apply operations.

All the tracks in your movie are then organized into a video project file (*.VSP),
which contains all the video and audio information on how your movie is put
together.
When everything is all set to go, your computer collects all information needed
to create your final movie file. This process is called rendering. You can then
output and distribute your movie as a DVD/VCD/SVCD title, streaming Web
page video, or an e-mail attachment. You can also record your movie back to
your camcorder or VCR.

PYRO A/V LINK 35

Hardware checkup before using VideoStudio
To ensure that your video production runs smoothly and trouble-free, click
Control Panel: Systems - Device Manager and check if your devices are
working properly in accordance with your Operating System (O/S).

DV IEEE 1394 capture card

The following Windows operating systems support the IEEE 1394 capture
card. Always remember to turn on your PYRO A/V Link/DV camcorder
connected to the IEEE 1394 interface so that it can be detected as image
device or sound, video and game controller.

Windows 98
Windows 98 supports the Texas Instruments DV driver only but does not
provide it. Search the drivers (if bundled) that come with the IEEE 1394
card. Check that the following devices are working properly:
• 1394 Bus Controller
• Sound, video and game controllers: 1394 camcorder

Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows 2000

Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows 2000
include the Microsoft DV driver and still support
the Texas Instruments DV driver. Check that the
following devices are working properly:
• 1394 Bus Controller
• Image Device: Microsoft DV Camera and VCR (For
Microsoft DV driver only.)
• Sound, video and game controllers: 1394 camcorder
(For Texas Instruments DV driver only.)

* It is strongly recommended to use the Microsoft driver in Win

ME and Win 2000.
* PYRO A/V Link will be listed as AVC Compliant DV Tape
Recorder/Player

PYRO A/V LINK 36

Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
Windows Me fully supports the IEEE 1394 card. Check that the following devices
are working properly:
• 1394 Bus Controller
• 61883 Device Class
• AVC Device Class
• (Brand name) DV Camcorder: The brand name depends on the DV cam-
corder connected to the IEEE interface card.
Windows XP
Windows XP fully supports IEEE 1394.
* PYRO A/V Link will be listed as AVC Compliant DV Tape Recorder/Player under
the Device Manager.
To run VideoStudio under Windows XP, check that the following devices are
working properly:
• 1394 Bus Controller
• 61883 Device Class
• AVC Device Class
• (Brand name) DV Camcorder: The brand
name depends on the DV camcorder con-
nected to the IEEE interface card.

For Windows 98 and Windows Me, select the

DMA option in Device Manager: Disk drive
Settings Tab. In Windows 2000, the DMA
Settings Tab after clicking Properties
option is hidden but it is always enabled. DMA when a hard drive is selected from Control
avoids possible drop frame problems later Panel: System - Device Manager
when you are capturing video.
Note:In addition to commonly used Texas Instruments and Micro-
soft DV drivers, there are other drivers available. Consult your
camcorder’s manual for suitable drivers.

PYRO A/V LINK 37

Installing and running VideoStudio
To install VideoStudio:

1. Place the Instant DVD CD into your CD-ROM drive.

Click on the VideoStudio icon to load the
VideoStudio Installation screen.
2. When the Setup screen appears, follow the
instructions to install VideoStudio onto your
computer.

Note: If the Setup screen does not appear after loading the CD, then you
can manually start it by double-clicking the My Computer icon on your
desktop, then double-clicking the icon for the CD-ROM drive. When the
CD-ROM window opens, double-click the Setup icon. VideoStudio installation screen

Please install also the following applications, because they are very important
in making digital video work well on your computer. The installation program
will walk you through installing:
• QuickTime
• Windows Media Format
• RealPlayer
• Acrobat Reader
Note: Skip this step if you already have newer versions of the above supporting applications installed in your PC.

To run VideoStudio:
• Double-click the VideoStudio icon on your Windows desktop.
OR
• Select the VideoStudio icon from the VideoStudio program group on the
Windows Start menu.

