Error Message - Missing Video Capture Device

nane · Post by **nane** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:02 pm

Hello, there! I've got a problem when I tried to capture (the movies recorded on my DV tape) from my PANASONIC PV-GS300 (format NTSC) using either VideoStudio SE DVD 9 or DVD Movie Factory 4. I've got the message in the Subject line. I have a XP SP2 on a machine with CPU @ 2.00 GHz (Intel DualCore) and 1.00GB RAM. The connection is possible only by USB. Strange thing, I could capture images stored on my tapes if I used Windows Movie Maker. Could you help me? Thank you!

Post by **Ken Berry** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:32 pm

I am afraid you are absolutely wrong about the connection being only possible through USB. That is precisely the *wrong* connection to use on your mini DV camera: that is normally only for transferring still photos taken by the camera (as you have found) or else low quality streaming video (like a web camera).

For high quality transfer, you MUST use Firewire (called i-Link on some cameras -- check your camera's Manual.) The problem is that no camera manufacturer of which I am aware includes a Firewire cable with the camera, but they usually include a USB cable. This gives users the wrong impression that they use USB for the connection.

Of course, your computer must have a Firewire connection. But if it doesn't, then Firewire cards are cheap these days, and usually come with a connecting cable as well. With regard to the latter, make sure you get a cable with the right plugs at either end -- normally it is a small 4 pin one at the camera end and a larger 6 pin one at the computer end.

And then, in VS9, set the Capture for DV format, and go into the Options cogwheel icon on the Capture page and make sure you select Type 1 Encoder. (Type 2 is set by default and often causes problems.)

GeorgeW · Post by **GeorgeW** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:51 pm

Did your camcorder come with software to allow you to capture DV .avi using a USB2 connection (check you manuals)

Some camcorders do (I hear about it mostly with Panasonic models, but I'm not sure if your model is one of them), so if yours came with software, try that software to get the dv .avi into your computer...

Regards,
George

Post by **Ken Berry** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:58 pm

That particular camera does indeed have high speed USB 2.0. However, it is a mini DV model and *does* have a Firewire port. The latter is located with the USB port within the screen cavity on the left hand side of the camera.

That being said, George is right. The camera should have come with a program called MotionDV studio. As I understand it, this can capture video over the FireWire/i.Link or USB 2.0 high speed link and edit it in either normal or widescreen aspect ratios. However, I know nothing about the quality of the video captured via USB.

But if you are using VS with it, I would still go for the Firewire connection.

nane · Post by **nane** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:11 pm

As I already mentioned in my first post, I've used USB and Windows Movie Maker for capturing movies (not still images) on my laptop (which does not have a firewire port). My problem is why Ulead software can't see my camera?

nane · Post by **nane** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:20 pm

And another thing: I captured the movies from my tapes on lapto in .avi format (best quality) by USB.

nane · Post by **nane** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:25 pm

My camera doesn't have any firewire (only USB and DV on the left hand).

Post by **Ken Berry** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:41 pm

Sorry -- the DV port IS the Firewire port. Your camera is a mini DV camera and ALL mini DV cameras have a firewire port, regardless of whatever else they might have.

nane · Post by **nane** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 12:31 am

Ken Berry> Sorry, you're right, the DV port is the firewire port.