Capture

[reinhold]

Hi

I am using VS9 (demo version) with a Sony HC19E (mini DV format)

I find that with the basic Sony software supplied I can control the camcorder.

With VS9 I find the only method of capture is to start Capture Video then start the camcorder playing. I cannot control the camcorder from the software and the DV Quickscan will not function at all. Capture video recognises the camcorder but Quickscan does not.

Could these things be attributable to use of the demo version, or perhaps the presence of the Sony software - which detects the camcorder and offers its services unrequested?

reinhold

(BTW When browsing here the forum software informed me that no one was browsing. Maybe my problem is I don't exist)

[tyamada]

How are you connecting to your computer?

Usually when you on the capture page in VS9 you will have a source and format with drop down selections. Under the Tools menu you will have the choice of Change Capture Plugin and Select Device Control.

If you choose device control and no device is detected then your camera is not communicating with your computer properly.

If you look in your device manager you should have Imaging device and under that it should be a sony camcorder.

You might have to play with the choices in VS9 to get it to detect the camera.
Usually when all is working right with my computer VS9 will automatically detect the camera.

[reinhold]

Hi

Thanks for the reply.

[quote="tyamada"]How are you connecting to your computer?
USB2, the only option I have right now.

<If you look in your device manager you should have Imaging device and under that it should be a sony camcorder.
Yes, in Capture Video it is recognised, though not in DV Quickscan

reinhold

[Ken Berry]

If your camera is a mini-DV one, and a Sony to boot, it must be equipped with a Firewire port (called an i-Link port on Sony cameras) and this is what you should be using for capture of high quality digital video. The USB port, except in very recent, very high end video cameras, is only used to transfer relatively low quality streaming video that you would get from a cheap webcam. It may also, on some cameras be used to transfer still images taken with the video camera. I think the only limitation on your Firewire/i-Link connection, if you bought the camera in Europe, is that it can transfer high quality video to your computer, but you cannot later export the edited video back to the camera. In other words, DV-out is enabled, but DV-in has been disabled in Europe for taxation reasons!!

The problem is that no camera manufacturer of which I am aware ever includes a Firewire cable, but always includes a USB cable if the camera also has a USB port. That gives the owner the idea that it is the USB cable which has to be used, when this is not the case. You will need to buy a Firewire cable, and make sure you get one that has the correct size plugs at each end. Normally they would be a small 4-pin plug for the camera end and a larger 6-pin plug for the computer end. Of course, you will also need to have a Firewire port on your computer, but if you don't have one, a Firewire card is not very expensive these days and usually comes with a cable.

[reinhold]

Hi Ken

Thank you for your reply.

Your explanation is very clear and corresponds to everything I have read,
including the information in the excellent Ulead manual for VS9.

I am coming at this from audio editing and bought my PC with a view to running another demanding program, Pro Tools. The Dell machine I have recently bought runs Pro Tools very well but, like many Dell desktops, has a battery of 7 USB2 ports and no firewire.

<Of course, you will also need to have a Firewire port on your computer, but if you don't have one, a Firewire card is not very expensive these days and usually comes with a cable.[/quote]

The Sony software is excellent for capture, though not for much else. I find I can capture with it very well then insert into VS9. Even so, I shall follow up your suggestion about the firewire card. And thanks again for your advice.

reinhold