Running VideoStudio from Windows

Start menu

PYRO A/V LINK 38

Configuring VideoStudio
PYRO A/V Link allows you to capture video from camcorders, VCRs, and
VCD/DVD Players into the high-quality DV format. To ensure a smooth
installation and setup with VideoStudio 7, please follow the steps outlined
below.

1.) Turn on your PYRO A/V Link and be

certain that it has been properly detected
by the Windows Device manager as
outlined on the previous pages.
2.) Connect your video source to the audio
and video jacks on A/V Link.
3.) Check your video source to ensure it is
powered on and that you have a tape of
disk playing video.
4.) Click the Capture Step at the top of the
VideoStudio program. You should see
“PYRO A/V Link” listed in the Source field
in the Capture Settings panel.
5.) DV should be the video capture format. If
you wish to capture as MPEG video, read
the section on “Direct Capture of MPEG” Check that your device is listed under Source
later in this manual.
6.) Click on File.
7.) Then click “Change Capture Plug-in” – Be
sure that Ulead Direct Show Capture
Plug-in is selected
8.) Click PLAY on the Preview Window and
you will see your video previewing.

Note: PYRO A/V Link supports many video input sources. PYRO A/V Link has the ability to
automatically sense and select the active video input whether it be Composite (RCA), SVideo
(S-VHS) or Component video inputs. Video will be captured from what ever video source is
connected with a live video signal.

PYRO A/V LINK 39

Using DV Pass Through for Digital Camcorders
If you wish to connect your Digital Camcorder to the 4 Pin 1394 port on the front
of the PYRO A/V Link, you will need to make some additional settings to ensure
that you can control your camcorder via the Video Studio software. Device
control will include Start, Stop and Record functions on your digital camcorder.

Follow the steps below to properly setup your Digital Camcorder for 1394
pass-through with PYRO A/V Link.

1.) Click on “File”

2.) Click – “Select Device Control”

3.) Select the camcorder driver;

“MS 1394 Device Control”

4.) Then click on “Options”

5.) Select your Digital Camcorder

as the active device

6.) Click “OK” to close the dialog boxes

You now should now see your digital

camcorder listed in the Source window
on the capture settings panel.

7.) Be sure your camcorder is turned

on and set to VCR/VTR mode

8.) Press “Play” below the Preview Window

and your camcorder should begin
playing and video will begin playing in
the preview Window

PYRO A/V LINK 40

Getting around VideoStudio
The VideoStudio interface has been designed to make the sometimes
complicated task of editing movies on your PC intuitive and enjoyable.
This illustration shows the major components of the program.
Options Panel
Contains controls, buttons, and other
information that you could use to customize
the settings of the selected clip. Preview Window
The contents of this panel change depending Shows the current clip,
on the step you are in. video filter, effect, or title.

Timeline Navigation Panel Library

Displays all the clips, titles, Use these buttons to Stores and organizes all
and effects included in your go through a selected of your media clips.
project. Select the media clip for precision
track that contains the clip editing or trimming.
you want to edit.

The Options Panel

The Options Panel changes depending

on the program’s mode and the step or
track you are working on. The Options
Panel may contain one or two tabs.
Information in each tab vary depending
on the selected clip.
Options Panel in Edit
Video Mode.

PYRO A/V LINK 41

The Navigation Panel
The Navigation Panel is used to preview and edit the clips used in your project.
Use the Navigation Controls to move around a selected clip or your project.
Use the Trim Bar and Jog Bar to edit your clips. When capturing video, the set
of buttons will differ. Instead of the Navigation Panel, device control buttons
will be shown. Use these buttons to control your DV camcorder or any other
video device.
Timecode
Home Next End Allows you to directly
Returns to the Moves to the point Moves to the jump to a part of your
starting point of right after the ending point of project or selected
a project, clip, or present point of a project, clip, or clip by specifying the
selected area. a project, clip, or selected area. exact timecode.
selected area.
Trim Bar Enlarge Preview
Mark-in / out Used for trimming, Window
Use to mark the point editing, and cropping Click to preview your
where you want a clip video clips. project or clip on a
to start and end. bigger window.

