Log and Capture problem in FCP7

Question

Level 1

0 points

Log and Capture problem in FCP7

So far all of my editing I have done since I bought FCP7 has been done using media from SDHC cards.

I am trying to import from MiniDV tapes using a Sony DVCAM tape deck connected through dv/Firewire to my Macbook Pro.

when I click Log and capture the text comes up "Capture Project must have a video or an audio digitizer set to capture. Please change to desired preset in the audio/video settings."

the problem is I dont know what to pick to make it work.. The things I have tried don't work, for example the tape was recorded with DVCAM at 48k but when I switch the A/V settings to DV 48k it still doesnt work.

it also says "unable to initialize video deck, you may still log offiline clips or use capture now."

Any help or suggestions on this? I hope its an easy fix that I am just missing.

Thanks so much in advance.

Austin

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Apr 20, 2010 5:59 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Apr 20, 2010 6:10 PM in response to wath

Which DVCam deck are you using? Does it show up as a connected Firewire device in System Profiler?

-DH

Reply

Answer 2

wath Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 20, 2010 6:23 PM in response to David Harbsmeier

When I went to system profiler it took a minute to load up when I clicked on firewire, and once it finished it says in red "unable to list firewire devices."

interesting.. I will try restarting, The Sony deck is a DSR-45. Before I got the DSR-45 I was trying to use a miniDV camcorder.. just a cheap consumer camera to import, which gave me the same problems.

Thanks

Austin

Reply

Answer 3

Apr 20, 2010 6:38 PM in response to wath

Do you have any other Firewire devices connected to your Mac?

-DH

Reply

Answer 4

wath Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 20, 2010 6:42 PM in response to David Harbsmeier

not currently, typically I may have an external drive plugged in or some audio devices, I never have problems with those devices...

Reply

Answer 5

Apr 20, 2010 6:49 PM in response to wath

I'd first check with one of the drives plugged in to see that it shows in System Profiler. If it does, that would eliminate the possibility of the problem being the Mac's Firewire port or bus. Also try using a different Firewire cable.

Next, check the settings on the DSR-45 to make sure that the EE Mode is on, then connect the VTR to your Mac and check System Profiler again. If it still doesn't show, it may be a blown Firewire port or card on the VTR.

NOTE: regardless of manufacturer's claims the Firewire is "hot swappable," it is always best too turn off both devices when connecting or disconnecting Firewire cables and devices.

-DH

Reply

Answer 6

wath Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 20, 2010 6:54 PM in response to David Harbsmeier

I will give all of that a try, thanks so much. I did not even think about the fact that it could be the cable... since the specific cable I am using didnt work with either of the two devices I tried it with.

Thanks again, I hope one of these things work. do you think that once it is connected properly that logging and capturing should work fine then? and that FCP will be able to recognize the tape deck ok?

Thanks again.

Austin

Reply

Answer 7

Apr 20, 2010 7:08 PM in response to wath

Once it's recognized in System Profiler, if your capture settings are right in FCP, it should work fine.

-DH

Message was edited by: David Harbsmeier

Reply