Proper external capture device recommendations

Hi All,
I need some input. I want to transfer about 25 VHS tapes (home movies) for editing in iMovie08, and burn the final output through iDVD08. Here is the problem. I had many Super 8mm home movies done professionally. The tech guy at the company was great, and he pointed out at the time of placing the order that I DIDN"T want the films put to DVD. He suggested that since I wanted to edit them, and that Mac software is native with Quicktime(MOV) format, that they would transfer them as raw files in MOV format and put them on an external drive, which was shipped to me. Great idea, and no issues. He also explained that MOV is frame by frame, not multiple frames like MPEG formats; so quality would be better, and I wouldn't lose quality and time re-encoding. So it stands to reason that I should do the same with the VHS tapes as well. I cannot seem to find an external capture device that does this. Dazzle and Canopus seem to go to MP4. Can someone steer me to the right product? I will be doing this from VCR to external capture to iMac. I DO NOT have a camcorder, so it has to be this way. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi -
You have been fortunate to receive excellent advice.
To convert your analog tapes to DV you will need an external convertor such as:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/462758-REG/ADSTechnologies_API_558_EFS_Pyro_A_V_LinkBidirectional.html
The cost of these devices will probably be in the $150 range, which is not to bad if divided by 25 tapes works out to about $6 a tape. Probably much cheaper than having someone do it for you.
The one piece of advice that is a little suspect is that converting mpeg to a DV or non mpeg format degrades the signal. This is not strictly true, if done correctly.
That is why I would suggest another option is to use this device:
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/videorecorder/
which is less that $100 and then take the files that are created by it and convert them to be edited by using this free application:
http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html
You would then import the files into iMovie after they are converted. I mention this to give you an option.
My biggest concern is that you back up your disc drives! After loading in all this footage, you would not want a drive failure to make you redo all that work!
Good luck!

Similar Messages

External video capture devices?

I'll be getting a Macbook Pro soon and I have a older Sony camcorder that doesn't have USB or fire wire. It's only output is composite and L R audio. Can anyone recommend a good external video capture device that works with a mac and Final Cut Express?

Hello,
I'm currently using a Canopus ADVC110 analog/digital converter with no problems with Final Cut Express 4.0.
You can see more details about the device on http://www.canopus.com/products/ADVC110/index.php
I bought my new one on eBay and paid almost half the current price.
Regards,
Armando.

Can anyone recommend an external storage device to supplement my mac book air? I already have a time capsule but want the new device to replicate the data on that so ideally would like a device that i can connect to the time capsule through a cable.

Can anyone recommend an external storage device to supplement my mac book air? I already have a time capsule but want the new device to replicate the data on that so ideally would like a device that i can connect to the time capsule through a cable.

Hi CJR
I'm not sure how Time Capsule can be replicated onto your external drive but there is a USB port on the back of TC that can be hooked up to any recent external drive.
Another thing to think about , besides a Time Capsule failure, is the theft of your Time Capsule, so it might be a good idea to consider separating any redundant back-up from your Time Capsule or both my be stolen.
TC will back up until full and then begin deleting the oldest back-ups. Mine is a 2TB Time capsule.
My back-up plan is as follows:
1. Macbook Air back-up on Time Capsule though Time Machine backs up everything - I think it's about every 30 min or so.
2. Contacts, reminders, appointments, notes, email are backed up through iCloud.
3. iTunes and non-itunes purchased music is on iMatch (and no need to back-up) and any non-iTunes music is backed up on an HP external drive (in case Time Capsule dies)
4. Photos are on my MacBook Air and are backed up on my HP external drive.
5. Office documents (Excel, Powerpoint, Access etc) are stored in a Skydrive app (like iCloud) and Skydrive syncs these docuemnts with the MS cloud and my old PC and does not alter their native format like storing in iCloud would do.
Cheers

How to connect a video capture device to Satellite M30X 127

I'm going around in circles trying to find a video capture device that will function with a laptop and would be grateful for advice. By way of example, I'm now looking at the 'Canopus ADVC-110', although still looking around (but not Pinnacle, who seem to have a terrible reputation for capture items).
Problems include:
1. Main problem is - many video capture external devices require a 'line-in' to PC for good quality audio transfer. This laptop doesn't have a line in, only the mike and headphone jacks. In addition, I've also tried a few RCA pins in the 3.5mm microphone/headphones jack and they were too small. How to solve the problem of getting audio from vcr to my PC?
2. The ADVC-110 connects to the PC via Firewire (and S-video), but is a SIX-pin type. M30X is a FOUR-pin type. Are there adapters available?
3. Some capture programmes seem to require huge capacity of RAM. Is a laptop going to be suitable to do the job? (I simply want to capture old vhs tapes from vcr to PC, then burn to DVD with Nero 7 or similar).
Thanks in advance!