Play mode Previous System Volume

Select whether you Split Video
Moves to the Click and drag the
want to preview your Cuts the selected clip
preceding point of slider to adjust the
entire project or only into two. Position the
a project, clip, or volume of a clip’s
the selected clip. Jog Bar to where you
selected area. audio output or
want the first clip to
music. This adjusts
end and the second
the volume of your
Play one to start, then click
Repeat speakers at the
Click to play a this button.
Plays a project, same time.
VideoStudio project,
clip, or selected
video or audio clip.
area continually. Jog Bar Undo and Redo
Hold down the [Shift]
to play only the Click and drag Any changes you make
selected duration these controls to that you don’t like can be
(between Mark in and scroll through a instantly fixed or undone by
Mark out) on the Trim clip. The position clicking the left button. And
Bar. During playback, is shown in the if you change your mind,
click the button again Preview Window’s simply click Redo.
to stop. content.

PYRO A/V LINK 42

Timeline: The VideoStudio Work Area
This work area allows you to more precisely orchestrate the flow of your movie.
It consists of separate tracks for your video, title, music, and voice clips. It
likewise has a ruler that shows the current time-scale for determining clip and
project length.

Time units
Zoom controls Selected range Represents the
Increase or These color bars timing of the
decrease the represent the trimmed or project or clips in
number of frames selected part of a clip or hours:minutes:
displayed in the project. seconds.frames.
Storyboard and Timeline.
Timeline
Click tabs to switch
between Storyboard
Mode and Timeline
Mode.

Insert media files

Displays a menu
allowing you to Track buttons
place video, audio or Each activates a track to edit.
image clips directly Click a button to change the
on the project. Preview Window and available
options accordingly.
Project scroll controls
Use the left and right
buttons or grab the
Scroll Bar to move
around your project.

PYRO A/V LINK 43

The Library
The Library is a storage depot for everything you need to create a movie: video
clips, video filters, audio clips, still images, transition effects, music files, titles
and color clips. These are collectively known as media clips.

To add media clips to the Library:

1. Click Load media to open a dialog
box for locating the media clip to
insert in the Library.
2. Select the desired file.
3. Click Open when you are finished.
Note: You can also drag and drop files Load media allows
from Windows Explorer straight to the you to locate the clip
Library. you want to add to
the Library.

The type of clip you can insert depends on which track you are working on
(such as Title or Audio). Use your mouse to drag and drop single or multiple
clips from the Library to its destination.

To add clips to your project, you can drag and drop clips from the Library to the
Timeline whether you are in Timeline Mode or Storyboard Mode.

Right-click a clip in the Library to view the clip’s Hold [Ctrl] or [Shift] to select multiple
properties as well as copy, delete, or split by clips.
scene.

PYRO A/V LINK 44

To delete media clips from the Library:
1. Select the clip to remove from the Library. Then, press [Del].
Or,
Right-click the clip in the Library and select Delete .
2. When prompted, verify whether you also want to delete the source file
from your hard disk.

Note: Deleting source files from your

hard disk permanently removes them
from your computer. You may not be
able to recover them.

Library Manager
The Library Manager organizes your custom Library folders. These folders help
you store and manage all kinds of media files.

The Folder
To use the Library Manager: arrow button
1. Click File: Library Manager to launch the
Library Manager dialog box. You can also
click the Folder arrow and select Library
Manager from the drop-down list.
2. Select a media type from the Available
custom folders list.
3. Click New to display the New Custom
Folder dialog box and create a new
folder. Specify a library Folder name and a
Description. Click OK.
Click Edit to rename or modify the
description of a selected custom folder.
Click Delete to remove a selected custom
folder from the Library.
4. Click Close.

