HDV on 24" iMac

will an iMac 24" with up graded video card be able to handle and edit HDV coming from a Sony V1U and their new clip on hard disc recorder.

First off, the iMac will be able to import and work with HDV just fine out of the box. You need an external hard drive though.
Second, you cannot replace the video card in the iMac...not without seriously voiding the warranty.
Shane

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Can an old PowerBook G4 import HDV Footage?

I have a PowerBook G4 1.5 Ghz, running Leopard.
I want to install Final Cut Express 4, in order to import HDV video.
Do you think I can do this with my old computer, or do I need a new and faster one?
I looked at the "system requirements", they say the software needs at least a G4 processor running at 1.25 Ghz, then it should be all right. But they don't say anything about HDV and G4 processors.
I'm asking because I want to be sure, don't want to buy the program and then find out I can't use it...
Thank you

Hi(Bonjour)!
I do HDV on an iMac G4 1 gig of RAM, but the capturing process is longer than with my G5. The rendering time for HDV is longer than regular DV and on a G4 is very long, but can be completed. 1 gig of RAM is short for HDV as 2 gig is recommended.
A dedicated, 7200 rpm, hard drive is recommended to do HDV and maintain a high rate transfert speed. I suspect that the internal one in your book cannot keep the pace. Think about an external.
Michel Boissonneault

Moving contents of FCE scratch disc to external Drive from an iMac Drive

Is there a way of moving the captured HDV video in the Scratch Disc for a project from an iMac hard drive to an external drive if the initial capture placed it in the iMac drive.
FCE captured my original HDV on my iMac in the FCE Document folder. I thought I had specified my external Glyph drive for the captured video but discovered after editing and saving the project to the external GLYPH that the original capture was in the FCE document folder on the iMac --where I did not want it. The project is saved on the external GLYPH. Is there a way of moving the Scratch Disc (original captured video) for this project from the iMac Hard drive to the Glyph drive (in other words, after the initial capture) without screwing up the editing I have already done.
I had created a "Media" folder on the external drive for all media to be used in this project before capturing the video but the Easy set up did not give me a scratch option and placed it in the default (iMac) drive.
This is my first time trying out FCE. Help would be appreciated.
macrobob

Is there a way of moving the captured HDV video in the Scratch Disc for a project from an iMac hard drive to an external drive if the initial capture placed it in the iMac drive.
Yes, just copy the files to the folder(s) you want them to be in.
I normally capture to my internal drive (Final Cut Express Documents > Capture Scratch folder.) After capturing, I copy the clips to a folder on one of my external drives; usually give the folder the name of the shoot. That's my simple way of organizing clips on my hard drives; and it makes backing up easier too.
After you copy the clips, you should delete the clips from their original location (I assume that is your Capture Scratch folder on your system HD). Be sure to Empty the Trash. Very important - make sure you have successfully copied all your clips to the external drive; once you empty trash, the originals are gone.
When you open your project file the next time, all your clips will be offline and you will have to go through the Reconnect Media process to re-associate your clips with your project. After successfully reconnecting media, Save your project and all should be fine.
I highly recommend reading the sections of the manual (online help) about scratch disk locations; and reconnecting media.
but the Easy set up did not give me a scratch option and placed it in the default (iMac) drive.
Scratch locations are not part of Easy Setups. You set your scratch disk location in FCE > System Settings.

Has anyone done a successful HDV to DV magic imovie?

FX1 1080i footage through ilink conversion to imovie DV widescreen project, and send to idvd. has anybody done this and come out with a good result? i keep getting the same problem - dvd menu audio plays but the actual movie is muted. i'm starting to wonder if magic movie can handle a HDV to DV stream.

Hi crude:
Does this Apple Article help?
iDVD: OneStep DVD not available for HDV format
Sue
iMac ppcG5 1.8 GHz 20FP & (2)iMac G4 800MHz 17FP Mac OS X (10.3.9) OS X 10.4.6 / iLife 4,5,6 Superdrives & 1 G RAM / QT6 pro

Pro-consumer Video Camera: Recommendations?

