Analog video mac

I'd like to view and if possible capture live analog composit video onto my macbook pro screen.
Instead of using an expensive TV capturing card: Would it be possible to use a ''mini displayport to VGA adaptor'' and a ''VGA to Composite'' cable. I already own a Mini displayport to VGA adaptor.
I've seen people using the mini display/thunderbold port to view an macbook's display onto that of an imac. Would I be able to use the same trick to view my analog composit video?

Short answer is "no".
You need some device to convert an analog signal to digital. This means a 3rd party box (or card if you have a MacPro).
x

Similar Messages

I was advised to purchase dazzle video creator to move analog videos from an old sony camcorder to a mac. I have purchased the dazzle and the specs seem to be for windows only. Has anyone used this product on mac?

I was advised to purchase dazzle video creator to move analog videos from an old sony camcorder to a mac. I have purchased the dazzle and the specs seem to be for windows only. Has anyone used this product on mac?

I am not certain, but I believe there is a version of Dazzle for the Mac. However, it is not the route I would chose.
You really need a proper analogue to digital converter, like the ADVC110, to connect to your camera via the usual RCA cables, and to your Mac via firewire.

Capture analog video

Hi, when i have a g5 with finalcut 5 i can capture analog video (betacam conected to a dvcam recorder then with a "non controlable device" and then "capture now") now, with the mac pro and fcp 6 i can't.
there are no signal to capture, what can i do?

The deck is in e/e if you can see the analog signal in the log and capture window. If you can't see it, it's probably not in e/e... keep looking, all pro decks have this function. The other thing you should be able to do is dub the source tape to the digital recorder. Make sure too the input selection on the machine is set up properly.
Jerry

Converting old analog video with maximum resoultion for archieving and eventual use in iMovie

There seems to be a lot of information on converting old (amatuer) analog video media to a digital format, and which one is best to preserve the maximum amount of data. I have already imported old VHS, analog 8, hi8, and dv into iMovie interations from iMovie 6 and forward. The later versions seem to convert the older files to their own format, I suspect, with a loss of data. I want to reimport the old media to create masters in the best digital format for eventual editing by iMovie 11, or whatever iMovie comes after that.
I have the following formats: VHS, super VHS, 8MM, Hi8, DV, and a memory card (from a camera which is not directly compatible with iMovie 11)
I have the following equimpent:
SONY dual deck VHS DVD. This allows me to convert VHS directly to DVD. I can later decode using Handbreak, and import etc. but it seems I would be losing quality.
SONY Digital 8 handicam. This will play analog tape and output a digital file. I do not know the quality of the output.
Canon VIXIA HFS100, HD camcorder. This uses memory cards. It is NOT compatible with iMovie 11, which I should have checked before I bought it. I have played around with the memory card and have been able to import video but, I do not know the quality, and I've forgotten how I did it.
MacBook Pro, about 4 years old, with a 2Ghz Intel core duo processor and 2GHz Ram. This is obviously not state of the art. I am willing to upgrade within the Mac family but I don't what to upgrade to for my purposes
Canopus ADVC 110. This as DV out via a firewire port, and a DV in/out. It also has svideo in, and composit in.
I have the following software:
iMovie 6, iMovie 9, and iMovie 11. I am fairly comfortable with each version.
Final Cut Express, circa 2006. I would have to learn this.
Handbreak. I use this to rip the DVDs I made with SONY deck. It outputs all kinds of video codecs but is obviously working with compressed imput files. I don't know if I could get it to accept input directly from one of the cameras or the Canopus.
Audacity. I'm using this to combine audio tracks from various sources to add commentary to silent videos, which i would like to add as a voice over track to my iMovies
Toast. I think this can convert files of one video format to another in the process of copying.
Thanks for any advice on any part of this question.
Steve B

Yes
I found a program but am experiencing lots of trouble with it. I was hoping that others could give me a better suggestion.
I've actually downloaded and installed ffmpeg but the problem I'm experiencing now is that the videos do not convert. The program starts to work and then three seconds later I get the dialog box that says everything has been converted but the file created is 0KB and of course will not open.
Any ideas about what could be going wrong? I've attempted to convert the files to different formats and try converting different files as well. I still have the problem.