Video Studio allows you to save your project in many video file formats. Please keep in
mind that if you wish to send video out through PYRO A/V Link to view your movie on a
TV or record to video tape, only DV files can be exported out through PYRO A/V Link.

PYRO A/V LINK 45

Steps to create your movie
VideoStudio is laid out in a step-by-step format, following the items on the
Menu Bar at the top of the program, from left to right. Click a step on the Menu
Bar to move directly to it. The step you are currently in is highlighted in yellow.
It is not necessary to work through every step every time, but these steps can
serve as a guide to creating a complete movie. These steps do not necessarily
need to be followed in the order that they are presented.

Once a project is opened in VideoStudio, video can be recorded

directly to your computer’s hard disk in the Capture Step.
Footage from a videotape can be captured as a single file or
automatically divided into multiple files. This step allows you to
record video files and still images.

The Edit Step and the Timeline are the heart of VideoStudio. This
is where you arrange, edit, and trim your video clips. Video filters
can also be applied to your video clips in this step.

Transition effects between scenes are fun and easy. Thumbnail

animations and drag-and-drop operations put dozens of cool
effects at your fingertips.

This feature allows you to superimpose one clip over another as

an added effect to your movie. On top of what you can do using
Effects, you can use Overlay feature to add a professional touch
to your work.

PYRO A/V LINK 46

No movie would be complete without opening and closing titles.
You can design and animate your text title in any Windows True
Type font, color and size, or choose from various presets in the
Library.

Background music sets the mood of your movie. VideoStudio lets

you select and record music files from one or several CD-ROM
drives attached to your computer. You can also dub over your
video in this step.

The final cuts have been made and the music has been
synchronized with care. Now it’s time to put it all together and
make a master copy of your newest movie.

PYRO A/V LINK 47

Getting started
VideoStudio gives you much room to explore your options and experiment by
letting you work with Project files (*.VSP). Since all changes (i.e. cuts, edits,
transition effects, etc.) are saved in the project file, you can freely edit the clips
in a project without having to worry about ruining your source files. A project
file is not the finished movie and can only be opened in VideoStudio. It is also
possible to have a number of different projects using the same clips. The actual
process of creating a movie from a project file is performed in the Share Step.

The File menu

The File Menu contains all the settings and commands that you will need to
get started. In this menu, you can choose to create a new project, open an
existing project, save your project, edit the project properties, and adjust your
preferences. You can also access the Make Movie Manager, Preview Files
Manager, and Library Manager.

PYRO A/V LINK 48

Creating a new project
When you run VideoStudio, it automatically opens a new project and lets
you start composing your video production. If this is your first time to use
VideoStudio, the new project uses VideoStudio’s initial default settings.
Otherwise, the new project reuses the project settings which you have last
used. To check what these settings are, click File:

Project Properties
Project settings determine how your video project is rendered when you
preview it. Rendering is the process by which VideoStudio converts raw video,
titles, sounds, and effects into a continuous stream of data which can be played
back in your computer. You can modify the project settings in the Project
Properties dialog box.

When you capture or insert your first video clip into the project, VideoStudio
automatically checks the properties of the clip and your project. If properties
such as file format, frame size, etc. are not identical, VideoStudio automatically
adjusts the project settings to match the clip’s properties. Changing the project
settings allows VideoStudio to perform the SmartRender function.

PYRO A/V LINK 49

You can also begin by creating an empty project file using New Project.

To create a new project using

New Project:
1. Click File: New Project or simply press
[Ctrl + N].
2. Click Capture folder under the Capture
Settings Tab of the Options Panel to Capture folder

select a working folder where all your

captured/project files will be located.
This will launch the Browse For Folder
dialog box. Click Make New Folder
to create a new folder. You can also
click File: Preferences [F6] and select
from the available folders in the
Working folders drop-down list.
3. Click OK.

