Solution:
Many customers are interested in developing applications using Microsoft’s DirectX SDK, or in using video-editing software that uses DirectShow, in conjunction with a Point Grey Imaging Product (view list of compatible products). To support this, Point Grey developed the FlyStream driver that implements a DirectShow interface, and effectively replaces the standard FlyCapture driver. This driver can be downloaded from our downloads page. If you do not have an account with us, click the "apply here" link and fully complete the downloads form.
Important: when switching over to the FlyStream driver you will no longer be able to use or compile any of the standard FlyCapture programs (e.g. flycap.exe) or examples, and the FlyCapture software API only works with the standard, non-DirectShow driver.
General Notes
In our experience, users generally request the FlyStream driver for one or two reasons:
- They have an existing piece of DirectShow or DirectX-based software that they would like to use their PGR camera with; and/or
- They believe that the DirectShow driver will result in lower latency between the time the image is captured and the time their application receives it.
In general, we have found that reason number 2 is false; DirectShow does not improve latency issues. Our experience indicates that DirectShow may or may not buffer image data without the user knowing it, which can cause latency. However, we have had varying experience with this and it may/may not be an issue with your set up.
In most cases we strongly recommend using our standard driver for any real-time imaging applications, as it minimizes latency, facilitates custom application programming (via our API), and is easily supported by our technical staff.