X10 Community Forum

📸Cameras & Camera Software => Camera General Discussion => Topic started by: birdzeye on November 13, 2008, 11:37:00 AM

Title: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: birdzeye on November 13, 2008, 11:37:00 AM
Anyone used it yet? Be nice if it were true and lived up to the advertising. Having been burned by the poor image quality and non-functionality of the "old" va11a, I'm skeptical. ::)
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: wvms on November 13, 2008, 12:17:47 PM
As always, the ads are full of sizzle but don't tell us anything about what cut of steak they're serving. What does "Hi-Res" mean? That the old system munged 640x480 doiwn to QVGA or overcompressed and this one doesn't?  And "HD?" I can't believe they're offering a 720p or 1080i camera...
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Don N on November 13, 2008, 06:18:16 PM
birdzeye -- Thanks for posting this question.  I was wondering the same thing.  Anyone using the VA11A and then updating to the VA12A?  I would be willing to toss in a few bucks, along with several other folks, to have someone buy it and test it.   -:)
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on November 13, 2008, 09:22:16 PM
...... And "HD?" I can't believe they're offering a 720p or 1080i camera...

I have often wondered (mused) about when the cameras would go Hi-Def. It's only a matter of time isn't it.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: steven r on November 14, 2008, 02:21:18 AM
...Anyone using the VA11A and then updating to the VA12A?...
Yes and I'm very pleased with the improved resolution of the VA12A.
The ad below says the VA12A is "new and improved 720 x 480 resolution". I don't know what the resolution is for the VA11A but the VA12A is clearly better for me.

http://www.x10.com/promotions/va12a_ed_hires_1112.html
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: -Bill- (of wgjohns.com) on November 14, 2008, 03:03:17 AM
...Anyone using the VA11A and then updating to the VA12A?...
Yes and I'm very pleased with the improved resolution of the VA12A.
The ad below says the VA12A is "new and improved 720 x 480 resolution". I don't know what the resolution is for the VA11A but the VA12A is clearly better for me.

http://www.x10.com/promotions/va12a_ed_hires_1112.html

Thanks for the informative link! #:)

   >!
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Jsnlong on November 14, 2008, 10:00:46 AM
Wow sounds like they improved something and not just gave something a new name!! and they even gave it a new part number.  #:)


Someone in that little porn like website  rofl is listening
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on November 14, 2008, 03:39:21 PM
Someone in that little porn like website 

I would have never called X10 Web Site "porn like".... THANK YOU!
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Jsnlong on November 14, 2008, 04:03:17 PM
rofl

Sorry Dave for the "porn like" remark but the half naked women and all the pop ads just made me think of porn sites but not like I have seen any to compare!!  :'
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: tom j on November 15, 2008, 12:57:43 AM
...Anyone using the VA11A and then updating to the VA12A?...
Yes and I'm very pleased with the improved resolution of the VA12A.
The ad below says the VA12A is "new and improved 720 x 480 resolution". I don't know what the resolution is for the VA11A but the VA12A is clearly better for me.

http://www.x10.com/promotions/va12a_ed_hires_1112.html

Say how much did you pay I think they are asking 50 bucks just for video capture alone kind of steep, think it's actually worth it? Sure glad they posted this took the words..... well right out of my mouth.  :)%  #:)

Tom j.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Dan Lawrence on November 15, 2008, 07:44:37 AM
For only $79.99, you get the NEW High-Res USB Video Adaptor, the state-of-the-art Vanguard Internet Control Software and the USB cord to hook your camera (sold separately) up to your home PC AND a Motion-Activated PC Recording Kit! Oh, and we're even including a dedicated Video Receiver!


Direct from http://www.x10.com/promotions/va12a_ed_hires_1112.html
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: tom j on November 15, 2008, 11:01:46 PM
rofl

Sorry Dave for the "porn like" remark but the half naked women and all the pop ads just made me think of porn sites but not like I have seen any to compare!!  :'

You know he has a point if you really look at some of those adds they are pretty racy, I know they say you can sell more with sex but maybe x10 needs to turn down the volume a little.   ;D

Tom j.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: tom j on November 15, 2008, 11:17:25 PM
For only $79.99, you get the NEW High-Res USB Video Adaptor, the state-of-the-art Vanguard Internet Control Software and the USB cord to hook your camera (sold separately) up to your home PC AND a Motion-Activated PC Recording Kit! Oh, and we're even including a dedicated Video Receiver!