To open an existing project:

1. Click File: Open Project or press
[Ctrl + O]. The Open dialog box will
appear, showcasing a list of available
folders.
2. Select the project file (*.VSP) you want
to open. If you are not sure where the
file is, click Browse and then click
Scan. This finds all *.VSP files under
your assigned folder or drive.
3. Click Open.

Note: A faster way to open an existing project is to click File then select the project you
want to open in the Recent file list. VideoStudio, however, cannot open a project that
has been moved or removed.

PYRO A/V LINK 50

Creating movie templates
Movie templates contain settings which define how to create the final movie
file. By using the preset movie templates provided by Ulead VideoStudio, or
by creating your own templates in the Make Movie Manager, you can have
multiple variations of your final movie. For instance, you can use movie
templates that provide High quality outputs for videotape recording and
CD-ROMs, and also set up movie templates that give lower quality but
acceptable outputs for different purposes, such as Web streaming, e-mail
distribution, and more.

To create a movie template:

1. Select File: Make Movie Manager.

2. Click New then type in a Template
name. Also select a File format to use
for creating movie files.
3. Click Edit to open the Template
Options dialog box where you can
specify your preferred settings for
the new template. For instance, you
can select a video frame size, codec
for compressing video files, audio
quality, and more.

Notes:
• Movie templates will appear in a selection menu when you click Create Video File in
the Share Step. If you do not want to use a movie template, you can select Custom
from the pop-up menu. This allows you to choose your own settings for creating the
final movie or simply use the current project settings.
• To modify the settings of a movie template, click the Edit button in the Make Movie
Manager dialog box.

PYRO A/V LINK 51

Capture
The process of transferring video from your camcorder or other video sources
to your computer is called capturing. When everything is ready to go, the video
feed from your source device should be visible in the Preview Window. If your
card supports a television monitor, you should also be able to watch your video
on it.

Once launched, VideoStudio immediately detects the capture settings. If no

capture driver is present, you will be led to the Edit step automatically. You
need not switch from capture mode to playback mode anymore.
Checklist for successful video capture

Capturing video is one of the most demanding tasks you will ever ask of your
computer. It involves high data rates and requires huge amounts of disk space.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure success:
• Shut down ALL other programs that are running except Windows Explorer
and VideoStudio. Remove the Screen Saver to avoid possible interruption.
• Best results can be achieved by using a dedicated video hard disk, preferably
with the capabilities of at least Ultra-DMA/66, 7200 rpm and more than
30GB space.
• For better manipulation of batch capture and camcorder device control,
correct timecode on the DV tape is a must. To do this, before shooting your
video, use the standard playback (SP) mode and shoot a blank video (for
example, leaving the lens cover on while recording) without interruption from
start to end of a tape.

PYRO A/V LINK 52

Capturing DV video
VideoStudio increases your video-editing freedom by not only allowing you to
capture digital video, but by giving you the option to save them as DV Type-1
or Type-2 files as well. Now it is very important that you know the differences
between the two:

DV Type-1 and DV Type-2

DV captured by FireWire (IEEE-1394 capture card) is automatically stored as AVI files
(that is, if you did not previously specify a plug-in that will directly capture your digital
video to MPEG format). An AVI file usually contains two streams, one video and one
audio. DV is a data stream that itself contains video and audio.

In a Type-1 AVI, the whole DV stream is stored

unmodified as one AVI stream. In a Type-2 AVI, on the
other hand, the DV stream is split into separate video and
audio data, which are stored as two streams in the AVI.
The advantage of Type-1 is that the DV data does not
need to be processed, and is stored in its exact original
format. The advantage of Type-2 is that it is compatible
with video software that is not specially written to
recognize and process Type-1 files.

To capture DV video:
1. Connect your camcorder to the IEEE-1394 capture
card. Turn it on and set it to Play (or VTR / VCR) mode.
Check your device manual for specific instructions.
2. Open a new project.
3. In the Capture Step, click Options in the Options Panel
then select DV Type.
4. In the DV Type dialog box, select the type you prefer
and click OK.
5. Click Play in the Navigation Panel.
6. When you get to the part of the video you want to
record, click Capture Video on the Capture Settings
Tab in the Options Panel.
7. Click Stop Capture or press [Esc] to stop capturing.

