Turnkey · Portable or Stationary · Single-Source · Made in Germany
Turnkey Behavioral Observation Labs, Portable and Stationary
- Turnkey Complete Solution
- Portable or Stationary
- Single-Source Provider
- Made in Germany
The Challenge in the Observation Room
Many Angles, One Moment. Do They Line Up?
An observation room for mother-infant studies: one camera is aimed at the infant’s face, a second at the mother, a third shows the whole scene. Add microphones for vocalizations and a control room for observers. Later, the goal is to see how eye contact, smiling and voice follow one another in turn.
If each device records on its own, post-processing starts after the session: collecting files, aligning start points, shifting audio and video against each other. An offset of just a few frames is enough to code the sequence of the interaction incorrectly.
And a lab is an investment for many years. It is a legitimate concern that a system assembled from separate components will no longer fit together at the next study or the next update.
An observation lab should deliver data that fits together, not files you have to piece together.
Why Mangold International
You Plan the Study. We Make Sure Everything in the Lab Runs in Sync.
For more than 35 years, Mangold International has planned and built observation labs for universities and research institutions worldwide. We know the requirements of studies on interaction, development and behavior, and we develop recording software, analysis software and system integration in-house.
Everything From One Source
Planning, hardware, software, installation and onboarding from one provider. No interface problems between different suppliers.
In Sync From the Start
Mangold VideoSyncPro records all cameras and microphones on one shared timeline. There is no need to synchronize afterwards.
Ready for Analysis
Recordings are analyzed in Mangold INTERACT with no conversion and no re-synchronization.
Certified Camera Technology
As an AXIS Solution Gold Partner, Mangold International uses cameras with certified compatibility with Mangold VideoSyncPro.
What Researchers Report About Their Lab
Prof. Dr. habil. Sarah Désirée Lange
TU Chemnitz
" The collaboration with Mangold is very constructive and supportive. The technical equipment of the video and audio lab allows us to feel as if we are directly live in the classroom during observation - without any disruption. We can also get straight to analyzing the video data using INTERACT, without the laborious synchronization of video and audio data required in other setups. "
Prof. Dr. Nina Knoll
Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Educational Science and Psychology, Health Psychology
" We conducted a psychological study with the Mangold Observation Lab. The individual support from Mangold far exceeded our expectations. In an online workshop, we were able to discuss the implementation of our study design in detail and optimize the application. Whenever we encountered difficulties, we could always count on fast and competent help from support. "
Dr. Friederike Jödick
Head of the Usability Laboratory, Fraunhofer IPSI, Darmstadt
" In our usability tests, we set the highest quality standards. For this reason, we chose the Mangold product range. "
Meghan H. Puglia, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Virginia
" We are very pleased with our Mangold system and the INTERACT software. The customer service and support is exceptional and the capabilities of our system allow us to capture high-quality behavioral recordings. "
Prof. Sheila Degotardi
Macquarie University, The Centre for Research in Early Childhood Education (CRECE)
" Thanks for all your help and support. It is always a great experience working with everyone at Mangold. "
Three Steps
How Your Observation Lab Comes Together
- 1
Clarify Study and Rooms
Together we clarify research questions, rooms and workflows: which angles, microphones and data sources your studies need.
- 2
Plan, Test, Install
Mangold International plans the lab, assembles and tests it before delivery and installs it on site, or delivers a portable system case.
- 3
Record and Analyze
After onboarding, you record in sync and analyze directly in Mangold INTERACT.
What an Observation Lab From Mangold International Delivers
Professional Video Recording
No moment goes unrecorded: every camera angle is recorded in sync, from almost invisible cameras to remote-controlled PTZ cameras.
Variable Camera Selection
Depending on the application, a wide range of camera types can be integrated, from small, almost “invisible” cameras to large, remote-controlled PTZ cameras.
Camera Remote Control
With PTZ cameras, camera angles can be adjusted flexibly during recording without interrupting the session.
Flexible Mounting Solutions
Camera mounting can be adapted flexibly to spatial conditions and different experimental scenarios.
Clear Audio Recording
Every utterance traceable: microphones are recorded in sync with the video and assigned to the matching angles.
Wireless Lavalier Microphones
With wireless microphones, audio stays clear even when participants move freely around the room.
Boundary Microphones for Rooms
Boundary microphones provide full room coverage without disturbing participants.
Advanced Audio Processing
Depending on the configuration, audio signals can be mixed and assigned to the respective videos so that picture and sound match.
Flexibility and Ease of Use
Easy to operate, even without audio/video expertise, and modular to extend as your research question grows.
Ease of Use
The observation labs are designed to be easy to operate, even without audio/video specialists.
Flexible Application
Thanks to individual configurability, the labs can be adapted flexibly to a wide range of experiments.
Future-Proof Expandability
The system is modular and therefore generally expandable and future-proof in the long term.
Scientific Analysis
From recording to results with no re-synchronization: recordings from the lab can be coded and analyzed directly in Mangold INTERACT.
Behavioral Coding and Analysis
Code your audio and video recordings based on your individual coding schemes and add transcriptions without limits for any time segment.
Combine Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Combine qualitative observations with quantitative data such as physiological measurements, for example via the Mangold DataView add-on for Mangold INTERACT.
Comprehensive Analysis Tools
Explore your data through flexible data combinations, state space grids, time charts, sequence analysis and much more.
From Portable Observation Systems
to Comprehensive Observation Labs
From the portable system for field studies to the permanently installed observation lab: both record every angle in sync and deliver data for the same analysis.
Portable Labs
Complete mobile observation system in a rugged rolling case. Suited to field research, home visits, multi-site studies and environments with limited space.
Quick Setup
Ready to record in minutes with preconfigured equipment.
