Help, I have an old DVD\VHS System!
You may be ready for RIDGIDConnect, but not ready to upgrade all of your hardware. Dont worry! I am going to share a few ideas on how to get started. I am going to assume you have a DVD or VHS system already or you wouldn't be reading this.
Lets start with DVD. The RIDGIDConnect Client that comes free with RIDGIDConnect has a piece of software included that can convert the DVD to a format we can use on the site. With this option, you will take the DVD from your recorder and put it in the PC. When you open the client it will ask if you would like to grab the files from the DVD. You can choose to leave a copy of them on your PC, or just copy them up to the site. NOTE: If you are using one of the older RIDGID DVD Monitors (cat#23668) , you will need to record your DVDs in one chapter only to use this software. Most ripping software will not recognize all of the chapters from these units.
Ok, if you have a VHS player, or older DVDs that are not able to be ripped for some reason, there are still ways to get files to connect! The easiest way is to connect your playback unit to a DVR (digital video recorder). There are some consumer grade DVR options out there from companies like Archos that won't stand up in the field, but might work for you in the office. However, RIDGID made this easy to do in all environments. You can add the SeeSnake® Digital Adaptor to any system with a video out, and get started in seconds. Simply connect the microEXPLORER™ digital inspection camera to your system with the adapter; hit record on your microEXPLORER and then hit play on your VHS or DVD. That's it. Then the files can be copied to your PC just like from any other digital camera.
With both of these solutions, you don't need to upgrade all of the devices you have in the field today. You can keep the setup in the shop or office for your team to share.
There is no doubt that these processes will add some time to the job over a completely digital solution, but you may find it saving you time in making copies or shipping DVDs around. Above all, you will be able to impress your customers with the level of service and communications you can now provide with RIDGIDConnect.