PYRO A/V LINK 53

Direct Capture of MPEG Video with
PYRO A/V Link
As you hopefully have found out by now, PYRO A/V Link does an
exceptional job of capturing any analog source as DV and even supports
your digital camcorder. However, there may be some projects that you want
to capture in MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 format. Generally converting from DV to
MPEG-2 involves a long conversion process called “Transcoding”. Video
Studio includes a power
“Real Time” transcoding
technology called
MPEGNow™. MPEGNow
has the capability of
converting DV video on
the fly into MPEG-1 or
MPEG-2*. This allows you
to quickly edit, and author
VCD, SVCD or DVD disks.

(*Continuous MPEG-2
conversion requires a
P4 1.8 GHZ system).

To capture in MPEG
format:

1.) Connect your video source to PYRO A/V Link.

2.) Be sure you’re A/V Link is connected to the PC and turned on.
3.) In the Capture Step, select MPEG from the Format List.
4.) Ulead DSW MPEG Capture Plug-in will be detected automatically.
Use this capture plug-in when capturing MPEG from a DV source
such as PYRO A/V Link or directly from a digital camcorder.
5.) Click Options and select MPEG Settings. Choose the type of MPEG
you would like to capture and set the other attributes.
6.) Click Play and then Capture Video to start capturing
7.) Click Capture Video again or press [Esc] button to stop capturing.

PYRO A/V LINK 54

Capturing still images
In addition to video, VideoStudio also allows you to capture still images. The
image format can be BMP or JPEG, and the size depends on its source video.
To choose your image format, click File: Preferences. In the Preferences dialog
box click the Capture Tab and set the format.
To capture still images:
1. Connect your camcorder or VCR to your capture
card. Switch it on and set it to Play (or VTR /
VCR) mode. Check your device manual for
specific instructions.
2. Open a new project.
3. In the Capture Step, click Play in Navigator.
4. When you get to the part of the video you want
to record, click Capture Image on the Capture
Settings Tab in the Options Panel.

VideoStudio Manual and other Help Resources

We hope that the information that
has been provided you has got you
up and running with PYRO A/V Link
and Video Studio. This “Getting
Started with VideoStudio” is a very
abridged version of the VideoStudio
manual. VideoStudio has many
features and capabilities; some
have yet to be covered. To learn
more step by step procedures, you
can read the full on-line manual that
is in Acrobat reader format.

Help and Instructions (F1)

At any time you can press the F1
key on your keyboard and Video Studio help will pop up. You can read tips
and techniques or read step by step procedures.

Full Manual
The Full manual is located on the PYRO A/V Link CD:
1.) Insert CD and when the Auto-run menu pops up, Click on Video Studio icon.
2.) On the Video Studio Auto-run screen, Click Browse CD.
3.) An file explorer window will open, double click on the “Document” folder and then
double click on the Manual folder.
4.) If you do not have Adobe Acrobat installed, click on the Acrobat folder and install the
Acrobat Reader.
PYRO A/V LINK 55
 Using A/V Link with
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Premiere – Notes

1.) Use Generic DV device control for the PYRO A/V Link
2.) Select, File, Capture, Movie Capture – the video capture Window will appear.
3.) Click the PLAY button on the video capture window and video will appear.
4.) Click red record button to begin capturing video.
5.) If you wish to scrub video on an external monitor, have only the analog video
output connections connected to your TV or monitor. Video played from
timeline will be displayed on the TV.
6.) If you wish to scrub video and view on your digital camcorder LCD, connect
only the digital camcorder to A/V Link. Video played from timeline will be
displayed on the LCD display.
7.) When scrubbing video, only rendered portions will be displayed on the TV or
digital camcorders LCD display.
8.) While video is being sent to an external display, preview on the computer will
be slower than normal. Turn off A/V Link to resume full playback on the
computer screen.