Travel-Ready
Compact special case with wheels, suited to transport on the go, air travel or shipping.
Comprehensive Functionality
Functions comparable to a stationary observation lab, in a mobile package.
Stationary Labs
Permanent, custom observation facility with professional equipment. Suited to dedicated research rooms and long-term studies.
Extended Functionality
Integration of multiple cameras, microphones, sensors and analysis tools in one system.
Custom Design
Individually adapted and optimized for existing rooms.
Scalable System
Easily expandable with additional equipment and functions.
How We Support Your Lab Project
From planning to ongoing support, with the Mangold International team in Germany.
Expert Planning
Benefit from lab planning tailored to your requirements, based on more than 35 years of experience. We analyze your rooms, workflows and research goals to develop the right solution quickly and efficiently.
Custom Development
If needed, we adapt the system to your requirements, with custom software functions and the integration of external systems and data sources.
Quality Assurance
Your system is fully assembled and thoroughly tested before delivery so that it works reliably from day one.
Professional Installation
Depending on your requirements, we support you with self-installation or handle the complete on-site setup with our experienced technical team.
Onboarding and Product Training
With tailored product training, we quickly familiarize your team with operating the system and analyzing the data.
Proven Worldwide for Decades
Observation labs and software from Mangold International have been used in research institutions worldwide since 1991.
Our Commitments
Planning, hardware, software, installation and onboarding are all in the quote, with no hidden costs.
The system is modular. Additional cameras, rooms or data sources can be added later.
With the Mangold Scientific Service, you get personal guidance on study design, data collection and analysis.
Recording and storage take place fully on-premise at your institution.
Product Packages
From the portable lab in a case to the individually planned observation lab: every system records all angles in sync. Talk to us about your requirements.
Portable Lab
Professional mobile observation solution in a compact transport case.
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2x HD Cameras
Fixed or PTZ cameras with tripod mounting and Theia or Zoom lenses
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1x Boundary Microphone
Professional boundary microphone for high-quality audio capture
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Audio Amplifier/Mixer
Professional audio processing and mixing unit
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Mobile Workstation
High-performance laptop with a wireless mouse for system control
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Mangold VideoSyncPro Extended
Professional recording software for synchronized capture
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Special Transport Case
Trolley case designed for safe transport and quick setup
Stationary Lab
Professional fixed installation with dedicated control and subject rooms.
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4x PTZ Cameras
Remote-controlled cameras with standard or height-adjustable wall mounts
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1x Ceiling Microphone
Professional ceiling or boundary microphone for room audio capture
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1x Push-to-Talk System
Two-way communication with control room microphone and subject room speaker
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1x System Housing
19" or 10" rack with network switch, audio mixer, and IP audio module
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High Performance Workstation
Dual monitor setup with PC accessories and control interface
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Full Mangold VideoSyncPro Suite
Complete package with Marker, Debriefing, and Mangold Highlight Movie Creator add-ons
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Mangold INTERACT Team Edition
Professional analysis software for multiple concurrent users
Custom Lab
Fully customizable solution to meet your specific research needs.
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Portable or Stationary System
Choose between portable system or fixed installation based on your needs
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Multi-Room Configuration
Single or multiple subject rooms with dedicated or shared control rooms
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Custom Camera Package
Mix of fixed and PTZ cameras with custom mounting solutions
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Multi-Source Audio System
Multiple ceiling, boundary, or wireless microphone combinations
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3rd Party Device Integration
Integration with eye-tracking, physiology, or EEG systems
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Extended Software Package
Tailored Mangold VideoSyncPro and Mangold INTERACT setup with specific add-ons
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Dedicated Observation Room
Optional viewing room with large display and multimedia player
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Flexible Installation Service
Choice between guided self-installation or on-site setup by our team
From Scattered Files to Synchronized Data
Tell us about your research goals, rooms and workflows. We plan and build your observation lab, through installation and onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an observation lab?
An observation lab is a specially equipped research environment for the systematic observation of behavior. It typically consists of an observation or subject room, a control room separated by video transmission, and integrated AV recording technology for subsequent scientific analysis.
What are the advantages of an observation lab from Mangold International?
Mangold International delivers the observation lab turnkey from a single source: planning, hardware, software, installation and onboarding. This avoids interface problems between different vendors. All cameras and microphones are recorded in sync with Mangold VideoSyncPro, and the recordings can be analyzed in Mangold INTERACT with no re-synchronization.
Can the lab be set up as a mobile system?
Yes. Mangold International offers portable observation labs in rugged trolley cases that are operational within minutes. They are particularly suited to field research, in-situ studies, school and daycare observations, and researchers working across several sites.
Which research fields use observation labs?
Observation labs are used in developmental and infant psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, human-computer interaction, usability research, market research, sports science, social interaction research and related fields.
How many cameras are included in a standard lab?
The configuration depends on the project. Typical stations include 2 to 6 IP or PTZ cameras per observation room, complemented by ceiling, table or wireless microphones for audio capture. In multi-room labs, virtually any number of audio and video devices can be managed centrally.
What onboarding is included?
Mangold International provides full technical onboarding for the hardware and product training in operating Mangold VideoSyncPro and Mangold INTERACT. Research teams are supported until productive use, including workshops on coding and analysis.
How are cameras, microphones and other data sources synchronized?
Mangold VideoSyncPro records all connected cameras and audio sources on one shared timeline. The recordings can be opened directly in Mangold INTERACT with no re-synchronization. Physiological data collected with separate devices can be merged frame-accurately with the video in Mangold INTERACT via the Mangold DataView add-on.
Can the lab be extended later?
Yes. The system is modular. Additional cameras, microphones, rooms or data sources can be added without replacing the existing lab.