Knowledge Base

Problem

A user attempts to downgrade EthoVision (e.g., from XT 17 to XT 15) to resolve video playback or other issues. After downgrading, cameras are no longer detected in Pylon Viewer or EthoVision, likely because residual drivers from the newer version conflict with the older Pylon/Basler driver required by the older EthoVision version.

Details

Symptom: Pylon Viewer does not detect GigE cameras after installing an older EthoVision version alongside or after a newer one. Cause: Newer EthoVision versions install newer Pylon/Basler drivers that may be incompatible with older EthoVision versions. Affected versions: Any scenario where XT 17 drivers remain when reverting to XT 15. Note: Downgrading is generally not recommended; upgrading to a supported version is preferred.

Solution

1. Fully uninstall the newer EthoVision version (e.g., XT 17) using Windows Add/Remove Programs, including any Pylon/Basler camera drivers it installed.
2. Reboot the PC.
3. Install the older EthoVision version (e.g., XT 15) fresh, which will install the correct Pylon version (e.g., Pylon 5.1) for that release.
4. If cameras are still not detected after reinstalling the older version, try upgrading Pylon Viewer to a version compatible with both the cameras and the older EthoVision version.
5. Consider whether upgrading to the latest supported EthoVision version (rather than downgrading) would better resolve the original video playback issue, as Noldus support is limited for end-of-life versions.