Converting analog video to digital

I'am currently running on a new powerbook G4 OS 10.4 and having great difficulty getting my computer to read my camera. The problem is that my camera is connected to a digital converter. Dazzle Hollywood DV Bridge. My camera is a Sharp that runs Hi-8 tapes. If anybody has any clue on how to get my computer to recognize this set up I would greatly appreciate it.

Brian,
I have the same Hollywood DV set up and every now and then it acts goofy. Take a look at the lights at the top. the lowest one (AtoD) should be green. (analog to digital) If all lights are red click the switch on the top rear of the Dazzle unit.
Also use the firewire port on the rear. Seems like mine has an issue with the front.
Lastly save and exit the I movie program and restart AFTER hooking up and selecting Ato D.
Make sure you set the switch on iMovies interface to "camera".
One last thing. You have to work the camera by it's controls. You won't get them to work through I movie.
If this doesn't help hook up a VCR to the DV Bridge, Hit play and see if it sends through to iMovie. If it does it's your camera or connecting cable.

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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

Convert analog video to digital using a miniDV camcorder

Hi hi
So I want to convert some old analog videos I have from about 10 or so years ago to digital so I can edit them in iMovie HD. I've been reading a lot of the forums around and have successfully (I think) connect the analog video camera to the the miniDV (a Sony Handycam DCR-HC30E) using that A/V jack in the digital recorder and the analog to connect them. And the digital recorder is connected to the computer via firewire. So that's all right.
But now I'm up to the stage where I need to import it into iMovie HD (version 5.0.2) and it's been stubborn and not doing anything. I press play on the analog like people have said but iMovie just says "Camera no tape" and the "import" is unclickable.
Please please please please help! I've no idea what I'm doing wrong!
So just for quick reference, I'm using:
iMovie HD 5.0.2
Sony Handycam DCR-HC30E (Mini DV) and
Panasonic NV-VZ1 (analog video recorder)
P.S I don't want to have to record onto the the mini DV tapes because I've got none.
Thanks!

Hi catspaw! Thanks for replying
I probably should have mentioned before that I did change the 'A/V to DV out' to on, and I think that's the same as "passthrough"
And I've tried suggestion 2 as well, but to no avail! The connection either dropped once I took the tape out or it started to film on my iSight camera! Which is bizarre because my iMovie usually does not let me film with it! I've also been able to film with the camera connected to the computer and recording on the computer and see what I'm fliming on the computer.
But thanks for your help anyway!

Trouble using Canopus to convert analog videos to digital for iMovie

I am trying to convert my old Sony HandyCam Video 8 analog videos so that I can edit them on iMovie and burn them on a disc. I have connected it as described in the directions but although my computer recognizes the device, I just get the blue import screen and no picture or sound. I have pressed play on the camera and video is running there but does not appear on the screen. Any idea what I am doing wrong? It is connected with the 6pin firewire that came with it to the computer and the DV out plug... and on the other side it is connected with the two plugs I use with the camera...Video IN and Audio IN... and Video OUT and Audio OUT on the camera. The camera is in the player mode with power on. And my computer is a new MacBook Pro with iMovie 08.
Really need help. Thanks

K.C.S.
I am having the same problem ADVC-55 to MacBook Pro and iMovie 8. I was able to convert two full VHS tapes but when I started the third, no go. Red status light and nothing I have tried will get it to green. I tried myVCR and iMovie 7, also no go.
Geoff

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.

What is better when converting analog video for FCE, Canopus100/110/300/or5

All,
What is better when converting analog video for FCE, Canopus100/110/300/or500? I have a new MACPRO with FCE HD and I wanted to convert some of my older video that was recorded on a HI8 Camcorder... Thanks.

I have the ADVC-100 (older model) and ADVC-110. They are identical except that the ADVC-110 does not come with an AC power adapter. Currently sells for about $220USD. If all you need to do is convert from HI8 tapes, the ADVC100/110 will do the job quite nicely.
The ADVC300 adds some enhancements for video signal cleanup, but at a higher price. Currently sells for about $450USD. The ADVC500 is overkill for home use.

Converting analog signals into digital signals

I have been transferring analog video cassettes to iMovie for further editing by using a digital camcorder (Canon MV960) between the 8mm video camcorder (analog camcorder) and iMac. I have always done this without any cassette in the digital camcorder, i.e. I have been using the digital camcorder as an analog/digital converter only.
I recently acquired iMovie HD 6 but this most recent version of iMovie refuses to import any signal from the analog camcorder via the digital camcorder. The window in iMovie is empty with an error message saying that "no tape". Well, it's true, there is no tape, there never was any tape when I used the previous version of iMovie!
Does this mean that I have to convert the analog video tape into digital video tape and, once recorded in digital format, the digital tape can be imported in iMovie HD 6?
All cable connections are OK:
- the analog film could be seen in the screen of the digital camcorder:
- digital video tape could be imported to iMovie HD 6.