I'm looking to purchase a pro-consumer miniDV camera but I am confused by the selection. I know that I want a 3-CCD imager (probably rules out Sony cams), 4:3 ratio and true 16:9 aspect ratio, 24p, 30p, 1080i/60i, and XLR audio input. It seems these cams run around +$3k.
I will not be using the cameras to shoot wedding or events but experimental video and I require rich colors. I will also probably be shooting dance. I would also like to leave room to film a short independent feature. (I might eventually have to upgrade to accomplish this.)
Which cams do you recommend?
Another question: In your opinion is it worth spending a couple thousand more to get a lower priced but true HD video camera. By true HD I mean progressive scan video at 720p. By is it "worth it" I am concerned about the cost of shooting in 720p mode, the limited storage capabilities, the cost to purchase hard drives and decks. What are the costs and complications of purchasing a 720p camera? I know I am probably limited to Panasonic or JVC brands. Which cameras do you recommend?
Thanks so much for all your feedback.
Mac OS X (10.4.1)
Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Standard Definition (the format which the DVX100 shoots in) has a relatively straightforward editing workflow, tried and tested in recent years and easy to work with, particularly if you are working on a budget and are restricted to using an iMac, which has less options for expandability i.e adding a second firewire bus (not firewire port - sometimes you can get problems capturing video via firewire if you have your transfer deck or camera hooked up to your computer on the same firewire bus, despite being on separate ports - not always and you may never experience the problem, but if you're editing in more than a casual user environment you don't want to take the risk)
You can't add e-sata drives (alternative to fW drives) via an e-sata card on an iMac whereas you can with a macpro which can also add internal storage whereas an imac can't.
HDV which the XA-H1 shoots in, is at the lower end of the Hi Def formats, looks great when shot well and displayed on a large screen hi-def tv, but is highly compressed and causes problems in the editing workflow.
Ideally, you want to have a monitor or at least a portable tv hooked up to your computer for external monitoring of your video - to check whether titles are correctly displayed within the title-safe areas and more importantly for colour correction as computer displays and tvs don't display video the same and whereas this may not be important if you're videoing your great aunt's birthday or the kids playing in the park, if you're doing serious stuff, such as commercials or short films you need to be able to monitor externally.
Performing this is simple if you're editing standard def but if you're editing HDV you can't do this using the method described.
You either have to use a combination of HD monitor such the Apple 23" Cinema display coupled with the Matrox MXO card or use a compatible capture card to convert to a more edit friendly format such as dvchpro to avoid long render times - both options will cost more than the price of the imac on it's own and is why it's recommended to get a macpro tower when using a Proapp such as FCP if you're hoping to edit for a living or if you're a serious and regular user.
That's not to say you cant edit HDV using a imac and external FW hard drive set-up - I'm sure many contributors to this forum do - just to illuminate the possible difficulties.
Also, when shooting in any hi-def format, your technical camera skills need to be more proficient - focus in an image that is blown up to higher sizes if much more critical and you're going to show every blemish and wrinkle of a character's skin.
Yeah, the XA-H1 is a fine camera for shooting with from a camera and image perspective - much more difficult to deal with the footage as an FCP editor and potentially a lot more expensive if you want/need to do it properly.
Yes, as large hi-def tv's become more widespread, Hd is going to become the format of the future - as I've no doubt, will tapeless cameras.
Many Prosumer HDV cameras offer the option of downconverting in-camera to standard def, meaning you can shoot in the HDV format, then downconvert to standard def for editing, retaining the HDV master for future re-editing if you don't currently have the setup capable of editing HDV natively or if, in future, the HdV editing workflow becomes easier to deal with.
This may be your best option, but you'll need to check if the XA-H1 has this facility - I'm not familiar with this camera but know that the Sony Z1 or v1 both offer this facility.
Don't forget, there's not yet an inexpensive way of burning HD/HDV material to DVD that'll play in the majority of HDDVD/Blu-ray players yet - that's coming in the near(ish) future, so if you are outputting to DVD, you'll have to do this in SD anyway.
BTW, I have used the DVX-100 extensively and it's the standard for 1/3" CCD standard def prosumer cams.
Search the forum for HDV to check out the current thinking on editing HDV - there's masses of opinion out there.
Good luck!

Basic 24" iMac 2.8GHz (Penryn) Captures HDV As ProRes In Real Time.

It's OK I'm not claiming any records.
It's just that I have been reading a lot about capturing ProRes from HDV and there are lots of warnings that capture will lag behind real time even with PowerMacs etc.
I was therefore pleasantly surprised to find that my unmodified iMac captured everything in Real Time even though I had 5 other apps open at the same time.
People often ask whether an iMac is suitable for FCP. This in no way is a definitive answer but it does suggest the iMac is certainly no slouch!