Direct from http://www.x10.com/promotions/va12a_ed_hires_1112.html

Hi Dan say do you have one? I heard there were problems with the Vanguard software? heard a lot of folks were unable to get it to work properly. Thanks

Tom j.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Dan Lawrence on November 15, 2008, 11:59:45 PM
Nope.  My X10 system is "plain vanalla".  No use for either the VA11A or the VA12A as don't have or need cameras.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: DB on November 16, 2008, 02:27:04 PM
I was wondering why they sell the new va12a with the vanguard software. Will it work with AHP software with it's new higher resolution?  They don't say. What about vista and which versions. Haven't been able to do any updates (still on V2.04) on vista 64 bit system because I get an error saying no va11a attached, it says there are updates available and when pressed AHP shuts down. I would be interested in purchasing their new package but I think these compounding issues will make it very difficult to make it work. Buy it and try it hasn't worked well for me in the past (vista) Once again it seems X10 is going to defer to this forum's members for answers.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: tom j on November 16, 2008, 03:06:44 PM
I was wondering why they sell the new va12a with the vanguard software. Will it work with AHP software with it's new higher resolution?  They don't say. What about vista and which versions. Haven't been able to do any updates (still on V2.04) on vista 64 bit system because I get an error saying no va11a attached, it says there are updates available and when pressed AHP shuts down. I would be interested in purchasing their new package but I think these compounding issues will make it very difficult to make it work. Buy it and try it hasn't worked well for me in the past (vista) Once again it seems X10 is going to defer to this forum's members for answers.


I was wondering why they sell the new va12a with the vanguard software. Will it work with AHP software with it's new higher resolution?

Thanks Dan, say great question DB! Anyone know if the new va12a will work with AHP I would hate to buy it to find out AFTER I made the purchase that it was incompatible, come on guys how about some help, someone has to have the goods on this. Thanks!

Tom j
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: steven r on November 16, 2008, 05:29:46 PM
...Will it work with AHP software with it's new higher resolution?...
I'm currently using it with AHP on an XP computer.

....What about vista and which versions....
I believe it has drivers for Vista but don't quote me on that.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: TheBigOldDog on November 16, 2008, 06:35:31 PM
...Anyone using the VA11A and then updating to the VA12A?...
Yes and I'm very pleased with the improved resolution of the VA12A.
The ad below says the VA12A is "new and improved 720 x 480 resolution". I don't know what the resolution is for the VA11A but the VA12A is clearly better for me.

http://www.x10.com/promotions/va12a_ed_hires_1112.html

Any chance you could provide a side-by-side screen shot?
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: birdzeye on November 16, 2008, 08:20:04 PM

I'm currently using it with AHP on an XP computer.

Is it able to record properly and still give a good picture? When I use my VA11A, AHP can't record for longer than 2sec and the speed is always too fast on playback---which might be more of a problem with AHP, but the picture quality is still absolutely terrible/not worth using with the VA11A.

I second TheBigOldDog's request for side-by-side screen shots---could you post some pictures, steven r?
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: steven r on November 16, 2008, 09:51:48 PM
Any chance you could provide a side-by-side screen shot?
Unfortunately I'm not in a position to do that because:


All that said, if I can come up with a picture from the VA12A that is of the same thing that I have taken using the VA11A, I'll see what I can do about posting it.
Of course any pictures will have to wait till I've upgraded to a larger drive.

Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Tuicemen on November 17, 2008, 04:25:31 PM
Actually steven r you could up load the pic to the forum you might have to re-size (shrink) them in order to be downloaded but if both were re-sized the same it would give a fair example!
If you only up load one pic per post you wouldn't have to re-size too much! ;)
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: jannison on November 20, 2008, 10:30:10 AM
I hav etried the VA12A with AHP and it will not function correctly. It works fine with Vanguard.
Apparently we have to wait for an update.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: DB on November 22, 2008, 05:20:50 PM
What is the vanguard software like? Can you use x10 signals to initiate recording?
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: pcaboo on December 03, 2008, 08:16:41 PM
Got a new VA12A yesterday. It's a big difference over the VA11A. As soon as I installed it, you can see a marked difference in resolution and clarity. X10 actually had a good deal: I picked up a VA12A,  XX20A lowlight B/W wireless camera, and a VR36A video receiver, as well as the Vanguard Software for $79.95
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: tom j on December 05, 2008, 01:36:17 AM
rofl

Sorry Dave for the "porn like" remark but the half naked women and all the pop ads just made me think of porn sites but not like I have seen any to compare!!  :'

Well porn is a little to strong. humm.... maybe soft porn might be more appropriate.  rofl

Tom j
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: sepways on December 14, 2008, 01:06:51 PM
I hav etried the VA12A with AHP and it will not function correctly. It works fine with Vanguard.
Apparently we have to wait for an update.

Same here...actually pretty mad I spent $50 for the Vista support and they forgot to tell me it wouldn't work with AHP...so now I'm still in the same boat only $50 short.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on December 14, 2008, 04:15:24 PM
Well X10 folks here is my shot at the comparison pics for the new VA12A.
There is no doubt that the unit, slightly smaller than the VA11A, is far better in capture of video and as you can see the Aztak is unbelievable. The Nightwatch turned out to be a great picture compared to the color X2 cam. All the cams here used are Wireless and receiver was only 10' away. When the cams are at the normal locations, reception as expected drops with a major increase in RF noise. So I hope to have all X2 cams MOD to wired ones, keep saying soon but maybe next year then.  rofl.

The VA12A was truly a plug and play on the Xp system. Did have it working on the laptop with vista and video came in with no issues. I did plug the VA11A back in and after restarting AHP it had no problem reverting to the settings of the VA11A. AHP is v3.236 and one note with Video setting under the VA12A, when you right click on the video screen you get not only the setting for contrast and brightness and others you also get an option for NTSC and PAL as well as a check mark for VCR, ?. will test with those later. The same results were achieved using v3.228 and VA12A. More play time is needed for more results. In need of more info then just ask.

OK Had problem with the pic will have up soon sorry.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on December 14, 2008, 04:42:17 PM
Here goes again. The 3 cams used are starting at the top is , X2 color cam, X2 Nightwatch Cam, Aztak Color Cam with Night Vision.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: sepways on December 14, 2008, 10:07:51 PM
Well X10 folks here is my shot at the comparison pics for the new VA12A.
There is no doubt that the unit, slightly smaller than the VA11A, is far better in capture of video and as you can see the Aztak is unbelievable. The Nightwatch turned out to be a great picture compared to the color X2 cam. All the cams here used are Wireless and receiver was only 10' away. When the cams are at the normal locations, reception as expected drops with a major increase in RF noise. So I hope to have all X2 cams MOD to wired ones, keep saying soon but maybe next year then.  rofl.

The VA12A was truly a plug and play on the Xp system. Did have it working on the laptop with vista and video came in with no issues. I did plug the VA11A back in and after restarting AHP it had no problem reverting to the settings of the VA11A. AHP is v3.236 and one note with Video setting under the VA12A, when you right click on the video screen you get not only the setting for contrast and brightness and others you also get an option for NTSC and PAL as well as a check mark for VCR, ?. will test with those later. The same results were achieved using v3.228 and VA12A. More play time is needed for more results. In need of more info then just ask.

OK Had problem with the pic will have up soon sorry.

