**Experimental Control System**
=====Video Switch Software=====
To set the video input for the subject, open the NTVideoSwitch program by left clicking on the 'Start' menu at the bottom left of the screen and choosing 'Programs' and 'NTIVideoSwitcher'.\\
Note: If the VideoSwitcher software does not work on one PC, try it on the other PC (see [[biac:experimentalcontrol:inventory|Connections]].)

This software uses the serial port connection to communicate with the NTI VideoSwitcher box (located in the scanner equipment room). Use the NTIVideoSwitcher program to control which video input (computer display or DVD signal) goes to which video output device (monitors, goggle, or projector). When switching the computer monitors it also switches the keyboard and mouse that go with that monitor.

The software provides a matrix display with video inputs (labelled CPU's) across the top and output devices (labelled USERS) listed along the left side (see figure). To connect an input to an output you simply click on the appropriate box in the matrix.

At BIAC5:\\
The inputs (CPU's) are:
  * CPU 1: Stimulus computer, primary video
  * CPU 2: Auxiliary computer, primary video
  * CPU 3: DVD player
  * CPU 4: Stimulus computer, secondary video 
  * CPU 5: Auxiliary computer, secondary video

The outputs (USER's) are:
  * User 1: Left monitor
  * User 2: Right monitor
  * User 3: Video projector
  * User 4: Middle monitor

At BIAC6:\\
The inputs (CPU's) are:
  * CPU 1: Stimulus computer, primary video
  * CPU 2: Stimulus computer, secondary video 
  * CPU 3: Auxiliary computer, primary video
  * CPU 4: DVD player

The outputs (USER's) are:
  * User 1: Left monitor
  * User 2: Middle monitor
  * User 3: Right monitor
  * User 4: Video projector
  * User 5: Goggles

Sample switch settings at BIAC6:\\
{{http://hawking.biac.duke.edu/public/vswitchBiac6.jpg?600x400}}


If you are running the VideoSwitch software on the stimulus control computer, it might be a good idea to exit from this switching program after you have set the video connections, before running your stimulus control software. This is because the software used to control the switch might possibly affect the timing and display properties of other programs when both are running at the same time.

  * [[biac:experimentalcontrol:kvm|Back to Video switch]]
  * [[biac:experimentalcontrol|Back to Experimental Control System]]