| Windows XP Embedded PC captures video |
Feb. 28, 2008
 Matrox Imaging has announced a small-footprint computer that runs Windows XP Embedded (XPe) and targets video-capture applications. The 4Sight X features dual gigabit Ethernet ports, three IEEE 1394 a/b ports, eight USB ports, and PCI expansion slots that accept optional frame grabbers, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of Matrox's 4Sight X)
Available with the optional cameras seen above, the 4Sight X supports every known way of capturing video, Matrox says. Video capture methods supported either by standard ports or optional frame grabber modules include analog, gigabit Ethernet, IEE 1394, LVDS, RS422, and USB.
On its front panel (seen in the picture above), the 4Sight X includes two gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB ports, and both DVI and VGA video outputs. It also has a connector for up to 32 TTL-compatible I/Os, which can monitor various analog and digital input states with the aid of products such as Opto's Snap modules. This lets the 4Sight X synchronize image acquisition with other external events, according to Matrox.
On the rear panel, the 4Sight X has an audio input and output, two serial ports, and three IEEE 1394a/b ports. The rear also houses a power input, along with LED status lights that monitor power, hard drive activity, and other diagnostics.
Expansion possibilities continue internally, with four more USB ports, plus one 32-bit, 33MHz PCI expansion slot. PCI Express is featured also, supporting one four-lane device or four one-lane devices.
Matrox's optional "Solios" frame grabber modules use PCI Express, feature up to 512MB of dedicated RAM, and support the cameras pictured above via LVDS. Meanwhile, the "Morphis Dual" board uses PCI, offers up to 16MB of DDR DRAM, and can perform simultaneous video capture from two independent sources, according to Matrox. The Morphis, capable of switching between sixteen CVBS or eight Y/C video channels, can optionally perform real-time JPEG2000 video encoding without the help of the 4Sight X's CPU.
Speaking of which, the 4Sight X uses a 1.8GHZ Celeron 530 processor or a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo (T7500). Via the Intel GME965 chipset and ICH8 southbridge, both 533MHz and 667MHz DDR2 RAM are supported, in capacities ranging from 512MB to 4GB. The 4SightX has a 40GB hard disk drive.
Matrox 4Sight X block diagram
(Click to enlarge)
Matrox says the 4Sight X can run Windows XP Professional, but it touts preinstalled XPe instead as being "more stable and secure" and occupying a smaller memory footprint. The enhanced write filter (EWF) available with XPe can prevent data from being written to the hard disk, and also enables the use of optional solid-state storage, the company says.
Features and specifications listed by Matrox for the 4Sight X include:- Processor -- 1.8GHz Celeron 530 or 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo
- Memory -- from 512MB to 4GB of DDR2 DRAM (533MHz or 667MHz)
- Storage -- 40 GB HDD (can be replaced with optional flash)
- Display:
1 x DVI output offering resolution up to 1600 x 1200
- 1 x VGA output offering resolution up to 2048 x 1536
- Networking -- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Other I/O:
- 3 x IEE 1394a/b ports
- 8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 internal, 4 external)
- 2 x SATA 2.0
- 2 x serial (1 RS232, 1 RS232/RS485)
- audio in/out
- 32 TTL-compatible auxiliary I/Os:
- 16 inputs, up to 9V tolerant
- 16 outputs (open collector), 100mA max. @ 5 to 24VDC
- compatible with OPTO 22 Snap I/O and G4 series
- Expansion:
- 1 x 32-bit, 33MHz PCI slot (PCI-104)
- PCI Express, 4 x 1 lane or 1 x 4 lane
- Power supply -- 12-24VDC input, via 110-240VAC adapter
- Dimensions -- 8.2 x 7.2 x 3.3 inches
- Operating temperature -- 10 to 50 deg. C (50 to 122 deg. F)
Available during the first quarter of 2008, the 4Sight X costs approximately $2,000, according to Matrox.
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