Help with capturing VHS onto the FCP drive

Question

Hello, I'm a new (novice) G-5 FCP user and I'm trying to attempt to capture video through my VHS player (from the VHS Tape) and dub it into my new Panasonic PVGS31 mini dv camera, or if possible, bypass the dubbing to mini dv and capture the video straight into the G-5 using the dv camera. I tried to connect the av adapter to the back of the VCR, but no luck...can anyone advise on what to do. I keep spending more and more money at the dubbing house putting VHS onto mini dv and that's got to stop.
Thank you!!
G-5 2.7   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

Answer 1

First off, make sure you're using the correct cable(s) to connect the VHS VCR to your camcorder and that you've connected to the correct outputs on the VCR as well as the right inputs on your camcorder. I know its a simple thing, but sometimes its easy to get the INs and OUTs crossed up.
Next, make sure your camcorder is set for the proper line input. Usually its a menu setting while in VTR mode. Now here's the important part; if your camcorder can pass through an analog signal to its digital output, you should be able to capture directly with FCP without dubbing to tape first. But be aware that not all camcorders have this capability. If yours doesn't, just go ahead and dub to DV tape first then capture the new DV tape with FCP.
Of course, you'll need to have the Firewire port of your camcorder connected to your Mac, and assuming your camcorder is compatible with FCP you should be good to go.
I tried to connect the av adapter to the back of the VCR<<</div>
What exactly is this "AV Adapter" you're referring to? Most all VCRs will have an RCA output jack for video and one (mono) or two (stereo) for audio. You connect these to your camcorder's line input jacks.
-DH