So you had this working with Vista using AHP?  All I get is occasional blue lines...nothing else...no picture at all.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on December 14, 2008, 11:47:36 PM
Thanks sepways for pointing that out :)%, the VA12A did show up installed ok  on the laptop with vista when just pluggin it in but I did fail to check for the video picture on AHP, I had my desktop home setup ready with the cams attached to it, so I proceeded without following up. I will try to see the setup with vista and VA12A and see how the video shows up, sounds like I should expect the same as you.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: sepways on December 14, 2008, 11:50:35 PM
Thanks sepways for pointing that out :)%, the VA12A did show up installed ok  on the laptop with vista when just pluggin it in but I did fail to check for the video picture on AHP, I had my desktop home setup ready with the cams attached to it, so I proceeded without following up. I will try to see the setup with vista and VA12A and see how the video shows up, sounds like I should expect the same as you.
It seems so..let me know please.  Thanks!!!
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: steven r on December 15, 2008, 04:38:38 PM
Here goes again. The 3 cams used are starting at the top is , X2 color cam, X2 Nightwatch Cam, Aztak Color Cam with Night Vision.
Thanks for posting the comparison shots. That earns a helpful from me.
Knowing that direct wired cameras generally have a better picture than wireless, I hope you'll be able to add third and forth columns (wired VA11A & VA12A) with wired camera examples when you can.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: -Bill- (of wgjohns.com) on December 15, 2008, 09:26:40 PM
Here goes again. The 3 cams used are starting at the top is , X2 color cam, X2 Nightwatch Cam, Aztak Color Cam with Night Vision.
Thanks for posting the comparison shots. That earns a helpful from me.
Knowing that direct wired cameras generally have a better picture than wireless, I hope you'll be able to add third and forth columns (wired VA11A & VA12A) with wired camera examples when you can.

Ditto!   #:)
 >!
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: PajamaGuy on December 16, 2008, 07:04:02 AM
Quote
Here goes again. The 3 cams used are starting at the top is , X2 color cam, X2 Nightwatch Cam, Aztak Color Cam with Night Vision.

Many thanks!  Mine has been shipped (yea!) and should have it Thursday.  :)%
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on December 16, 2008, 05:21:19 PM
Thanks  you folks, always fun to play.

sepways, it seems my AHP on the Vista laptop is corrupted. I don't use it since the home and business systems are desktops with XP and there I have not a single problem, I just use the laptop to log in to LogMein to each system, very effective with the VA12A. AHP is not installing on the Vista for me know. I had done it before and have no record of what I did to make it work then, I only started keeping a log of all actions taken in the X10 world a few months ago, but nothing like PajamaGuy's  wonderful Money pit segment. I will keep at it to get it going again, just for my records also. Its gotta be something with making sure I have it all totally erased before trying to reinstall it again. ???
Maybe PajamaGuy  can give it a try since he has the Vista working with AHP. I did get assurance from X10 tech that the VA12A had issues with Vista at first, but with the update of 3.236 all should work fine. IMHO vista is not going to make it, still has issues with many other software, maybe windows 7 will be the cure.

Thanks for posting the comparison shots. That earns a helpful from me.
Knowing that direct wired cameras generally have a better picture than wireless, I hope you'll be able to add third and forth columns (wired VA11A & VA12A) with wired camera examples when you can.

Wired cams are not in my inventory as of yet. Did try to MOD a wireless cam, but before even starting, I could not make my mind on how best to make the connections and to what to best suit my setup for routing Video and Digital Cable and intercome around my home, project in the works. I do have the temptation to get my hand on a few Nightwatch 2 wired cams. I just had tried a B/W wireless and was impressed on how better the cam is compared to the color X2 cams. The B/W is very close to the Astak cams.

PS, I have 2 VA11A soon to be for sale, cheap, well not too cheap, any takers. rofl
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: sepways on December 16, 2008, 09:02:43 PM
Thanks  you folks, always fun to play.

sepways, it seems my AHP on the Vista laptop is corrupted. I don't use it since the home and business systems are desktops with XP and there I have not a single problem, I just use the laptop to log in to LogMein to each system, very effective with the VA12A. AHP is not installing on the Vista for me know. I had done it before and have no record of what I did to make it work then, I only started keeping a log of all actions taken in the X10 world a few months ago, but nothing like PajamaGuy's  wonderful Money pit segment. I will keep at it to get it going again, just for my records also. Its gotta be something with making sure I have it all totally erased before trying to reinstall it again. ???
Maybe PajamaGuy  can give it a try since he has the Vista working with AHP. I did get assurance from X10 tech that the VA12A had issues with Vista at first, but with the update of 3.236 all should work fine. IMHO vista is not going to make it, still has issues with many other software, maybe windows 7 will be the cure.

