Hardware for the HVS Image 2013 Tracking System

I'm sometimes asked what hardware is needed for the new HVS Image 2013 video tracking software, and whether a video card is needed.


The answer is that a video card is not needed, and the software runs on a generic notebook PC with a generic USB 2.0 web cam.


For Morris water maze a wireless mouse is also advised so that a single operator can start and stop each trial without having to reach the notebook PC, e.g. to start the trial at exactly the moment the subject enters the water.

For the PC the recommended minimum is an Intel i5 processor and 4 GB of RAM, and the recommended optimum is an Intel i7 processor and 8 GB of RAM. Computers like the Sony Vaio E Series will form suitable entry level computers, otherwise the Panasonic Toughbook is recommended, eg a CF-31, as they stand up well in lab conditions, including getting wet, or an Alienware M18x, which has excellent performance.

2013 allows recording of trial videos so for people intending to keep videos for later use the biggest hard disk budget allows for is recommended.

It runs on Windows (back to XP for those using older machines).

For the web cam, the Microsoft LifeCam is recommended.