Newbe Help -- Images distorted

melissa · Post by **melissa** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 6:28 am

I've looked thru some of the documentation, but it's late and I'm trying to get a project competed -- and could use some quick help --

I downloade from my Sony DCR-HC21 -- and the clips are distorted, like low pixel resolution -- So thinking this is how it looked in edit mode, I've worked on my project --

When I save to "share" -- it still is distorted -- I know the answer is probably somewhere on the board -- and I apologize if I've over looked it -- this is my first camcorder and first editing software -- I have a huge project that is due by Thursday --

I would appreciate help..

Melissa

Trevor Andrew · Post by **Trevor Andrew** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:18 am

Hi Mellisa
You are using a digital camcorder and as such should be capturing via Firewire connection to Dv-Avi.
This should give you the best capture.

So how are you capturing?

What are your capture settings, after capture a thumbnail of your video is placed in the timeline, right click the clip and select properties, what are they?

Trevor

melissa · Post by **melissa** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 1:06 pm

First of all --Thank you so much for your help -- I'm about to pull my hair out --

I'm using the supplied cord, that came with the Sony (which I just purchased on Friday) -- it hooks to the recorde and then to one of hte USB ports --

I downloaded a clip -- here are the properties

File

File Format Microsoft AVI Files Open DML
File Size 162,272
FrameRate 29.797
Duration 48
DataRate 3329.75

Video

Compression -- Microsoft YUV
Attributes - 16 bits 320X240
Total Frames 1446

Audio

Audio Compression PCM
Attributes 46 16 bit, stero
Total Samples 2,352,000

I hope it's somethind easy to fix -- I would hate to think I have to retape all of the footage that I have!!

Thanks again -- Nothing like learning on the fly!!

MElissa

Trevor Andrew · Post by **Trevor Andrew** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 1:37 pm

Hi Melissa

First of all the footage on your camera should be ok and good quality. Does it look ok when played direct to a tv set.?

I suspect you are using USB 1 which is no good for capturing video; this is good for still images etc.

You need at least USB 2.
Your settings indicate Ntsc the US standard, I assume you are in the US.

I do not use USB but believe the capture settings are limited, others on the forum will give more advice.
If you are using USB 2 then try to change / select 720 / 480 as the frame size.

But using a digital camcorder you should use Firewire.
Do you have a Firewire Card/Port on your pc.
The cables are not cheap and therefore do not come bundled with your camera you will have to purchase separately.

Press F1 from Video Studio help
Under contents---Setting up your computer --- read connecting a video camera to the computer---connecting the camcorder to IEEE-1394

Check out this link for details of Firewire capture.
http://www.jonesgroup.net/media/vsone.htm

Hope this helps

melissa · Post by **melissa** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 1:49 pm

Thanks again -- Yes, I'm in the US -- I've printed off the reply and will take it to work -- running late already --

I knew I shouldn't have waited till the last minute!!

I haven't tried it on the tv, but it plays back okay on the recorder..

one last thing, would copying stright to a DVD help? probably not, but I thought I would ask..

thanks again

melissa

Post by **Ken Berry** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 9:17 pm

I've looked up the specs for your camera, which is an entry-level one. The USB connection is ONLY for streaming video i.e. using it as a web cam. Though giving better quality than the usual webcam, it still won't be particularly good for high quality video. To capture the latter, you have to do as Trevor already suggested and use the camera's i-Link (which is Sony-speak for Firewire). The problem is that while Firewire is required for just about all high quality video capture in about 90% of video cameras, not one camera company of which I am aware actually supplies a Firewire cable. USB yes; Firewire never. So first things first: you have to ensure your computer has a Firewire port (and have a Firewire card installed if you don't) AND you must buy a Firewire cable, which would normally have a small 4 pin port at the end that goes into the camera (looks a little like a mini-USB plug but isn't), and a larger 6 pin plug (normally) that goes into the computer. But without it, the best you will be able to get is the low quality captures you currently have.

melissa · Post by **melissa** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:01 pm

Thanks Guys --

I picked up a port and cable at lunch -- I'm headed home to install and try again..

I'll let you know how it turns out ... Again, thanks for helping a newbie --

Melissa

melissa · Post by **melissa** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 12:55 pm

Problem Solved!!!

I wished they would have told me that on Friday night when I purchased the equipment -- would have saved me a boat load of worry and work..

thank you again, so much for you help..

melissa