Quick Connect problem

[Brian Ellis]

Hi!

With great difficulty, I managed finally to install the 5.41 PowerDesk and VT 1.52 (had a big problem because PD diagnosed DirectX was an old version and, as it is on a stand-alone computer not connected to the Internet, I struggled to update it).

Since then, running Quick Connect, trying video input produces an error message:
"Another program may be using your Matrox video editing hardware. Only one program at a time can use Matrox video editing hardware.

"Close any other program that may use video editing hardware (for example, video capture, playback or editing programs)then restart the program you are using."

Ctrl-Alt-Del does not mention any other video app on the computer, so Matrox are telling me a fib, as far as I can make out.

VCR tells me the system has defaulted to 1/4 size NTSC, which is no earthly use to man nor beast - at least here. I cannot get any TV out, either.

What have I done wrong?

System PIII/450, 128 Mb, Marvel G-200, SB Live, no IRQ conflicts, W98

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Brian (the terrible)

[This_Idiot]

Hi Brian

What's the PC been used for up until now ? There's a few pointers in the FAQs about this problem, most of which point to old video drivers (especially any BT847/8) and (if memory serves) the fact that Microsofts own "camcorder" software can wreck 99% of all known systems.

[Brian Ellis]

Chris

Thanks for your answer. I'm still completely flummoxed. I have eliminated everything but the essentials from the msconfig/startup and I don't have any video apps on the machine except MSP and Matrox - certainly not Camcorder.

When I have a moment, I'll try reverting to the old set-up but, if I have the same problems there, I think the only solution would be a bullet through the head - stop cheering, everyone (Perhaps, on second thoughts, a bullet through the head of Bill Gates would render the world a better service.)

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Brian (the terrible)

[This_Idiot]

Chin up Brian, after all we are Brits !

Camcorder (in case you didn't know, If you do please ignore the rest of this wobble) has absolutely nothing to do with videocapture but is an insidious wee beasty that is "supposed" to capture all mouse movements, window changes etc etc in a Macro-style mode for replay at a later date (good for generating training material). I can't for the life of me remember where it comes from, but I think it's built in to Office.

The only time I tried it, I couldn't get the little devil to work anyway.

[Brian Ellis]

Chris

I agree that Camcorder is an abortion. It was a hurried copy of something that the Lotus guys included in their suite, so MS had to do something to show they were 'with it'. It was never developed properly and I don't believe it has ever been improved since its original conception. I have tried to use it for a training CD-ROM for a very complex CAD system but I gave up after a couple of hours perserverance. I believe the Lotus one was probably better, judging from a demo of two I've seen 'filmed' with it.

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Brian (the terrible)