Ian R. Brown wrote:
People often ask whether an iMac is suitable for FCP. This in no way is a definitive answer but it does suggest the iMac is certainly no slouch!
Fantastic, Ian!!
Love the photos and I'll wager that pig was awesome. I'm a lifelong carnivore/omnivore and can't imagine a day without bacon.
Yeah, the iMac. No one here has ever doubted it's processing capabilities at all. Where the iMac lacks is with it's abject lack of expansion beyond it's firewire ports and if one goes into that limitation eyes wide open, then there is no reason at all one can't be productive with an iMac.
For whatever it's worth, I'm too timid to capture video with any other application save FCP working.
Zeb

*** What is the bare min. iMac to buy for editing HDV footage

Just wondering if someone could give me feedback on their editing experiences with a new iMac, HDV footage, and Final Cut Pro. I'm hiring an editor that will be working regularly with HDV footage. I'm currently on a PowerMac DP 2.7 G5 but there isn't the budget to give him a Mac Pro at this time. Just wondering if people think a 17" iMac w/ superdrive would be enough for that person to comfortably edit the HDV footage I give them. I'd be running a 19" monitor along side the iMac, so that's why I am not really considering the 20" at this point. Can anyone let me know if they think the iMac's can handle this kind of footage? I have a last generation powermac G4 tower, but I'm assuming that would be slower than a new iMac.
Thoughts?

I'm currently on a PowerMac DP 2.7 G5 but there isn't the budget to give him a Mac Pro at this time.
While the iMac will work for you, personally I'd stick with what you've got and save your pennies till you can afford what you want. You'll be happier in the end with a machine that you can expand.
Remember that your computer can render when that lazy editor of yours goes home to sleep. (;
rh

IMac G5 shuts down while importing HDV video in iMovie

So here is the problem, my 20" iMac G5 will be importing video from my Sony HDV camera, and will just shut down. I mean turn off completely. It happened 6 times yesterday to my wife. When I try to turn it back on, sometimes it will work, sometimes, I have to unplug the iMac from the plug and wait 30seconds before it will turn on again. Any one have any experience with this? Is it a power supply issue? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

got apple care to replace power supply

HDV on a non-intel PPC imac?

I have an HDV camcorder I've borrowed from someone to film a wedding. I figured since it recorded to miniDV, I'd be fine, since I have FCP5. Also, I've got Toast 9 with BluRay/HD support and iMovie 08. Since my iMac is not Intel, I'm having problems capturing from the camcorder. I've heard of Voltaire (or some name similar to that), but I've heard mixed reviews, plus it costs $40. Are there any workarounds for my current set-up so I wouldn't have to buy any new software? If not, what software would you recommend?

Look in your FCP Help menu bar item. You will find a guide there entitled "HD and Broadcast Formats".
The procedures for capturing, working and editing with HDV are covered in detail.
Interestingly enough, the illustration showing how to connect and set up a HDV camera shows a G5 iMac.

Best disk set-up for editing HDV on iMac G5

Are any of the G5 iMac's external interfaces (FireWire 400/USB 2.0) really fast enough for editing and playback of HDV in FCE or am I always going to suffer jerky stop-start performance? Currently using a LaCie d2 Quadra 500GB drive connected via USB which supports 'up to 60MB/s' according to spec – is this set-up going to cut it? If not, what's optimum for this iMac?

The application knows where the media is. It knows what bus it's coming from. Are you getting dropped frames in playback? Do you get an error message when you play back HDV material? There are many factors that can cause dropped frames. The error message lists some of them.

I have 2012 iMac with 4 GB RAM. Every time I'm importing vedeo using MiniDV HDV Sony camera, FCP X is importing normally, with 2.5 GB of RAM free. Then, after 10 or 15 min of importing, FCP is frozen, and free RAM is close to zero. What happens?

I have 2012 iMac with 4 GB RAM. When I turn FCP X, I usually have 2.5 RAM free and the program works normally when I edit. The issue is importing video. I use a Sony HDV camera to import from miniDV tapes, and Apple says Sony HDVs are supported. Yet every time I'm importing, it works normally for 10-15 min, then the amount of free RAM quickly (yet gradually) is reduced to almost zero (I used Memory Clean to dicover it) and then FCP X got frozen and I need to force quit it and start all over again, to work for another 15 min. Horrible! What is it?

Are using 10.0.7 (the latest version)?
Memory problems seem to have been alleviated with 10.0.6 and 10.0.7.
Please post the screenshots of Activity Monitor, as Tom asked. This will at least let us see if it is FCP X itself gobbling a lot of RAM or if you are suffering from the problem of OS X not releasing "Inactive Memory" in a timely manner - an issue that has been there for a long time :-(
You didn't mention whether you have the 27" or 21.5" iMac. Unfortunately, in the 21.5" adding RAM is a big hassle. But if you have the 27", then seriously consider upping the RAM. It is quite inexpensive, from the likes of Crucial or other reputable third parties.

Firewire HDV conflict with the new imac ?