Thanks for posting the comparison shots. That earns a helpful from me.
Knowing that direct wired cameras generally have a better picture than wireless, I hope you'll be able to add third and forth columns (wired VA11A & VA12A) with wired camera examples when you can.

Wired cams are not in my inventory as of yet. Did try to MOD a wireless cam, but before even starting, I could not make my mind on how best to make the connections and to what to best suit my setup for routing Video and Digital Cable and intercome around my home, project in the works. I do have the temptation to get my hand on a few Nightwatch 2 wired cams. I just had tried a B/W wireless and was impressed on how better the cam is compared to the color X2 cams. The B/W is very close to the Astak cams.

PS, I have 2 VA11A soon to be for sale, cheap, well not too cheap, any takers. rofl
Thanks for trying BaBaLou I have 3.228 and it says no update is available?? Interesting indeed.  I have a trouble in with X10 lets see what they can do for me.  Again thanks for checking.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a? & Getting AHP 3.236
Post by: Dan Lawrence on December 16, 2008, 09:54:23 PM
Hey, sepways,  Check out the thread New AHP Version 3.236.  The hotlink to get it is in this thread.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on December 16, 2008, 10:23:12 PM
Yes sepways, Dan  is right here is link to the chatter about the update and where to find it and should work for you, try it
http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=16538.0
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: PajamaGuy on December 17, 2008, 09:47:48 AM
$0.02 - Just remember, X10 Tech Support has duplicated the issue I've had on both XP and Vista installations of AHP 3.236 with OnAlert that DISARM signals from KR10A's are received by AHP as "Armed-HOME".  (which is why I've reverted back to 3.228).

I will try the VA12A on both XP & Vista and I'll post the results (it may be after the holidays)
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: sepways on December 17, 2008, 05:52:41 PM
Yes sepways, Dan  is right here is link to the chatter about the update and where to find it and should work for you, try it
http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=16538.0
Thanks Guys...I got the update and all works well now!!!  Thanks again for all of your help. #:)
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on December 17, 2008, 06:38:47 PM

allways a pleasure to hear the words, all works well now!!!. glad to help good luck

Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on December 18, 2008, 06:27:33 PM
Just an update,

    I did finally get the AHP to install on the laptop with Vista. The VA12A works very well, this was the newer version 3.236 of which installed with all plugins.

The problem solved in the installation for me was I had to make sure that all X10 files of any kind was taken off the H/D. even any shortcuts in IE or desktop. With all that cleaned out I let Vista with User account control ON, rare for me and then let vista control the installation.
I did note also that the Zip files sent to me from the wonderful people at X10, especially
        Aneatra          who was very quick in responding to any info and all the email conformations I needed to complete the task, :)% 
 
I did extract the files to the desktop and then installed them from there.
Vista did stop and crash at the end of each install of each file and then it automatically recommended a different way to reinsall the file and it did so effectively and I was left with nothing but AHP running like a gem.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on March 07, 2009, 11:02:42 PM
....  I will try the VA12A on both XP & Vista and I'll post the results (it may be after the holidays)

So.... how did that VA11A install on an XP system go?

Title: Bevause you asked, Dave...
Post by: PajamaGuy on March 08, 2009, 07:25:28 AM
For me & my systems (your milage may vary)

1. My desktop is Vista/Win7 dual boot. (Mostly Win7, AHP and SM, MH, OA modules)
2. Laptop XP, AHP (SM, MH, OA, IW)

VA11A won't run on Vista/Win7
VA12A won't run on USB 1.x
VA12A needs 3.236
3.236 OnAlert misinterprets KR10A signals.

So - Video via VA12A and Vista/Win7 - is much higher definition and really great resolution! - But I had to uninstall it because I need OnAlert.

I can't use the VA12a on my laptop because it only has USA 1.x

I'm waiting for a fix to 3.236 and OnAlert...        and waiting.....       and waiting.....
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on March 08, 2009, 08:36:45 AM
What a coincidence, I was just doing the same thing here waiting......     and waiting.......      and waiting........
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on March 10, 2009, 04:14:01 PM
OK... I will freely and openly admit what I did. I called X10 Technical Support. I am nether proud nor ashamed of what I did... but I did it and.. I learned something in the process.

