Converting .SSF to .AVI Using BackupViewer
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Affected Roles: All Users
Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: Pivot CMS, Multi-Backup Viewer
Complexity: Low
Software Version: Pivot CMS v1.1.1.1
Last Edit: July 29, 2024
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Video Format
Upon exporting video from the VMAX IP Plus, footage files are saved in .SSF format. This type of video file may be considered as proprietary and will require the use of a compatible video player to review the footage, such as Digital Watchdog’s Multi-Backup Viewer program (included with Pivot CMS).
The Multi-Backup Viewer allows users to open and view .SSF footage files, also featuring an .AVI export function. This may be beneficial to users that must share backed up video from the VMAX IP Plus, but the recipient of the footage is unable to view the .SSF footage.
This article will outline how to convert .SSF format footage to .AVI format using the Multi-Backup Viewer.
Note: Pivot CMS is compatible with Windows OS only.
If you still need to install Pivot CMS, please read Clean Reinstalling Pivot CMS (Windows).
Supported/Affected Devices
- VMAX IP Plus Series
Converting the Footage
After exporting footage from the VMAX IP Plus, converting the .SSF file to .AVI will allow the footage to be viewed using more commonly used viewing applications.
To convert .SSF footage to .AVI format, using Multi-Backup Viewer:
- If you have not already done so, copy the .SSF footage to the computer.
- Launch MultiBackup Viewer.
Unless otherwise specified, this application is included with the installation of Pivot CMS by default.
- Click the Single CH tab, then click the Search Icon (magnifying glass).
Locate and select the folder containing your .SSF footage.
Click the OK button to upload the footage.
- The .SSF file list from your selected directory will display.
Click on the .SSF footage file that you want to use, then click the Pause button on the toolbar. This will enable the use of the .AVI Export Function.
Click on the .AVI Export icon on the toolbar.
- The AVI Export window will display.
Confirm that the AVI Save Time matches the Recording Info. (Time) settings.
You may also enable the optional options for:
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- Including Audio Data – audio data will be converted for the .AVI file copy.
- Execute real-time playback – video will continue to play, even when there is no recorded section to the footage (may result in ‘blank spots’ within the .AVI footage file.
- Insert OSD (image information) into AVI file – the .AVI copy will include the on-screen information of the footage.
Click the OK button to proceed.
- Select the directory where the .AVI file will be saved.
Name the file, then press the Save button to convert the footage.
The duration of this process will vary depending on the video quality, length of the footage, and if you chose to include additional export options (include audio, OSD, etc).
- Once the conversion has been completed, click the OK button.
The footage should now be saved as an .AVI file in the directory that you selected.
Note: If you do not have a compatible video player that can open .AVI format files, you may use VLC Media Player as a free viewing option.
