enosoft dv questions for jM

[ßsimian]

does the enosoft dv codec replace the ms one? and does the free version still expire after 30 days and then not run and nag you?

[JohnnyMalaria]

Yes, it does replace it but you can enable/disable it as necessary in case you need the MS one.

It expires after 15 days at which time you should uninstall it (or disable it from the Start menu).

[ßsimian]

i was hoping the time limit had been removed.

you should probably stop using "free" in your sig and not commercially spam the forum anymore since it's just a retail trial.

[JohnnyMalaria]

You are confusing two different products:

Enosoft DV Processor (free + no time limit for personal use - product in signature)
Enosoft Enhanced DV Decoder (not free, 15-day trial)

John.

[ßsimian]

does the dv processor also use the enosoft dv codec? i tried one of them, maybe a year ago, i thought was the "free" for personal use one, but it expired and left the enosoft dv codec in place of the microsoft one even after i uninstalled it.

[JohnnyMalaria]

No, the processor uses its own custom codec that isn't visible to the rest of the OS. The only thing the free version does is a small reminder when you close the program. The processor cannot expire.

We did have a very few reports about uninstallation issues with the decoder. We provide a utility script to remove stubborn installations.

[doggyjumper]

Been trying out the Enosoft DV Processor but encountered something weird
(DV-> processor -> other software) .
Seems to work fine but the moment one activates one of the processes at about regular intervals there are plain blue frames poping up .
one of the processes I tried out was correcting the white balance ( either from direct capture or from file to file )
Result were , sorry , poor , lots of artifacts in the endresult )

Any ideas ?

Tnx

[JohnnyMalaria]

The blue frame is added to the free unlicensed version. A complete list of limitations of the free version is given in the README file that you can access on the Start menu.

Can you describe the artifacts you are experiencing?

Thanks!

[aedipuss]

The blue frame is added to the free unlicensed version. A complete list of limitations of the free version is given in the README file that you can access on the Start menu.

well that just bites. it's not really free for personal use, it's just an advertising gimmick. a free personal version would be the "real" one without any changes. you should put the readme in plain sight on the download page before anyone make the mistake of thinking they are getting a full working version. bait and switch is what it sounds like at the present time.

[doggyjumper]

well that just bites...

I agree: even my personal usage videos (for free) I dont want blue frames in them or anything else

Can you describe the artifacts you are experiencing?

No but I can show you ( for free)

[JohnnyMalaria]

The blue frame only occurs when using the software in a specific way. It is not always added. The differences between the unlicensed and licensed versions are displayed during the installation process.

Specifically, the software operates in a number of modes: Device-to-File, File-to-File, File-to-Device and Device-to-Device. NONE of the features of the software are affected EXCEPT for Device-to-Device processing. i.e., if you want to capture to disk and simultaneously add a logo, correct the color etc, you can. The same is true for processing existing files and creating new output files or processing an existing file and sending the result via FireWire to a DV device on the fly. Device-to-Device processing allows an incoming DV signal to be processed and sent on-the-fly to another attached DV device (real or virtual). In this mode, the blue frame is added. This is the only function of the software that spoils the video in some way. All of the automation features are also available. The unlicensed version is single-threaded.

[doggyjumper]

Device-to-Device processing allows an incoming DV signal to be processed and sent on-the-fly to another attached DV device (real or virtual). In this mode, the blue frame is added. This is the only function of the software that spoils the video in some way.

exactly what most would use it for I imagine .
now how can one then test if (for later purchase) under real circumstances the program is up to par and can can cope with the particular use ?
A real test doesnt happen at the desk but in the fields IMO (live situations)

IMPORTANT! - Before purchasing a license, make sure you have fully tested the unlicensed version and verified compatibility with your system. Once purchased, no refunds will be given

A complete list of limitations of the free version is given in the README file that you can access on the Start menu.

So the sign and website are making false claims !

2. For evaluation for commercial use. You may use this software for a period of 30 days in a commercial setting solely for assessing its suitability and compatibility.

Can't because of the blue frames

btw the artifacts where file to file

[JohnnyMalaria]

doggyjumper,

Please describe how you are using the software - i.e., the source type and output type? You should only see blue frames when the input is a DV device and the output is neither the video renderer nor a file.

Those artifacts look like the consequence of pushing the video proc amp too high. This is explained in the Help file:

The Enosoft DV Processor does not validate the “legality” of any adjusted signals since it would be too prohibitive in terms of CPU use. You should use the Waveform monitor and Vectorscope displays to determine the maximum appropriate adjustment.

Technically, the software does all the processing either directly on the raw DV stream with no decoding or in the DCT domain. Detecting single blown out pixels requires decompressing to the spatial domain. Transformation to/from the DCT and spatial domains is the single most intensive part of the decompression/recompression process requiring between 10 and 100 times as much CPU time as the rest of the process. To do it this way would make the real-time processing impossible. Adjustment of brightness/contrast should be performed with careful reference to the waveform monitor. If you need to purposefully blow the whites out you will need to use an alternative solution that does fully decompress the video for processing and operates significantly slower.

[JohnnyMalaria]

doggyjumper,

If you are testing the software for suitability for a commercial application, please contact me (johnATenosoft.net). We have frequently provided licensed versions for evaluation purposes upon request.

[doggyjumper]

I was testing in a live situation where due to circumstances light etc where not favourable and cam not accesible for adjusting ( get that it might have been to much pushing it maybe )

tried adjusting with the software ( source DV cam) to final capture software (->virtual dv)
Lucky I also recorded on tape else ....my potential clients would have had video with blue frames
(= real life testing enviroment ! )

Understand protection but frankly it might be best to mention on the website that there are limitations ( not just the readme file ! ) as such I would have been warned better . I find it all misleading .

Guess a avisynth tweak during my batchprocessing might be easyer
Its hard enough to tweak a life stream in a cold and wet surrounding, uncomfortable position etc

Not saying the software isnt capable or worth it , but maybe in my case it ultimatly isnt
Could argue direct save to disk , but what I use I will keep using becasue of the ease of orgenising the short clips while in the field ( naming, categorizing etc).

[JohnnyMalaria]

I appreciate the feedback. The release of 1.5 included the new virtual DV function. It is a separate DirectShow filter that the main software recognizes as a DV device, hence the blue frame. We need to modify the algorithm to exclude the virtual DV filter from triggering the blue frames. I will update the website (tomorrow, I hope) to make things clear regarding the limitations. With version 1.0, it wasn't such an issue.

In the meantime, I am more than happy to provide a version you can test with the blue frame restrictions removed.

I'm sorry you have had a disappointing experience and am grateful for you taking the time to voice your valid criticisms.

[aedipuss]

how about changing the terminology. right now it's crippleware masquerading as a free personal version. maybe call it a restricted demo, or some such? if you piss off the demoees they are less likely to purchase later. some might even have thought the blue frames were a flaw in the program. not many read the "readme"s.

[doggyjumper]

well thats what I thought how I acted , my apologies
I never go to the readme , but to the help (for the parts that are not selfexplanetory, and if that is not clear , well away it goes)
If somehting is worthwile and satisfactory I consider buying it else I find another way.

Free is an easy word, mostly its download free and then ... bingo into the bin

[JohnnyMalaria]

The issues discussed have been addressed. Please refer to our website.

Thanks.