Audio bad: Sony analog video, RCAs into converter, firewire into PowerBook

Using iMovie HD 5.0.2 and OS X 10.4.9 on a PowerBook G4.
Importing video from a Sony analog video camera by running an RCA cable for video and an RCA cable for audio from the Sony camera into a Formac converter. From the converter I run a FireWire line into the PowerBook. With this set-up, iMovie captures the video okay, but the audio is only a rapid buzz; sounds like a perfectly regular square wave.
I can confirm that the audio signal is being sent from the Sony camera through the converter and on into the FireWire cable by using the same hardware set-up but using Final Cut Express to capture the movie. But I don't want to work in FCE, I want to work in iMovie.
What might be going wrong with the audio capture in iMovie?
several Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Welcome to iMovie Discussions.
As far as I remember, some of the Formacs (..I've never used one, but there was talk of this here..) exhibited this "chainsaw buzz" around the time that iMovie was upgraded to Version 4, I think.
(..Something to do with Formac's non-stringent interpretation of the Firewire spec, perhaps..)
Formac did post info about it on their website, and offered two kinds of upgrade; a firmware download/upgrade for some models ..which you could do yourself.. and a factory upgrade for others.
I don't know if they still offer either of these options, sorry..

Import Analog Video

Hi,
I would like to import analog video into my Mac so that I can edit and extract video. I have many analog video tapes and I would like to import into my Mac. I can output video to my analog video camera or to a VCR but can't input. There is a unit, Elgato's EyeTV, for viewing TV that imports but I don't plan on watching TV on my Mac. I hear you can burn to DVD with a VHS-DVD deck and Extract from the DVD using software (Hand-Brake).
I saw a cheap unit that works with Windows which interfaces through, I believe, USB 2 port but it didn't seem to be Mac suported.
Looking for suggestions I have open slots on my G4 Mac for PCI cards.
Richard
1.25 GHz Dual G4 Desk Top Mac OS X (10.4.9)
1.25 GHz Dual G4 Desk Top Mac OS X (10.4.9)

There is a unit, Elgato's EyeTV,...
It is possible to use the Elgato EyeTV devices (and EyeTV software) to capture analog video. The Elgato devices record mpg-2 video on your hard drive and you can then use something like DVDxDV or MPEG-Streamclip to convert the mpg-2 content to DV video for use in iMovie,
Since you will be starting with VHS tapes, you shouldn't loose any additional quality in the process.
F Shippey

Best Ideas for Analog video...

I'm doing a low end high school football team video.
Unfortunatelly it was shot by a parent that doesn't have the latest camera technology. It was shot in analog video.
I looked into some Analog to Digital Video converters. http://www.nextag.com/CHANNEL-SOURCES-XITEL-INPORT-60374928/prices-html?nxtg=940 0a200507-A19F9E70CC1E7C04 - was looking into this one, just seeing what you guys think.
I can't transfer the video from camera to camera, because my camera doesn't support an input. It's being done across state so I'll be using my old analog camcorder and maybe using that converter in the process.
What are your thoughts?

Benny,
I don't think you need a TBC (time base corrector). As I understand it you just need to get the parent's footage into your mac via firewire.
There are a number of ways to succeed at this. Probably least expensive is to dub (make a copy) of the parent's tape to a DV tape (I assume that's what your camera is). Use RCA cables to dub from the parent's camera/deck to any DV camera or deck that will accept RCA cables. Once it's in DV you're back in business.
Yes, you could also use an A to D converter but I don't think that'll be necessary (I'm trying to save you money without losing quality).
Just borrow a basic DV deck, or even a DV camera that'll allow you to make the dub. You might be able to get a local video production company to help you; you can thank them profusely in the credits.
I hope this helps,
Craig

