FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 024 (24/09/96)

DIGITAL DELAY

I have a JVC GR-DV1 digital camcorder, which gives superb results. I would like to use it as a source of still pictures, for use in DTP applications, using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. How can I get the digital information out of the camcorder, and into my PC?

A.A., Colne

A

In theory it should be easy; digital technology is supposed to help simplify the exchange of data between video and computer equipment. Unfortunately JVC have decided to go it alone, as far as digital interfaces are concerned. There is an industry standard (IEE1394) also known as ‘Firewire’, that is used on Sony DVC camcorders and VCRs, and they can be connected directly to a PC using a plug-in card called ‘DV Cap’, costing £500. JVC use a system called JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol), and they’re planning to launch a PC interface box in November, that will enable the DV1 to be controlled by a PC. However, the computer also needs to be fitted with a video frame grabber card, to convert the camcorder’s analogue output into a digital format. You can still use a frame grabber to download images into your PC, without a JLIP controller, if you don’t mind controlling the camcorder replay manually. Suitable video cards include the Fast FPS60, Miro Video DC1, Videologic Captivator and Hauppage Celebrity.

LOFTY AMBITIONS

I recently converted the loft of my bungalow into an office and den. It’s quite well insulated and airy, but seasonal temperatures can vary from close to freezing point, to more than 30 degrees centigrade. Would this be a suitable environment for a PC?

D.L., Leigh-On-Sea

A

There shouldn’t be any problems, though you must make sure there’s plenty of room for air to circulate, around ventilation grilles and the cooling fan outlet, on the monitor and system box. Computers, and electronic equipment in general, are designed to operate within a wide range of temperatures -- broadly speaking the same kind of temperatures we can endure -- and although 30 degrees is considered warm for this country, it’s no more than a mild spring day in some parts of the world.

OUT OF AFRICA

I would like to set up a service-provider company in Africa, to link parts of the continent onto the Internet. Can you please advise?

G.U., London

A

The biggest problem you’re facing is the poor quality of telephone lines and limited international access in a lot of African countries, many of which will not be able to support the kind of high-volume, high-density data traffic needed by an Internet service provider. South Africa is an exception, though their own links to other African countries are not very good. One of the major benefits of the Internet is the fact that a web site can be anywhere, in fact it’s far better for it to be based in a country with a good national and international telecommunications infrastructure, such as the UK. Moreover, it will be a lot cheaper to set up, and there’s plenty of local expertise, to help you get your web site up and running.

In you’re determined to set up an operation in Africa you might consider contacting some of the larger Service providers in South Africa for help or advice. They are all in Johannesburg: Sprintlink, (322 5600); Global, (803 4024); Iafrica, (803 1365); Csir (642 4692) and Internet Solution, (447 5566). The international dialling code from the UK is 00 27 11. For more information on UK companies contact the Internet Service Providers Association on 01202 292900, or take a look at their web site: www.ispa.org.uk