Settings problem, captured clips first seconds missing

Question

i am just beginning to self learn FCP,
see, the settings captured my mini dv tape and cut them into clips when time codes breaks...i think
using a trouble-making jvc ji hd100
recording at 720p 25p with the motion smooth function turned on
i pressed capture now and right away it goes,
but whenever there is a gap between each clip on the dv tape,
it stops capturing and show searching media,
again when the next clip appears,
it starts capturing again.. after 1 or 2 seconds..
and every clip's first seconds' missing,
and so the clapboard and action call's gone..
i wonder what settings can either capture the whole tape into one single clip or give me back my first seconds
many thanks

Answer 1

I'm not sure, but I think he means that - even with no break in the tape (no gaps) - FCP is telling him there is a break in the time code. This is a very common issue with HDV devices (especially JVC's for whatever reason). I've spoken with a contact I have at JVC and he said they have figured out the problem on their end and are waiting for Apple to resolve it on the FCP side. Something to do with the way FCP expects to see the time code and the way JVC's (and some other) HDV devices "deliver" it.
The only workarounds I know of are: 1) Use the Apple Intermediate Codec - the only big problem with that is that it generates new timecode - i.e., doesn't correspond to the timecode on the tape. 2) Closely monitor the capture and stop the capture each time this happens. Then, using "Capture Now," back the tape up to the point of the "break" (or slightly before, if possible) and start capture there. You might have to try this more than once in order to not miss anything and you'll end up with a bunch of clips but it can work. 3) The best solution - but it costs a lot more money - is to use a stand-alone deck, like JVC's BR-HD50, and purchase a capture card like AJA's Kona LHe. This will allow you to capture using the analog component input and control the deck via RS-422. We're using this in our studio and it works flawlessly. It also allows you to capture using a different, less lossy codec, like DVCPRO HD.
Sorry there's no better solution (that I know of) right now to fix this problem. I'm hopeful that Apple - with the next release of FCP - will address it because it affects many Final Cut users!