Importing analog video using MovieBox DV

I purchased a Pinnacle Studio MovieBox DV Version 9 last February at my local Apple Store. I want to convert old analog videotape to movies in iMovie HD. I'm finally getting around to using the MovieBox, but it's not working. I have a Sony CCD-TRV87 Hi 8 camcorder hooked up to the MovieBox, and the MovieBox firewired to my Mac OS X. The iMovie screen indicates "Camera Connected". When I press "Play" on the camcorder, it plays -- but not on the screen. I realize I need to control the camera with its buttons and not iMovie's. The Apple Store employee I spoke to today said that the cords used to hook up the camcorder to a TV should work just fine hooked up to the MovieBox, but do I need an "S" cable? I am at my wits' end fighting with this, as the MovieBox was an expensive piece of equipment, and I just opened the box. Pinnacle doesn't offer anything but "live chat" for support, and just as I reach #1 in the queue, the session cancels. Funny joke! The "Import" button under "File" is grayed out; I can't even make a "Magic Movie" since the Mac is not communicating with the camera. I bought my Mac a year ago, and have only used it to make two movies, which I've since removed from the hard drive to free up space. What am I doing wrong? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hello,
Like yourself I purchased the MovieBox some time ago from Apple, to convert analog video tapes to DV and am now finally getting around to working with it. My problem is getting it to transfer the data without timecode breaks. I decided to take a closer look at the "manual" which is limited on information (there is no Mac support on their website) and learned the following; there are 2 DV ports. A & B. A is where the Mode Select switch is. Here is where you select the mode you are working in. If you are using s-video then you select that by pushing the mode button until the LED lights up on that connection. Same goes for firewire transfer mode and composite mode. The one thing you need to know is if you are using s-video, you have to connect the audio connections of the composite cable to get sound (white & red as indicated by the music note graphics on the box) I'm not clear on how the connection to the computer works with the firewire. The manual is confusing in this area. I will have to play with it to figure this out. My guess is, since I'm converting to DV that My VCR should be connected to port B and the firewire to my computer on port A. We shall see...
Hope this helps.
Good Luck

Trouble capturing analog video using Quicktime 7 in Yosemite

I am attempting to use Quicktime 7 Pro under Yosemite to convert old 8 mm or Hi8 analog videotapes to digital .mov files. The tapes are being played through a Sony TRV350 camcorder, which digitizes the analog video, and outputs digital video via the iLink (Firewire) output, which then goes to the Thunderbolt input on my MacBook Pro using an adapter. I start the camcorder and then start QT7 Pro.
This DOES WORK - for a short while. After taking in 32MB of data or a minute (of a 90 minute video), QT7 stops capturing data with a message:
"Recording stopped because the format of the source media changed. Media of different formats cannot be recorded to the same file"
What does this mean and how do I get around it?
PS: There are not many ways to convert these old tapes. Under Yosemite iMovie will no longer accept video from a Hi8 camcorder. There is some discussion of older iMovie HD but this does not work properly under Yosemite at all.
Need to digitize these old family tapes - any help will be appreciated