I spoke with a really nice lady [Janell?]. As she started me through the (I am sure somewhat standardized) setup process... it became apparent that because my setup included no enhanced USB I was Out-Of-Luck.

I have posted several times that I use a "rescued from the trash PC". It is a old PC... which I put a new HD in, loaded XP [home], added the USB 2 card, and some additional RAM from a flea market. But because of it's age... it can't do a true USB 2. Without the USB 2... no VA12A.

I knew the VA12A worked on my laptop (A Vista). So I tried the VA12A on my newer XP Pro, P4 desktop.. and it worked perfectly.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: BaBaLou. on March 10, 2009, 09:36:40 PM
What a Differeance it makes,  :)%
                                a good upgrade to make.

             Now the problem is V3.236 waiting to be FIXED and then all will be a better place.

Dave_x10_L , what Version of AHP are you running it on?
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on March 10, 2009, 09:55:03 PM
Dave_x10_L , what Version of AHP are you running it on?

The Vista I upgraded to 3.236... but the XP Pro is running AHP 3.228 but with the drivers upgrade. I should mention again... the VA12A image... is awesome.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: astrothug on March 10, 2009, 11:58:38 PM
I have the Va12a and I cant speak about the difference between the two I'm running it on a XP machine with 1 gig ram 2.4 ghz intel p4 and I'm thinking the software vanguard and the other one iwatch is a bit flaky, it does the job but its not all that great. lol

I should hook up my other cams to see if its better..  :)

Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on March 12, 2009, 05:44:48 AM
WOO HOO!

I had mentioned that the VA12A I recently purchased was a breeze to setup on my Vista Laptop (of course... all I use the laptop for is surfing, email, and forums). I also mentioned that setting up the VA12A on my P4 2.8 XP Pro was easy too. However my Home Automation PC is an old P3 650MHz XP Home... and that was a no go.

I had even called X10's tech-support. The young lady was going to walk me through the process till I told her "No.. none of my USB connections say enhanced". "Enhanced" or fully USB 2 compliant (I think) was required. It seemed apparent... that my PC was just too old to cut the mustard (mustard cutting is for young computers). I had installed the USB 2 card myself... it was an old one I had.

Unable to sleep last night... I found myself thinking about a P3 being too old to be enhanced (USB2). I can remember my 1st computer (a VIC-20 1981-82)... I remember my 1st windows PC. I remember USB came with Windows 98... and so did firewire. But for the life of me... I couldn't remember when USB 2 was introducted... or if my P3 650MHz XP Home should be able to handle it.

So in the middle of the night (more like pre-dawn) I re-installed the USB2 card... forced the PC to search for new drivers... and I had video. Well actually... at 1st all I had was flicks of light.. but I knew what that meant. Some frame rate and image size adjustments and even my old clunker HA PC had video. I am thrilled to say (type) the least.

I am still regularly amazed with what can be done with X10 and an (8-9 year) old computer.

P.S. I am running AHP 3.228.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Brian H on March 12, 2009, 06:56:18 AM
My Quad processor motherboard. has a Advanced Setup tab that can pick if the on board USB is the slower 1.1 or faster 2.0. My guess is somewhere someone may have a modern computer and it still may not like the new VA12A. Gee I love computing and Automation things.  ;D
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: Duncan_X10 on April 28, 2009, 07:59:29 PM
Hey Guys,
Just wanted to point out that a lot of issues can be solved by running your software (x10 and others) in compatibility mode. I've been testing design software here in Windows 7, and I've had some success. This setting works for Vista too. To set it up right click on the .exe file and go to preferences. One of the tabs, I forget which it would be in Vista, should have a check box that says compatibility mode. Click that and select "XP service pack 3". Not a guaranteed fix, but worth a try!
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: superg on January 08, 2010, 05:05:41 PM
As always, the ads are full of sizzle but don't tell us anything about what cut of steak they're serving. What does "Hi-Res" mean? That the old system munged 640x480 doiwn to QVGA or overcompressed and this one doesn't?  And "HD?" I can't believe they're offering a 720p or 1080i camera...

