cannot capture HDV

attempted capture off HVR z1e (HVR Z1u in usa)?also hvr m10e vtr
I can control the camera and deck fine from FCP, but when I attempt to capture it starts the camera, but I see no video ( warning comes up saying no data even though I can see the correct timecode in the log and capture window) and will not not actually import it although FCP does control the camera and the vtr just fine.
i have trashed prefs ?repaired permissions
gone through whole set up looking through as carefully as poss.
also tried with any number of combinations of different firewire leads, different tapes, other drives, (G=Raid and Lacie) tried to capture from different projects that previously were fine, no joy.

i can capture stuff down converted to dv.

fcs 5.1.1
most recent QT (i dumped all my old versions after seeing this

[docs.info.apple.com]

os 10.4.7

sony HVR M10 VTR
sony HVR Z1E camcorder

capturing via firewire.

external drives Lacie fw 800

i am fairly bemused, thanks in advance ben

If you just use the Easy Setup for HDV 1080i, everything should go like clockwork. Are you using the Easy Setup?

Kevin Monahan
Social Support Lead, DV Products
Adobe
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro Community Blog
Follow Me on Twitter!

thanks kevin, i have tried easy set up for hdv 108050i. i have also tried setting up fo uncontrollable device to see if i can just do a capture now, i am at atotal loss
ben

What computer is this? Are you daisy-chaining through the FW drive or is the deck on a separate FW bus? What devices are connected to the computer and how?

thanks for getting back to me.
silly not to men tion computer
is g5 quad with 2.5 gig

no daisy chaining, have tried out all the different fw ports.

lacie drive connected to fw 800 port
camera or deck attached to fw 400

all the best ben

Stick with the M10E for a moment. Coupla things to make sure of:

1. are you totally sure it's outputting HDV and not DV? Check the menu settings.

2. are you totally sure that your FCP capture preset is set to Sony HDV Firewire?

3. Rewind to the beginning of the tape. Can you see an image on the deck's display when you hit play and does the data overlay display 1080i?

4. Have you tried turning the G5 and the deck completely off, then turn on the deck, and then the computer?

If you have device control, it would seem that your fw cable is good, but you're not getting an HDV signal. The usual reason for that is either the deck is outputting DV, or you're using the wrong firewire preset. It should be as simple as that, so try ruling out the above and post again.

Clay

thanks Clay,
1.the deck is set to play out HDV when it isn't capturing. It down converts to dv fine.
2. fcp capture preset is HDV 108050i
3. i can always see the image on the deck and it says 108050i
4. I have restarted the G5 a few times. Also the deck.
5. i have tried 2 or 3 fw cables.

i dunno what to do?
ben

Ok, sounds good so far. It sounds like the deck is set to "I-link conversion". If yes, turn it off. Also, have you read the FCP FAQ section on this site re HDV issues?

Clay

Hi clay

i have been able to capture to both my laptop and my workmates G5 quad using the deck and the camera.

best Ben

Clay you beauty, ilink conversion was on! and now i can capture HDV!
I'm very very happy. Also feel a little bit daft.
thanks again
ben