One tiny wrinkle is that "Save" from Vidi gives an error message but "Save as" works fine. I suspect Vidi may also stop working with the next OS X release.
Since you did not indicate the specific nature of the error message, I don't know if this is a "fixable" problem or not. The difference between the "Save/Record" and "Save As.../Record As..." options is that the former automatically stored the captured files in a designated location using a default filename. You may wish to check or reset the preference settings here to see they are causing your issue.
Yes, the conversion of a 90 min tape does give a 21 GB file but I don't care - these family videos are irreplaceable and storage is cheap.
This sounds about right—i.e, the normal average DV-25/DVCPRO-25 total data rate is on the order of 28.5 Mbps (or about 13 GB/hour) with DV-50/DVCPRO-50 about 57 Mbps and DV-100/HDV about 114 Mbps.
One more question. Now that I have a DV file, what can I use to convert to a more compressed format that preserves quality? QT7 to save as H.264 is best? Or something else? Toast?
This normally depends on your goals and personal workflow preferences.
For instance, if you are editing content (i.e., trimming; merging; adding titles, fades, transitions, effects, etc.), I would normally use the export/share options that are available from within the editing app itself. On the other hand, for simple trims and export/share of files, I would normally use QT X or QT 7 Pro depending on the specific project needs and/or level of manual control desired. For totally edit-free conversions, I would normally use the encoder options now built into Yosemite (or Mavericks) operating system at the Finder level or the free HandBrake app. (The former basically employs a non-anamorphic approach with high/low quality or target device controlled quality options while the latter has a better graphic user interface for anamorphic strategies with more manual control for truly customized exports as needed.)
EXAMPLE 1: The family normal has Thanksgiving at my brother-in-laws home in PA so my son hosts a second "pseudo-Thanksgiving" dinner on January 1st for the relatives here in NJ. This year I wore a GoPro and within minutes of returning home created the following "trailer" of the gathering (with a total absence of any real planning or forethought) using iMovie to shared the file directly to Mail for posting to others. In this case, I used the video editor to both edit and share a "quickie" video with the rest of our relatives from the East to West Coast. I.e., it seemed the most efficient workflow for the mini-project... SAMPLE VIDEO
EXAMPLE 2: On the other hand, several yeas ago I was asked to post a "quickie" tutorial showing how to layer audio and video content. As this was a relatively simple project, I used QT 7 Pro for this project. Here is the resulting SAMPLE FILE created while making the tutorial.
EXAMPLE 3: In cases where the quality of the source file varies drastically—one video being an 80 year old cinema classic and the next a just released blockbuster loaded with special effects—and/or the source files are not "natively" compatible with QT, I prefer HandBrake for its ability to "tweak" settings over a wide range to create "universal" playback files for all mobile devices, local network streaming, and sharing via internet... SAMPLE 1959 TRAILER
EXAMPLE 4: Lastly, when I simply want to just transcode one or more QT compatible files (for any number of reasons) at the Finder level without having to open a dedicated converter utility, I simply select/highlight the files in the Finder and pass them to the Yosemite/Mavericks operating system for conversion... POCKET RECORDER SAMPLE FILE
As you can see, you have a myriad of options to choose from depending on your personal preferences, needs, goals, etc. As to H.24/X.264/MPEG-4 AVC, yes I would recommend sticking with any encoder that adheres to the JVT standard since it has become a default Mac system standard and, with different settings, is extremely scaleable with regard to use—i.e., it can handle anything from cellular streaming to Blu-ray or multi-K Hi-Def resolutions. However, for all-purpose use, I stick to High Profile (current mobile, TV, High-Speed Internet compatible) or Main Profile (older mobile device, original TV, lower-speed platform compatible) anamorphic encodes at level 3.1 which nicely covers data rates from less then 100 Kbps up to 14 Mbps or anything most users will ever need.

2 questions: Convert analog video AV- USB Converter; Good TV Tuner For IMac

1) I need to convert analog video tapes onto my Mac. What's a good AV to USB converter?
2) I'd like to take advantage of my 24" screen and occasionally watch TV on my Mac. What's a good TV tuner?
Thanks.

Most recommend the Canopus converter, but it is $100-200. I was curious if the analog to digital tv converters available for $10 with the $40 govt coupon would serve the same purpose. I don't know why it wouldn't, but I haven't seen one. I'm going to try to borrow from a friend and see.
Otherwise you can borrow someone's Sony Digital8 to use to play Hi8 and it works as a converter (some models don't do Hi8 playback). This worked for me, but I was afraid I would wear out the "eject' on my friends Digital8 bc I have 60 tapes to transfer.
Other option is to play on old Hi8 thru a miniDV camcorder, used as a converter. My Canon zr500 miniDv doesn't seem to have that option.
I may try to use my Presidian dvr from Radio Shack as a pass thru converter. I haven't tried it yet either, but I think it might be yet another option. If anyone knows how to do any of these, please reply. It seems the tv converter should work and I'll get one if it does.

Importing analog video intoMac mini or MacBookPro

I have a VHS-C camcorder & a Hi-8 camcorder. I also have VHS tapes. I have a VHS-C to VHS adapter. I think that the Hi-8 has S-video out. So I'd need something external that will convert an analog signal into a digital signal. I want to import the videos into my computer & edit them. I have a VHS to DVD burner but it is in a separate room. Is there any hardware that will convert analog video tapes into digital video that I can hook up to my mini or MBP & import the videos so that I can edit them? Is the equipment reasonably priced?

