Knowledge Base

Problem

Users want to zoom into the video during coding in Observer XT to better see subjects' faces or fine-grained behaviors, but cannot find a zoom control.

Details

Reported in Observer XT 17 during affect or emotion coding where fine facial detail is important. Observer XT does not provide a digital zoom function for the video display panel. The video is shown at the resolution and framing captured at recording time.

Solution

1. Observer XT does not include a zoom or digital magnification function for the video panel. This is a known limitation of the software.
2. To work around this, zoom must be applied at the source:
- **Re-record if possible**: Use a camera positioned closer to the subject, or use optical zoom on the recording device.
- **Crop/zoom the video file before import**: Use a video editing tool (e.g., VLC, DaVinci Resolve, HandBrake) to crop or zoom the video to the region of interest and export a new file. Import this processed file into Observer XT.
3. When setting up future studies, ensure camera placement and focal length provide sufficient detail for the behaviors being coded.