ASTAR FAQ
Record button is clicked but nothing happens
The ASTAR had worked prior but does not now
The Audio Hit Sensor (AHS) is not working
How to setup the ASTAR Configuration Setup
64 bit error occurs when installing models
Transfer ASTAR software and license to another computer
Doubles shaft or blurry video when playback
An error occurred when installing ASTAR from a web site download
How do I auto un-install older version of ASTAR prior to installing a newer version?
Why will the ASTAR software not Un-install?
Two DV camcorders will not work with one IEEE 1394 card even though the card has two ports?
Two DV camcorders will not work with two different 1394 adapters?
Saving old video clips and Video capture
How can I save old video clips when I upgrade to a newer ASTAR version?
How do I restore old video clips after I upgrade to the newer ASTAR version?
How do I start or stop “Automatic replay” after capturing clips?
What are the recommended video capture devices to use with ASTAR?
Why does capture clip continuously when I Click on Record?
Swings are not captured when selecting Record button?
Check for the correct driver for Video Card
Check sound input on Win XP or Vista
Camera quick test, using single camera
Quick camera check, using two DV cameras
Video clips that have been copied or moved from another source will not play
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED
Record button is clicked but nothing happens
Issue 1: Camera is connected but it is not detected by computer. There are four (4) potential causes:
1. The digital video camera is not a “Plug and Play” camera
· “Plug and Play” is a
notation given to a camera in which the computer automatically detects and
configures the device (DV/ Firewire video cameras such as those made by Cannon,
JVC, Panasonic, etc).
Resolution:
Using a Plug and Play digital camera verify that the camera is connected correctly and follow the steps: Turn the camera (s) power on. Select Camera, and confirm video is displaying in the viewfinder. The computer will recognize the new camera the first time that the device is connected to it and load its driver.
If using Windows XP:
A Digital Video Device (AutoPlay dialog box) window will open and will ask whether to Record video using windows movie maker or take no action. Select the take no action and then click OK.
Open “My Computer” icon on the windows desktop by double clicking it. A camera icon/name will be seen in My Computer window panel. This will verify that the operating system has properly loaded the necessary windows device drivers. Double click on the camera icon and a view window will open up showing the live video feed from the camera.
If using Windows
An “AutoPlay” window will open. Click on “Import video” and then click “next” on the import video window to view the live picture from the camera. Click “cancel” to close the import video window panel. The camera is set up and detected by the computer.
Note
· If you are using multiple cameras
verify that your computer has the necessary resources. If your computer has the
necessary resources you should be able to see multiple camera icons in
“My Computer Windows” for XP or “Computer Windows” for
2. The digital video camera supports streaming video via USB port connection (examples include: Web cam or some digital video cameras). A driver from a CD or download must be installed before the computer can detect the camera.
Resolution:
Same resolution as steps listed in #1 above.
3. The camera is neither of the ones noted in #1 and #2 above, but a digital camera (a digital still camera that will capture video) and is connected via USB port.
· These cameras do not support a live feed to the computer and thus not usable to capture live video clips.
Resolution:
Video clips captured within this camera can only be imported into ASTAR via its “Import” function. See documentation in Help menu
4. Camera is not turned on.
Resolution:
Turn the camera power on.
Note
· DV cameras are designed to turn off automatically if a tape is inserted in the camera or a battery is use as the power source after a certain period of time has elapsed. This is to conserve power when the camera is not actively in use. This may also be the cause why the camera power is off.
Issue 2: Bad Cable or Connection
· You have a bad connection on either the camera connector side or the computer connector side or both.
Resolution:
Inspect the connectors on both Camera and the computer side for bent pin, corroded pins, etc. If need, replace cable
Issue 3: Wrong settings in ASTAR Configuration Setup
· Multiple cameras are selected to capture (“Capture video with this camera” for camera B, C or D checked/selected on a single camera setup) and only one camera is connected for capture.
· Camera A and B selections are pointing to the same camera in “Video Capture Device” (Microsoft DV camera and VCR) area on a multiple camera setup.
· “Use hardware overlay device to display live video” is selected.
Resolution:
If connecting single camera, un-check “Capture video with this camera” for Camera B, C or D for a single camera use. Make sure only one camera selection is pointed to the same camera (Microsoft DV camera and VCR).
Un-check “Use hardware overlay device” if selected/checked.
