Very New to VideoStudio

[detectingdavid]

Alot to take in but thanks again for all the suggestions.

I downloaded PlayMemories and tried the 'Import Media Files'. I plugged in the camera with the VideoCapture but it doesn't recognise the device.

I also downloaded the OBS Studio as suggested here and within the instructions that came with the VideoCapture but again the software doesn't recognise the camcorder.

Not sure what else to try apart from trying to source another old Sony Handycam and trying that, I suppose it could be the actual unit ??

[Vdanny]

Hi David,
Sorry to hear you are having a struggle with this. Although it is hard to tell from your picture, am I right in saying that you have two hardware devices connected to get the camcorder to the computer? One in the Mini AV to HDMI device and the other is a HDMI capture device which is connected to your USB port on the computer. Do you have a TV or monitor with a free HDMI port handy? If so, you can confirm that your camcorder is being converted to an HDMI signal by connecting the Mini HDMI to AV adapter, connect it to the display via HDMI, and see if you get an image on the input on the set. If so, great and now to see if the capture card will work. Is this purchase you made at a different time? My HDMI streaming card didn't come with any software by I can use it will Zoom, OBS, or VirtualDub but you have to select the capture card as an input device. Your camera won't be "recognized" but the software will be able to record the incoming HDMI signal. Hopefully, it will work from one of these to test. The driver for your camera for PlayMemories appears to have stopped working with Windows XP. I have a copy but wouldn't recommend it anyway. Good luck!

[detectingdavid]

Hi Danny,
Yes you're right on the devices connected.
I've just tried it on TV but I don't get a output on the screen. I've tried using the same cable setup, with the capture card to a spare HDMI port but no joy.

[Vdanny]

Hi David,
This seems to indicate that the Mini AV to HDMI device may be defective. These devices often need to be connected to USB power to function(on the side of the device) so that it has power to output to HDMI. Have you connected the USB to a wall AC charger/adapter as well?

[detectingdavid]

Hi Danny,
The Mini AV device does have a power source and I tried connecting it but still no joy on either PlayMemories, OBS or VideoStudio...damm.!!
If I was to try and obtain another second hand handycam, do you think I'll have the same issues?
Thanks

[lata]

Just a thought
Referring to the camcorders menu, are there any settings to change the A/V terminal from A/V-In to A/V -out. If so what is set?

[Ken Berry]

If I was to try and obtain another second hand handycam, do you think I'll have the same issues?

Just be careful here. You will need to do some research to make sure you get a handycam which has the functions we have mentioned. Not all of them do if you are talking about Sony handycams. In particular you need to know if it offers "passthrough".

[Vdanny]

Hi David,
You're getting closer! Did you test the camcorder again with only the powered-up mini2AV connected via HDMI to TV or monitor to see if it is outputting a HDMI signal? That way we can figure out what unit is a weak link.
Have used your HDMI capture dongle with any other configuration and did it work?

[detectingdavid]

Hi all,
I think I've worked it out. I tested and retested every connection and every lead, swapping leads over and over and if I really push and hold the HDMI connection into the output port, I get a good clear signal (at least on OBS) but as soon as I let go the connection stops.
Could it be the type of HDMI cable I'm using? I'm using an old Sky digi-box cable I had lying around.
Or could it be a naff connection on the converter box or the box itself?
Thanks again for all the help so far.
David

[detectingdavid]

Partial success.!!!
I 'borrowed' a gold connector HDMI cable from my son and bingo, we have good quality video now BUT no sound, yet.!
I've tried capturing a short section through VS and OBS and the video captures fine but I have no sound on either clip.
Would appreciate a last bit of guidance to get me over the line.
Thanks in advance
David

[Vdanny]

Hi David,
If you scroll down to the bottom of the device settings you had for OBS you should click on the check box that says "Use custom audio device". The audio device should then show "Digital Audio Interface" (USB digital audio) as you have the capture card attached to the USB port.

[detectingdavid]

Hi Danny,
That did the job, brilliant thanks a million. I now have sound and audio coming through.
I've converted a couple of tapes from 2 separate camcorders and the video looks good and I have sound on both now but I'm getting quite a bit of interference/crackling on the high tones of each video.?
As this is happening with both camcorders, I'm guessing I still haver a small connection issue somewhere along the line?
I've had a play around with the Audio properties on OBS and the Audio Filters on VS but I can't get rid of it.
Any ideas?
Thanks once again

[Vdanny]

Hi David,
If your audio is coming in too "hot" with distortion go to the audio mixer near the bottom of the screen. Select the little cog wheel which will bring up the options an choose "Advanced audio properties". Click on the little box between "Volume" and the percentage sign in the screen that pops up. Find your USB audio device and reduce the volume to the point where you no longer get distortion.

[detectingdavid]

Hi Danny,
I did that and although the volume reduces, even when it is relatively quite I still get the crackling.
Thanks

[tletter]

the volume reduces, even when it is relatively quite I still get the crackling.

Export your audio tracks and edit them in Audacity.

tletter
https://www.youtube.com/user/tletter