FCE Capture from a JVC HM-DT100U D VHS

Question

FCE Capture from a JVC HM-DT100U D VHS

I just recently acquired one of these digital VHS machines. The unit is capable of recording and playing back either standard VHS or high-def VHS tapes. I'd like to use the iLink connector on it (its firewire port) as a capture device for FCE. It'd be nice if it could control it too, but I'd be happy just to be able to capture standard VHS. Has anyone else tried this? FCE (and iMovie) do not recognize the device at all. I can't even use the "DV Converter" mode under manual control.

Interestingly, both DVHScap and VirtualDVHS recognize and control the deck. (These are Apple developer programs that work with HD DV decks.)

Any ideas?

Posted on Oct 6, 2005 8:09 PM

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Answer 1

Alchroma

Level 7

23,918 points

Oct 6, 2005 8:39 PM in response to John Trautschold

John

Can't really help much.
It's all about the protocols of the firewire connections.
I have a recent DVD recorder with DV In that works perfectly with a DV camera, but when hooked up to the Mac, it's a no go. They simply can't "talk" to one another.
Your situation could be a similar thing.

Al

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Answer 2

Oct 7, 2005 6:29 AM in response to Alchroma

Al,

Thanks for response. That's kind of what I'm finding too. it's especially strange that the Apple developers apps DVHScap and VirtualDVHS work with it but FCE doesn't.

I haven't upgraded to FCD-HD yet (didn't have any reason too) but I wonder if that upgraded program would work with it, especially since this DVHS machine is capable of HD?

John

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,805 points

Oct 7, 2005 6:43 AM in response to John Trautschold

As far as I can tell this is an MPEG-2 based recorder. FCE only works with DV and HDV material that's been transcoded to the Apple Intermediate Codec. You'd need a third party converter of some sort to change the material into a format FCE can work with.

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Answer 4

Alchroma

Level 7

23,918 points

Oct 7, 2005 6:44 AM in response to John Trautschold

As far as I know the FCE protocols have not changed in the HD version to that of the previous one.
Most of the decks I've used or know of only allow DV IN and not OUT.
Maybe you could contact the local JVC techs and find out how the DV protocols are set up or search the net for specs.

Al

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Answer 5

Oct 7, 2005 8:11 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom,

Yup - you're probably correct. In fact, when using the DVHSCap program I did end up with an MPEG file. I'm not aware of any such transcoder available so I guess I need to revert to Plan B and import using baseband video and audio signals through my Pinnacle capture card.

Thanks for the info.

John

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Answer 6

Oct 18, 2005 7:03 PM in response to John Trautschold

FCE HD works very nicely with the JVC HM-DH40000U D-VHS recorder. The D-VHS uses the same format (actually higher bit rate) as the Sony HDV cameras like the Z1. The recorder also works great with the Comcast HD cable box using Firewire. These recorders sat unsold on the display shelves at Circiut City and CompUSA in my area for the past two years. Now they can be bought for a fraction of the orignal price. Few people recognize that they are the only way for consumers to record HD until HD DVD comes out. If you want to know more, check out the AVS forum.

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