I realize this is an old thread, however prospective buyers may benefit from my reply...

The "Hi-Res" USB Video Capture Adapter (VA12A) has a standard-definition resolution of 720x480 or 480i... essentially DVD (DV NTSC) quality.

High-definition (HD) video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1280×720 pixels (720p) or 1920×1080 pixels (1080i/1080p).  The lowest "HD" resolution essentially being 704x576 (576p).

The mention of "720" and "hi-res" in the ad may lead consumers to believe the camera is actually "720p" and "high definition" which is not the case... so if X10 actually offered a 720p or 1080p camera, the maximum resolution through the "Hi-Res" USB Video Capture Adapter (VA12A) would only be 480i...

720p has a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, a vertical resolution of 720 pixels and a horizontal resolution of 1280 pixels, or 1280x720, for a total of 921,600
pixels.

~sugerg out
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: birdzeye on January 12, 2010, 08:33:40 AM
Dave_x10_L , what Version of AHP are you running it on?

the XP Pro is running AHP 3.228 but with the drivers upgrade. I should mention again... the VA12A image... is awesome.

Dave_x10_L,

Can you tell me how you got AHP v3.228 to work with the VA12A? I upgraded my drivers, as you say you did, but mine won't work. I should mention that I did have v3.236 and then went back to v3.228 due to bugs awhile back.

As for the image clarity with the VA12A (which does work on my laptop with Vanguard) it's not better than my el-cheapo Sabrent usb tv tuner box. And at least the Sabrent tv box WILL RECORD exceptionally well AND I can playback the recording without the software crashing.

I don't think X10 should have ventured into the realm of camera software, but you'd think that after all this time of having Vanguard and iWitness on the market they would've at least fixed the damn thing! Sorry if I sound angry but I really am disappointed with this VA12A and the software's lousy recording and playback functionality. Who made this? I WANT NAMES!  rofl

x10 TEST YOUR PRODUCTS MORE THOROUGHLY BEFORE SUBJECTING THEM TO INNOCENT CONSUMERS!  :angel:
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on January 12, 2010, 10:34:45 AM
...........  Who made this? I WANT NAMES!  rofl

Just so you know... I don't work for X10.. and have no association or connection to or with X10 or their software. Getting the camera stuff to work... and keeping it working.. has been two different challenges for me.

Twice I have removed the VCR as a backup from my camera setup.... and twice I have put the VCR back online.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: birdzeye on January 12, 2010, 03:33:47 PM
...........  Who made this? I WANT NAMES!  rofl

Just so you know... I don't work for X10.. and have no association or connection to or with X10 or their software.

Dave_x10_L, it's OK. You're not going to receive a subpoena or summons to appear......that other person who wrote this lousy software IS!  rofl

I finally got the VA12A to work with AHP. The live image is mediocre/passable....an improvement from the VA11A....but no where near as good as my el-cheapo Sabrent usb tv tuner.

The playback of recorded video image is just TERRIBLE. It does not pass the test at all....in fact it's a JOKE. I can't understand why they would put this out on the market in THIS deplorable condition. I mean it's absolutely terrible!  :(

Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: superg on January 12, 2010, 04:18:23 PM
...........  Who made this? I WANT NAMES!  rofl

Just so you know... I don't work for X10.. and have no association or connection to or with X10 or their software.

Dave_x10_L, it's OK. You're not going to receive a subpoena or summons to appear......that other person who wrote this lousy software IS!  rofl

I finally got the VA12A to work with AHP. The live image is mediocre/passable....an improvement from the VA11A....but no where near as good as my el-cheapo Sabrent usb tv tuner.

The playback of recorded video image is just TERRIBLE. It does not pass the test at all....in fact it's a JOKE. I can't understand why they would put this out on the market in THIS deplorable condition. I mean it's absolutely terrible!  :(



 -:) Have you tried using (3rd party application) AMCap?  I've successfully tested the VA12A adapter, X10 driver, on WinXP SP2 w/ a third party camera... video quality is acceptable.