Issue 4: Missing or Incorrect Sound Driver
· Incorrect sound card driver is selected or the computer does not have sound card driver installed.
Resolution:
· Check sound drivers, microphone connection and setup.
· Check microphone setup options
a. Open Speech in Control Panel.
b. On the Speech Recognition tab, click Audio Input, and then click Properties.
c. Select this audio input device and select the default sound drivers installed in your system.
Use this audio input device allows you to select another line for audio input. The options present all audio line possibilities for the system.
· Check the input sound levels
a. Open Speech in Control Panel.
b. On the Speech Recognition tab, the Microphone box displays a linear register of the input sounds. If the microphone is accepting input, a bar is displayed indicating the sound level. Normal speech should register slightly less than halfway on the graph.
c. If no sound registers, make sure the microphone is turned on; a few models have a mute switch. Also, double-check the connections to the computer. Some systems have several locations where a microphone can be plugged in.
· Check the input volume settings
a. Open Speech in Control Panel.
b. On the Speech Recognition tab, click Audio Input, and then click Volume.
c. A volume control mixer will be displayed. Adjust the appropriate device to the required level.
Notes
· To open a Control Panel item, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the appropriate icon.
The ASTAR had worked prior but does not now
· Corrupted files.
· Installing of new software that is conflicting with ASTAR.
Resolution:
Restore your system to earlier time.
System Restore used to restore a computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs, without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e-mail). System Restore monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points.
The System Restore Wizard is found using START/ Program/ Accessories / System. It guides you through the steps of each task in System Restore.
When you run the wizard to restore your computer to an
earlier state, it displays the following screens:
Welcome to System Restore
This screen gives you the option to restore your computer
to an earlier time or state.
Select a Restore Point
This screen allows you to pick a date on the calendar and
then select a restore point to restore your computer to an earlier state.
Confirm Restore Point selection
This screen allows you to change your mind about the
selected restore point or the restoration and to save all files and close all
programs before starting the restoration. After you confirm the selection, the
restoration process starts, the system restarts, and a user logon screen is
displayed.
Restoration Complete
This screen indicates your restoration has been
successful. If the restoration fails, the Restoration was unsuccessful screen
is displayed, and no changes are made to your computer.
The Audio Hit Sensor (AHS) is not working
Cause 1: Bad microphone or loose connection
Resolution:
Plug and Unplug microphone and/ or replace bad microphone.
Cause 2: Incorrect settings in ASTAR Configuration Setup.
Resolution:
Confirm that the sound card is selected in “Audio Impact” section of Capture tab.
Cause 3: No sound drivers installed on your system.
Resolution:
From Windows control panel, select “Speech” to check if the sound card driver is installed in your system.
Cause 4: The recording volume input settings is too low.
Resolution:
Adjust sound recording input accordingly.
How to setup the ASTAR Configuration Setup
Resolution:
Go to ASTAR Help menu >> contents >> Chapter 5 for the correct ASTAR Configuration tables settings.
64 bit error occurs when installing models
Manually install models using the Windows explorer.
1. Open My Documents or Documents.
2. Right click the CD-ROM or “Golf020906 (d:) drive and select explore.
3. Right click the “Model” folder and select copy.
4. Open local C: drive.
5. Open Astar3 folder.
6. Right click on any “Empty” space on the right panel and select paste.
Transfer ASTAR software and license to another computer
In order for the ASTAR license to be transferred from an existing computer to a different computer, the software registration key needs to be removed and verified
Remove the ASTAR License Key
Step 1. Left click Start button then click run.
Step 2. Type the word “command” without the quote on the open space then click OK. Dos windows will pop-up. The Alternate way is to Click on Start >> Programs >> Accessories >> C:\ Command Prompt.
Step 3. Type in “cd\Astar3\exe” on the blinking cursor to go to the “exe” folder under dos.
Step 4. Type in “teachingtool.exe unregister” and then hit enter.
Step 5. Windows will load and then confirmation windows will pop-up.
Step 6. Click the OK button to continue.
Step 7. Write down the confirmation code listed then press all three of the numbered buttons to confirm that you’ve copied down the number and then press OK.
NOTE:
Send the confirmation code to registration@astarls.com to confirm removal. Once received, a new key can be released for a different system.
Step 8. Type the word “exit” in the dos prompts to close the dos windows.
