Can't play out to DV/tape

Question

Hi, recently splashed out on FCP and a new MacBook Pro after a year or so of FCE on an identically spec'd MacBook Pro. However, I'm having a problem when I try to save my work down to tape using FCP.
I have a Sony DV machine as my output (recording to minDV tape) but no matter what I seem to try, when I play the timeline in FCP it doesn't play on the output - it shows only a still of the frame. I've tried just playing direct from the timeline, I've tried the Print to Tape option, but still can't see the output playing on the DV machine - just a still frame.
However, if I do exactly the same on FCE using the same DV equipment, all works perfectly well and I can see the playing movie on the DV machine and record to tape.
I'm baffled! Any help appreciated.

Answer 1

#8 External Monitor Viewing.
Shane's Stock Answer #8: External Monitor Viewing
If you are working with DV, this is simple. First connect your computer to a camera or deck via firewire, Then connect the camera/deck to your TV/monitor via RCA or S-Video.
Then start up your camera and TV, then open FCP.
Go to the View Menu, choose > External Video > All Frames
VIEW>Video Playback should be “Apple Firewire NTSC” (If you are using an NTSC set)
VIEW>Audio playback should be “Audio follows Video”
Technically, this should send synched video to your TV
If for some reason you can't view your timeline on your external monitor, there are a few things to try:
1) Make sure that the camera/deck is connected and powered on BEFORE you open FCP.
2) In the Final Cut Pro menu select AUDIO/VIDEO Preferences and make sure your signal is being sent out thru Firewire DV.
3) Go to the menu and select VIEW>EXTERNAL>ALL FRAMES.
4) Click in the % box above the image and select FIT TO WINDOW.
5) Go to VIEW->refresh A/V devices
6) Make sure the Log & Capture window is closed
If you want it to play in both the canvas and the external monitor you need to go to the FINAL CUT PRO menu and select AUDIO/VIDIO settings and make sure MIRROR ON DESKTOP is selected under the A/V DEVICES tab.
If you are working with HDV footage, FCP 6 allows you to view this via firewire, but ONLY as downconverted DV. It won't look the best, but you can see it. To do this,
If you need to view any format other than DV at full resolution, then you need to look into capture cards. Several standard definition and high definition models are available from www.aja.com and www.decklink.com. With these options you'll need a proper monitor to view full broadcast colors, but all models allow for realtime standard definition downconvert, allowing you to view HD on an SD monitor.
The Matrox MXO is another option that is output only, but allows you to view your footage on an Apple Cinema Display at full broadcast quality.
Shane