Hello
You are right! You must use external device for signal transfer to your notebook. I dont know where you have this info but I have good experiences with Pinnacle product. For data transfer I have used USB port.
'Canopus ADVC-110 is not known to me but I dont see any reason why this should not work well. Use delivered software for video capturing and there should not be any problem.
Only thing is that after recording the whole video material must be prepared for burning and unit need a lot of power to do this well und fast. When you buy this and want to use on right way I recommend you to expand RAM to 1GB.
Compatible memory modules for your Satellite M30x are:
PC2700 512MB (PA3312U-1M51)
PC2700 1024MB (PA3313U-1M1G)
Bye

5.1.4 update breaks HDV capture? Unable to Initialize Capture Device

Problem:
Final Cut Pro cannot capture standard 1080i60 HDV footage from Sony FX1 camcorder. FCP reports "Unable to Initialize Capture Device" when the log and capture window is opened. However, the footage CAN be captured in iMovie (which is interesting, and unacceptable). When HDV>DV downconvert option on camcorder is activated, footage CAN be captured as anamorphic SD, so the camcorder and FW do work.
The problem is occuring on a rock-solid FCP system that I use on a regular basis (mainly for SD editing). It has been approx 2 weeks since I last attempted a HDV capture, the system has been working great with SD footage (still does).
Factors that have changed to my knowledge since HDV capture was last functioning properly:
*Added a new external FW drive into regular usage (a different brand than normally used, no issues with it so far).
*Updated FCP to 5.1.3, and then 5.1.4 when that fix came out. All SD captures and work have been fine so far.
Here's what's interesting...I had a copy of the FCP v5.0.4 .app that I had saved an archive of prior to the crossgrade update. Guess what? I can load it up, and it captures HDV without any problems! With that in mind, this looks like an FCP 5.1.4 issue. But I am at a loss on how to proceed further in troubleshooting. Many thanks in advance for any assistance.
Matt Jeppsen
FresHDV.com
---NOTES---
What I have tried:
*Attempted capture with a different Sony FX1 camcorder.
*Swapped firewire cables and system firewire ports.
*Attempted capture with camera FW chained to an external HDD.
*Unplugged all other external firewire devices from the system.
*Trashed FCP prefs using FCP Rescue 5, created new project using Easy Setup (for HDV).
*Tried different variations of FCP A/V settings, tried all the HDV FW device control presets and the HDV AIC capture preset.
*Per instructions at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301852 I removed the numbered Quicktime pckg Receipts and re-installed the latest version (7.13). Post-install/reboot, I repaired Disk Prefs and Verified the disk using Disk Util.
*Have also attempted installing QT 7.13 2 and 3 times in a row, also trying disk prefs repair BEFORE the post-install reboot.
Final Cut Pro Audio/Video Settings:
Sequence Preset: HDV-1080i60
Capture Preset: HDV
Device Control Preset: Sony HDV Firewire
Sony HDR-FX1 IN/OUT REC settings:
*VCR HDV/DV: HDV
*COMPONENT: 1080i/480i
*i.LINK CONV: OFF
*TV TYPE: 16:9
*A/V->DV OUT: OFF
System/Software Facts:
*Final Cut Pro 5.1.4
*Quicktime 7.13
*PPC Mac G5 2.7 Dual (2.5GB RAM)
*35GB free on System, 45GB free on internal FCP Scratch disk
Final Cut Pro 5.1.4, G5 DP 2.7 (PPC) Mac OS X (10.4.8)

I think I figured out this vexing problem. I too was having the same issue. Check to see that your Quicktime is newer than 7.1.2. If it isn't you'll have to upgrade it. I only upgraded to 7.1.6 here because I was afraid of going to a really new version. http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/quicktime716formac.html. After I upgraded my quicktime, I ran software update and the Final Cut Pro 5.1.4 update appeared. I hoipe this helps.