Step 9. Start Astar application. Select No
to the Key Required windows that pop-up to revert to the default setting which
is to enter a new license key # to use Astar with this system. You can then
remove the ASTAR program from your system via windows control panel.
Older ASTAR video clips can be transferred to a newer version of ASTAR by copying or moving the video clips to the new system, using the Import function.
To copy or move video clips
1. If the video clip(s) you want to copy or move is (are) in a CD, insert it into your CD-Rom. If they are located in a folder. Open the folder.
2. Open ASTAR, select File menu and click on Import.
3. Follow
the windows instruction.
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Import |
Function |
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Select File, then Import. A Browse window will appear. Select the video to be imported. Software will prompt on location to be stored. |
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Import |
Function |
Doubles shaft or blurry video when playback
Cause 1: Incorrect ASTAR Configuration Settings.
· The “Capture device is interlaced” in capture tab is not selected.
Resolution:
Select the “Capture device is interlaced” in the capture tab configuration table.
Cause 2: Incorrect camera shutter speed settings.
· Camera is set to automatic shutter speed mode or camera does not support manual shutter control.
Resolution:
Set the camera to manual mode, if possible and set the shutter speed to 1/1000 or faster.
An error occurred when installing ASTAR from a web site download
Causes
· Created ASTAR installation CD from the files downloaded web site is not done correctly.
· The folders Application, B, Setup, Setup_LessonEditor and Sports, were not copied properly to the root directory of the CD.
Resolution:
Recreate a new ASTAR installation CD. Make sure that the folders (Application, B, Setup, etc...) are copied into the root directory of the installation CD and not placed inside another folder.
Incorrect Path installation CD
Correct Path installation CD
ASTAR Software
How do I auto un-install older version of ASTAR prior to installing a newer version?
1. Close all programs.
2. Insert the ASTAR Installation CD in your CD-Rom.
3. Click Ok to the question “Do you want to completely remove the selected application and its entire components?” The new version of ASTAR will detect the old version and a Confirm File Deletion panel will show up.
4. Remove and re-insert the ASTAR installation CD to your CD-Rom and follow the instruction on the screen.
5. After inserting the ASTAR installation CD, the INSTALLATION program will launch. You may choose to abort the INSTALL process at this point. (If you abort, no software will be installed into the computer). The individual files will be unpacked and placed into a directory on your hard disk. The default path for this directory is C:\ASTAR3
Why will the ASTAR software not Un-install?
Causes
This issue can occur if the ASTAR program is interrupted and does not remove the appropriate information from the windows registry key during the un-installation process.
Resolution
1. To resolve this issue, use Registry Editor (Start, Run, type in “Regedit” in the text box and then click OK) to delete the appropriately named directory from the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ASTAR
2. Find and removed all the folders listed under the ASTAR directory folder.
3. Save and Close the registry file.
4. Using Windows Explore, delete all ASTAR folders created in C:\ drive.
5. Reboot the system, insert the new ASTAR version CD into the CR-Rom and then follow the on-screen instructions.
6. The alternative solution is to install the Microsoft Power Tool called “Tweak UI” program. Use the “Tweak UI” to uninstall the ASTAR program. Tweak UI may or may not be on the system you are using.
Warning:
If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serous problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. ASTAR cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that results from using the Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
Camera Cables
IEEE-1394 is a standard communications protocol for high-speed, short-distance data transfer. It is also called 1394 “ï LINK.”
Multiple cameras
Two DV camcorders will not work with one IEEE 1394 card even though the card has two ports?
Causes
There is a limited amount of available bandwidth for ISOCH data on the IEEE 1394 bus. Microsoft Windows Operating System does not support two camcorders on a single IEEE 1394 PCI Card.
Two DV camcorders will not work with two different 1394 adapters?
Resolution
· For Laptops, the PCMCIA IEEE 1394 cards should be from different manufacturers using different OHCI compliant IEEE 1394 host controller drivers, i.e. NEC and Texas Instrument or the Windows Operating System will not recognized the two cameras. Two Firewire inputs cannot share the same “Host Controller Driver” when capturing video from two Video cameras.
· For Desktops, two IEEE 1394 Firewire cards from the same manufacturer using the same IEEE 1394 host controller drivers can be used.
Saving old video clips and Video capture
How can I save old video clips when I upgrade to a newer ASTAR version?
