Knowledge Base

Problem

When using a USB video capture card (e.g., TC-4000SD or similar analog-to-digital capture devices) as a camera input, EthoVision does not display the device in the video source selection list.

Details

Generic or analog-to-USB capture cards require manufacturer-specific drivers that expose a DirectShow interface for EthoVision to detect the device. Installing only a generic Windows USB driver is insufficient. This is commonly encountered when setting up water maze or other behavioral arenas using older analog cameras routed through a capture card.

Solution

1. **Install the manufacturer-specific driver** for your capture card (e.g., the TC-4000SD dedicated driver, not a generic USB driver). Generic drivers will not expose the device correctly to EthoVision.
2. After installing the driver, open **Device Manager** (right-click Start > Device Manager) and verify the capture card appears under **Imaging Devices** or **Sound, Video and Game Controllers** without a yellow exclamation mark.
- If a yellow exclamation mark is present, the driver installation failed — reinstall the driver or download the latest version from the manufacturer's website.
3. If the driver includes a companion configuration application, run it to confirm the capture card is functioning and displaying a video signal.
4. Restart EthoVision after confirming the driver is installed correctly.
5. In EthoVision, go to **Setup > Hardware Settings > Camera** and check whether the capture card now appears in the video source list.
6. If still not detected, confirm the capture card uses a **DirectShow-compatible driver**, as EthoVision relies on DirectShow for camera enumeration. Capture cards using proprietary or non-DirectShow interfaces are not compatible.
7. Test the device in a third-party DirectShow-compatible application (e.g., VLC or Windows Camera app) to confirm it functions outside of EthoVision.