Unable to initialize capture device and device control in HDV

I shot with a Sony HVR-Z1U/Z1N and am using a Sony HDV 1080i tape deck to digitize.
I recently purchased a MacBook Pro and installed FCP Pro 5 on it. After getting over some time code issues we were chugging along, when on the 4th tape the image on the log and capture screen suddenly dissapeared (I could get audio and could see the image on the tape deck). Well after taking the tape out, checking and rechecking it I popped it back in and ever since then, I have been getting this error mssg "Unable to initialize capture device and device control."
I have tried deleting the preferences and starting from scratch. If I do that, and choose the easy setup with HDV- 1080i60, it gives me this error "Unable to locate the following external devices- HDV (1440 X 1080) 30fps.
I upgraded to FCP 5.1.2 this morning and upgraded the OS to 10.4.7 and QT to 7.1.3 and still no change.
Im at my wits end, Ive been working on this for a whole week now.
Thank you,
Bugs

It has been reported to take more than one attempt to correct the installation but, if properly executed on a machine without other system problems, the QT reinstall process does work. The key element here is you must reinstall QT after you trash the receipts. The process is listed below.
x
To do a full quicktime reinstall.
Go to /library/receipts and delete any files that say Quicktime followed by a number e.g. Quicktime703.pkg
Go to the Apple quicktime site and download the appropriate version of Quicktime to your hard drive.
Run the Quicktime installer.
Repair Disk Permissions for your System Disk (Disk Utility > Select the system disk > Repair Disk Permissions)
Reboot
If this doesn't work, then the problem lies elsewhere:
1. your system - user preferences, firewire ports or other system elements.
2. your equipment - camera/deck/firewire cables.
3. your process - not setting up the software properly or using the software erroneously.
Listed below is a troubleshooting process. Not all steps are appropriate but the general process of isolating the problem is useful.
Troubleshooting Steps for OS X
by Jan Johannsen (Collected from: Apple>User Tips Library>User Tips Contributions forum)
FIRST AID
01 Completely shutdown, wait a 5 minutes, restart
02 Make sure you're not running out of free space on the System volume
03 Check/fix the filesystem using Disk Utility &/or Diskwarrior
04 Repair permissions using Disk Utility
05 Create a new user account, and see if the problem persists there
06 Clear system & user caches
07 Run FCP Rescue
08 Unplug all USB, Firewire devices except Apple mouse
09 Startup in SafeBoot mode, and see if the problem persists there
10 Reset system firmware
MORE SERIOUS TROUBLESHOOTING
11 Reapply the latest combo updater
12 Run the Apple hardware diagnostic CD
13 Check the hard drive for bad blocks
14 Take out 3rd party RAM
15 Unplug 3rd Party PCI cards
16 Reset PMU
17 Archive and reinstall the OS
18 Reinstall the system from scratch
19 Send the machine back to Apple

Advice Needed for Video Capture Device

Hi,
I'm looking to buy a USB (or Firewire if they exist) video capture device that can take S-Video and composite connections. Could someone recommend me best one under $150 that is compatible with Snow Leopard? Also, and more importantly, does anyone know if it is possible to capture the signal via Quicktime Pro or Final Cut Pro rather than bundled third party software.
Thanks!

I used the predecessor to the Canopus ADVC55 to load VHS tapes into a mac. As I recall I brought the firewire signal into iMovie (could have been Final Cut Pro too, as I had both on the system). Here are the specs: http://www.grassvalley.com/products/advc55 . Also some comments on it at http://www.amazon.com/Hardware-ADVC-55-d-Converter-Ntsc/dp/B000HGVZG0/ref=sr_1_2 ?ie=UTF8&qid=1323954590&sr=8-2 Here's another source to buy it: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/312315-REG/Grass_Valley_602005_ADVC_55_Ana log_to_Digital.html .
They also make an ADVCmini, which I haven't used, which is probably less expensive, with specs at http://www.grassvalley.com/products/advcmini

