CinePlex v3 Manual - Plexon Inc

4
4.1 Understanding CinePlex Editor Files
Although it can be used to work with single files, CinePlex Editor is typically
used with a pair of data files recorded in the lab—a video file and a neural data
file. To use CinePlex Editor successfully, it is important to understand how
CinePlex Editor works with files. This section describes what happens to the
various files when creating a CinePlex project, importing data, editing information,
saving a project, re-opening a project file, and exporting data.
Note:
Note:
When using an AVI file and a DVT file, the system uses the timestamps from
the DVT file.
When using an AVI file and a PLX file, the system uses the timestamps from
the AVI file.
When starting CinePlex Editor for the first time, it prompts for a separate file to
store project information. This CinePlex project (CPJ) file can include the following
items:
• File references: locations and names of the neural data file and the video file
• Marker definitions, which includes the marker type, name, and any zone or
level definitions as appropriate
Note:
Markers are a type of indicator or identifier. Marker occurrences are placements
of particular markers in a file. For more information on markers, see
“Digital VideoTracker (DVT) Files” on page 156.
• Information for each marker occurrence
4.1.1 Creating a Project File
Normally the first step is to create a CinePlex Project file. To create a project file
the user must specify the neural data file, which is usually either a PLX or a NEX
file (although it can be a DVT file), and the associated AVI video file. The New
Project Wizard can step through this process; see “Setting Up a New Project” on
page 165. After these files are specified, their file names are stored in the CPJ
file, and the initial import of data into the project begins.
Note:
A CinePlex Project file can accommodate only one pair of data files—usually a
neural data file and a video file.
4.1.2 Importing Data Files
During the initial import of the neural and video data into a project, CinePlex
Editor creates markers and marker occurrences based on the contents of the neural
data and video files. From the neural data file, CinePlex Editor translates any
events (for example, Type 4 data from PLX files) or appropriate NEX variables
(event, marker, or interval) into markers and marker occurrences. From the video
file, CinePlex Editor creates a Frame marker and creates occurrences for the
timestamps of each video frame. However, CinePlex Editor does not store neural
data, continuous data, or the video frame images in the CPJ file.
162 CinePlex