Start Capture starts camcorder playing but no capture

[pbgold]

I am using firewire to connect my miniDV cam. The software (VS10) recognizes my equipment. But when I click Start Capture, although the video begins playing on my camera, nothing gets recorded. And after about 10 seconds of this, I get an error message saying capture was not successful.

I just downloaded a trial version because I was having out of sync problems with Pinnacle. When this didn't work, I tried Pennacle again and had the same problem of the video not showing up. Wierd!

Any ideas?

[Ron P.]

Since this is occurring in more then one program, it would appear to be a problem with the capture plug-in being used. VS uses the MS 1394 for capturing DV via firewire.

Please view this post:
http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic. ... 6746#86746

[heinz-oz]

It could also be a hardware fault. Maybe a faulty cable or communication port either side, camera or PC.

If the wrong plugin was used, I don't think the software could control the camera.

The way I read this is: The camera is detected, the capture plugin starts capture (the camera starts playing, after a certain time, no video signal is received and capture stops.

[pbgold]

When everything is plugged up and ready, yes, I can control tha camera- play, rewind, etc..- and the Capture button is flashing away ready to start. But there is no image in the preview window. And when I click Capture, the camera side of the screen goes to Play mode and shows the counter ticking away, but on the right side where is shows the preview, there is no image and the counter is not moving. After a few seconds, the program realizes that it is supposed to be capturing but sees no image.

I only have the one pci port available. But there are two 'jacks' to plug the cable in. Maybe I'll try another jack as well as pull the card and reinsert it.

I have not looked at the plug-in options yet, vidoman. I looked at the link. I'll try that and let you know what happens.

Thanks for the input.

[Black Lab]

Make sure you have the Preview Window set as the Instant Playback Target.

File > Preferences > General Tab > Instant Playback Target: Preview Window

[pbgold]

Ok, I tried plugging my cable into the other port in my card, no change. I haven't tried re-seating the card yet.

I checked the device control per the link from vidoman. It is correctly set to MS 1394. Also per that link, I checked the capture plugin options. It is set to "Ulead Directshow Capture Plug-in" which looks like the logical choice.

Black Lab, I changed the Instant Playback Target from the default- Dual Head Device- to Preview Window. But no change. I tried capturing and still get this message after a few seconds: "Please check to see if there is input signal."

It's looking more like a hardware issue. As vidoman mentioned, since I am having the same probem with no signal on both Ulead and Pinnacle, my computer just must not be getting the video signal. I bought a cheap, no-name pci card. That may be the problem. I'll try to re-seat the card now, but I'm not optomistic. I'll let you know if it works. Thanks for all your input.

[heinz-oz]

I have the cheapest PCI IEEE1394 card I could get at the time and never had this problem. What type of cable are you using?

[roy wood]

I just downloaded a trial version because I was having out of sync problems with Pinnacle. When this didn't work, I tried Pennacle again and had the same problem of the video not showing up. Wierd!

I take it from this that prior to installing Ulead, Pinnacle was capturing ok using this PCI card if this is the case then the problem is a programme conflict which is quite common since both share the same resources.... post back if this is correct.

[pbgold]

I replied last night, it didn't post for some reason, sorry.

I am using the cable that came with the card. It just says 1394 on the cable. I have seen on this forum that there are different kinds of 1394, A,B, whatever. This just says 1394. Nothing else on the box the card came in either.

My problems began when I was using Pinnacle and I developed a AV out of sync problem. This led me to try Ulead. I had problems installing Ulead, so I then tried the firewire card with Pinnacle. No video signal. I got Ulead installed and tried firewire. No video. I then tried analog with Ulead and successfully rendered the AV file. The file has since disappeared and I need to create it again. Again I have AV sync problems with both programs.

Something I failed to mention earlier. My cam also has an S-video output. I tried that but also get no video signal. I am beginning to wonder if there is a problem with the camera. I am searching for another camera to try now.

[pbgold]

Apparantly, it is the camera. I found another mini-DV cam to try. I plugged up the firewire cable and voila! It works! Great news- I have now transferred the video and created the dvd's people were waiting on. Bad news- I have a defective camera. At least now I know what the problem is.

Thanks for all the input.