Hi 5480:
try running a permissions repair (which should actually be done before and after upgrading software). You will find it in applications / utility / disk utility.
Also, this is a copy of how Matti Haveri (iMovie Guru) sets up analoge to DV:
My Analog to DV passthrough settings memo:
1. Take the tape out of the camcorder
2. Connect the analog device's audio and video to the camcorder's minijack, use the S-Video jack for video if the output device supports S-Video
3. Put the camcorder into VTR-mode
4. Select A/V->DV out: ON, in VTR mode's menu choices
5. Disable the info display on the the camcorder by toggling its DISPLAY button
6. Put iMovie (or other DV application) to the Camera Mode
The analog image should now appear on the camcorder's screen as well as on the iMovie's screen.
Note that if you have a tape in the camcorder, you have to put the camcorder's VTR into REC mode (you may pause the tape) but this is not advisable because it produces wear to the tape.
* Note that the SCART which comes with the European nEUtered TRV320E camcorder is Out-only.
Sue

Converting analog footage to digital help please!

I have a Canon GL1 and I tried running the VHS deck to the RCA cables to the GL1 then through to the Computer via Firewire but it doesn't work. Whenever I plug the firewire in the signal from the RCA is instantly gone. I heard you could use Sony cameras to convert Analog to Digital but it doesn't work with my GL1 also (I know you are supposed to use the "none controllable device" capture setting in FCP).
What I want is to go direct capture from my VHS deck to my camera to my computer without recording to minidv first.
Any help with this would be great!

hi focused!
As an avid Canon user myself, I'm sorry to say that the GL1 does not support "digital pass through"--what you're trying to achieve by using the camera as an on-the-fly analog to digital converter. The newer GL2 (among other newer models) does.
However, you can record your VHS signal onto a miniDV tape then via firewire get it onto your Mac. A longer process, but do-able. That said, if you have a little money to spend there are some inexpensive analog-digital converters available.
Hope that helps and nice to talk to another islander
Cheers (and aloha).

Converting analog video to DVD

I have VHS and VHS-C (I have the adaptor for this). I want feed them into iMovie. Does anyone suggest a converter? I found Formac's StudioDV. Does anyone know anything about this? IS this good? It is about $115 or so. What other options are there? Any help here would be appreciated.

If you have a digital camcorder it may have analog/digital pass through that allows this conversion. I needed a new camcorder in 2001 so I purchased a camera with this feature instead of a dedicated unit like you mention. My tapes are now converted and I still have a camcorder.
Regards,

Analog Video to Digital...some questions

I searched and found a variety of related topics...I just need to know a couple of things and I was hoping this community could help me.
I have a bunch of 8mm tapes and the sony camcorder that made them. I'd like to move these to the mac, edit them, and put them on DVD. I really don't want to spend alot of money. Is there an inexpensive solution for this?
Second question - if I use my DVD recorder, I know I can put the movies on DVD - can I then edit them with iMovie?
Thanks...

The most inexpensive solution would be to burn the footage to a DVD, then use the free [MPEG Streamclip|http://www.squared5.com> along with the $20 [MPEG-2 Component|http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2> to convert the VOB files on your DVD to QuickTime. Note that you will also suffer some quality loss with this method.
The more expensive solution that would also conserve quality would be to use an Analog-to-Digital converter (or a DV camera with this feature) as a "bridge" to connect your analog camera to your Mac and capture it as regular DV footage. Final Cut definitely allows you to do this, I'd assume iMovie would too. The converter usually costs somewhere in the $150-$300 range, in addition to the extra $200 for the purchase of Final Cut Express in case iMovie doesn't work. Ends up being significantly more expensive.
Depending on how important price and quality are to you either of these options are feasible.

How to convert analog scalar into digital value

I have the DAQ connected to a system that sends a digital 0 or 1 through the analog BNC connector. If I use DAQ Express VI, I can convert the dynamic data type into a boolean (rather than scalar) array so it's easy to check if the value is 0 or 1. Because I'm running the VI in real-time, I can't use dynamic-to-boolean array conversion. The output I get is a 1-D waveform array which will give me scalar values. The task has a voltage range of -10 to 10 mV. How can I convert that into a 0 or a 1? Should I set the voltage range to 0-5V and simply have an if statement that checks if the value is, let's say, greater than 2.2V (which will mean it's a binary 1)? Is there a better method?
Thanks.