1. Right Click My Computer icon.
2. Highlight and the click Explore.
3. Locate the drive where the clips are saved (Default is the folder named “Students” under “ASTAR3” directory).
4. Rename the folder where the clips are saved to a new name (i.e. “Students” into “Studentsold”)
Note
· The above procedure applies only if you will be using the same hard disk drive and you are just upgrading your ASTAR software to a newer version. If you are changing the hard disk drive, we recommend you save your old clips in a removable media (CD).
How do I restore old video clips after I upgrade to the newer ASTAR version?
1. Open the Astar application.
2. On the file menu click on import
3. “Select a Video File to Import” from wherever source your old video clips resides.
4. “Select a location for the Imported File”.
5. Import function of Astar application will create and new .ASI to associate with that .AVI file.
6. Any old .ASI with all the old graphics associated with that .AVI file will be removed.
How do I start or stop “Automatic replay” after capturing clips?
Select Edit menu, select Options, Select or de-select “show an instant replay after capturing clips”.
What are the recommended video capture devices to use with ASTAR?
ASTAR recommend one of the following video capture devices:
Laptops:
· Firewire (IEEE1394) PCMCIA card supporting Windows XP and Vista Operating System
Desktops:
· Firewire (IEEE1394) PCI card supporting Windows XP and Vista Operating System
· Firewire Camera’s may be connected directly to any Firewire ports on the Desktop System (DV Camera’s do not require any additional capture device).
Why does capture clip continuously when I Click on Record?
If you set your system to detect impact with the use of Audio Hit Sensor via the sound card and the volume setting of the microphone control selection in the recording control properties of windows volume control is too high, the system will hear ambient sound that will trigger capture clips continuously. You have to manually adjust the microphone record control volume in the recording control properties of windows volume control lower to an optimum setting.
If you did not connect any cable routing the sound via the computer headphone/speaker output of the laptop into the Digital camera microphone input (disabling the built-in microphone of the camera), and you have selected to use the DV camera audio track to detect impact in ASTAR configuration, the triggering impact sound will be coming from the built-in microphone of the DV camera. This can also cause the continuous capture of the video clips.
Note
· Sensitivity of ASTAR to capture clips are controlled by the volume setting of Windows operating system and also thru the impact offset or microphone impact threshold adjustment in ASTAR configuration table window.
Swings are not captured when selecting Record button?
Clicking on Record button puts the software in a “ready” to capture mode. Live video will display in the video display window. The capture process will occur when or the following triggers occur:
· With the automatic hit detector”, the sound of the club striking the ball.
· By clicking on the right mouse button at the center of the desire motion (for golf or baseball when the ball is being struck.
· By clicking on the “Capture Video icon.
Error Codes
Causes
The ASTAR software cannot recognize the selected video clip. If there is inadequate time between captures a video file (.avi) was not created but its counterpart file was created (.asi). These are called orphaned clips and trying to play them an error 38 or 500 will result.
Resolution
Delete all orphaned clips. Use the following procedure:
1. Right click My Computer icon, select Explore to open it.
2. Point to (+) sign next to the C drive and then click to open it (expand). Expand ASTAR3 folder, the Camera folder and then the student folder that the Error 38 occurred in.
3. Highlight the orphaned file(s) and delete it or them. If you have multiple orphaned files, point to the first file and then left click the mouse to select it and then point to the last orphaned file and while holding the shift key button of the keyboard, left click the mouse again to select all the files. While holding the shift key button, point to the files you want to delete and then right click the mouse and select delete from the drop down menu that popped up.
4. When you finished deleting all the orphaned files, open ASTAR.
5. Click on the “Delete All Clips” button located at the left side of ASTAR video display area to reset Astar Camera Buffer to Student 1.
Causes
1. The video camera is not a “Plug and Play” camera (DV) or Streaming supported video camera
2. Incorrect sound card driver.
3. Incorrect ASTAR Setup Configuration settings.
4. The camera is not providing a valid video feed to the computer.
5. Camera selection in Setup Configuration settings is not correct.
Resolution:
1. Use a Plug and Play digital video camera (DV with IEEE 1394 output port) or video camera supporting streaming. (Driver is required)
2. Go to the control panel and check speech properties.
3. Compare your setup configuration table against the Setup Configuration setting listed in the ASTAR help menu.
4. Check you connections, cables or power.
5. Camera A and Camera B (C or D) are pointing on the same video capture device (Microsoft DV camera and VCR) in Setup Configuration. Select a separate video capture device for each camera.