External MIDI device, can't get more than one sound, Logic Express 9 & Korg N364

Hi, I just beginning to use Logic. I trying to get Logic Express 9 to work with and use my Korg N364 keyboard/workstation as an external MIDI device. I can only get one sound at a time even though I create multiple tracks and assign different programs (or patches) to them.
Each time I do the following: I add a new external MIDI track, change the Channel to new number, put a check in the Program box ( as well as the Volume & Pan), and choose a instrument or patch from the Program drop down menu. What happens, though, it changes the sound to that instrument alright, but ALL THE PREVIOUS EXTERNAL MIDI TRACKS HAVE THE SAME SOUND NOW. I've followed the tutorials I found on the web and it seems like I'm doing everything correct in Logic. I hooked up the MIDI cables, added a new device and connected virtual cables in the MIDI studio window of my Mac OS, and have added the proper Korg multi instrument in the environment window of Logic and "un-slashed" the 16 channels. I get the sounds from the Korg no problem, it's just that I can only assign one sound and no more to the external MIDI tracks. Is there something in my Korg I need to do? Or am I missing something in Logic?

It's not Logic, it's how you have the Korg setup.
I'm not familiar with that model but it is a workstation so I'm pretty sure you can set it to a "Multi" mode.
Right now you are running it in single patch mode.
In single patch mode only one sound is available on a single MIDI channel, your Korg probably has a Multi or Combi mode, this is where multiple sounds can be played, each sound has to have it's own MIDI channel.
You will need to set this up on the Korg first.

Unable to Initialize Capture Device - Works fine in iMovie

Am using a Sony HDV HDR HC1E Pal Handycam
Final Cut Pro 5.1
QT Pro 7.1.3
Works fine with cassettes in HDV - imports into FCP fine
Am trying to import a cassette recorded on that camera in DV LP
Works fine in iMovie
Have deleted the QT packages and reinstalled QT
Still am getting the 'Unable to Initialize Capture Device' message when using log and capture.
Settings on camera
VCR Auto (have also tried HDV or DV)
iLink conversion off (i.e.don't convert hdv-dv)
TV type 16:9 (have also tried 4:3)
Component 1080i/576i also tried 576i
Annoying thing is that works fine in iMovie but not FCP?!!
Any help GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks!
Hannah
iMac 20 Flat Screen G5 1.8Ghz 1.5GB SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.8) 200 GB and 120GB External Hard drives

I would like to add the following in hopes that someone will come up with a solution. The problem lies somewhere in Quicktime and the FireWire capture. I have the exact same camera and problem, and can assure you it has nothing to do with cam settings or DV LP. Once your system is stuck in this HDV mode, it would seem that regular DV can not be used again. I also have 2 other DV cams that are not HD. One is PAL, one is NTSC. I would further add that my external FireWire iSight no longer works in any application. I do not receive error messages, I simply get the spinning beach-ball of death.
I have a Dual G5 2.7 with 4 gigs RAM running FCP 5.0.4 on OS 10.4.8
I have run Cocktail, rebuilt permissions and re-installed Quicktime 7.1.3 four times as per Apples tech article 301852
I have used FCP Rescue 5 to clear preferences
I have captured footage from both regular DV cams to iMovie and then added the footage to FCP. The footage plays on the screen of both DV cams flawlessly via FCP. (I can also capture HDV in iMovie as well)
I have tried logging footage directly through the QuickTime application with both DV cams and my iSight and get the same beach-ball of death as FCP.
Why can iMovie work with these devices flawlessly yet QuickTime can not.
Why does it seem like the system is stuck in some kind of HD mode.
Just to point out the obvious:
I have no other FireWire devices other than the cameras and I only connect one at a time.
I have shut down, disconnected and re-connected before attempting to use the devices.
I have booted my G5 from a second system disk and everything (HDV cam PAL DV cam NTSC cam and iSight) function flawlessly on all the FireWire ports of my machine.
I have worked with FCP for about 6 years and Macs for 20. I understand the easy set ups etc.
Spent way too much time customizing my system to think about the clean install route, so I hope someone can shed some light on this.
Thanks
Lorne
PowerMac Dual 2.7 GHz PowerPC G5 4 GB DDR SDRAM 400 GB and 250 GB Internal Drives Mac OS X (10.4.8)

After using video capture device to copy VHS to DVD, burnt DVD will play on computer but not

After using video capture device to copy VHS to DVD, burnt DVD will play on computer but not on DVD player. Tech support for the VCD said my HP DVD burning software has to burn "DVD Video and not DVD data" and to check with HP. How can i check myself.