Premiere 6.5 Video playback control reminders:

Playback Start/Stop - Press Space Bar on keyboard or Click PLAY icon in

monitor window.

Playback with REALTIME Previews – Press ENTER key on keyboard (this will
playback video in software Monitor Window only – preview on external device.

PYRO A/V LINK 56

Capturing Video with Adobe Premiere 6.5

1. Make sure the PYRO A/V Link is already

connected via firewire to your computer.
2. Run Adobe Premiere and select your
PROJECT SETTINGS.

3. Click FILE / CAPTURE / MOVIE CAPTURE

4. The PYRO A/V Link should be

recognized at this point as a
GENERIC Device, press PLAY to
preview or the RED Record Button
to start recording.

PYRO A/V LINK 57

 Using A/V Link with
AVID Xpress DV 3.5
Capturing Video with AVID Xpress DV 3.5

1. Make sure the PYRO A/V

Link is already connected via
firewire to your computer.
2. Run AVID Xpress DV 3.5,
on the upper left part of
the screen you will see the
RECORD TOOL Window.
3. PYRO A/V Link should be
recognized as a GENERIC
DVDevice – NTSC (PAL if
your converting analog PAL
signals to DV)

4. If the PYRO A/V Link is not

detected, click on the button
illustrated below and click auto-
configure.
5. To start capture, click on the
RECORD Button

Record

Generic DV Device

PYRO A/V LINK 58

 Using A/V Link with
Final Cut Pro
Capturing Video with Final Cut Pro

1. Make sure the PYRO A/V Link is

already connected via firewire to
your computer.
2. Click on FINAL CUT PRO / Audio/
Video Settings

3. Select the DEVICE CONTROL PRESETS TAB, Hilite Non-Controllable

Device Click OK.

4. To capture video, click on FILE / LOG AND CAPTURE, Select your

CAPTURE Settings and start capturing video like you would capture a
DV Camcorder
PYRO A/V LINK 59
 Detailed Product Specifications

- Capture Resolution:
o NTSC: 720 x 480 @ 30 frames per second
o PAL: 720 x 576 @ 25 frame per second
- Capture in DV video format
- Audio capture in 48KHz (16 Bit)
- Power On/Off button
- Mode Selector switch – Analog or Digital switch
- Inputs:
o Video
§ RCA, S-VHS, Component Video
§ 4 Pin 1394 connector
o Audio
§ Right and Left RCA
- Outputs:
o Video
§ RCA, S-VHS, Component Video
§ 6 Pin 1394 Connector
o Audio
§ Right and Left RCA

Product Name: PYRO A/V Link

Part Number: API-550

PYRO A/V LINK 60

 Trouble Shooting

Video will not Preview in VideoStudio or other video editing software

Check and Make sure that the PYRO A/V Link is connected properly to your
computer. To check if PYRO A/V Link is recognized please go to page 15 of
this manual.

VideoStudio will not transcode DV to MPEG2 properly, dropped frames etc.

This problem is mostly related to lack of SYSTEM RESOURCES. Your

computer might not be fast enough, your hard drive might not be optimized
(defragged), your video card might not be AGP Etc. Real Time DV to MPEG2
transcoding requires a lot of horsepower. ADS Technologies guarantees
continuous DV to MPEG2 Transcode for up to 2.5 Hours on a P4, 1.8GHZ
Machine.

VideoStudio or my Video Capture Application hangs for awhile after I stop

capturing

This might happen in really long captures. This is normal. Remember that you
are capturing and manipulating files in the Gigabytes range. Stop the capture
and wait several seconds, your capture software or VideoStudio should go
back to normal.

Selecting PAL as your template results in a video captured as NTSC

Restart VideoStudio or your video capture application. Select PAL again. This
should fix the problem.