You may find that, importing the VHS tapes directlly into the Mac Mini is easier because it's lacks a SuperDrive.
I have a SuperDrive. There aren't that many connections on my mini. The Thunderbolt port is available as well as the Firewire port. The external hardware usually has a USB output. I don't know if any have a Thunderbolt or Firewire output. I suppose that I can get a USB to Thunderbolt adapter.
After I posted the message, it occured to me that I already know the answers to my questions. DUH! I need both the hardware to connect my camcorders to my mini or MBP plus I need the software. I've browsed around iMovie. I can import my videos & use it to edit my videos. I have a VHS to DVD burner in the living room. I can use the external hardware to connect my MBP to the VHS machine.

When converting analog video to digital to my macbook the audio desyncs halfway through. Any ideas?

I am trying to convert Analog video to digital to my Macbook for work, and every time I run it through my converter the audio De-syncs about halfway into the video. Does anyone know how to go about fixing this issue or have had similar issues to this? I have no issues when converting to my PC, but only my Mac. Thanks!

Hi Rick,
I am extracting the material from the dvd directly using handbrake. The file that handbrake creates lands on the desktop. I then ammend the end of the filename from mp4 to m4v. Following this I click and drag the file onto the itunes icon in the dock. I can then download it to the ipod no problem. The dropouts occur no matter where I play the file. In other words, on the desktop (with QT), in the itunes library and on the pod.
I went back and looked at all the dvd's that are giving me this trouble. The culprit seems to be that the audio signal is in LPCM (linear pulse code modulation). Just for the **** of it, I tried to rip one track using handbrake changing the sampling rate of the audio to 48,000 Hz which I believe is what LPCM uses (previously I had set it at 41,000 Hz in handbrake). But no go, still has dropouts. One of these problem dvd's has a second audio option in AC3 (2ch). As a test, I ripped one song using that. Dropouts are gone. However, the audio is a director's commentary (on the music video he shot) with the music in the background, so it's not what I want.
Is there any way to convert LPCM to AC3? Or any other way to fix this dropout problem.
Thanks,
Pete

Analog Video Tapes

I have a MacBook Pro and I have 10 or so Analog video tapes i'd like either put on the hard drive or turn into DVD's. What's the best way to do this?

I do this all the time, only with old medical procedures on VHS tape. The best way I found was to buy EyeTV Hybrid or EyeTV Plus. Hybrid will copy the tape with the resulting digital format the same quality as the tape. EyeTV Plus will allow you to use Progressive Scan to enhance or improve the resulting VHS analog tape during the capture process.
Both are very easy to use. Connect your VCR via RCA cables or S-Video cable to either product and connect via USB to your Mac. Install the EyeTV software then turn on the tape, hit record on EyeTV and let it play. Once completed stop recording. You can then edit the tape quite easily using the EyeTV editing features then export the completed digital file into several formats: DV, AVI, MP4, MPG, MPEG, DiVX, WMV or DVD (using built-inToast).
Check eBay for a used or cheaper EyeTV product.
Tim...

Analog video editing?

I am looking into buying a Mac mini for analog video editing (S-Video and VHS). From the looks of it, the Mac mini does not have an S-Video port, but is there any adapter out there that has one? I don't want to spend more than $800 on each machine (including the adapter).
Thanks.

Austin,
You can either use a Mini-DV camera that has analog passthrough on it to get the video into your Mac(through a firewire cable), or you can get a video capture box like Canopus.
Grant

Capturing Analog Video in iMovieHD

Is there any technique or third-party software which will do optical scene detection on captured analog video? Or any way to break the input video into scenes using time increments? Both these options are available in a number of Windows environment video editing packages, but seem to be missing in the Apple Mac world.

Is it on a tape you can read with your digital camera? If so import it from there. When I've done this I've used stop start and rewind to select more logical clips which can then be split in editing but iMovie HD will take the lot.

Analog video mac

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