Problem capturing from camcorder via FW

Thought this may helpful to somebody.
When I connect my camcorder (Canon ZR400) to the Mac (via FW400), the computer can 'run' the camcorder, ie make it stop/rewind/ff etc. However nothing is shown in the blue window, except the time counter.
I've found out that unplugging my other FW cable (FW800 connected to the external drive) fixes it.
(Not sure if I'd googled it up first or it was my own guess.)
Hope someone can pass it on to Cupertino too!

Derek,
From your tests, it appears that your computer is now unable to capture from the camera.
When you plug in your camera and turn it on, you do get the Windows "bing-bong" sound, don't you? Does the camera appear in the Taskbar?
IIRC, you CAN control the camera from PrE. That would indicate that Windows IS seeing the camera. If so, then the easiest thing to check, the FW cable itself, seems to be working.
This would indicate that there might be an issue with the camera. Before we rush to that conclusion, let's do a test:
There are several sequences, that one could choose to Capture. Some cameras want things done a particular way, for them to work with the computer. The elements of the sequence are to plug in the camera to the computer. Let's keep that constant. Now, first turn on the camera in Play Mode, then launch PrE, then choose Capture in PrE (the exact name/tab might differ by version) - check. If that does not work, shut down PrE and turn OFF the camera. Next, launch PrE, then turn ON the camera, then start the Capture module - check. If that does not work, shut down PrE and turn OFF the camera. Now, launch PrE, start the Capture module, then turn ON the camera in Play Mode. I cannot think of any other variations on the sequence, but if you can think of a different order, try that.
You do NOT want to make any FW connections with the camera ON, so do NOT do that.
If none works, then it might well point to an issue with the camera, or with the computer's FW connection, or controller chip. At this point, because it's simple and cheap, I'd buy a new cable, and test as above. That will finally rule out the cable. To test the computer, find a friend with a FW connection, and Windows Movie Maker (or iMovie on a Mac), and try to Capture on that computer. If the above sequence tests fail on the new computer, it might be time to take the camera in for repair.
Good luck,
Hunt

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Sorry to repost this. Total newb here and couldn't figure out that I had to be in a category to post! So this is a repost from a reply I posted just below
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Hello Skim123,
I have the same problem sometimes, and my guess is that it's a dropped frame - but as I said that's guesswork. You could also try a new firewire cable.
Can I just restart the capture from where the camcorder stopped to continue the capture?
Yes, you can, although it might be better to rewind a couple of seconds. Otherwise you might loose a couple of frames, which causes a jump.
What file format does iMovie save my footage?
iMovie saves your footage in the original DV format.
hope this helps
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Hi Sid
I get the video in my browser but it has no accompanying audio.
YES - This is the way FinalCut Express AND Pro works !
If You need the audio - Then You connect a small set of speakers to Your miniDV Camera
(headphone out)
alt. if no phono-out on Camera is to connect a small TV to the Camera analog way
and here You can both see and hear during Capture
(BTW - Connecting a small TV (or if §§§§§ is no problem a reference monitor
§5-10,000 or even more) is a Very good way of keeping Quality control during
editing process. Eg Transitions, audio levels, color fidelity etc. I do and the
ref monitor are well compared to my final DVDs.)
There are NO WAY that You can monitor audio during Capture in any FinalCut versions !
Yours (been there and done that - or as said in Sweden "butted Your head at it") Bengt W

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Are you guys actually reading my post??? I have given all the information that i can, settings are proper, so the post so far are completely redundant.

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Message Edited by DjShadowalker on <SPAN class=date_text>06-06-2006 <SPAN class=time_text>:09 AM
Message Edited by DjShadowalker on 06-06-2006 :09 AM

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What brand and model is your camcorder?
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Insanity is hereditary, you get it from your children

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Bumble69 wrote:
When I used windows on my old computer,
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thanks
Solved!
Go to Solution.
Attachments:
1.png ‏26 KB

Hi,
Please, I need your help. I'm trying to capture the screen image of MSO7104A. I tried the same thing as your diagram and I always failed at "VISA Read to File". I'm just wondering if the diagram is also valid for MSO7104A scope. I really appreciate your help or anybody's help. Attached is the snap shot of my diagram.
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Attachments:
MSO7104A Save Image VI.jpg ‏57 KB

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Thanks for your suggestions and opinion. I am reading everyone's comments. In order to get the most from this discussion, please answer each of these questions separately so the people who are following it will have no trouble following the answers that apply to each.
I distinctly remember when I was shooting the footage of the problem tape, the picture looked fine. It was not until I tried to review the tape that the problem appeared.
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Problem capturing from camcorder via FW

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