Convert to Video Format dialog box
The Convert to Video Format dialog box allows you to convert an MMB or IMB file to a video file (MP4 format only).
How to open
This dialog box is opened from the File menu.
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Description
Use this dialog box if you want to export a recording to a format that is playable by any media player. This function is useful if you wish to share recordings with others who do not have the M3 software installed on their computers, or if you wish to upload your recording to an online service.
Details
Frame Rate
•  Match Ping Rate
Select if you want the converted video frame time to match the ping time.
•  One Frame per Ping
Select if you want each video frame to be converted from each sonar ping.
Gain Control
•  Auto
Select to automatically adjust the gain during the video conversion.
•  Manual
Select to apply a fixed gain setting to the entire video. Use this setting when auto gain produces a video that is either too dark or too bright for a particular data set. Click and drag the slider to choose the gain setting.
Resolution
You can select the desired resolution for the converted video. Note that higher resolutions require longer conversion times and result in larger file sizes.
Note
Due to space limitations, text overlays will not be included when converting to a resolution of 640x480p (the Display Overlay Text checkbox will not appear). Select a higher resolution if you wish to include text overlays.
Quality
Select your video quality. A higher quality produces a video with a higher bit rate and less compression. The result is a better-looking video, but a larger file size. If storage space is a concern, choosing a lower quality will produce smaller files.
Palette
Select your preferred echo colours for the converted video file. Which colour scale to use is mainly a personal preference based on ambient light conditions, the nature of the echoes and your own experience.
Display Grid
You can choose whether to show the grid (range rings) in the video. You can also select the desired grid shape.
Date/Time
You can choose whether to display Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) Time or Local Time in the Information Widget in the sonar view.
Note
During the winter, Local Time equals standard time. During the summer, Local Time equals Daylight Saving Time (DST). Note that the offset between Local Time and UTC Time is not constant, but varies in locations where DST is used.
Display Position
You can choose whether the video will display your position coordinates in the Information Widget in the sonar view. You can also choose whether to display latitude and longitude coordinates (geographic system) or a Northing/Easting projection (projected coordinate system).
Display Filter
You can choose whether to apply a filter to the sonar view video. You can select which type of filter to apply. Drag the slider to increase or decrease the strength of the filter.
Display Mirror
Select this checkbox to mirror the sonar image in the converted video file (port to starboard, starboard to port).
Display Sensor Data
Select this checkbox to show sensor data in the Information Widget in the sonar view.
Display Overlay Text
Select this checkbox to show text overlays. To create text overlays for your video, click SetupPreferences and fill out the Overlay Text boxes.
Sidelobe Suppression
Select this checkbox to enable the Sidelobe Reduction function for your video. This function improves overall image quality by reducing the sidelobes of strong targets. Sidelobe reduction is especially useful at short ranges when targets are very close.
Folder Conversion
Select this checkbox to perform a batch conversion of all sonar recordings in a selected folder. If you select this option, you will not be able to change the name of the converted files. Auto Name will be selected under the Target file naming convention drop-down list and the other options will not be available.
Note
The Source File button will change to Source Folder. An additional progress bar will appear at the bottom of the dialog box to show you how many files are being converted.
Source File/Source Folder
Click this button to select a recording or a folder for conversion (only .mmb or .imb files are supported).
Max File Size
Long data recordings will produce very large file sizes. Select the maximum file size for your video files.
If the maximum file size is reached, but the data conversion is not finished yet, a new file will be created. Each filename created for the converted recording will be given a unique filename with a sequential number.
Target Folder
Click this button to open a browser window where you can select a location for the converted video file(s).
Target file naming convention
Select a name for the converted file. Selecting Auto name will preserve the original filename and save the converted file in the same location as the original. Selecting User defined will allow you to enter your own filename into the Target File box. There are also some predefined filenames available.
Target File
Click this button to select a filename and location for the converted video file. This button is only available if you select User defined for the Target file naming convention.
Convert
Click this button to start the conversion.
Note
The range annotations (metres or feet) displayed in the converted video file will be the same as currently configured in the M3 software. You can change the units of measurement in the Preferences dialog box.