Hi abdel2,
It sounds like you are trying to measure digital data from your system. If that is the case, you should be able to connect to a digital input line if your DAQ card had them. Then you can set up a digital acquisition in LabVIEW that will interpret the signal as a boolean input.
If you are not able to do this, you can approximate the digital behavior by reading analog data, and pragmatically determining a threshold (for example 2.2V), though this is a less efficient way to do it.
Regards,
Stephen S.
National Instruments
Applications Engineering

Capturing/Converting Analog Video

I have been using Plextor's PX-M402U A-D converter to create MPEG2/MPEG4 files. Unfortunately, the Intervideo WinDVD software that comes with this device causes both PRE7 & PE7 to crash. There is some conflict which prevents Intervideo's products and Adobe's from cohabitating on the same computer (at least under XP). Is there any way to get the PE7's capture facility to recognize the PX-402U? That would be the easiest solution. Alternatively, is there a capture program that would work with the PX-402U and behave in a friendly manner with PR7 and PE7? Thanks.

Paul, when I purchased the Plextor unit, VideoStudio did not come with the package. I notice on the Plextor web-site that the current product does have VideoStudio bundled with the converter. I also notice that both InterVideo WinDVD and VideoStudio are Corel products. Are you telling me that VideoStudio would not conflict with PE7 whereas WinDVD would?

Converting analog to digital video

Does anybody know a cheap way to convert analog video (from a VHS) to digital video that can be burned on a DVD? A converter box is probably my best option as I have no digital camcorder, but I was looking for one under $150. So far the only ones I can find send the analog signal to the computer, where it is converted to digital by software. This would be fine, but the software is Windows only. I either need a converter box that converts the signal within the box and sends a digital signal to the computer, or one that comes with converting software for Mac. Preferably composite video (yellow, red, white), and preferably something that uses firewire, although if I have to I can use USB
Thanks,
Tom
iMac G4 15-inch 800 Mhz Mac OS X (10.3.9) iMovie 3.0.3, Toast 7 Titanium, no iDVD

Not sure what you mean by "breaks up in places".
In iMovie4, the maximum clip size is 2 gigabytes. When importing from a camera or converter, iMove will just start a new clip ever 9 1/2 minutes (2 gb), but you don't lose a single frame.
If you're getting irregular breaks, including the loss of video (may be hard to tell, if it's only a frame or two), you either have a cable problem (maybe just not plugged-in securely) or a VHS tape that is a bit out of synch. For that, you might need Time Base Correction, where the hardware will basically ignore the synch data on the tape and replace it with it's own. There are VCRs and video converters that have TBC built-in, but they're more expensive. There are also separate pieces of gear that do only that. I dunno whether digital cameras are available that do this.
First, I'd see if it happens with other tapes, then try another VCR, before spending megabucks on more gear.

Converting analog home movies to Digital

Hopeing to find someone else who has already solved this problem...After slacking off for twenty years or so, I'm, finally converting my ancient, stone-tablet home movies to DVD. I have a Sony DCR-TRV460 Camcorder doing the heavy lifting. It's supposed to convert Analog tapes to digital signals on the fly. I have a stack of old 8 mm tapes, that a Sony DCR TRV130 recorded for me from even older VCR video tapes. Unfortunately, the TRV130 is frozen and inoperative, maybe I'll have to have it repaired....All the tapes play fine on the TRV460's screen, but Imovie only recognizes the newest ones, actually recorded on the 460, the ones "converted" from the 130 just show a blue screen, probably some analog-to-digiital error. I'm useing a Firewire cable, the usb cable apparently isnt fully supported. I remember reading long ago that the 460 doesent fully support on-the-fly conversion. anyone been able to make this work? do I need a differernt camcorder? Maybe I just have the av-DVsettings wrong? Any clues fom by Buddies out in the Ether will be appreciated! Useing a "Early 2008" Mac Pro Tower.
Jim

I did this a few years ago with a Sony TRV-230.
It was very fussy. Sometimes it would drop out and give me the blue screen and I would have to try several times before I got it all. It helps to fully fast forward and rewind the 8mm tapes so if they are sagging to one side of the cassette, they are back to the center so they don't drag on the sides of the cassette enclosure. I generally had to use the manual mode and watch it all the time.

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.

Converting analog video to digital

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