Hi all,
I would like to buy an imac but I had conflicts at work beetween my HDV camcorder connected in firewire and the imac's isight in Final Cut Pro 5 and 6 (tested both) and I would like to know if any of you noticed the same problem or if it is a well none problem with isight's integrated computers ?
I looked where I could turn off the isight but i didn't find, does anybody know how ?
When I tried to connect my camcorder, Final Cut wouldn't recognize it as plugged and when I checked in the capture window, when I clap in my hands, the sound goes into Final Cut's Capture tool but I have no image. It's as if the isight and the mac's microphone had priority before the firewire connection and interfere.
I managed once to connect it but never again and never before.
If it's really the isight which is the problem, I don't want to buy one for me !!!
Thanks for help, suggestions or comment

You might check this thread...don't know if any of it applies...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=1072915&#1072915
K

Capturing HDV onto Final Cut using an IMAC

I just purchased an IMAC with 1 gig of memory and I installed Final Cut Pro 5. Capturing video is very slow, especially when acquistion is complete because processing is so very, very slow. Any way to speed up processing?
Thanks.
imac Mac OS X (10.4.7) Capturing FCP

Yes.
Anything below FCP 5.1 will run under the PowerPC emulation, Rosetta, on an Intel iMac - I'm amazed it works at all, never mind slowly.
You need to send your CD's off for a 'crossgrade' to the Universal Binary version of Final Cut (5.1), go here for options and order forms:
http://www.apple.com/universal/crossgrade/
If you already had Final Cut Studio, the fee is $50, if you had just one of the Studio products the fee is more (e.g. only Final Cut Pro, $99), but you get the whole studio package for not a lot of money.
The 5.1 universal binary version will also work on your PowerPC mac, and your new Intel mac - at blazing speed.
I sent mine off a week ago - still not had it back (being in Canada may make a difference) so you may need to go back to your old machine to get work done in the mean time.

Imac and Sony HDV CX560V

This actually links to a previous question to which I received a very useful answer.
However having typed out my reply 4 times and attempted to submit it, each time I got an error notice and am told to try again!
So my fifith attempt! This time as a new query.
Firstly my thanks for the reply that I received for which I am most grateful.
My problem - I would like to buy an NTSC Sony camcorder HDR CX560V.
Previously it was not possible to extract AVCHD footage into a iMac. I now understand that with iMovie '11 this is now possible. I am using iMovie 9.0.4 but with a new iMac having an Intel Core i5 processor. Will this Intel processor be sufficient as I am told I need an Intel Core Duo processsor.
In the past there were problems with CMOS optical sensors which this Sony camcorder has. Has iMovie resolved thai problem? (Support article HT1793. dated 17/5/2011).
"iMovie Help '11" listed compatible cameras and includes the HDR CX560V. In the 'Additional Information' column there are no notes suggesting there are no problems for this camcorder.
In the link to which I was referred yesterday dated 6 Dec. 2011 this camera is no longer specifically listed. What do I conclude?
Finally how do I extract footage into my iMac (if I can). Do I connect the camcoder and iMac with aUSB connector and use Import - completey ignoring the CD that will come with the camcorder?

The i5 microprocessor is much more powerful than the Core Duo processors so you have way more than enough horsepower. Regarding your other questions I'd recommend posting in the iMovie forum. To find out if your camera is supported please click the iMovie '11 Supported Cameras link.

Unable to capture HDV footage with FCP 5.1

I've captured HD footage onto my old computer (10.4.11) without any problem but now I'm trying on my new one and it doesn't want to know.
First off there was a problem with the Firewire port ejecting my hard drives randomly so I took it to be repaired and they replaced the logic board and the port works fine.
I've looked at all the posts I could find, I've trashed my preferences, reinstalled Final Cut Studio ( after uninstalling then updating the software). I've made sure the camera is set to HDV playback rather than auto and that the iLink HDV/DV conversion is off. I've tried all the easy setups and all the custom ones I could think of but still FCP (5.1.4) won't allow me to capture. On some settings I have had device control but no image, on others it said the camera isn't connected. The only way I've captured footage is by using the HDV Apple Intermediate Codec 1080i50 which works fine.
The camera is a Sony HDR-HC7 connected directly to the iMac with a Firewire 800 / iLink cable or daisy chained through my external hard drive with a 400 / iLink cable (neither of which makes any difference) I can also capture SD footage from both the HDV and a Panasonic SD camera when in DV-PAL setup. The HDV camera also shows up as connected in the system profiler.
This is driving me nuts so any help would be appreciated and if there's any other info I can help with to make this clearer let me know.
Message was edited by: MrMajesticMole

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who was having the same problem as you. Although you say the camera playback is set properly, please recheck this. go into your camera's playback menu>menu>standard set>VCR HDV/DV. Unplug your firewire from the camera. Make sure camera is set to HDV NOT auto. replace firewire cable. Now open FCP. Go in Audio/video settings>A/V devices (farthest tab on right). In box for playback edit to tape different from video output (make sure it's checked) mirrored (checked) Video playback 1080i50, Audio HDV. I hope that works now.
Steve

HDV on 24" iMac

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