Simultaneous import of video via firewire and audio via in-line audio port

Question

I have a converter that takes the S-video and audio input from my DVR then converts both to DV format, and then outputs via firewire. I hook the firewire up to my G5, open iMovieHD, and the application recognizes that as a camera and imports wonderfully.
Well, the audio comes through with a MAJOR buzz or hum. It's probably the converter, but the buzz/hum is not enjoyable.
So, I removed the audio from the converter, and the video converts wonderfully in iMovie without the audio. I have the audio coming in through my audio line-in.
I start to import my video, and iMovie starts recording the video. But I want to record the line-in audio at the same time. But when I switch to audio to turn on the input from the line-in, the video stops capturing.
When I start to capture audio first, then switch to capture video, then the audio stops capturing.
Is there any way that I can capture the video via firewire for one "track", and my line-in audio for the other "track", and have them play simultaneously in iMovie during capture??
Any help would be appreciated. thanks Adam

Answer 1

hey there badkitty 42,
i don't think you can do that. it sounds like your issue is electrical. try turning the plug around on each piece of gear in the chain & listen for the buzz. if it's not heard you've found the cause of your ground loop. you can also pick up some of the 3-prong orange or grey electrical adapters from Lowe's or Home Depot to see if you can "lift the ground" to get rid of the buzz. i'd try one on the convertor 1st. one last thing, do you have any flourescent lights in use on the same circuit or in proximity to where you're doing your transcoding? these are notorious for inducing 60Hz hum in audio & video gear.
good luck.