X10 Drivers (VA12A):
Version: 3.236 - Released Sept 05, 2008
ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/applications/drivers/x10drivers.exe (ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/applications/drivers/x10drivers.exe)
http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/drivers/x10drivers.exe (http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/drivers/x10drivers.exe)

AMCap
Version: 9.20 (Build 132.2) - Released June 17, 2008
http://noeld.com/download/amcap.zip (http://noeld.com/download/amcap.zip)

You'll need to select the correct input from the Options > Crossbar Video Input menu (#1)... (defaults to zero)
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on January 12, 2010, 04:20:36 PM
The playback of recorded video image is just TERRIBLE. It does not pass the test at all....in fact it's a JOKE. I can't understand why they would put this out on the market in THIS deplorable condition. I mean it's absolutely terrible! 

Your far from the first person to report poor image quality. However I honestly can't say that's been my experience. I've used a few different cameras and would rate all the CMOS cameras as about the same (X10's included). And whereas the image quality of the VA11A is a bit dated... I thought the VA12A video and images were excellent.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: birdzeye on January 12, 2010, 04:28:56 PM
-:) Have you tried using (3rd party application) AMCap? 

No, but thanks for the link.

I was really hoping that AHP and the VA12A would work well, since I'm an x10 fan. It's been disappointing. :'(
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: birdzeye on January 12, 2010, 04:46:44 PM
Your far from the first person to report poor image quality. However I honestly can't say that's been my experience. I've used a few different cameras and would rate all the CMOS cameras as about the same (X10's included). And whereas the image quality of the VA11A is a bit dated... I thought the VA12A video and images were excellent.

Dave_x10_L,

You may be the ONLY person who has NOT reported poor image quality. And it's not necessarily the x10 cameras that are the problem because I get a pretty good image with x10 cams (better than with the VA12A) using my Sabrent tv tuner box. While the LIVE IMAGES are OK with the VA12A, there is virtually no recording function that is usable for ANY kind of crude surveillance, which is what the damn thing is supposed to be for.
My Sabrent will record video forever as long as I have enough HD space, and I can play it back with a decent image and can fast forward up to 32X. And another negative thing about the VA12A is it uninstalls the driver for my Sabrent, which I have to reinstall after every time I use the VA12A. At least the VA11A "played nice" with other apps, and didn't crash my computer.
I was really hoping that the VA12A would be an improvement because I really love x10 products. It's been quite a disappointment.




Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: HA Dave on January 12, 2010, 04:51:58 PM
........... I was really hoping that the VA12A would be an improvement because I really love x10 products. It's been quite a disappointment.

I am also disappointed with the adapters and software.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: alexmyron on April 23, 2010, 10:30:45 AM
VA12A works fine and looks good using XP and Windows 7 (32 bit) and most X10 software BUT NOT MULTIVIEW.

The image in the 4 panes in Multiview and the images that are also saved to the hard drive are all upside down!

It seems to be a Multiview issue only and only the saved images and the 4 images shown on the right.
 
For now I am using a generic USB adapter that works fine but is a little less resolution than the new VA12A.

I prefer using Multiview over the iWitness program and really want the VA12A higher resolution images.

I changed resolutions, have tried codecs and uninstalling and reinstalling everything and installed several different Media players and it still does it.

Any ideas anyone?
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: hollyfox on June 28, 2010, 05:59:25 PM
I have spent more time and money trying to get my VA11 working and then bought a VA12 in hopes that it would work. What a waste!!! I am looking to buy a REAL camera system. It is horrible that X10 is unable to resolve a simple video input device installation issue. Customers should not have to peruse the forums for answers. I have paid GOOD money for these devices and am sick and tired of having to spend my time and money on top of it to resolve issues!

People quit wasting your time.
Title: Re: new high resolution va12a?
Post by: DB on August 02, 2010, 11:39:57 PM
I agree. I am thinking of investing in some of the 4 camera, dvr packages. Looking to get one with ir and ccd quality. It will mean having to run wires but I think motion detection and recording will be much more reliable. Anybody have some good suggestions? I was thinking of the bullet style as I think they could be mounted on the ninja bases. Tiger Direct sells systems starting at about $300. Would appreciate any input.