Interested in how it captures video: is it capturing in-game footage from the iRacing replay files, OR does it require an external video camera similar to the HD2 ?

Any other thoughts or opinions on it?

Thanks
Matty

 

Actually it looks like you can either use an external camera or capture screen footage. It does not extract from the replay file at all.

Still interested in opinions and experiences using it.

Thanks

 

Correct. There is a video capture device going between one of your monitors (or an HDMI output) and your computer generating real-time capture of the iracing video.

Then, there is a piece of software as well as some hardware required (VBOX lap timer) which converts the .ibt files into .vbo files. They are saved in the same folder, IIRC and can be imported to compare to files made in real life on Circuit Tools, for comparison. Works well. The video is the hard part but the capture unit works great and the files are synced as in real life.

I think that it’s very worthwhile.

 

Hi Peter

My understanding is this is a software solution for the video capture (using the Windows codec) and the file format conversion for the iRacing telemetry files.

The hardware/lap timer is optional and IMO for iRacing of no value since you can use many software options for lap times/predictive/etc/etc.

I will probably try the VBox Sim as the video<-->telemetry synch is probably worth it for the $130

Matty

 

I don't think it works that way, matty.

My understanding is that the hardware, both the video capture and the lap timer, is not optional for the VBOX solution. At least it hasn't been for me.

This is different from the AiM solution, which is completely software based and does not include the video capture.

 

You HAVE to have the

• AverMedia LGP Lite Video Capture Card (GL310) including USB Cable and QuickStart Guide

in order to capture the iRacing video to show in Circuit Tools 2.

Likewise, in the generation of the .vbo file, you HAVE to have the::

Acting in the same way as it would on track, a VBOX LapTimer is able to use the serial race data - this time collected from the PC – to provide invaluable insight into how the current lap time compares with the fastest. In addition, the high brightness colour LEDs give an indication of the speed relative to your fastest lap.

I don't know about you, but I've been using the VBOX SimPack since March of 2020, and have seen it used well in real-life to SimPack comparisons at IMSA events by Simmetric Labs here: https://www.simmetriclabs.com/services

You may have hacked a workaround, but I haven't been able to do that...

 

No I dont believe that is the case Peter. Perhaps this is a newer version of the software than you are using?

See the attached screenshots - they both show support for onboard video capture (no external HW required). The software is $130 and they are offering it via Steam.

 

Ok, I have heard that this PC based capture materially and not to good effect lengthens the encoding of the video, but you still need the VBOX LapTimer to generate the .vbo off the serial (via USB) stream.

 

Below is a photo I just took of my PC that shows Circuit Tools with my lap telemetry synchronized with in-game video footage. I am NOT using a lap timer or a capture card as neither of these are necessary. I have also attached a photo that shows the files that the VBOX Sim software creates. As you can see there are paired vbo and mp4 files just as you would get using a HD2.

The PC captures the video footage and the Racelogic software converts the iRacing telemetry.

For anyone interested the software is available via Steam and is $130. Works perfectly in iRacing. Good value for the telemetry/video synch IMO.









Matty

 

Not looking for a fight, I will try it.

It is a great tool.

 

@matt33 I offer my profuse apologies! You found the feature add before any of the dealers, myself included, even knew it was coming and that it no longer required the encoding and capture hardware we were all vested in selling.

Received TODAY: New Newsletter: VBOX Sim Pack - Changes to package content and price

Added on 16 Jun 2021 at 15:20

We are changing the way the screen i s captured, meaning there will be no need for the AverMedia video capture card and the HDMI cable. The reduced package contents will be reflected in the new pricing for VB Sim Pack and the Accessory Kit.

Again, I apologize. I sold many of the earlier complete kits with the hardware and was unaware that your solution had been released by the maker. I was upset that folks called me and asked why I had sold them this expensive set of kit, when in fact that was all required when we did extensive testing and through to this simplified, FAR less expensive and easy to use feature change and release.

Thanks for posting. It does work well.