Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is designed to answer the questions most commonly asked about our software and hardware. If you do not find your question in this list, please contact us and we will be glad to help you directly.

  1. Do you support digital video tape formats?

  2. Do you support digital video file formats?

  3. Is OCS Tools compatible with other statistical software?

  4. Is OCS Tools compatible with Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, etc.?

  5. Can I use any VCR with OCS/VES?

  1. Do you support digital video tape formats?

    We offer systems compatible with both DV and miniDV tapes.

  2. Do you support digital video file formats?

    We offer PC hardware devices which display video on the PC's monitor. These devices are also capable of recording video in various file formats, including AVI and MPEG. See Digital Video Windowing System for more information. In the future, TRC will offer versions of OCS and VES compatible with MPEG file formats.

  3. Is OCS Tools compatible with other statistical software?

    OCS allows you to export datasets as ASCII text files, so any statistical program which can read one of those will be able to receive the information. In the case of sequential analysis, OCS allows you to export datasets in a form compatible with the software program SIDS.

  4. Is OCS Tools compatible with Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, etc.?

    Any software package which is capable of reading ASCII text files will be able to read an OCS Report. Also, a database output version of OCS will be available soon.

  5. Can I use any VCR with OCS/VES?

    There are several factors involved in the use of a VCR within a lab setting. First of all, we recommend that you use industrial/professional VCRs rather than commercial VCRs, especially if you plan to do any video editing. TRC routinely sells high-quality industrial VCRs as part of our lab systems.

    Another factor involved in VCR use is whether or not the software can read and write time to tapes played on that VCR. OCS Tools software can write and read VITC timecode to and from any analog VCR; VES can read VITC from any analog VCR. The software can also synchronize time with certain digital tape machines, camcorders and VCRs. Machine timecode is not necessary, however; OCS can write human-readable timecode to the image on the tape.

    The last factor is the issue of control. OCS Tools and VES cannot directly control all brands of VCRs. For these situations, both programs enable you to perform tasks without computer control of the VCRs. OCS allows you to code events and generate timecode while manually controlling the VCR. VES not only allows manual editing, it also allows the creation of EDL files for export to other video editing programs.