Causes
Computer hard disk drive runs out of space.
ASTAR Configuration settings not set properly.
Resolution
Check for the available hard disk drive space.
1. Right click My Computer icon, point to Explore, and then click Explore to open it.
2. Point to (C) or (D) drive (where you have your library located), right click and then point to properties and open it.
3. You should see how much available space on your hard disk.
Check the ASTAR configuration table:
1. Select Settings menu/ ASTAR Configuration.
2. Check all the tabs for correct settings.
Causes
ASTAR configuration setting for your Audio Hit Sensor or your system sound card is not set properly.
Resolution
Check the ASTAR configuration settings:
Select Settings menu, then ASTAR Configuration. See Help files for correct settings.
Causes
Video overlay not initialized or there is no live video input.
Wrong video capture device driver installed.
Resolution
1. Verify correct video capture drivers for the video card.
2. Check camera video input.
3. Verify
that that “Live Video Hardware Overlay” in Live Video Tab within
Astar Configuration is not selected.
Miscellaneous
Check for the correct driver for Video Card
Windows XP or
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1. Right click My Computer or Computer icon, point to Properties, and then click Properties to open it. 2. Point to the Hardware tab and then click to open it. 3. Point to the Device manager button and then click to open it. 4. You should see (+) sign next to the category of various devices your computer uses. 5. Point to the category and then that device representing your video card, right click, and point to properties and then click to open it. Check to see if that device is working properly |
Note
· Any yellow mark (question mark or exclamation point”) anywhere is indicative of the driver or player that is not installed properly for your particular device. Re-install your driver and player. This is causing your problem. You have to solve this issue before going any further.
Check sound input on Win XP or Vista
Windows XP or
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1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click Sound and Audio Devices, and then click the Audio tab. 3. Under Audio tab, check and ensure that the Sound Playback and Sound Recording preferred device is the sound card installed and the “use only preferred devices are checked-selected”. 4. Click Apply or OK. 5. Point to the volume button under sound Playback default device and then click to open volume control. Set the microphone-sliding bar to halfway point. Close the volume control window. 6. Point to the volume button under Sound Recording default device and then click to open recording control window. Set the microphone-sliding bar to the one bar from the lowest point. Click options and check advanced controls. Select Advanced. Check and make sure that the AGC or +20db boost is not selected. Close the recording control window. 7. Select the volume tab. Check-select the place volume icon in the taskbar. Clicks apply. 8. Close the sounds and audio device properties window. |
Note
· The microphone setting in the recording properties controls the sound, via AHS (Microphone), coming into to the system.
Camera quick test, using single camera
DV camera
1. Double left click My Computer or Computer.
2. Double left click the camera icon.
3. Video picture from you camera should be showing here. If not checked your connection and or you camera.
Quick camera check, using two DV cameras
1. Right Click My Computer or Computer, point to Explore, and then click it.
2. If your camera connection is (are) correct, the name of your DV camera(s) should be listed here.
3. Double click the name of your DV camera(s) to open it one at a time. If you can open multiple cameras and see live video at the same time, your computer has the necessary resources to use in ASTAR.
4. A window will open up showing a live picture from the camera. If not, check for proper camera power or connection. You have to resolve this issue before using ASTAR.
Note
· If the picture does not show up in Windows, it will not show up in ASTAR.
1. Right click My Computer icon, point to Explore, and then click Explore to open it.
2. Point to (+) sign next to the C drive and then click to open it (Expand). Expand ASTAR3 folder, the Camera folder and then the Student 1 folder.
3. Highlight the orphaned files by pointing to it and then clicking the left mouse button. If you have multiple orphaned files, point to the first file and then left click the mouse to select it and then point to the last orphaned file and while holding the shift key button of the keyboard, left click the mouse again to select all the files. While holding the shift key button, point to the files you want to delete and then right click the mouse and select delete from the drop down menu that pop-up.
4. When you finished deleting all the orphaned files, open ASTAR.
5. Click on the “Delete All Clips” button located at the left side of ASTAR video display area to reset the ASTAR camera buffer to student 1.
Note
· An Orphaned clip is the result of too sensitive AHS or the timing between captured video clips is less than 3 seconds and is too fast.
Video clips that have been copied or moved from another source will not play
Causes
There was no .asi file which is required by ASTAR software.
Resolution
Use the Import to import clips. The Import function will create the required .asi files for each video (.avi) file.