PYRO A/V LINK 61

 Service & Warranty Information
Service:
If you require assistance with the installation, operation, or application of your ADS Technologies, Inc. product
there are several options available to you as described in the technical support section of this manual. The
ADS Technologies technical support and customer service staff can aid in solving many problems. Our
technical support department is available to repair any ADS Technologies product. You
or your dealer must return products to our factory for repair or warranty replacement.

Return/Replacement:
Each individual computer store or dealer sets product returns policies for their customers.
ADS Technologies, Inc. cannot be responsible for the actions or policies set by our dealers. If you desire to
return the product for a refund, you must get the refund from the dealer or store you purchased the product
from. If you purchased the product directly from ADS please see the
“Terms and Conditions of Sale” on the reverse side of your sales invoice.
Returns to ADS Technologies, Inc. are for repair or warranty replacement only. If you need to return product
to ADS Technologies, Inc. for repair or replacement you must follow these steps:
1. Call our Technical Support department at (562) 926-4338 to obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number.
2. The RMA number is valid for 30 days.
3. Ship the product to the ADS factory with the RMA number marked on the inside and outside of
the package. If there is no RMA number on the package or the RMA number has expired, the
shipment will be refused. ADS will not be liable for lost or mis-shipped products.
4. Replacement product cannot be shipped to you until the defective product has been
received by ADS.
5. Once the product is received at the factory it will be tested and then repaired or replaced.
6. Turn around time is approximately one week. A repaired or replacement product will be shipped
back to you.

Warranty:
This ADS Technologies, Inc. product comes with a One (1) year hardware warranty. ADS Technologies, Inc.
(ADS) warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of One (1) year from
the date of original purchase from ADS or an authorized ADS dealer. This warranty applies only to the original
purchase of the product and is not transferable. This warranty does not cover any incompatibilities due to the
user’s computer, hardware, software or other related system configuration in which the product interfaces.
Proof of purchase will be required before any warranty consideration by ADS occurs.
This warranty does not cover any damage caused by negligence, non-authorized modifications, or parts
installed without prior written permission from ADS.
This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident, abuse, or misapplication, nor as a
result of service to the product by anyone other than ADS.
If your ADS product is not in working order, your only recourse is repair or warranty replacement, as
described above. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will ADS Technologies, Inc. be liable for consequential
damages, including but not limited to any lost savings, lost profits, or any other damages, caused by the use of
any ADS Technologies, Inc. product or inability to use the product, even if the dealer or ADS Technologies, Inc.
has been advised of such liability or other claims. This includes damage to property and, to the extent
permitted by law, damages for personal injury. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties including implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

PYRO A/V LINK 62

FCC Information

Federal communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

* Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

* Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
* Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
* Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help.

Notice:

(1) The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
(2) Shielded interface cables and AC power cord, if any, must be used in order comply with the emission limits.

Contacting Technical Support

ADS Technologies

North America Office

12627 Hidden Creek Way

Cerritos, CA, 90703

Phone: 562.926.1928
Technical Support: 562.926.4338
Technical Support Hours: M-F 8am-5pm PST
Fax: 562.926.0518

European Office

Shannon Industrial Estate

Shannon Co. Clare, Ireland

Phone: +353.61.702042

PYRO A/V LINK 63

 Notes

PYRO A/V LINK 64

 If you have any problems or questions on this product, please call :

Technical Support 562.926.4338

ADS Tech
North America Support Hours:
M-F : 8 am - 5 pm, PST
Email : [email protected]
Tech
website : www.adstech.com

European Technical Support: +353.61.702042

PYRO A/V Link

ADS Technologies

North America Office

12627 Hidden Creek Way
Cerritos, CA, 90703
Phone: 562.926.1928
Technical Support: 562.926.4338
Technical Support Hours: M-F 8am-5pm PST
Fax: 562.926.0518

European Office
Shannon Industrial Estate
Shannon Co. Clare, Ireland
Phone: +353.61.702042

Part No. 550-551 rev.2

www.adstech.com