video capture problem

[ann hackett]

I am following the tutorials posted elsewhere on this site (SJJ1805 and jc hunter_2), which are great. I managed no problem to capture 3 clips as described into one video library project. When I try to do the same again I get to the stage where I switch the camcorder on but I never get the message "anew device is plugged into your computer. Do you want to use it?" This happened no bother first time round - now it's as if the camcorder isn't even there. What's happened? Thanks for any help ....

[Ken Berry]

Have you done the usual/obvious of pulling the firewire cable out of your camera and plugging it back in? Closing VS, then switching the camera on and re-starting VS? Re-booting the computer and starting again?

[ann hackett]

Yes - I've done these things in various orders nad lots of times. I've just been studying the firewire cable. In the camcorder end of the cable coming from the pc I can see four gold pins, but in the camcorder socket I can see only three. Perhaps it was always like this - I'd never looked before - but now I'm wondering if a pin has broken? The camera doesn't seem to be detected in My Computer either..

[Black Lab]

That sounds like that could definitely be a problem. Firewire cables are relatively cheap and can be found at a computer or office supply store (Staples, etc.)

Also, some cameras will not be detected when powered by the battery, but only when "plugged in".

[Ken Berry]

The small camcorder-end firewire plug most definitely should have four pins showing -- I have just cross-checked with my own 4-pin cable and can clearly see all 4 pins. So yes, it does sound as though your cable is defective. So you should get a new one. You might also want to check to make sure the broken pin is not stuck in the in-jack in your camera!!! That could require a visit to your camera shop if there is insufficient outside the plug to allow you to get a grip with tweezers...

[maddrummer3301]

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