Grahamster, welcome to the forum.
I recommend trying CDBurnerXP for burning video CD's. I have been using it for years without a glitch. I use it mainly for burning ISO's, but have used it for all types. Please let us know if it works or not.
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How to call "detect capture devices" in my program

Hi,
I'd like to develop a webcam program. Is it possible to call jmfregistry's "Detect Capture Devices" in my code? So I don't have to ask the user run jmfregistry.
Thanks,
Derek

detect capture devices is dependent of the plataform. I recommend to look into the source code of JMFRegistry and JMF.

Java.io.IOException: Capture device in use

I used jmf to create a video server that can send video to several client. when I test program with only client, it's ok. But,if I use more than 1 client, the program generate an exception:
java.io.IOException: Capture device in use
best regards

java_developper wrote:
I used jmf to create a video server that can send video to several client. when I test program with only client, it's ok. But,if I use more than 1 client, the program generate an exception:
java.io.IOException: Capture device in useThen you've most likely designed your program wrong.
If you're using more than one input DataSource in the case when you have more than 1 client, then you're doing it wrong.
Assuming you're using the proper RTP infastructure, you'll just need to add each client as a target for the RTPManager. If what I just said doesn't make sense, then you're doing it wrong.
[http://java.sun.com/javase/technologies/desktop/media/jmf/2.1.1/apidocs/javax/media/rtp/RTPManager.html]
Please see section 2, "Multi-Unicast Session"

Cannot preview on external firewire device

I just recently upgraded from Premiere Pro CS3 to CS4. Since doing so I cannot seem to get my video to display on my external firewire device. I have a Sony GV-D900 deck that I use for preview while I'm editing.
Has something changed in CS4 that would cause this not to work? If I bring up a project in CS3 the video appears instantly on the firewire deck but with CS4 I get nothing. I've checked the preferences and the two applications appear to be setup with the same options.
Has anyone else had a similar problem?

Everything seems to be setup correctly. I forgot to mention that I can capture and manipulate the deck from the Capture window so it is communicating with the deck. I just cannot see the video on the deck when previewing the timeline. If I open a project in CS3 it shows up right away.
My main purpose for previewing on the deck is I have a TV attached to the A/V outputs of the deck and it allows me to view my project on the TV while I'm working on it. Very handy. I've used it in this manor since Premiere 6.0.
The fact that I can control and capture the GV-D900 from within Premiere CS4 seems to indicate everything is set ok. I just can't figure out why I cannot see the preview.

Video Capture Devices?

What is a good video capture device for the macbook that I could use to capture video from my video camera(which has no firewire or USB ports on it).

Your camera is a Hi8 and is also known as "analog". I'm an editor.
Since you're camera doesn't have a FireWire port (which is what all capturing is done with), there's no way to capture without an external device, as you may know.
So, I suggest getting the Canopus ADVC-110. I have it and it works flawlessly with FCP (which is what I edit in) and it will work with iMovie also. There is also the Canopus ADVC-55. For both of these adapters, you'll need to hook up the RCA (white, red and yellow) cables to the device, and capture. Your camera should have RCA inputs. These devices are a little expensive, but they work great. No additional software/drivers. It's worth it.
Canopus ADVC-110
Canopus ADVC-55
Similar in price, personally I would get the ADVC-110.
Remember to mark as helpful or solved.
-benny

Capture devices that work with Final Cut Express

Would any one out there be able to recomend a reasonably priced video capture device that works with FCE other than a video camera? I want to input video and audio from VHS and DVD. I also want to input Audio from cassette and CD.
imac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4)

I am in a similar situation. All I can say is that the ADS Pyro AV Link works well with iMovie but not with Final Cut Express or Pro so I returned it.
I am waiting for a DataVideo DAC 100, Their web site gives specific instructions as how to use the DAC with FCP so I am hopefull that it will work with FCE.
http://www.datavideo.us/products/dac100_mainpage.htm
The Canopus ADVC 110 has also been recommended on this forum.
http://www.canopus.com/products/ADVC110/index.php

Proper external capture device recommendations

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